CHASE CORP
10-K, 1997-11-26
ELECTRIC LIGHTING & WIRING EQUIPMENT
Previous: TEMPLETON VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, 485BPOS, 1997-11-26
Next: PUTNAM MASTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME TRUST, NSAR-B, 1997-11-26



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C., 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

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

     
For the fiscal year Ended August 31, 1997     Commission File Number: 1-9852

                            CHASE CORPORATION                   
          (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Massachusetts                                          11-1797126
(State or other jurisdiction of                  (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation of organization)               Identification No.)

     50 Braintree Hill Park, Braintree, Massachusetts       02184
     (Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (781) 848-2810

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

Common Stock, $.10 par value                 American Stock Exchange
(Title of class)                             
                                   Name of each exchange on which registered

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

                       Common Stock, $.10 par value
                             (Title of class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
                                        Yes  X      No    

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 
of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will
not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy 
or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [ x ]

As of October 31, 1997, the Company had outstanding 3,843,168 shares of common
stock, $.10 par value, which is its only class of common stock; and the 
aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the 
registrant was $50,442,000.

                    DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The registrant's definitive proxy statement (the "Definitive Proxy Statement")
to be filed in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
on January 20, 1998, is incorporated by this reference into items 10-13 hereof.

Item 1.   Business.

General Development and Industry Segment.
     Chase Corporation (the "Company") is primarily engaged in the
manufacture of protective coatings and tape products.  The Company
implemented a strategy of maximizing its core businesses while seeking future
opportunities through selective acquisitions. This led to the divestment of
its elastomeric materials division and the discontinuance of the fuel
technology products and services division during fiscal 1991.  During 1992, a
facility that manufactures tape and related products in Webster,
Massachusetts became operational.  In April 1992, the Company acquired
certain tape product lines and associated assets for cash from The Stewart
Group, Ltd.  This division, Chase Canada, maintains manufacturing operations
in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  Effective May 25, 1994, the Company purchased
the electrical cable insulation tape product lines and certain associated
assets from Haartz Mason, Inc. and these products were folded into the Chase
& Sons division.  On June 5, 1995, the Company formed a joint venture with
The Stewart Group, Ltd.  which was called The Stewart Group, Inc.  This
venture produced a variety of dielectric strength members from composite
materials and sold into the fiber optic cable market.  The original
investment was increased on February 1, 1996 and at that time the Company
owned 42% of the venture.  It was announced on May 16, 1997 that the majority
of the assets related to the original business were sold to Owens Corning.
The venture will continue to provide consulting services for several years to
Owens Corning while pursuing other market opportunities.  On June 29, 1995,
certain assets of Fluid Polymers, Inc. of Las Vegas, Nevada were acquired and
then relocated to the Royston facility.  On August 7, 1996 the Company
announced the purchase of a 20% interest in DC Scientific, Inc., which
provides circuit board assembly services to electronic goods manufacturers. 
This investment was increased to 51% at which time DC became a subsidiary of
Chase.  There have not been any other material changes or developments since
September 1, 1997.

     As of October 31, 1997, the Company employed approximately 215 people,
of which 60 individuals were associated with DC Scientific, Inc.

Products and Markets.
     The Company's principal products are protective coatings and tape
products that are sold by Company salespeople and manufacturers'
representatives.  These products consist of: (i)insulating and conducting
materials for the manufacture of electrical and telephone wire and cable, and
electrical splicing, terminating and repair tapes which are marketed to wire
and cable manufacturers and public utilities; (ii)protective pipe coating
tapes and other protectants for valves, regulators, casings, joints, metals,
concrete, and wood that are sold to oil companies, gas utilities, and
pipeline companies; (iii)protectants for highway bridge deck metal surfaces
sold to municipal transportation authorities; (iv)thermo-electric insulation
for transformers, motors, and other electrical equipment that are sold to
original equipment manufacturers; (v)moisture protective coatings that are
sold to the electronics industry; and (vi)its subsidiary, DC Scientific,
Inc., provides circuit board assembly service to electronic goods
manufacturers.  There are no material seasonal aspects to the Company's
business and the Company has introduced no new products or segments requiring
an investment of a material amount of the Company's assets.

Backlog, Customers and Competition.
     As of October 31, 1997, the backlog of orders believed to be firm was
approximately $1,913,000, all of which are expected to be filled in fiscal
year 1998.  As of October 31, 1996 the backlog was approximately $1,654,000.
In addition, the backlog at 10/31/97 for our subsidiary, DC Scientific, Inc.
was $1,281,000. The backlog is not seasonal.  The Company does not do
business with any customer the loss of which would have a material adverse
effect on the Company and no material portion of the Company's business is
subject to renegotiation or termination of profits or contracts at the
election of the government.

     There are other companies which manufacture or sell protective coatings
and tape products similar to those made and sold by the Company. Many of
those companies are larger and have greater financial resources than the
Company.  Competition is principally based on technical performance, service
reliability, quality and price.

Raw Materials.
     The Company obtains raw materials from a wide variety of suppliers with
alternative sources of all essential materials available within reasonable
lead times.

Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, Franchises and Concessions.
     Other than Humiseal, a trademark for moisture protective coatings sold
to the electronics industry, Chase BLH2OCK, a trademark for water blocking
compound sold to the wire and cable industry, and Rosphalt50, a trademark
for an asphalt additive used predominantly on bridge decks for waterproofing
protection, there are no material trademarks, licenses, franchises, or
concessions.  The Company holds various patents, but believes that at this
time they are not material to the success of the business.

Working Capital and Research and Development.
     There are no special practices followed by the Company relating to
working capital.  Approximately $540,000, $502,000 and $511,000 was spent for
Company-sponsored research and development during the fiscal years 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively.

Environmental Disclosures.
     The Company is aware of potential claims concerning a site in Bruin,
Pennsylvania where an affiliate of the Company had sponsored research into
experimental oil and coal-based fuels in the early 1980's.  In August 1991, a
spill of the affiliate's stored material occurred at the Bruin site,
apparently due to vandalism of the storage tanks.  Upon learning of the
spill, the Company provided notice of the release to appropriate authorities
and undertook to remedy the spill.  The remedy was completed in October 1992
under plans approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection ("Pennsylvania DEP").  The Company believes that this work
terminated its liabilities for the spill, but Pennsylvania DEP has not
provided a final release.

     The Bruin site had been used for many years for a variety of oil
refining operations by unrelated parties.  The site has significant
contamination from those unrelated activities.  Since the spill of the
material remedied by the Company, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
has conducted an investigation of the site, conducted emergency clean-up
activities at the site focused on materials other than the affiliate's
material and spill, and turned responsibility for the site back to
Pennsylvania DEP.  To date, EPA has not made any claim against the Company.
                                                                      
     During 1993 to 1995, Pennsylvania DEP has conducted an investigation of
the site, has completed a surface cleanup, and has proposed a permanent
remedy.  Pennsylvania DEP has notified the Company that it may be a person
responsible under Pennsylvania law to contribute to the costs of those
activities.  During 1995, Pennsylvania DEP suggested that the Company
contribute an amount toward the costs of the investigation and the surface
cleanup in an attempt to settle with the Company.  On July 18, 1996, the
Pennsylvania DEP sent a settlement proposal to Chase requesting a payment of
$335,000 to resolve all of Chase's potential liabilities to the State of
Pennsylvania at the Bruin site.  While the amount proposed is not deemed
material, the Company still believes that the work previously performed to
remedy the spill terminated its liabilities and therefore declined the
proposal.

     The Company remains in communication with Pennsylvania DEP, and expects
that these settlement discussions will eventually resolve the Company's
potential liability at this site.

     See also Legal Proceedings Caption.

Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales.
     Export sales from continuing domestic operations to unaffiliated third
parties were $4,592,000, $3,594,000 and $2,764,000 for the years ended August
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  The Company does not anticipate any
material change to export sales during fiscal 1998.  The Company's products
are sold world-wide with no foreign geographic area accounting for more than
10% of revenues.  The Company's Canadian operations accounted for 7.2% of
consolidated sales and 5.8% of its assets.

     The Company has very limited currency exposure since all invoices,
except those from the Canadian operation to Canadian customers, are
denominated in US dollars.  The Company maintains minimal cash balances in
Canada and, other than the currency conversion effects on the fixed assets in
Canada, which are deferred and recorded directly in equity per FAS52, there
are no significant assets held in foreign currencies.  The Company does not
engage in hedging activities.  Foreign currency transaction gains or losses
have not been material.


Item 1A.  Executive Officers of the Registrant.

     The following table sets forth information concerning the Company's
executive officers.  Each officer is selected by the Company's Board of
Directors and holds office until his successor is elected and qualified.

     Name           Age  Offices Held and Business Experience during
                         Past Five Years.
Peter R. Chase       49  Chief Executive Officer of the Company since
                         September 1993 and President of the Company
                         since April 1992; Chief Operating Officer of
                         the Company since September 1988.

Everett Chadwick,Jr. 56  Treasurer of the Company since September 1993
                         and Chief Financial Officer since September,
                         1992; Director of Finance of the Company from
                         April 1991 to August 1993 and Controller of the 
                         Company from September 1988 to August 1993.


Item 2.   Properties.
     The Company leases its principal executive office, which is located in
Braintree, Massachusetts and contains approximately 4,300 square feet.  The
Company also rents a modern one-story building of approximately 5,000 square
feet in Woodside, New York, which is used by the conformal coatings division.

     A division of the Company engaged in the manufacture and sale of
electrical protective coatings and tape products uses offices and plants
owned by the Company that are located on seven acres in Randolph,
Massachusetts and consist of a three-story building containing about 10,500
square feet and ten one-story buildings, aggregating about 67,000 square
feet.  This division also currently leases about 25,000 square feet of
manufacturing space in a new building in Webster, Massachusetts.  This plant
manufactures tape and related products for the electronic, telecommunication
and high technology industries.

     Another division of the Company uses offices and a plant, owned by the
Company, that are located on three acres in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and
consist of thirteen buildings, three of which are used for offices, one of
which is rented as a residence and the rest of which are used as
manufacturing and warehouse facilities.  These facilities, excluding the
residence, contain about 44,000 square feet and are used in the manufacture
and sale of protective coatings and tape products.

     The Canadian division of the Company is engaged in the process of
laminating and slitting film, foils and papers primarily for the wire and
cable industry.  This division leases about 14,000 square feet of
manufacturing space in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

     DC Scientific, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company provides circuit board
assembly services to electronic manufacturers and leases 35,700 square feet
of manufacturing space in West Bridgewater, MA.

     The above facilities range in age from new to about 100 years.  They
generally are in good condition and, in the opinion of management, adequate
and suitable for present operations.  The Company also owns equipment and
machinery that is in good repair and, in the opinion of management, adequate
and suitable for present operations.  The Company could significantly add to
its capacity by increasing shift operations.  Availability of machine hours
through additional shifts would provide expansion of current product volume
without significant additional capital investment.

Item 3.   Legal Proceedings.
     The Company has been named as a third party defendant in eighteen
personal injury lawsuits filed in state court in Jackson County, Mississippi. 
These lawsuits, each of which has multiple plaintiffs and defendants, arose
out of alleged asbestos exposure by the plaintiffs as a result of their work
at the Ingalls Shipyard.  The Company was sued as a third-party defendant by
USX Corporation, General Cable Corporation and G.K. Technologies, Inc., each
of whom is a primary defendant in these actions.  USX, General Cable and G.K.
are alleged to have supplied wire and cable products containing asbestos to
the shipyard.  The third-party complaints allege that tape products
containing asbestos were manufactured by the Company, sold to USX, General
Cable and G.K., and then incorporated in their wire and cable products sold
for use in the ships.  USX, General Cable and G.K. are seeking
indemnification from the Company for damages that may be assessed against
them and expenses including legal fees.                               
     
     The third-party claims against the Company, along with all other third-
party and crossclaims, were severed from the trial of the primary actions. 
USX, General Cable and G.K. were each dismissed by the plaintiffs prior to
the commencement of trial of nine of the primary actions, which took place in
the summer of 1993.  It is not known how much, if anything, each paid to
settle these claims.  To date, no effort has been made by USX, General Cable
or G.K. to pursue the third-party claims against the Company arising out of
the resolution of any of the cases tried in the summer of 1993.  Some of the
remaining primary actions remain pending, but it is not now known when those
cases will be tried, whether the plaintiffs will proceed against any of the
wire and cable manufacturers, including USX, General Cable or G.K., and
whether any of these defendants will, in turn, pursue their claims against
the Company.

     The Company's liability insurer has assumed defense of these claims
subject to reservation of its rights as to coverage for any underlying
liability assessed.

     In July 1994, the Company received a notice letter from General Cable
and G.K. that they have been sued in fourteen additional asbestos personal
injury lawsuits, ten of which are pending in Mississippi, two in Pennsylvania
and two in Texas.  Each of these cases involves multiple plaintiffs and
defendants.  This notice letter is an effort to bind the Company to the
factual determination made in these cases, if General Cable or G.K. brings an
action against the Company for indemnification arising out of these cases. 
No such action for indemnification has yet been brought and the Company is
not now a party in any of these fourteen additional cases.  The company's
liability insurer has been informed that the Company has been notified of
these potential claims.

     The Company is investigating the defenses available to it in connection
with all these matters and its rights against its supplier.  Although the
Company cannot predict whether any of these claims will be pursued,
management believes that such claims will not have any material financial
impact on the Company.

     See also Environmental Disclosures Caption.

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
     There were no matters submitted to a vote of the Company's security
holders during the fourth quarter of the Company's last fiscal year.

                                 PART II

Item 5.   Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
Matters.
     The Company's common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange
(symbol CCF).  The approximate number of record holders of the Company's
common stock on October 31, 1997 was 871.


     The quarterly high and low sales prices for the Company's common stock
over the last two years were as follows:


              Year ended August 31, 1997     Year ended August 31, 1996
                    Sales Price                Sales Price
Quarter Ended     High      Low               High      Low
November 30       9 3/16   5 1/4              5 1/4     4 5/16
               
February 28       9 3/8    7 1/4              5 5/8     4 1/16
                                             
May 31            8 1/4    7                  5 3/8     4 1/4

August 31        12 3/8    8                  7         5 1/4

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

                            1997           1996       1995        1994         1993   
     
<S>                     <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
Net Sales and other     $40,991,125  $34,366,029   $32,734,893  $28,654,421  $25,894,603
 operating revenues

Income from operations    2,811,460    2,194,985     1,907,884     1,608,621   1,039,866 
  
Equity in earnings          197,375       82,965        19,951        -            -   
 of unconsolidated
 joint venture

Minority Participation      303,680         -             -           -            -
 in Subsidiary

Net Income                3,312,515    2,277,950     1,927,835     1,608,621   1,039,866 
   

Total Assets             22,635,761   19,786,824    20,002,586    18,134,618  14,747,462 

Long-term debt and        3,020,708    4,481,071     6,464,260     2,897,976   1,772,080 
  capital leases    
 
Per Common Share:

Income per share              .84         .61          .43           .35           .24  
  fully diluted

Cash dividends*               .21         .15          .10           .08           .06 
              

   *Single annual payments declared and paid subsequent to fiscal year end.
</TABLE>

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               SELECTED RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE CONSOLIDATED
                          STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                            Years Ended August 31,         
                                           1997        1996      1995 
                                            (Dollars in thousands)

<S>                                      <C>         <C>       <C>
Net revenue..............................$40,991     $34,366   $32,735

Net Income...............................$ 3,313     $ 2,278   $ 1,928

Increase in net revenue from previous 
               year......................

     Amount............................  $ 6,625     $ 1,631   $ 4,081

     Percentage........................     19%          5%       14%

Increase(Decrease) in net income from
               previous year...........  $ 1,035     $   350   $   319

Percentage of net revenue:

     Net revenue........................   100.0%      100.0%    100.0%

     Expenses:

          Cost of Sales................     65.5        66.0      67.1

          Selling, general and 
             administrative expenses....    21.5        22.1      22.2

          Other expenses...............      1.3         1.9       1.3 
     
     Income from operations 
          before income taxes...........    11.7        10.0       9.4

     Provision for income taxes........      4.8         3.6       3.6 

     Income from operations............      6.9%        6.4%      5.8% 

     Minority participation in subsidiary     .7           -         -

     Equity in earnings of unconsolidated
         joint venture..................      .5          .2        .1    
     Net Income.........................     8.1%        6.6%      5.9%                  
                              
</TABLE>


Results of Operations.
     Total revenues for fiscal 1997 increased 19% to $41 million when compared 
to $34.4 million in 1996. The majority of this increase was related to the 
strong demand for most of our traditional products.  Some increase was also 
associated with our subsidiary, DC Scientific, Inc., as those sales are 
consolidated, and to an increase in our international business.

     The increase in revenues in fiscal 1996 over fiscal 1995 was largely due 
to the steady growth of sales from the Webster facility of the Chase & Son's
division.  Last year we also received some benefit from revenue related to the
Fluid Polymer acquisition along with continued strengthening of our
international sales.

     The dollar value of cost of products was higher in fiscal 1997 compared to
both 1996 and 1995.  These increases were predominantly volume related.  As a
percent of sales, cost of products decreased to 66.4% in 1997 as compared to
66.9% and 67.9% for 1996 and 1995 respectively.  During the past year, lower 
raw material costs were somewhat offset by increases of some direct 
manufacturing expenses.  Competitive pressures prevents the company from 
recovering any significant amount of cost increases from its customers.  Gross 
profit margins during the past three years as a percent of sales have remained 
relatively stable.  We would expect that these margins will continue as long 
as the current market trends prevail, however, no assurances can be given in 
this regard. 

     Selling and administrative expenses in 1997 increased by $1.2 million and
$1.5 million respectively when compared to 1996 and 1995.  However, as a percent
of sales, 1997 was lower by 0.6% and 0.8% respectively in comparison with 1996
and 1995.  The dollar increases relate to costs associated with increased levels
of sales as well as investments in staffing required to continue our ability to
improve revenues and profitability.

     Interest expense decreased to $470,000 in 1997 as compared to $595,000 in
1996.  Interest expense in 1996 is higher than 1995 by about $200,000.  A
significant amount of the increased interest cost during both 1997 and 1996
related to the obligation associated with the repurchase of shares and the buy
out of a Consulting and Non-Compete Agreement from a retired officer of the
Company. Any future change in interest rates will affect interest paid on both
short-term and long-term borrowings.  Some interest expense was offset by notes
receivable.  The Company continues to benefit from low borrowing rates from its
lender providing funds at its bank's prime rate or a LIBOR - based rate,
whichever is lower.

     The sales increases, lower operating costs and associated changes in
product mix and productivity improvements, along with improved earnings from
minority owned companies, have assisted in the improvement of our profitability
over the past few years. Management will continue this approach of seeking to
maximize our current businesses and at the same time seek out future
opportunities through selective acquisitions.

     The effective tax rate for 1997 is about equal to the applicable tax rate. 
However, the benefit received as a result of strong export sales through our
Chase Export Corporation subsidiary was offset by losses incurred by DC
Scientific, Inc. which were reserved against and which are not consolidated for
tax filings.  During 1996 and 1995, the effective tax rate was somewhat lower
because of the improved export sales.

     Income from minority interest for the past three years relates primarily to
the equity ownership in The Stewart Group, Inc., Toronto, Canada.

     As announced on May 16, 1997, the Company and The Stewart Group, Ltd.,
joint venture partners in The Stewart Group, Inc., signed an agreement to sell
assets related to the manufacture of reinforcement products for the
telecommunication industry to Owens Corning.  On November 12, 1997, the Company
announced the conclusion of this transaction and will realize a net non-
recurring gain of $1.7 million.  The Stewart Group, Inc. will continue to
provide consulting services to Owens Corning for the next several years.  The
Stewart Group, Inc. has also declared a cash dividend of $2.4 million to the
Company.

     Minority participation in subsidiary represents the minority shareholders
49.9% equity in the losses of DC Scientific, Inc.

Liquidity and Sources of Capital.
     Cash flow generated from operations was $3,538,000 in 1997 as compared to
$4,419,000 1996.  Increases to inventory and receivables were mostly related to
the consolidation of the DC Scientific, Inc results along with some receivable
increases associated with our improvement in sales.  The previous year cash
flow improvement was related to improvements in inventory.

     The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.6 at the end of
both fiscal years 1997 and 1996, compared to 1.8 at the end of the 1995 fiscal
year. 

     The unused available long-term credit amounted to $4,440,000 at August,
1997, compared to $2,440,000 at August, 1996. The Company will utilize this
facility to help finance its interim needs in the coming year.  Current
financial resources and anticipated funds from operations are expected to be
adequate to meet requirements for funds in the year ahead.

Impact of Inflation.
     Inflation has not had a significant long-term impact on earnings.  In the
event of significant inflation, the Company's efforts to cover cost increases
would be hampered as a result of the competitive nature of the products.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
     Financial statements and supplementary financial information required to
be filed hereunder may be located through the List of Financial Statements and
Schedules attached to this report.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
         Financial Disclosures.
     Not applicable.
                                     
                                  PART III

Item 10.Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
     Information with respect to the names, ages, positions with the Company,
terms of office, periods of service, business experience, and other
directorships of the Company's Directors and Executive Officers is incorporated
herein by reference to Item 1A of the report and to the Definitive Proxy
Statement (under the caption "Election of Directors").

Item 11.  Executive Compensation
     The information required in Item 11 is contained in the Definitive Proxy
Statement (under the caption "Executive Compensation").  Such information is
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
     Information regarding the ownership of the Company's common stock by
certain beneficial owners and by management is incorporated herein by reference
to the Definitive Proxy Statement under the captions "Principal Holders of
Voting Securities" and "Election of Director's."

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
     Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions with
the Company's Directors and Executive Officers is incorporated herein by
reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement under the captions "Election of
Directors" and "Remuneration of Directors and Executive Officers."


                                  PART IV

Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
     See the List of Financial Statements and Schedules included in this report
for a list of the financial statements and schedules included with this report
and see the Exhibit Index included in this report for a list of the exhibits
required to be filed with this report.  Copies of any of the Company did not
file any reports on Form 8K during the fourth quarter of its most recent fiscal
year.   The exhibits are available to beneficial shareholders as of the record
date (December 1, 1997) without charge upon written request to the Investor
Relations Department, Chase Corporation, 50 Braintree Hill Park, Braintree,
Massachusetts 02184.

                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                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.

CHASE CORPORATION                                         Date


By /s/ Peter R. Chase          President and               November 24, 1997
  Peter R. Chase               Chief Executive Officer


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


                                   Capacity                 Date
By /s/ Peter R. Chase          President, Chief           November 24, 1997
  Peter R. Chase               Executive Officer and 
                               Director (Principal
                               Executive Officer)


By /s/ Everett Chadwick, Jr.   Treasurer and Chief        November 24, 1997
  Everett Chadwick, Jr.        Financial Officer 
                               (Principal Financial
                               and Accounting Officer)


By /s/ Edward L. Chase          Director                   November 24, 1997
  Edward L. Chase


By /s/ Sarah Chase              Director                   November 24, 1997
  Sarah Chase


By /s/ William H. Dykstra       Director                   November 24, 1997
  William H. Dykstra


By /s/ George M. Hughes         Director                   November 24, 1997
  George M. Hughes


By /s/ Ronald Levy              Director                   November 24, 1997
  Ronald Levy


By /s/ Ernest E. Siegfriedt, Jr.Director                   November 24, 1997
  Ernest E. Siegfriedt, Jr.             



                              EXHIBIT INDEX
                                 Exhibit
Number                             Description

3.1   Articles of Organization (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 to
      the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended    
      August 31, 1988)

3.2   By-Laws (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 to the Company's
      annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1988)

3.3   Amendment to By-Laws (adding Article IV, Section 7) (incorporated by
      reference from Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K
      for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1990)

10.1  Split Dollar Insurance Agreement dated December 2, 1983 by and between 
      the Company and Edward L. Chase (incorporated by reference from  Exhibit
      10.1 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
      ended August 31, 1990)

10.2  Split Dollar Insurance Agreement dated December 2, 1983 by and between 
      the Company and Francis M. Chase (incorporated by reference from Exhibit
      10.2 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
      ended August 31, 1990)

10.3  Edward L. Chase Consulting and Non-Compete Agreement (incorporated by
      reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K
      for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1986)

10.6  Edward L. Chase Retirement and Succession Agreement (incorporated by
      reference from Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K
      for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1988)

10.9  Edward L. Chase Right of First Refusal (incorporated by reference from
      Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
      year ended August 31, 1988)

10.11 Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 26, 1990 by and between the
      Company and Avon Custom Mixing Service, Inc. (incorporated by reference
      from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
      October 26, 1990)   

10.14 Amendment dated August 7, 1990 to Edward L. Chase Retirement and
      Succession Agreement (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.14 to
      the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
      August 31, 1990)    

10.17 Amendment dated April 30, 1992 to Split Dollar Insurance Agreement
      dated December 2, 1983 by and between the Company and Edward L. Chase
      (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's annual
      report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1992)

10.18 Amendment dated April 30, 1992 to Split Dollar Insurance Agreement
      dated November 10, 1987 by and between the Company and Edward L. Chase
      and Claire Chase (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.18 to the
      Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August
      31, 1992)

10.19 Amendment dated April 30, 1992 to Edward L. Chase Consulting and Non-
      Compete Agreement dated January 17, 1986 (incorporated by reference from
      Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
      year ended August 31, 1992)

10.20 Amendment dated August 31, 1992 to Split Dollar Insurance Agreement
      dated December 2, 1983 by and between the Company and Francis M. Chase 
      (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's annual
      report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1992)

10.21 Amendment dated August 31, 1992 to Split Dollar Insurance Agreement
      dated November 10, 1987 by and between the Company and Francis M. Chase
      and Barbara Chase (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.21  to
      the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended    
      August 31, 1992)

10.23 Stock Redemption Agreement dated July 18, 1995 by and between the
      Company and Francis M. Chase (incorporated by reference from Exhibit
      99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 18, 1995)

10.24 Amendment dated July 18, 1995 terminating the Consulting and Non-
      Compete Agreement by and between the Company and Francis M. Chase.

22    Subsidiaries of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 22
      to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
      August 31, 1989)

               List of Financial Statements and Schedules

Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants................... 16

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 1996 and
     August 31, 1995................................................. 17
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three
     fiscal years in the period ended August 31, 1996................ 19

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for each of
     the three fiscal years in the period ended August 31, 1996...... 20

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three
     fiscal years in the period ended August 31, 1996................ 21

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................... 22

     Schedules:

         VIII- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves.........37  








                  CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       BRAINTREE, MASSACHUSETTS

  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

                       AUGUST 31, 1997 AND 1996











                   INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT



To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Chase Corporation
Braintree, Massachusetts


     We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Chase Corporation
and subsidiaries as of August 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each year
in the three year period ended August 31, 1997 and the schedule VIII,
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves. These financial statements
and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedule 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
Chase Corporation and subsidiaries at August 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for each year in the
three year period ended August 31, 1997, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles, and the schedule referred to above presents
fairly, in all material respects, when read in conjunction with the related
financial statements, the information therein set forth.


/s/ Livingston & Haynes, P.C.
Wellesley, Massachusetts
October 15, 1997 


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      AUGUST 31, 1997 AND 1996

                               ASSETS

                                                    1997            1996    
<S>                                              <C>             <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
  Cash                                           $   158,881     $   191,429
  Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful
   accounts of $152,500 and $127,500, at August 31,
    1997 and 1996, respectively                    7,121,218       5,770,152
  Inventories:
    Finished and in process                        1,209,960       1,073,226
    Raw materials                                  3,069,372       2,599,427
                                                   4,279,332       3,672,653

  Prepaid expenses                                    40,964         104,862
  Other current assets                               127,321         167,764
  Note receivable from related parties,
    current portion                                   92,517         208,966
  Deferred income taxes                              119,561         148,886

                      TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS        11,939,794      10,264,712

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
  Land and improvements                              332,536         322,423
  Buildings                                        2,255,684       1,758,538
  Machinery and equipment                         11,211,621       9,839,816
  Construction in progress                           244,173           4,639
                                                  14,044,014      11,925,416
  Less allowances for depreciation                 9,131,813       7,741,587
                                                   4,912,201       4,183,829
OTHER ASSETS
  Excess of cost over net assets of acquired
    businesses, less amortization of $238,695
    and $181,594 at August 31, 1997 and 1996,
    respectively                                   1,189,487          80,080
  Patents, agreements and trademarks, less
    amortization of $408,368 and $399,049 at
    August 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively         1,142,818       1,237,160
  Cash surrender value of life insurance, net of
    loans of $154,268 and $158,049 at August 31,
    1997 and 1996, respectively                    1,962,849       1,658,288
  Deferred income taxes                               70,814          18,978
  Note receivable from related parties                  -            309,042
  Investments in minority interests                1,410,798       2,027,735
  Other                                                7,000           7,000
                                                   5,783,766       5,338,283

                                                 $22,635,761     $19,786,824
                                                 ===========     ===========

  See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      AUGUST 31, 1997 AND 1996

                    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                                    1997            1996    
CURRENT LIABILITIES
  Accounts payable                               $ 2,386,390     $ 2,370,616
  Notes payable to bank                              662,063            -   
  Accrued payroll and other compensation           1,383,776         837,989
  Accrued pension expense - current                  316,714         389,322
  Other accrued expenses                           1,437,285       1,211,729
  Federal taxes payable                              208,916          67,261
  Deferred compensation                              258,000         302,216
  Current portion of long-term debt                  952,878       1,223,178

                TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES          7,606,022       6,402,311

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion               3,020,708       4,481,071

DEFERRED COMPENSATION                                 66,518         217,539

ACCRUED PENSION EXPENSE                              222,702         227,968

MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARY                      166,508            -

COMMITMENTS (See Note G)                                -               -

CONTINGENCIES (See Note L)                              -               -

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  First Serial Preferred Stock,
    par value $1.00 a share:
      Authorized 100,000 shares; none issued            -              -
  Common Stock, par value $.10 a share:
    Authorized 10,000,000 shares;
      issued and outstanding 4,873,797 and
      4,676,397 shares at August 31, 1997
      and 1996, respectively                         487,380         467,640
  Additional paid-in capital                       3,191,328       2,815,216
  Treasury Stock, 1,040,473 and 1,037,693 
    shares of Common Stock at August 31,
    1997 and 1996, respectively                   (4,017,850)     (3,990,400)
  Cumulative effect of currency translation         (122,121)       (108,100)
  Retained earnings                               12,014,566       9,273,579
                                                  11,553,303       8,457,935
                                                                        

                                                 $22,635,761     $19,786,824
                                                 ===========     ===========

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  

                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



                                           1997             1996           1995    
Revenue:
  <S>                                   <C>             <C>            <C>
  Sales                                 $40,473,809     $33,948,292    $32,332,541
  Commissions and other income              481,881         349,103        345,898
  Interest                                   35,435          68,634         56,454
                                         40,991,125      34,366,029     32,734,893

Costs and expenses:
  Costs of products and services sold    26,868,127      22,695,744     21,957,684
  Selling, general and administrative
    expenses                              8,798,549       7,590,223      7,274,612
  Bad debt expense                           68,544          42,731         23,815
  Interest expense                          469,878         594,746        396,020
                                         36,205,098      30,923,444     29,652,131

           INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
             BEFORE INCOME TAXES          4,786,027       3,442,585      3,082,762

Income taxes                              1,974,567       1,247,600      1,174,878

          INCOME FROM OPERATIONS          2,811,460       2,194,985      1,907,884

Minority participation in subsidiary        303,680          -              -   
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated
  joint venture                             197,375          82,965         19,951

                      NET INCOME        $ 3,312,515     $ 2,277,950    $ 1,927,835
                                        ===========     ===========    ===========


Income from operations
  per share of Common Stock
    Primary                                  $ .71            $ .58          $ .43
                                             =====            =====          =====
    Fully diluted                            $ .71            $ .58          $ .42
                                             =====            =====          =====


Net income per share of Common Stock
    Primary                                  $ .84            $ .61          $ .43
                                             =====            =====          =====
    Fully diluted                            $ .84            $ .61          $ .43
                                             =====            =====          =====


  See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                  

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997
                                                                                   CUMULATIVE
                                         ADDITIONAL                                  EFFECT OF 
                         COMMON STOCK     PAID-IN     TREASURY STOCK      RETAINED   CURRENCY      SHAREHOLDERS' 
                       SHARES   AMOUNT    CAPITAL     SHARES    AMOUNT    EARNINGS   TRANSLATION     EQUITY   
<S>                  <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>     <C>            <C>          <C>         <C>
Balance at August 31, 
  1994               4,362,848  $436,285  $2,555,658      -   $     -       $ 5,775,693  $(116,929)  $ 8,650,707
Cash dividend paid,
  $0.08 per share         -        -          -           -         -          (350,628)      -         (350,628)
Currency translation 
  adjustment              -        -          -           -         -              -        37,899        37,899 
Exercise of stock
   options              97,000     9,700     210,770      -         -              -           -         220,470
Purchase of Treasury
  Stock                   -        -          -       1,302,693  (5,009,431)       -           -      (5,009,431)
Sale of Treasury Stock    -        -         (91,531)  (265,000)  1,019,031        -           -         927,500
Net income                -        -           -          -         -         1,927,835        -       1,927,835
Balance at August 31,
  1995               4,459,848   445,985   2,674,897  1,037,693  (3,990,400)  7,352,900    (79,030)    6,404,352
Cash dividend paid,
  $0.10 per share         -        -           -          -         -          (357,271)       -        (357,271)
Currency translation
  adjustment              -        -           -          -         -              -       (29,070)      (29,070)
Compensatory stock
  issuance             150,000    15,000      56,250      -         -              -           -          71,250
Exercise of stock
  options               66,549     6,655      84,069      -         -              -           -          90,724
Net income                -        -           -          -         -         2,277,950        -       2,277,950
Balance at August 31,
  1996               4,676,397   467,640   2,815,216  1,037,693  (3,990,400)  9,273,579   (108,100)    8,457,935
Cash dividend paid,
  $0.15 per share         -       -            -          -         -          (571,528)       -        (571,528)
Currency translation
  adjustment              -       -            -          -         -              -       (14,021)      (14,021)
Exercise of stock opt.  97,400     9,740     287,675      -         -              -           -         297,415
Compensatory stock
  issuance             100,000    10,000      88,437      -         -              -           -          98,437
Purchase of Treasury
  Stock                   -       -           -           2,780     (27,450)       -           -         (27,450)
Net income                -       -           -           -         -          3,312,515       -       3,312,515
Balance at August 31,
  1997               4,873,797  $487,380  $3,191,328  1,040,473 $(4,017,850) $12,014,566 $(122,121)  $11,553,303
                     =========  ========  ==========  =========  ===========  =========== =========   ==========
           
          See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997

                                              1997            1996           1995    
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>
  Net income                                $ 3,312,516    $2,277,950     $ 1,927,835
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
    cash provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation                              849,266       775,571         741,869
      Amortization                              155,945       103,921         104,027
      (Gain) on sale of assets                     -          (40,000)           -    
      Stock issued for compensation              98,437        56,250            -   
      Increase (decrease) in provision
       for losses on trade receivables             -           32,000          (5,000)
      Tax effect of cashless option exercise    297,415       105,724            -   
      Deferred federal tax                       22,511        70,227         251,463 
      Change in assets and liabilities:
        Trade receivables                    (1,351,066)        6,489      (1,461,697)
        Inventories                            (606,679)    1,119,679      (1,000,449)
        Prepaid expenses                         63,898       197,329        (233,215)
        Other current assets                     40,443       (67,181)         16,098
        Other assets                               -             -              4,027 
        Accounts payable                         15,774      (540,677)        746,740
        Accrued expenses                        693,469       362,560         157,535 
        Federal taxes payable                   141,655       109,771        (202,116)
        Deferred compensation                  (195,237)     (150,411)       (889,801)
                           TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS    225,831     2,141,252      (1,770,519) 
                    NET CASH FROM OPERATIONS  3,538,347     4,419,202         157,316
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds of note receivable                    63,172       207,133         131,153
  Proceeds of asset sales                          -          122,649            -   
  Capital expenditures including patents
    and agreements                           (1,492,615)     (323,282)       (602,479)
  Cumulative effect of currency translation     (14,021)      (29,070)         37,899
  (Increase) decrease in net cash surrender
    value                                      (304,561)     (260,466)        828,371
  Investments in minority interests              32,389    (1,645,465)       (382,271)
  Note received from joint venture              362,319          -           (362,319)
  Investment in subsidiary                     (550,000)         -               -   
                                             (1,903,317)   (1,928,501)       (349,646)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Increase in long-term debt                  4,952,967     4,300,000      11,935,099
  Payments of principal on debt              (6,683,630)   (6,268,737)     (7,714,985)
  Net borrowing under line-of-credit            662,063       (81,851)         81,851
  Cash dividends paid                          (571,528)     (357,271)       (350,628)
  Cash received on options exercise                -             -            220,470
  Purchase of Common Shares for Treasury        (27,450)         -         (5,009,431)
  Sale of Common Shares from Treasury              -             -            927,500
                                             (1,667,578)   (2,407,859)         89,876
                        NET CHANGE IN CASH      (32,548)       82,842        (102,454)
CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                       191,429       108,587         211,041

                       CASH AT END OF YEAR   $  158,881    $  191,429     $   108,587
                                             ==========    ==========     ===========
See Note M for supplemental cash flow data.

  See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
             
                      
                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES

       The principal accounting policies of Chase Corporation ("the
Company") and its subsidiaries are as follows:

Basis of Presentation

       The financial statements include the accounts of the Company, DC
Scientific, Inc., its majority owned contract manufacturing subsidiary and
its wholly-owned foreign sales corporation subsidiary.  Investments in
unconsolidated companies which are at least 20% owned are carried at cost
plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition.  All significant
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. 
The Company uses the U.S. dollar as the functional currency for financial
reporting.

Products and Markets

       The Company's principal products are protective coatings and tape
products that are sold in national and international markets.  These products
consist of: (i) insulating and conducting materials for the manufacture of
electrical and telephone wire and cable, and electrical splicing, terminating
and repair tapes which are marketed to wire and cable manufacturers and
public utilities; (ii) protective pipe coating tapes and other protectants
for valves, regulators, casings, joints, metals, concrete, and wood that are
sold to oil companies, gas utilities and pipeline companies; (iii)
protectants for highway bridge deck metal surfaces which are sold to
municipal transportation authorities; (iv) thermo-electric insulation for
transformers, motors, and other electrical equipment that are sold to
original equipment manufacturers, and (v) moisture protective coatings that
are sold to the electronics industry.  The Company's DC Scientific, Inc.
subsidiary provides assembly and contract manufacturing services to the
electronics industry.

Use of Estimates
       The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash
       For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers
all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months
or less to be cash equivalents.

                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Inventories

       Inventories are stated at first-in, first-out cost, which is not in
excess of market.

Investment in Minority Interests

       The Company makes investments in closely held companies.  These
investments are recorded on the equity method reflecting the Company's
original investment and a proportional interest in the net operations of
these companies since no public quotations exist for these investments.  The
carrying values of these investments are periodically reviewed based upon
estimated market values.

Property, Plant and Equipment
       These assets are reflected at cost.  Provisions for depreciation of
property, plant and equipment were computed by both straight-line and
accelerated methods.

       Expenditures for maintenance repairs and minor renewals have been
charged to expense as incurred.  Betterments and major renewals have been
capitalized.  Upon retirement or other disposition of assets, related
allowances for depreciation and amortization have been eliminated from the
accounts and any resulting profit or loss reflected in consolidated net
income.  The annual provisions for depreciation have been computed
principally in accordance with the following range of rates:

                      Buildings                    - 4% to 7%
                      Machinery and equipment      - 10% to 20%


Excess of Cost Over Net Assets of Acquired Businesses
       The excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of acquired
businesses is being amortized over periods from fifteen to forty years or
until the disposal of the acquired business.  The carrying value of goodwill
is periodically reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Patents and Agreements
       The Company capitalizes costs related to patent applications and
technology agreements.  The costs of these assets are amortized using the
straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or its
statutory life.  Capitalized costs are periodically reviewed for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount
of the asset may not be recoverable.

                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Pension Plan
       The projected unit credit method is utilized for measuring net
periodic pension cost over the employee's service life.

Stock-Based Compensation
       The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25) and related
interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans, rather
than the alternative fair value accounting provided for under Financial
Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation".  Grants of restricted stock are recorded as compensation
expense over the vesting period at the fair market value of the stock at the
date of grant.  No compensation expense is recorded for options granted in
which the exercise price equals or exceeds the market price of the underlying
stock on the date of grant.

Deferred Compensation
       The net present value of the estimated payments to be made under
agreements for deferred compensation is accrued over the period of active
employment from the time of the agreement to the anticipated date of
retirement.

Translation of Foreign Currency
       The financial position and results of operations of the Company's
Canadian branch are measured using the Canadian dollar as the functional
currency.  Revenues and expenses of the branch have been translated at
average exchange rates.  Assets and liabilities have been translated at the
year-end exchange rate.  Translation gains and losses are being deferred as
a separate component of shareholders' equity, unless there is a sale or
liquidation of the underlying foreign investments.  The Company has no
present plans for the sale or liquidation of its foreign investment. 
Aggregate foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in
determining net income ($11,366 loss for the year ended August 31, 1997).


Income Taxes
       The Company has adopted the method of accounting for income taxes of
SFAS No. 109.  This method compares the tax basis and financial reporting
basis of the Company's assets and liabilities and recognizes the related tax
benefits and liabilities under enacted tax law.  Assets arising from future
tax benefits are recognized when it is more likely than not that the Company
will have sufficient future taxable income or has had sufficient taxable
income in the available carryback period to allow realization of the tax
asset.  A valuation allowance is provided for potential limitations on the
realization of future benefits.

                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Income Per Share of Common Stock

       Income per share is computed based upon the weighted average number
of shares outstanding, after giving effect to the number of shares purchased
for Treasury and the dilutive effect of potential stock options.  The number
of shares used in the computation of primary income per share as restated was
3,938,123 at August 31, 1997, 3,759,467 at August 31, 1996 and 4,474,854 at
August 31, 1995.  Fully diluted income per share was computed based upon
3,955,509 shares at August 31, 1997, 3,765,913 shares at August 31, 1996 and
4,490,413 shares at August 31, 1995.


NOTE B - NOTE RECEIVABLE

       The Company has a note receivable from Avon Custom Mixing Service,
Inc., the purchaser of its Avon Custom Mixing Division, secured by the assets
of the purchaser.  Effective May 1993, the note provides for monthly payments
of $8,333 with interest payable at First National Bank of Boston base rate
(8.5% at August 31, 1997).


NOTE C - CASH SURRENDER VALUE OF LIFE INSURANCE

       The Company recognizes cash surrender value in life insurance
policies, net of loans secured by the policies, with Aurora National Life
Assurance Company, the Manufacturers' Life Insurance Company, Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada and Metropolitan Life Insurance of $511,968;
$972,707; $197,728; and $280,446, respectively.  Subject to periodic review,
the Company intends to maintain these policies through the lives of the
insureds.






                                  

                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997


NOTE D - LONG-TERM DEBT

       Long-term debt consists of the following at August 31, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1997           1996   
       <S>                                              <C>           <C>
       Note payable to bank with payments of interest
         only through March 1, 1998 at LIBOR plus two
         percent, currently at 7.59%.  A single
         principal payment is due March 1, 1999 with
         prepayments allowed at the Company's option.
         The note is secured by all assets.             $1,400,000    $2,400,000

       Note payable to bank in quarterly installments
         of $160,000 through July 2000 with interest
         at LIBOR plus two percent, currently at
         7.69%. The note is secured by all assets.      $1,600,000    $2,400,000

       Capitalized lease obligation with monthly
         payments of $15,418, including interest at
         7.514% through May 1999, secured by
         production equipment with a cost of $897,000
         and accumulated depreciation of $224,250.         315,982       445,830

       Capitalized lease obligation with monthly
         payments of $2,539, including interest at
         6.85% through August 1998, secured by
         production equipment with a cost of $130,335
         and accumulated depreciation of $58,651.             -           54,581

       Term note payable to bank with principal
         payments of $125,000 per quarter                    -           375,000

       Capitalized lease obligation with monthly
         payments of $1,988, including interest at
         7.602% through November 1997, secured by
         a computer with a cost of $99,590 and
         accumulated depreciation of $89,631.               3,939         26,550

       Capitalized lease obligation with monthly
         payments of $142, including interest at
         7.44% through February 1998, secured by
         computer peripheral equipment with a cost
         of $7,150 and accumulated depreciation
         of $6,435.                                           698          2,288

       Term note payable to bank with principal
         payments of $9,350 per month with interest
         at LIBOR plus two percent secured by all
         assets of DC Scientific, Inc.                    561,000            -   

       Mortgage note payable to a bank secured
         by land and building of DC Scientific,
         Inc. payable in monthly installments
         of $950 plus interest at prime plus
         two percent, currently 10.25%                     91,967             -   
                                                        3,973,586          5,704,249
       Less portion payable within one year
         classified as a current liability.               952,878          1,223,178

                                                       $3,020,708         $4,481,071
                                                       ==========           =========
</TABLE>

                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE D - LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)

       The Company has long-term credit available up to a maximum amount of
$6,000,000 at the bank's base lending rate or, at the option of the Company, 
at the effective London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for ninety days plus 
two percent. The line of credit is secured by all assets and is limited to 
50% of inventory and 80% of current receivables.  The Company had net 
borrowings of $1,400,000 and $2,400,000 under the credit agreement at 
August 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The unused available long-term credit 
amounted to $4,440,000 at August 31, 1997.  


NOTE E - NOTES PAYABLE TO BANK

       The Company has a short-term credit facility at one half percent over 
prime with a Canadian bank secured by a letter of credit.

       The Company's DC Scientific, Inc. subsidiary has a  revolving line of
credit at one half percent over prime or LIBOR plus 2%, secured by the assets 
of the subsidiary.


NOTE F - INCOME TAXES

       A reconciliation of federal income taxes computed at applicable rates of
income from continuing operations before income taxes to the amounts provided 
in the consolidated financial statements is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Year Ended August 31,
                                          1997        1996         1995   
  <S>                                  <C>         <C>          <C>
  Federal income taxes at applicable
    rates                              $1,627,249  $1,170,479   $1,048,139

  Adjustments resulting from the tax
    effect of:
      Increase in cash surrender value
        of life insurance               (143,100)    (120,625)    (116,384)
      Benefit plans not qualified for
        deduction from federal tax       154,038      121,060      108,678
      Net loss of subsidiary not
        consolidated for tax             146,671         -            -    
      State and local taxes net of
        federal tax effect               289,172      151,314      167,239

  Other                                  (99,463)     (74,628)     (32,794)
                     INCOME TAXES     $1,974,567   $1,247,600   $1,174,878
                                      ==========   ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997

NOTE F - INCOME TAXES (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Year Ended August 31,
                                         1997         1996          1995   

    <S>                              <C>          <C>          <C>
    Current                          $2,010,423   $1,283,097   $  923,415
    Deferred (benefit):
      Pension expense                    19,078       20,819       36,345
      Depreciation                        5,480       14,427      (96,957)
      Allowance for doubtful accounts       -        (12,800)       2,000
      Market valuation of investments   110,000         -              -   
      Deferred compensation              39,294       59,781      338,617 
      Deferred state taxes              119,707         -          24,000
      Reserve                           (32,000)     (12,000)     (52,542)
    Total Deferred                      261,559       70,227      251,463
      (Benefit) of option exercises
      credited to shareholders' equity (297,415)     (105,72)         -    

                                     $1,974,567   $1,247,600   $1,174,878
                                     ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

       The timing differences that give rise to the components of net tax 
assets are as follows at August 31, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE>                                          1997       1996   
       <S>                                    <C>        <C>
       Assets:
         Reserve for bad debt                 $   51,000 $   51,000
         Patents and agreements                   35,200     38,761
         Pension accrual                         110,850    246,916
         State tax accrual                       140,507     20,800
         Deferred compensation                   113,813    207,902
         Investments marked to market            110,000       -   
                                                 561,370    565,379
         Less valuation allowance                 12,000     44,000
                                                 549,370    521,379
       Liabilities:
         Depreciation                            358,995    353,515

       Net Assets                             $  190,375 $  167,864
                                              ========== ==========
</TABLE>
NOTE G - OPERATING LEASES

       The following is a schedule for the next five years of future minimum
rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining
noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year as of August 31, 1997:

       Year Ending August 31,                       Buildings
               1998                                 $163,024
               1999                                  147,191
               2000                                   68,024
               2001                                   68,024
               2002                                   22,510
                                                    $468,773
                                                    ========
                                  
                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE G - OPERATING LEASES (Continued)
 
       Total rental expense for all operating leases amounted to $494,435,
$353,265, and $340,068 for the years ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.


NOTE H - SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

       Selected unaudited quarterly financial data for 1997, 1996 and 1995, 
is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Quarter                              
      1997         First       Second      Third        Fourth         Year    
                 
<S>             <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
Net sales       $9,003,995   $9,162,770  $11,263,033  $11,044,011  $40,473,809
Gross profit    $3,073,420   $2,883,176   $3,856,522   $3,792,564  $13,605,682
Net income        $695,293     $556,082     $823,976   $1,237,164   $3,312,515

Net income per
  common share       $.18         $.14         $.21         $.31         $.84
                     ====         ====         ====         ====         ====


                                        Quarter                           
     1996         First         Second     Third        Fourth         Year    

Net sales       $8,232,459   $7,664,955   $8,673,573   $9,377,305  $33,948,292
Gross profit    $2,604,003   $2,362,980   $2,792,048   $3,493,517  $11,252,548
Net income        $507,440     $374,561     $511,139     $884,810   $2,277,950

Net income per
  common share       $.14         $.10         $.14         $.23       $.61
                     ====         ====         ====         ====       ====

                                        Quarter                           
     1995         First         Second     Third        Fourth         Year    

Net sales       $7,833,974   $7,289,315   $8,694,676   $8,514,576  $32,332,541
Gross profit    $2,671,974   $2,265,740   $2,587,647   $2,849,496  $10,374,857
Net income        $553,384     $352,651     $395,467     $626,333   $1,927,835

Net income per
  common share       $.12         $.08         $.09         $.14        $.43
                     ====         ====         ====         ====        ====

</TABLE>


                                  

                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE I - EXPORT SALES AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS

       Export sales from continuing domestic operations to unaffiliated third
parties were $4,591,695, $3,594,317 and $2,764,170 for the years ended 
August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  The Company's products are 
sold world-wide with no foreign geographic area accounting for more than 10 
percent of revenues from continuing operations.  The Company's Canadian 
operations accounted for 7.2 percent of consolidated sales and 5.8 percent of 
assets.


NOTE J - RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE

       Research and development expense amounted to approximately $540,467,
$501,964, and $511,355 for the years ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.


NOTE K - BENEFITS

       401(K) Plan

       The Company has a deferred compensation plan adopted pursuant to Section
401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.  Any qualified employee who has
attained age 21 and has been employed by the Company for at least six months may
contribute a portion of their salary to the plan and the Company will match 
50% of such contribution up to an amount equal to three percent of such 
employee's yearly salary.

       Pension Plan

       The Company has non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all employees.  Total pension expense, including the net periodic
pension cost and the effects of settlements, was $311,447, $332,458 and 
$275,188 for the years ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  
The Company has a funded, qualified plan and an unfunded supplemental 
retirement plan designed to maintain benefits for all employees at the plan
formula level.



                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE K - BENEFITS (Continued)
<TABLE>

       Net pension expense components:       Year Ended August 31,
                                             1997     1996      1995  
       <S>                                <C>       <C>       <C>
       Service cost of benefits earned
         during the period                $220,639  $196,790  $164,024

       Interest cost on projected benefit
         obligations                       295,285   255,690   200,022

       Return on plan assets              (506,142) (200,988) (184,866)

       Net amortization and deferra  l     301,665    80,966    96,008

       Net periodic pension cost          $311,447  $332,458  $275,188
                                          ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>

       The following table sets forth the actuarial present value of benefit
obligations and funded status:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               August 31,
                                              1997          1996        1995    
       <S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>
       Accumulated benefit obligations,
         including vested benefits of
         $2,410,404, $2,138,788 and
         $1,903,479 at August 31, 1997,
         1996 and 1995, respectively      $ 2,483,200  $ 2,182,250  $ 1,935,313
                                          ===========  ===========  ===========

       Projected benefit obligations      $(4,142,846) $(3,552,626) $(3,336,642)

       Plan assets at fair value,
         including prefunded amounts        3,096,643    2,215,085    1,778,327

       Funded status                       (1,046,203)  (1,337,541)  (1,558,315)

       Unrecognized net loss                  264,888      461,280      612,884

       Unrecognized prior service cost        262,894      286,965      311,036

       Unamortized net transition assets      (20,995)     (27,994)     (34,993)

       (Accrued) pension expense          $  (539,416) $  (617,290) $  (669,388)
                                          ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>


                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE K - BENEFITS (Continued)

       The net transition assets amount is being amortized at a level rate over
15 years.  The actuarial calculations were based on assumptions of a weighted 
average discount rate of 8.0% and a future rate of increase in compensation 
levels of 5%.  The expected rate of return on plan assets is 10%. Prior service 
cost arose from the amendment of the plan's benefit schedules to comply with 
the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA) and adoption of the unfunded supplemental 
pension plan.

       Deferred Compensation

       The Company has deferred compensation agreements with a former officer
providing for post retirement health benefits and annual payments of $200,000 
for the officer through August 31, 1998.

       Additionally, life insurance is provided under a split dollar life 
insurance agreement whereby the Company will recover the premiums paid from the 
proceeds of the policies.  The Company recognizes an offset to expense for the 
growth in the cash surrender value of the policies.

       The Company also has an agreement with its former Chairman of the Board, 
who retired August 31, 1991, that the Company will make ten annual payments of 
$58,000 to him or his beneficiaries.


       Stock Option Plans

       1989 Non-Statutory Plan - Options to purchase 612,000 shares of Common 
Stock were granted to officers, senior employees, and independent directors.  
Options on 44,500 shares of Common Stock are currently outstanding.  The 
options are exercisable at the fair market value of the shares at the date of 
grant adjusted for stock dividends.  Directors' options vest ratably over a two 
year period and officer and employee options vest over a four year period.  
All options are fully vested.
 
       1995 Stock Option Plan - Effective July 18, 1995, the Company adopted, 
and the stockholders subsequently approved, a stock award plan and an incentive 
plan which permit the issuance of options and restricted stock to selected 
employees of the Company.  The plans reserve 600,000 shares of Common Stock for 
grant.





                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997


NOTE K - BENEFITS (Continued)

       Stock Option Plans (Continued)

       Under the terms of the 1995 stock option plan, options granted may be 
either nonqualified or incentive stock options and the exercise price may not 
be less than the fair market value of a share at the date of grant.  The board 
of directors approved issuance of 450,000 options (at $3.375, based upon the 
market value at July 18, 1995). 
The options vest ratably over ten years.  In addition, the board of directors 
granted 250,000 shares of restricted Common Stock to the Company's CEO, Mr. 
Peter Chase, at no cost.  Other than the restrictions which limit the sale and 
transfer of these shares, Mr. Chase is entitled to all rights of a 
shareholder. 
The grants vest at the end of nine years.  If Mr. Chase is not providing 
services to the Company prior to vesting, the shares revert to the Company.
                                                       Officers and
                                           Directors    Employees  
       August 31, 1995
         Issued and outstanding              77,000       622,500
         Exercisable                         77,000       172,500
         Exercise price per share        $1.24 - $1.43 $1.51 - $3.712
       August 31, 1996
         Issued and outstanding             128,500       540,000
         Exercisable                         70,165       120,000
         Exercise price per share        $1.24 - $5.09 $1.51 - $3.712
       August 31, 1997
         Issued and outstanding             117,000       454,000
         Exercisable                         71,500        96,920
         Exercise price per share        $1.24 - $9.08 $1.51 - $5.625

       Options exercisable and exercise prices are shown after adjustment for 
10% stock dividend issued June 1, 1990.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       Stock option plan activity was as follows:
                                               Weighted              Weighted
                                               Average    Officers   Average
                                               Exercise     and      Exercise
                                    Directors  Price     Employees   Price  

       <S>                            <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>      
       Outstanding August 31, 1994    154,000   $1.32     192,500    $1.51
       Grants at market price            -        -       450,000     3.49
       Exercises                      (77,000)   1.32     (20,000)    1.51
       Outstanding August 31, 1995     77,000    1.32     622,500     2.94

       Grants at market price          62,500    4.72        -         -
       Exercises                      (11,000)   1.43     (82,500)    1.51
       Outstanding August 31, 1996    128,500    2.96     540,000     3.16

       Grants at market price          10,000    9.08      15,000     5.625
       Exercises                      (21,500)   1.29    (101,000)    1.74
       Outstanding August 31, 1997    117,000    3.79     454,000     3.55
                                      =======            ========
</TABLE>
                                  
                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE K - BENEFITS (Continued)

       Proforma Disclosures - The Company accounts for stock options issued to
directors, officers and employees under Accounting Principles Board Opinion 
No. 25 (see Note A).  The proforma net income and earnings per share, based 
upon a Black-Scholes pricing model, using a volatility of 26.57%, a risk-free 
interest rate of 7.5% and a dividend yield of 4%, had Financial Accounting 
Standards Board Statement No. 123 been applied, is as follows:
                                            August 31,
                                    1997        1996       1995        
   
       Net income                $3,257,837  $2,232,410  $1,882,295
       Net income per share          $ .83       $ .60       $ .42


NOTE L - CONTINGENCIES

       Environmental

       The Company is aware of potential claims concerning a site in Bruin,
Pennsylvania where an affiliate of the Company had sponsored research into
experimental oil and coal-based fuels in the early 1980s.  In August 1991, a 
spill of the affiliate's stored material occurred at the Bruin site, 
apparently due to vandalism of the storage tanks.  Upon learning of the spill, 
the Company provided notice of the release to appropriate authorities and 
undertook to remedy the spill. The remedy was completed in October 1992 under 
plans approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 
("Pennsylvania DEP").  The Company believes that this work terminated its 
liabilities for the spill, but Pennsylvania DEP has not provided a final 
release.

       The Bruin site had been used for many years for a variety of oil 
refining operations by unrelated parties.  The site has significant 
contamination from those unrelated activities.  Since the spill of the 
material remedied by the Company, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
has conducted an investigation of the site, conducted emergency clean-up 
activities at the site focused on materials other than the affiliate's 
material and spill, and turned responsibility for the site back to 
Pennsylvania DEP.  To date, EPA has not made any claim against the Company.

       During 1993 to 1995, Pennsylvania DEP has conducted an investigation of 
the site, has completed a surface cleanup, and has proposed a permanent remedy. 
Pennsylvania DEP has notified the Company that it may be a person responsible 
under Pennsylvania law to contribute to the costs of those activities.  
During 1995, Pennsylvania DEP suggested that the Company contribute an amount 
toward the costs of the investigation and the surface cleanup in an attempt 
to settle with the Company.  On July 18, 1996, the Pennsylvania DEP sent a 
settlement proposal to Chase requesting a payment of $335,000 to resolve all 
of Chase's potential liabilities to the State of Pennsylvania at the Bruin 
site.  While the amount proposed is not deemed material, the Company still 
believes that the work previously performed to remedy the spill terminated 
its liabilities and therefore declined the proposal.

                                  

                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE L - CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

       The Company remains in communication with Pennsylvania DEP, and expects
that these settlement discussions will eventually resolve the Company's 
potential liability at this site.

       Legal

       The Company has been named as a third-party defendant in eighteen 
personal injury lawsuits filed in state court in Jackson County, Mississippi.  
These lawsuits, each of which has multiple plaintiffs and defendants, arose out 
of alleged asbestos exposure by the plaintiffs as a result of their work at 
the Ingalls Shipyard.  The Company was sued as a third-party defendant by USX 
Corporation, General Cable Corporation  and G. K. Technologies, Inc., each of 
whom is a  primary defendant in these actions.  USX, General Cable and G.K. are 
alleged to have supplied wire and cable products containing asbestos to the 
shipyard.  The third-party complaints allege that tape products containing 
asbestos were manufactured by the Company, sold to USX, General Cable and G.K., 
and then incorporated in their wire and cable products sold for use in the 
ships.  USX, General Cable and G.K. are seeking indemnification from the 
Company for damages that may be assessed against them and expenses including 
legal fees.

       The third-party claims against the Company, along with all other third-
party and crossclaims, were severed from the trial of the primary actions.  USX,
General Cable and G.K. were each dismissed by the plaintiffs prior to the
commencement of trial of nine of the primary actions, which took place in the 
summer of 1993.  It is not known how much, if anything, each paid to settle 
these claims. To date, no effort has been made by USX, General Cable and G.K. 
to pursue the third-party claims against the Company arising out of the 
resolution of any of the cases tried in the summer of 1993.  Some of the 
remaining primary actions remain pending, but it is not now known when those 
cases will be tried, whether the plaintiffs will proceed against any of the 
wire and cable manufacturers, including USX, General Cable or G.K., and 
whether any of these defendants will, in turn, pursue their claims against 
the Company.

       The Company's liability insurer has assumed defense of these claims 
subject to reservation of its rights as to coverage for any underlying 
liability assessed. 

       In July 1994 the Company received a notice letter from General Cable 
and G.K. that they have been sued in fourteen additional asbestos personal 
injury lawsuits, ten of which are pending in Mississippi, two in Pennsylvania 
and two in Texas.  Each of these cases involves multiple plaintiffs and 
defendants.  This notice letter is an effort to bind the Company to the factual
determination made in these cases, if General Cable or G.K. brings an action 
against the Company for indemnification arising out of these cases.  No such 
action for indemnification has yet been brought and the Company is not now a 
party in any of these fourteen additional cases.  The Company's liability 
insurer has been informed that the Company has been notified of these 
potential claims.

                                  

                 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997



NOTE L - CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

       The Company is investigating the defenses available to it in connection
with all these matters and its rights against its supplier.  Although the 
Company cannot predict whether any of these claims will be pursued, management 
believes that such claims will not have any material financial impact on the 
Company.


NOTE M - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DATA

       Cash paid during the year for:

                                         1997        1996      1995  

       Income taxes                   $1,509,125   $855,000   $730,000
       Interest                       $  477,768   $594,746   $396,020



NOTE N - INVESTMENT IN MINORITY INTERESTS

       The Company has formed a joint venture, The Stewart Group, Inc., with 
The Stewart Group, Ltd. of Canada, to produce various products for the fiber 
optical cable market.  Chase Corporation owned a 42% interest in the joint 
venture at August 31, 1997.

       The Company has invested in minority interests in various closely held
companies.  Investments at August 31, 1997, in addition to The Stewart Group, 
Inc., consist of a 20% interest in Wireless, Inc., a telecommunications 
marketing company and a 32% interest in webpa.com, an Internet software 
developer.


NOTE O - SALE OF AVON REAL ESTATE

       During April 1996, the Company sold the real estate formerly leased to 
Avon Custom Mixing Service, Inc. for $122,649 and recorded a gain on the sale 
of $40,000. The assets sold consisted of land and buildings with a cost of 
$835,488 and accumulated depreciation of $760,393, with expenses related to 
the sale of $7,554.

 


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                SCHEDULE VIII - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

                               CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY


           COL. A           COL. B               COL. C                      COL. D       COL. E  

<S>                        <C>             <C>              <C>               <C>        <C>        
                           BALANCE AT        (1)               (2)                       BALANCE AT
                           BEGINNING     CHARGED TO COSTS    CHARGED TO                  END OF
         DESCRIPTION        OF PERIOD      AND EXPENSES    OTHER ACCOUNTS   DEDUCTIONS   PERIOD  


Year ended August 31, 1997:

    Allowance for doubtful
      accounts              $127,500        $68,544           $25,000        $68,544     $152,500

Year ended August 31, 1996:

    Allowance for doubtful
      accounts               $95,500        $42,731           $  -           $10,731     $127,500


Year ended August 31, 1995:

    Allowance for doubtful
      accounts              $100,500        $23,815           $  -           $28,815      $95,500


</TABLE>
(1)  Deductions are charged to accounts receivable when specific accounts are 
     judged to be uncollectible.

(2)  $25,000 reserve acquired with majority interest in DC Scientific, Inc.






<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from SEC Form
10-Q and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1997
<CASH>                                         158,881
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                7,273,718
<ALLOWANCES>                                   152,500
<INVENTORY>                                  4,279,332
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            11,939,794
<PP&E>                                      14,044,014
<DEPRECIATION>                               9,131,813
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              22,635,761
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        7,606,022
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       487,380
<OTHER-SE>                                  11,065,923
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                22,635,761
<SALES>                                     40,473,809
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            40,473,809
<CGS>                                       26,868,127
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               26,868,127
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                68,544
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             469,878
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              4,786,027
<INCOME-TAX>                                 1,974,567
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          2,811,460
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 3,312,515
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    0.837
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    0.837
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission