ROYAL APPLIANCE MANUFACTURING CO
10-K405, 1997-03-27
HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
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<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 1996

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ____________ 
     to ______________________

     Commission File Number 0-19431
                            -------

                           ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>       
                            Ohio                                              34-1350353
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)      (I.R.S. Employer Identification)

          650 Alpha Drive, Cleveland, Ohio                                       44143
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       (Address of principal executive offices)                               (Zip Code)

                                                 (216) 449-6150
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

       Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

        Common Shares, Without Par Value                         New York Stock Exchange
        --------------------------------              ------------------------------------------
              (Title of Each Class)                   (Name of Each Exchange on which Registered)
</TABLE>

       Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

       Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes_X_ No__.

       Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Sec. 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].

      The aggregate market value of the voting shares held by non-affiliates of
the Registrant, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, based upon the
closing sale price of Registrant's Common Shares on March 26, 1997 was
$116,392,698. Common Shares held by each officer and director have been excluded
in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of
affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other
purposes.

       The number of outstanding shares of the Registrant's common shares as of
March 26, 1997 was 23,942,740.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

       Applicable portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on Tuesday, April 29, 1997 are incorporated by reference
in Part III of this form.

The Exhibit index appears on sequential page 34.

                                        1


<PAGE>   2



PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
- - ----------------

General
- - -------

       Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. ("Royal" or the "Company"), an Ohio corporation
with its corporate offices in the Cleveland, Ohio metropolitan area, develops,
assembles and markets a full line of cleaning products for home and commercial
use under the Dirt Devil(R) and Royal(R) brand names. In 1984, the Company
introduced the first in a line of Dirt Devil(R) hand-held vacuum cleaners, which
the Company believes has become the largest selling line of hand-held vacuum
cleaners in the United States. The Company has used the Dirt Devil(R) brand name
recognition to gain acceptance for other Dirt Devil(R) products. The Company
continues to market certain metal vacuum cleaners for home and commercial use
under the Royal(R) brand name.

       The Company's business strategy is primarily focused on leveraging the
well known Dirt Devil(R) brand to new and innovative products associated with
cleaning and other household chores. The Company's goal is to expand the number,
visibility and volume of its products sold by retailers, as well as to increase
the number of major retailers carrying its products. The Company also seeks to
increase the sale of its products through independent dealers by offering
dealer-exclusive product lines and cooperative promotional programs.

       The Company's marketing strategy is essential to its success. The Company
uses television, print and cooperative advertising to build and maintain brand
awareness and consumer demand, as well as to gain shelf space for its product
lines from major retailers. In order to provide the retailers with distinct
product alternatives, the Company offers different Dirt Devil(R) products in a
variety of styles and colors and with various features. Major retailers
currently carrying some portion of the Dirt Devil(R) product line include
Walmart, Kmart, Target, Service Merchandise, Sears Roebuck, and Canadian Tire.
The Company also sells its Dirt Devil(R) products through independent dealers,
who also sell the metal line of Royal(R) vacuum cleaners.

Products
- - --------

       The Company sells a full line of plastic and metal vacuum cleaners. The
Company's Dirt Devil(R) vacuum cleaners are intended for home use. The Company's
metal vacuum cleaners are intended for home and commercial use.

       DIRT DEVIL(R) AND PLASTIC RELATED PRODUCT LINES. The Company's primary
retail product lines are sold under the Dirt Devil(R) name. The first Dirt
Devil(R) product, the Hand Vac, a corded, hand-held vacuum cleaner, was
introduced in 1984. The Dirt Devil(R) line has since been expanded by the
introduction of upright and canister vacuum cleaners, electric brooms, and
non-electric sweepers. The Dirt Devil(R) line was expanded in 1996 by the
introduction of the Dirt Devil(R) Broom Vac(R), a cordless rechargeable broom,
the Dirt Devil(R) Ultra MVP(TM), a higher priced full-featured upright, and the
Dirt Devil(R) Ultra Hand Vac, a corded hand vac with an on-board hose and
crevice tool.

       During 1996, 1995, and 1994 plastic products accounted for approximately
88%, 84%, and 85%, respectively, of the Company's net sales.

       METAL PRODUCT LINES. The Company has produced durable metal vacuum
cleaners since the early 1900's. Currently, the Company markets a full line of
metal upright and canister vacuum cleaners for home and commercial use. The
Company sells its metal vacuum cleaners exclusively through its network of
independent dealers. During 1996, 1995, and 1994, metal products accounted for
approximately 5%, 6%, and 6%, respectively, of the Company's net sales.

                                        2


<PAGE>   3



ITEM 1. BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
- - ----------------

Products (continued)
- - --------

       OTHER PRODUCTS. The Company sells accessories, attachments, refurbished
cleaners and replacement parts for each of its product lines. These products are
sold through retailers and dealers, and are also available directly from the
Company. During 1996, 1995, and 1994, these products accounted for approximately
7%, 10%, and 9%, respectively, of the Company's net sales.

       NEW PRODUCTS. The Company introduces new products and enhances its
existing products on a regular basis for both the retail and dealer markets.
During the second quarter of 1997, the Company will introduce the Dirt Devil(R)
Swivel Glide(TM), a full size upright vacuum cleaner with enhanced
maneuverability, the Dirt Devil(R) RoomMate(TM), a lightweight portable upright
vacuum cleaner, and the Dirt Devil(R) Mop Vac(TM), a cordless rechargeable mop.
The Dirt Devil(R) Mop Vac(TM), which represents a new category for the Company
and its retailers, will be introduced via direct response television until the
fall of 1997 when it will be shipped to the Company's retail customers. In order
to support its product development efforts, the Company engages in research and
development activities, particularly with respect to engineering. The Company's
engineering and product development expenditures were approximately, $3.9
million, $3.3 million and $2.2 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

       In addition to internally developing products, the Company may purchase
product tooling, license product designs and patents, and outsource certain
product assembly for products to be marketed under the Dirt Devil(R) brand name.
The Company may also license its trademarks and patents.

Marketing and Customers
- - -----------------------

       The Company markets its Dirt Devil(R) products primarily through major
retailers, including mass market retailers (e.g., Walmart, Kmart, and Target),
catalog showrooms (e.g., Service Merchandise), warehouse clubs (e.g. Sam's
Club), regional chains and department stores. During 1996, Walmart (including
Sam's Club) and Kmart (including Builder's Square) accounted for approximately
33.0% and 11.3%, respectively, of the Company's net sales, compared to
approximately 28.6% and 15.5%, respectively, of the Company's net sales in 1995.
These were the only customers who accounted for more than 10% of the Company's
net sales during such periods. During 1996 and 1995, the Company's net sales in
the aggregate to its five largest customers were 59.3% and 56.8%, respectively,
of its total net sales. The loss of any of these customers could have a
significant impact on the Company's operations. The Company anticipates that the
significant percentage of the Company's net sales attributable to a limited
number of major retail customers will continue. The Company believes that its
relations with its customers are good. The Company sells most of its products to
retailers that are serviced directly by the Company's internal sales staff.

       Since Dirt Devil(R) products are targeted to sell to the mass market, the
Company believes that brand name recognition is critical to the success of these
products. The Company provides advertising and promotional support for its Dirt
Devil(R) products through television and cooperative advertising with retailers
and believes that these promotional activities, as well as those of its major
customers, affect brand name awareness and sales. The Company's cooperative
advertising program is established based upon planning with its mass market
retail customers. Some of the Company's advertising and promotional activities
are tied to holidays and also to specific promotional activities of retailers,
and historically have been higher during the Christmas shopping season. The
Company's advertising and promotional expenditures are not proportional to
anticipated sales. In addition, the Company has generated a small portion of its
sales from consumer direct orders using the Company's toll-free number and from
direct response infomercials, in which consumers may order directly from the
Company.

       The Company devotes considerable attention to the design and appearance
of its products and packaging in order to enhance their appeal to consumers and
to stand out among other brands on retailers' shelves. For example, Dirt
Devil(R) products sold by mass merchants are generally bright red in color. In
order to increase the presence of its Dirt Devil(R) products in major retail
outlets, the Company provides retailers with distinct product alternatives by
offering its Dirt Devil(R) product lines in a variety of styles and colors and
with various features.

                                        3


<PAGE>   4



ITEM 1. BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
- - ----------------

Marketing and Customers (continued)
- - -----------------------

       The Company also strives to meet the packaging and product merchandising
needs of retailers. The Company endeavors to have sufficient quantities of
products in stock in order to process and fill orders in a timely manner. Since
orders are typically shipped within 10 days of the receipt of a purchase order,
the Company does not have a significant order backlog. The Company permits
cancellation of orders up to 72 hours prior to shipment.

       The Company's line of metal vacuum cleaners is sold exclusively through a
network of over 2,500 independent vacuum cleaner dealers. As part of its effort
to support its independent dealer network, the Company has attempted to meet
independent dealers' needs for distinctive product offerings not available to
mass merchants.

       The Company's metal product lines are targeted at consumers and
commercial customers who are interested in purchasing more durable and higher
quality vacuum cleaners. The Company focuses its promotional activities with its
independent dealers on cooperative advertising.

       Many of the Company's independent dealers also provide warranty service
for Royal(R) and Dirt Devil(R) products. This allows the consumer to have prompt
access to local service outlets and is an important component of the Company's
efforts to be responsive to consumers. The Company's products are generally sold
with a one to six-year limited warranty.

       The Company has generally accepted over-the-counter product returns from
its customers for any reason, reflecting the retailers' return policies. Certain
major retailers have indicated that they intend to, or have recently implemented
more restrictive return policies for their customers. To the extent that such
policies are implemented and are effective, the Company may benefit.

       Each of the Company's products has a toll-free number printed on it that
consumers may use to contact the Company's customer service representatives.
Through its customer service computer system, the Company can provide a prompt
response to consumer inquiries concerning the availability of its products and
service in the consumer's vicinity.

       The Company has generated a small portion of its sales from consumer
direct orders using the Company's toll-free number and from direct response
infomercials, in which consumers may order directly from the Company.

Competition
- - -----------

       The Company's most significant competitors are Hoover and Eureka and, in
the hand-held market, Black & Decker. These competitors and several others are
subsidiaries or divisions of companies that are more diversified and have
greater financial resources than the Company. The Company believes that the
domestic vacuum cleaner industry is a mature industry with modest annual growth
in many of its products but with a decline in certain other products.
Competition is dependent upon price, quality, extension of product lines, and
advertising and promotion expenditures. Additionally, competition is influenced
by innovation in the design of replacement models and by marketing and
approaches to distribution. The Company has experienced heightened competition
in the upright market segment since 1992, and believes that its net sales and
market share in the domestic upright market segment remain under pressure as a
result of increased advertising expenditures and new product introductions by
its competitors.

                                        4


<PAGE>   5



ITEM 1. BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
- - ----------------

Trademarks and Patents
- - ----------------------

       The Company holds numerous trademarks and holds or licenses the use of
patents registered in the United States and foreign countries for various
products and processes. The Company has registered trademarks in the United
States and a number of foreign countries for the Dirt Devil(R), Royal(R) and
other names and logos, which are used in connection with the sale of its vacuum
cleaners and accessory parts. The Company considers the Dirt Devil(R) trademark
to be of considerable value and critical to its business. No challenges to its
rights to this trademark have arisen and the Company has no reason to believe
that any such challenges will arise in the future.

       The Company holds or licenses the use of numerous domestic and
international patents, including design patents. The Company may also license
its trademarks and patents. The Company believes that its product lines are
generally not dependent upon any single patent or group of patents.

Seasonality
- - -----------

       The Company's business is highly seasonal. The Company believes that a
significant percentage of certain of its products, particularly the Dirt
Devil(R) Hand Vac and the Dirt Devil(R) Broom Vac(R), are given as gifts and
therefore, sell in larger volumes during the Christmas shopping season. Because
of the Company's continued dependency on its major customers, the timing of
purchases by these major customers could cause quarterly fluctuations in the
Company's net sales. As a consequence, results in prior quarters are not
necessarily indicative of future results of operations.

Production
- - ----------

       The Company assembles most of its products in its facilities located in
the Cleveland, Ohio metropolitan area. Unlike many of its competitors, the
Company does not manufacture components for its products. Substantially all
component parts for the Company's products are manufactured by suppliers,
frequently using molds and tooling owned by the Company and built to its
specifications. Since the Company's production operations are limited to
assembly, it believes that its fixed costs are lower than many of its
competitors. The Company also believes that this lack of vertical integration
permits it increased flexibility in the introduction and modification of
products. The Company also outsources some or all assembly of certain products.

       The Company's engineering department is primarily responsible for the
design and testing of its products. The Company has computer-aided design
systems to assist its engineers in developing new products and modifying
existing products. The Company also retains outside design firms to assist its
engineers in designing new products. In addition to internally developing
products, the Company may purchase tooling, license intellectual property, or
otherwise sell products produced by others to the Company's specifications which
may be marketed under the Dirt Devil(R) brand name.

       A majority of the raw materials purchased by the Company are component
parts, such as motors, bags, cords, and plastic parts, which are available from
multiple suppliers. The amount of time required by suppliers to fill orders
released by the Company varies from three to four months in the case of motors
and cords and one to four days for plastic parts. The Company does not believe
that it is dependent on any single source for any significant portion of its raw
material or component purchases. The Company believes that it has good
relationships with its suppliers and outsource assemblers and has not
experienced any significant raw material or component shortages.

                                        5


<PAGE>   6



ITEM 1. BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
- - ----------------

Employees
- - ---------

       As of December 31, 1996, the Company employed approximately 615 full-time
employees, a decrease of 15 employees from the prior year-end resulting
primarily from attrition. In addition, the Company generally utilizes temporary
personnel during the period when the Company is responding to its peak selling
season. During 1996, the peak temporary personnel level reached approximately
530. The Company's employees are not represented by any labor union. The Company
considers its relations with its employees to be good.

Governmental Regulation
- - -----------------------

       The Company's facilities are subject to numerous federal, state and local
laws and regulations designed to protect the environment from waste, emissions,
and from hazardous substances. The Company is also subject to the Federal
Occupational Safety and Health Act and other laws and regulations affecting the
safety and health of employees in the production areas of its facilities. The
Company is not a party to any investigation or litigation by the Environmental
Protection Agency or any state environment agency. The Company believes that it
is in compliance, in all material respects, with applicable environmental and
occupational safety regulations.

Business Segment Information
- - ----------------------------

      For description, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.

                                        6


<PAGE>   7



ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
- - ------------------

       On December 31, 1996, the Company and its subsidiaries owned or leased
the properties listed on the following table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Approximate
                                           Square Footage                        
                                           --------------      Lease Expirations 
     Location and Address                 Owned      Leased   (excluding renewals)    Function
     --------------------                 -----      ------   --------------------    --------                       
<S>                                     <C>        <C>                                <C>
     650 Alpha Drive                        --       57,000          01/01            Corporate Headquarters
      Highland Heights, Ohio                                                          and Assembly

     1340 East 289th Street            106,000         --            11/11            Assembly
      Wickliffe, Ohio  (1)

     8120 Tyler Blvd.                  300,000         --             N/A             Shipping
      Mentor, Ohio

     6100 Heisley Road                 188,000         --             N/A             Assembly
       Mentor, Ohio

     855 E. Greg Street                     --       46,000          01/99            Shipping
      Sparks, Nevada
</TABLE>

(1)  This leased property is reflected as owned because it contains a bargain
     purchase option of $1. For further description, see Note 4 of Notes to
     Consolidated Financial Statements.

       In addition, the Company utilizes public warehouses where appropriate.
The Company believes that these arrangements are more cost effective than
leasing its own warehouses.

       The Company considers its present facilities suitable and adequate for
the anticipated needs of the Company.

       During the second quarter of 1996, the Company sold two facilities which
were previously closed in 1995. The aggregate net proceeds were $2.2 million in
cash and the assumption of a $3.7 million capital lease liability by one of the
buyers.

                                        7


<PAGE>   8



ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- - -------------------------

       The Company is involved in various claims and litigation arising in the
normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution
of these actions will not materially affect the consolidated financial position,
results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.

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

       None

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
- - ------------------------------------

       Set forth below is certain information with respect to all executive
officers of the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Position and Offices
       Name                               Age                             with the Company
     --------                           -------            -----------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>                <C>                                   
     Michael J. Merriman                  40               Chief Executive Officer and President
     Gary J. Dieterich                    51               Senior Vice President - Administration
     James A. Holcomb                     46               Vice President - Marketing & Strategic Planning
     Jeremiah J. Lynch                    36               Vice President - Operations
     T. Keith Moone                       41               Vice President - Sales

</TABLE>

       The following is a brief account of the business experience during the
past five years of each such executive officer:

       Michael J. Merriman was appointed Chief Executive Officer in July 1995,
President and Chief Operating Officer in January 1995, and Director in October
1993. From May 1992 until his appointment as President he served as Vice
President - Finance, Treasurer and Secretary of the Company. Prior thereto, he
was employed for 14 years as a certified public accountant with the
international accounting firm Arthur Andersen & Co. He was a partner in the firm
from 1990 to 1992.

       Gary J. Dieterich has been Senior Vice President - Administration since
December 1994. Prior to that time, he served as the Company's Vice President -
Information Systems from 1991 to 1994 and Director of Information Systems from
1988 to 1991.

       James A. Holcomb has been Vice President - Marketing and Strategic
Planning since August 1994. Prior to that time, he served 2 years as Vice
President of Marketing and Strategic Planning with the Regina Company and one
year as Global Manager for Thompson Consumer Electronics.

       Jeremiah J. Lynch has been Vice President - Operations since September
1996. Mr. Lynch joined the Company in April, 1996 as Manager-Quality. Prior to
joining the Company, he was employed for 5 years at Little Tikes, a division of
Rubbermaid, where he held several positions including Director of Quality.

       T. Keith Moone has been Vice President - Sales since December 1995. 
Prior to that he served as the Company's National Sales Manager from May 1994 -
December 1995.  Prior to joining the Company, he was employed for 7 years with
Western Publishing as Director - National Accounts

                                        8


<PAGE>   9



PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

       The Company's common shares are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) under the symbol RAM. The following table sets forth, for the periods
indicated, the high and low sales price for the Company's Common Shares as
reported by the New York Stock Exchange.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Year Ended December 31,

                                     1996                               1995
                                 -----------                        ------------
                             High           Low                 High            Low
                             ----           ---                 ----            ---
<S>                        <C>            <C>                  <C>          <C>
Quarters:
   First                      4 1/4         2 5/8                4             2 5/8
   Second                     7 1/4         4 1/8                3 3/4         2 5/8
   Third                      6 7/8         4 5/8                4 5/8         2 7/8
   Fourth                     9             6 1/8                3 3/4         2 1/2
</TABLE>

       The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends and currently
intends not to pay any cash dividends in 1997. The Board of Directors intends to
retain earnings, if any, to support the operations and growth of the business.
In addition, the Company's credit agreement permits the payment of cash
dividends up to 50% of its net income from the preceding year and stock
repurchases up to $7.5 million.

       On March 14, 1997, there were approximately 1,500 shareholders of record
of the Company's Common Shares, as reported by National City Corporation, the
Company's Registrar and Transfer Agent, which maintains its corporate offices at
National City Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44101-0756.

                                        9


<PAGE>   10



ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
- - --------------------------------------------

       The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data of
the Company. The selected Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated
Balance Sheet data for each of the five years during the period ended December
31, 1996, are derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Company. Prior period amounts have been restated to reflect reclassifications to
conform to a 1995 change in the valuation method of accounting for inventory
from the LIFO method to the FIFO method. The data presented below should be read
in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto
included elsewhere herein.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Year Ended December 31,
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1996          1995            1994           1993           1992
                                                     ------        ------          ------         ------         ------
Consolidated Statements of Operations:                     (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
<S>                                                <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>        
Net sales                                          $286,123       $270,564        $278,322       $313,899       $ 394,980  
Cost of sales                                       204,000        201,555         200,568        229,581         250,832
                                                   --------       --------        --------       --------       ---------  
   Gross margin                                      82,123         69,009          77,754         84,318         144,148
Advertising and promotion                            40,443         40,496          42,298         61,280          79,397
Other selling                                         8,977         11,898          12,914         12,530          14,875
General and administrative                           11,515         12,971          12,309         12,893          13,301
Engineering and product development                   3,905          3,281           2,176          2,589           2,544
Special charges                                          --         16,294              --             --              --
                                                   --------       --------        --------       --------       ---------  
   Income (loss) from operations                     17,283        (15,931)          8,057         (4,974)         34,031
Interest expense                                      2,559          4,001           4,483          5,475           3,155
Other (income) expense, net                            (622)           311             460          1,674             (23)
                                                   --------       --------        --------       --------       ---------  
   Income (loss) before taxes                        15,346        (20,243)          3,114        (12,123)         30,899
Income tax expense (benefit)                          5,910         (6,487)          1,152         (4,346)         12,046
                                                   --------       --------        --------       --------       ---------  
   Net income (loss)                               $  9,436       $(13,756)       $  1,962      $  (7,777)      $  18,853
                                                   ========       ========        ========      =========       =========
Net income (loss) per common share                 $    .39       $    (57)      $     .08      $    (.32)      $     .76
                                                   ========       ========       =========      ==========      =========
Weighted average number of common
   shares and equivalents outstanding
   (in thousands)                                    24,213         23,999          24,011         24,000          24,946
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (at end of period)
   Working capital                                 $ 29,638       $ 46,045       $  51,151       $ 56,692       $  79,727
   Total assets                                     126,141        131,261         141,208        153,351         187,097 
   Long-term debt                                    15,743         45,999          46,927         59,609          68,106
   Shareholders' equity                              56,234         46,575          60,155         58,004          65,692
</TABLE>


                                       10


<PAGE>   11



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION 
- - --------------------
                    (In thousands, except per share amounts)

       The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, the percentages
of net sales of certain items in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and
the percentage change in such items as compared to the indicated prior year.
Prior period percentages have been restated to reflect reclassifications to
conform to a 1995 change in the valuation method of accounting for inventory
from the LIFO method to the FIFO method.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Year to Year
                                                 Year Ended December 31,          Increases (Decreases)
                                                 ----------------------           ---------------------    
                                              1996         1995         1994   1996 vs. 1995   1995 vs. 1994
                                             ------       ------       ------  -------------   -------------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>   
Net sales                                    100.0%       100.0%        100.0%       5.8%          (2.8)%
Cost of sales                                 71.3         74.5          72.1        1.2             .5
                                             -----        -----         -----       ----          -----  
   Gross margin                               28.7         25.5          27.9       19.0          (11.2)
Advertising and promotion                     14.1         15.0          15.2        (.1)          (4.3)
Other selling                                  3.1          4.4           4.6      (24.6)          (7.9)
General and administrative                     4.0          4.8           4.4      (11.2)           5.4
Engineering and product development            1.4          1.2            .8       19.0           50.8
Special charges                                 --          6.0            --         --             --
                                             -----        -----         -----       ----          -----  
   Income (loss) from operations               6.1         (5.9)          2.9        N/A            N/A
Interest expense                                .9          1.5           1.6      (36.0)         (10.8)
Other (income) expense, net                    (.2)          .1            .2        N/A          (32.4)
                                             -----        -----         -----       ----          -----  
   Income (loss) before income taxes           5.4%        (7.5)%         1.1%       N/A%           N/A%
                                             =====        =====         =====       ====          =====  
</TABLE>

1996 VS. 1995

       Net sales for 1996 were $286,123, an increase of 5.8% from 1995. The
overall increase in net sales was due primarily to sales of the new Dirt
Devil(R) Broom Vac(R), the Dirt Devil(R) Ultra MVP(TM) and Dirt Devil(R) Ultra
Hand Vac. The increase in net sales was partially offset by decreases in unit
sales of the Company's other product lines. Overall sales to the top 5 customers
for 1996 (all of which are major retailers) accounted for approximately 59.3% of
net sales as compared with approximately 56.8% in 1995. The Company believes
that its dependence on sales to its largest customers will continue. Recently,
many major retailers have experienced significant financial difficulties and
some have filed for protection from creditors under applicable bankruptcy laws.
The Company sells its products to certain customers that are in bankruptcy
proceedings.

       Gross margin, as a percent of net sales, increased from 25.5% for 1995 to
28.7% in 1996. The gross margin percentage was positively affected in 1996
primarily by the introduction of new products, lower product returns, lower cost
of certain parts and the elimination of the Company's European operations.

       Advertising and promotion expenses for 1996 were $40,443, comparable with
1995. Increases in domestic advertising and promotion expenditures, including
media and co-op spending, were offset by savings from the divesture of European
operations. In general, the Company's advertising expenditures are not
specifically proportional to anticipated sales. For example, the amount of
advertising and promotional expenditures may be concentrated during critical
retail shopping periods during the year, particularly the fourth quarter, and
during product and promotional campaign introductions. The Company has recently
utilized direct response infomercials for the introduction of its new products.
The Company began a major new advertising campaign in the first quarter of 1997.

       Other selling expenses for 1996 were $8,977, a decrease of 24.6% from
1995. The largest component of other selling expenses are internal sales and
marketing personnel compensation and commissions to manufacturers'
representatives. The Company has reduced its dependency on outside
manufacturers' representatives, resulting in the decrease in other selling
expenses. The decrease in manufacturers' representatives commissions was
partially offset by increases in internal sales and marketing personnel.

       General and administrative expenses for 1996 were $11,515, a decrease of
11.2% from 1995. General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage
of net sales from 4.8% to 4.0%. The principal components are compensation
(including benefits), insurance, travel, provision for doubtful accounts, and
professional services. The decrease is principally attributable to the
elimination of the Company's European operations and a decrease in the provision
for doubtful accounts in 1996 as compared to 1995. In 1995, the Company
increased the provision for doubtful accounts due to concerns with respect to
the economic health of certain retail customers.

                                       11


<PAGE>   12



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION (CONTINUED)
- - -------------------------------

1996 VS. 1995 (CONTINUED)

       Engineering and product development expenses for 1996 were $3,905, an
increase of 19.0% from 1995, as the Company intensified its new product
innovation efforts. The principal components are engineering salaries, outside
professional engineering and design services and other related product
development expenditures. The amount of outside professional engineering and
design services and other related product development expenditures are dependent
upon the number and complexity of new product introductions in any given year.
The increase in 1996 was primarily due to costs associated with the three new
product introductions in 1996 and three new products scheduled for introduction
in 1997.

       Interest expense for 1996 was $2,559, a decrease of 36.0% from 1995. The
decrease in interest expense resulted primarily, from lower levels of variable
rate borrowings to finance working capital and capital expenditures, and a lower
effective borrowing rate.

       Other expense (income) principally reflects the effect of foreign
currency transaction gains or losses related primarily to the Company's
international assets and the cost of the Company's trade accounts receivable
securitization program. The amount also includes the gain from the sale of a
facility of $638, and the proceeds from insurance reimbursement of legal
expenses of $319 in 1996.

       Due to the factors discussed above, the Company had income before income
taxes for 1996 of $15,346, as compared to a loss before income taxes for 1995 of
$20,243, which included special charges of $16,294. The components of the
Company's effective income tax expense rate of 38.5% are described in Note 6 of
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

1995 VS. 1994

       Net sales for 1995 were $270,564, a decrease of 2.8% from 1994. The
overall decrease in net sales was due primarily to lower European net sales from
the Company's European subsidiaries which the Company sold in the fourth quarter
of 1995. Domestic net sales experienced continued decreases in unit sales of the
Dirt Devil(R) Hand Vac, the original Dirt Devil(R) Broom Vac(R) and the Dirt
Devil(R) Stick Vac, partially offset by sales of the new Dust Devil(R) Cordless
Hand Vac and increased unit sales of upright vacuum cleaners, in particular the
new Dirt Devil(R) Impulse(TM). Overall sales to the top 5 customers for 1995
(all of which are major retailers) accounted for approximately 56.8% of net
sales as compared with approximately 52.5% in 1994.

       Gross margin, as a percent of net sales, decreased from 27.9% for 1994 to
25.5% in 1995. The gross margin percentage was negatively affected in 1995
primarily by cost increases for plastic component parts and other materials and
continued competitive pricing and promotional pressures.

       Advertising and promotion expenses for 1995 were $40,496, a decrease of
4.3% from 1994. The decrease in advertising and promotional expenditures
resulted from significant reductions in European advertising and promotional
expenditures and the elimination of racecar sponsorships, partially offset by an
increase in domestic television expenditures.

       Other selling expenses for 1995 were $11,898, a decrease of 7.9% from
1994. The largest component of other selling expenses are commissions to
manufacturers' representatives, however, no such commissions are incurred on
sales made directly to certain large retail customers. Although manufacturers'
representatives commissions declined in 1995 compared with 1994, the decline was
partially offset by increases in internal sales and marketing personnel.

       General and administrative expenses for 1995 were $12,971, an increase of
5.4% from 1994. General and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of
net sales from 4.4% to 4.8%. The principal components are compensation
(including benefits), insurance, travel, provision for doubtful accounts, and
professional services. The increase is principally attributable to an increase
in the provision for doubtful accounts.

                                       12


<PAGE>   13



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION (CONTINUED)
- - -------------------------------

1995 VS. 1994 (CONTINUED)

       Engineering and product development expenses for 1995 were $3,281, an
increase of 50.8% from 1994, as the Company intensified its new product
innovation efforts. The increase in engineering and product development expenses
in 1995 were primarily due to increases in internal engineering personnel and
increase in outside professional engineering and design services and other
related product development expenditures due to two new product introductions in
1995 and three new products scheduled for introduction in 1996.

       In 1995, the Company recorded special charges of $16,294, primarily
related to losses resulting from the disposal of certain inventory, molds and
tooling and other intangibles primarily resulting from the decisions made to
refocus the Company's primary operating and marketing efforts on the North
American market. The special charges include a $11,567, write-down to the net
realizable value of certain molds, tooling, inventory, and other assets being
disposed of or held for sale, a $2,598, restructuring charge related to the
Company's sale of its European operations, and $2,129, of special charges
related to losses from the discontinuation of the Dirt Devil(R) Cyclone(TM)
product line and executive severance. The Company's European operations, which
have been less than 10% of the Company's total net sales, have generated
approximately $30,000 in pre-tax losses before special charges since 1991. The
Company sold substantially all of its European assets during the fourth quarter
of 1995. In connection with the sale of its European operations, the Company has
licensed certain foreign trademarks and patents.

       Interest expense for 1995 was $4,001, a decrease of 10.8% from 1994. The
decrease in interest expense resulted primarily, from lower levels of variable
rate borrowings to finance working capital and capital expenditures, but was
partially offset by a higher effective borrowing rate.

       Other expense (income) principally reflects the effect of foreign
currency transaction gains or losses related primarily to the Company's European
operations.

       Due to the factors discussed above, the Company incurred a loss before
income taxes for 1995 of $20,243, as compared to income before income taxes for
1994 of $3,114.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

       The Company has used working capital generated from operations and the
proceeds from the sale of two facilities and certain trade receivables to fund
its operations, capital expenditures and its reduction in long-term debt.
Working capital was $29,638 at December 31, 1996, a decrease of 35.6% over
December 31, 1995 level. Current liabilities increased by $15,477 reflecting in
part an increase in trade accounts payable, accrued advertising and promotions,
accrued salaries, benefits and payroll taxes and accrued income taxes. Current
assets in 1996 were comparable to 1995. A trade accounts receivable reduction of
$3,797 (net of a $14,300 sale of trade receivables, as described below) and a
reduction in refundable and deferred income taxes of $5,070 were partially
offset by an increase in inventory of $5,644 and an increase in prepaid expenses
and other of $1,292.

       In 1996, the Company utilized $9,592 of cash for capital expenditures,
including approximately $6,877 for tooling related to the Dirt Devil(R) Ultra
MVP(TM), the Dirt Devil(R) Ultra Hand Vac, the Dirt Devil(R) Swivel Glide(TM)
and the Dirt Devil(R) Mop Vac(TM).

       The Company's revolving credit facility has a maturity date of April 1,
1999, and is classified as long-term at December 31, 1996. The facility provides
for revolving credit up to $50,000, subject to a borrowing base formula as
defined in the agreement. The maximum amount allowable to the Company under the
borrowing base formula was approximately $42,000 as of December 31, 1996,
resulting in availability of approximately $39,000. The agreement requires
monthly payments of interest only through maturity. The facility provides for
pricing options at the bank's base lending rate and LIBOR plus a rate spread as
defined in the Agreement. At December 31, 1996, the bank's base lending rate was
8.25%. The Company's effective interest rate was 8.86% and 9.60% for the years
1996 and 1995. In addition, the Company pays a commitment fee at the annual rate
of .375% on the unused portion of the facility.

                                       13


<PAGE>   14



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION (CONTINUED)
- - -------------------------------

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (CONTINUED)

       The revolving credit facility contains covenants which require, among
other things, the achievement of minimum net worth levels and the maintenance of
certain financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with all applicable
covenants as of December 31, 1996. The revolving credit facility is
collateralized by the Company's inventories, trade accounts receivable,
equipment and general intangibles.

       In October 1996, the Company entered into a revolving trade accounts
receivable securitization program to sell, through a wholly-owned subsidiary,
certain trade accounts receivables. The maximum amount of receivables that can
be sold is seasonally adjusted. The maximum amount allowed at any given time
through February 28, 1997, is $16,000, $9,000, thereafter. At December 31, 1996,
the Company received approximately $14,300 from the sale of trade accounts
receivables. The proceeds from the sales were used to reduce borrowings under
the Company's revolving credit facility. Costs of the program, which primarily
consist of the purchaser's financing cost of issuing commercial paper backed by
the receivables, totaled $161 in 1996, and have been classified as Other expense
in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company, as agent
for the purchaser of the receivables, retains collection and administrative
responsibilities for the purchased receivables.

       During the second quarter of 1996, the Company sold two facilities which
were closed in 1995. The aggregate net proceeds included $2,237 in cash and the
assumption of $3,690 of capital lease liability by one of the buyers.

       In February 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a common
share repurchase program that provides for the Company to purchase, in the open
market and through negotiated transactions, up to 1,200 of its outstanding
common shares. Through March 26, 1997, the Company has repruchased 115 shares
for an aggregate purchase price of $754. The program is scheduled to expire on
March 1, 1998.

       The Company believes that its revolving credit facilities along with cash
generated by operations will be sufficient to provide for the Company's
anticipated working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the next
twelve months, and stock repurchases, if any.

QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)

       The following table presents certain unaudited consolidated quarterly
operating information for the Company and includes all adjustments (consisting
only of normal recurring adjustments and reclassification to conform with a 1995
change in the valuation method of accounting for inventory from the LIFO method
to the FIFO method) that the Company considers necessary for a fair presentation
of such information for the interim periods.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Three Months Ended (a)
                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,  June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,  June 30,   March 31,
                              1996       1996       1996       1996        1995       1995       1995       1995
                            --------   ---------  --------   ---------   --------   ---------  --------   ---------
<S>                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>    
Net sales                     $97,204    $73,688    $62,969    $52,262     $96,303    $66,990    $58,255    $49,016
Gross margin                   30,633     21,223     16,504     13,763      27,502     16,253     14,018     11,236
Net income (loss)               4,625      3,151      1,328        332       2,789    (12,279)    (1,888)    (2,378)
Net income (loss) per
   common share (b)               .19        .13        .05        .01         .12       (.51)      (.08)      (.10)
(a) See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b) The sum of 1996 quarterly net income per common share does not equal annual net income per common share due to 
    the effect of rounding.
</TABLE>

       The Company's business is highly seasonal. The Company believes that a
significant percentage of certain of its products, particularly the Dirt
Devil(R) Hand Vac and Dirt Devil(R) Broom Vac(R), are given as gifts and
therefore sell in larger volumes during the Christmas shopping season. Because
of the Company's continued dependency on its major customers, the timing of
purchases by these major customers could cause quarterly fluctuations in the
Company's net sales. As a consequence, results in prior quarters are not
necessarily indicative of future results of operations.

                                       14


<PAGE>   15



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION (CONTINUED)
- - -------------------------------

OTHER

       The Company believes that the domestic vacuum cleaner industry is a
mature industry with modest annual growth in many of its products but with a
decline in certain other products. Competition is dependent upon price, quality,
extension of product lines, and advertising and promotion expenditures.
Additionally, competition is influenced by innovation in the design of
replacement models and by marketing and approaches to distribution. The Company
has experienced heightened competition in the upright market segment since 1992,
and believes that its net sales and market share in the domestic upright market
segment remain under pressure as a result of increased advertising expenditures
and new product introductions by its competitors. The Company's most significant
competitors are Hoover and Eureka, and Black & Decker in the hand-held market.
These competitors and several others are subsidiaries or divisions of companies
that are more diversified and have greater financial resources than the Company.

INFLATION

       The Company does not believe that inflation by itself has had a material
effect on the Company's results of operations. However, as the Company
experiences price increases from its suppliers, which may include increases due
to inflation, retail pressures may prevent the Company from increasing its
prices.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

       The Company will be required to implement Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards "SFAS" No. 125, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of
Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, in the first quarter of
1997. The Company expects the implementation of SFAS No. 125 will not have a
material impact on its consolidated financial position and results of
operations.

       The Company will also be required to implement SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per
Share, in the fourth quarter of 1997. The Company expects the implementation of
SFAS No. 128 will not have a material impact on its calculation of earnings per
share.

       The Company adopted the disclosure-only option of SFAS No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as of December 31, 1996. The impact of
implementing SFAS No. 123 is discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial
statements.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

       Forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K are made pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements which speak only as of the date hereof. Potential risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general business and economic
conditions; the financial strength of the retail industry particularly the major
mass retail channel; the competitive pricing environment within the vacuum
cleaner segment of the floor care industry; the cost and effectiveness of
planned advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns, the success at retail
of the Company's new products, and the dependence upon the Company's ability to
continue to successfully develop and introduce innovative products.

                                       15


<PAGE>   16



ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
- - ---------------------------------------------------

                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
         Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.

       We have audited the consolidated financial statements and the financial
statement schedule of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. and Subsidiaries listed in the
index on page 31 of this Form 10-K. These financial statements and the
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and the financial statement 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 Royal
Appliance Mfg. Co. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion, the financial
statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information required to be included therein.

                                           Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Cleveland, Ohio
February 11, 1997

                                       16


<PAGE>   17



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                             December 31, December 31,
                                                                                 1996         1995
                                                                             -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                             <C>           <C>    
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash                                                                          $  1,001      $    --
  Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
     of $1,350 and $2,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively             39,761       43,558
  Inventories                                                                     34,052       28,408
  Deferred income taxes                                                            6,552        7,230
  Refundable income taxes, net                                                        --        4,392
  Prepaid expenses and other                                                       2,436        1,144
                                                                                --------     --------
          Total current assets                                                    83,802       84,732
                                                                                --------     --------

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
  Land                                                                             2,356        3,405
  Buildings                                                                       13,117       14,463
  Molds, tooling, and equipment                                                   44,716       37,596
  Furniture and office equipment                                                   5,221        5,352
  Assets under capital leases                                                      4,810        9,058
  Leasehold improvements and other                                                 2,717        2,565
                                                                                --------     --------
                                                                                  72,937       72,439
          Less accumulated depreciation and amortization                          35,654       30,760
                                                                                --------     --------
                                                                                  37,283       41,679
                                                                                --------     --------

Tooling deposits                                                                   3,962        4,047
Other                                                                              1,094          803
                                                                                --------     --------

          Total assets                                                          $126,141     $131,261
                                                                                ========     ========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
  Trade accounts payable                                                        $ 20,679      $16,073
  Accrued liabilities:
      Advertising and promotion                                                   11,682        7,253
      Salaries, benefits, payroll taxes                                            5,980        3,056
      Warranty and customer returns                                                7,975        7,600
      Income taxes                                                                 3,503          --
      Interest and other                                                           3,680        3,963
Current portions of capital lease obligations and notes payable                      665          742
                                                                                --------     --------
          Total current liabilities                                               54,164       38,687
                                                                                --------     --------

Revolving credit agreement                                                         2,886       28,839
Capitalized lease obligations, less current portion                                3,307        7,174
Notes payable, less current portion                                                9,550        9,986
                                                                                --------     --------
       Total long-term debt                                                       15,743       45,999
                                                                                --------     --------
            Total liabilities                                                     69,907       84,686
                                                                                --------     --------

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4 and 5)                                         --           --

Shareholders' equity:
  Serial preferred shares; authorized - 1,000,000 shares;
     none issued and outstanding                                                      --           --
  Common shares, at stated value; authorized - 101,000,000 shares;
     issued and outstanding - 25,231,100 and 25,200,000 at December 31, 1996
     and 1995, respectively                                                          210          210
  Additional paid-in capital                                                      41,500       41,583
  Retained earnings                                                               27,611       18,175
  Cumulative translation adjustment                                                 (107)        (413)
                                                                                --------     --------
                                                                                  69,214       59,555
  Less treasury shares, at cost (1,201,000 shares at
     December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively)                                   (12,980)     (12,980)
                                                                                --------     --------
          Total shareholders' equity                                              56,234       46,575
                                                                                --------     --------

          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                            $126,141     $131,261
                                                                                ========     ========

</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       17


<PAGE>   18
                                      
                  ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                      
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                      
               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                      
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996                1995                1994
                                                               ---------           ---------           ----------
                                                                                                        (Note 1)

<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>                  <C>      
Net sales                                                      $ 286,123           $ 270,564            $ 278,322

Cost of sales                                                    204,000             201,555              200,568
                                                               ---------           ---------            ---------

   Gross margin                                                   82,123              69,009               77,754

Advertising and promotion                                         40,443              40,496               42,298
Other selling                                                      8,977              11,898               12,914
General and administrative                                        11,515              12,971               12,309
Engineering and product development                                3,905               3,281                2,176
Special charges                                                       --              16,294                   --
                                                               ---------           ---------            ---------

   Income (loss) from operations                                  17,283             (15,931)               8,057


Interest expense, net                                              2,559               4,001                4,483
Other (income) expense, net                                         (622)                311                  460
                                                               ---------           ---------            ---------

   Income (loss) before income taxes                              15,346             (20,243)               3,114

Income tax expense (benefit)                                       5,910              (6,487)               1,152
                                                               ---------           ---------            ---------

   Net income (loss)                                           $   9,436            $(13,756)            $  1,962
                                                               =========            ========             ========
Net income (loss) per common share                             $     .39            $   (.57)                 .08
Weighted average number of common shares
   and equivalents outstanding (in thousands)                     24,213              23,999               24,011
</TABLE>

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

                                       18


<PAGE>   19



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

                          FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Common Shares       Additional            Cumulative         Treasury Shares       Total
                                     -------------        Paid-In    Retained  Translation                          Shareholders'
                                  Number      Amount      Capital    Earnings   Adjustment      Number     Amount      Equity
                                  ------      ------     ----------  --------   ----------      ------    ---------    ------
<S>                            <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>        
Balance at December 31, 1993     25,200,000  $     210   $  41,467   $  29,969   $    (662)   1,201,000   $ (12,980)  $  58,004
   Translation adjustment                                                              131                                  131
   Compensatory effect of 
     stock options                                              58                                                           58
   Net income                                                            1,962                                            1,962
                                 ----------  ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------

Balance at December 31, 1994     25,200,000        210      41,525      31,931        (531)   1,201,000     (12,980)     60,155
   Translation adjustment                                                              118                                  118
   Compensatory effect of 
     stock options                                              58                                                           58
   Net loss                                                            (13,756)                                         (13,756)
                                 ----------  ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------

Balance at December 31, 1995     25,200,000        210      41,583      18,175        (413)   1,201,000     (12,980)     46,575
   Translation adjustment                                                              306                                  306
   Compensatory effect of 
     stock options                                            (199)                                                        (199)
   Shares issued from 
     stock option plan               31,100                    116                                                          116
   Net income                                                            9,436                                            9,436
                                 ----------  ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------

Balance at December 31, 1996     25,231,100  $     210   $  41,500   $  27,611   $    (107)   1,201,000   $ (12,980)  $  56,234
                                 ==========  =========   =========   =========   =========    =========   =========   =========
</TABLE>


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

                                       19


<PAGE>   20



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                          FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1996                1995               1994
                                                                                 ------              ------             -----
                                                                                                                       (Note 1)
<S>                                                                             <C>                 <C>                <C>     
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss)                                                             $  9,436            $(13,756)          $  1,962
                                                                                --------            --------           --------
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
  from operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                                  8,719              11,586             12,089
    Compensatory effect of stock options                                            (199)                 58                 58
    (Gain) loss on disposal of tooling, property & equipment                        (467)              9,170                 --
(Increase) decrease in assets:
    Trade accounts receivable, net                                                 3,797               1,787             (8,120)
    Inventories                                                                   (5,644)                268             11,233
    Refundable, deferred and accrued income taxes                                  8,573              (7,248)             5,408
    Prepaid expenses and other                                                    (1,288)              1,030               (181)
    Other                                                                           (305)                (67)              (677)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
    Trade accounts payable                                                         4,587               5,988             (2,119)
    Accrued advertising and promotion                                              4,429              (1,731)            (1,266)
    Accrued salaries, benefits, and payroll taxes                                  2,924                  46               (160)
    Accrued warranty and customer returns                                            375                 100                 --
    Accrued interest and other                                                       (47)              1,783                109
                                                                                --------            --------           --------
       Total adjustments                                                          25,454              22,770             16,374
                                                                                --------            --------           --------
    Net cash from operations                                                      34,890               9,014             18,336
                                                                                --------            --------           --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Purchases of tooling, property, plant, and equipment, net                     (9,677)              (8,872)            (5,868)
   Proceeds from sale of plants and equipment                                     2,237                   --                 --
   Decrease (increase) in tooling deposits                                           85               (2,634)              (417)
   Cash proceeds from sale of European operations                                    --                3,548                 --
                                                                                --------            --------           --------
       Net cash from investing activities                                        (7,355)              (7,958)            (6,285)
                                                                                --------            --------           --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
   Payments on bank debt, net                                                   (25,953)             (11,179)           (11,823)
   Proceeds from notes payable                                                       --               10,450                 --
   Payments on notes payable                                                       (398)                 (45)                --
   Proceeds from exercise of stock options                                          116                  --                  --
   Payments on capital lease obligations                                           (293)                (325)              (302)
                                                                                --------            --------           --------
       Net cash from financing activities                                       (26,528)              (1,099)           (12,125)
                                                                                --------            --------           --------

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                              (6)                  43                 74
                                                                                --------            --------           --------

Net decrease in cash                                                              1,001                   --                 --

Cash at beginning of year                                                            --                   --                 --
                                                                                --------            --------           --------

Cash at end of year                                                            $  1,001             $     --           $     --
                                                                               ========             ========           ========  

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: 
Cash payments for:
   Interest, net of capitalized interest                                       $  3,018             $  4,378           $  4,687
                                                                               ========             ========           ========  
   Income taxes, net of refunds                                                $ (2,663)            $    761           $ (4,251)
                                                                               ========             ========           ========  

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
   Exchange of certain tooling for the forgiveness of
     related note payable                                                      $     --             $    586           $    --
                                                                               ========             ========           ========  
   Assignment of capital lease obligation to buyer                             $  3,690             $     --           $    --
                                                                               ========             ========           ========  
</TABLE>

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

                                       20


<PAGE>   21



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

       DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS - Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. ("Royal" or the
"Company"), an Ohio corporation with its corporate offices in the Cleveland,
Ohio metropolitan area, develops, assembles and markets a full line of cleaning
products for home and commercial use under the Dirt Devil(R) and Royal(R) brand
names. In 1984, the Company introduced the first in a line of Dirt Devil(R)
hand-held vacuum cleaners, which the Company believes has become the largest
selling line of hand-held vacuum cleaners in the United States. The Company has
used the Dirt Devil(R) brand name recognition to gain acceptance for other Dirt
Devil(R) products.

       The following is a summary of significant policies followed in the
preparation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

       BASIS OF PRESENTATION - The Consolidated Financial Statements include the
accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of
all intercompany accounts and transactions. The companies are hereinafter
referred to as "Royal" or the "Company".

       The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.

       Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 1996
presentation.

       Net income (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted
average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding and is
adjusted for the assumed conversion of shares issuable upon exercise of options,
after the assumed repurchase of common shares with the related proceeds.

       The Company's revenue recognition policy is to recognize revenues when
products are shipped.

       Foreign operations are conducted in their local currency. Assets and
liabilities of Royal's international operations are translated at current
exchange rates, and income and expenses are translated using weighted average
exchange rates. The effects of these translation adjustments are reported as a
separate component of shareholders' equity. The net effect of currency gains and
losses realized on business transactions is included in the determination of net
income (loss).

       ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL EXPENDITURES - Cost incurred for producing
and communicating advertising are expensed during the period incurred, including
cost incurred under the Company's cooperative advertising program.

       INVENTORIES - Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. In
September 1995, the Company changed its method of accounting for domestic
inventories from the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method to the first-in, first-out
(FIFO) method. As required by generally accepted accounting principles, the
Company has retroactively adjusted prior years' financial statements for this
change. Management believes the FIFO method will provide a better matching of
current costs and current revenues due to past and future decreases in costs and
changes in the mix of products as the Company's ability to introduce new
products into the marketplace increases.

                                       21


<PAGE>   22



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)

       The effect of the change in accounting method was insignificant for the
year 1995, and increased income and earnings per common share for the year 1994
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Effect of Change in Accounting Method
                                                            -------------------------------------

                                                                             1994
                                                                           --------

<S>                                                                        <C> 
           Increase in net income                                            $407
           Increase in net income
              per common share                                               $.02
</TABLE>
Inventories at December 31 consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          December 31,         December 31,
                                              1996                 1995
                                          ------------         ------------
<S>                                       <C>                  <C>     
          Finished goods                    $ 23,177             $ 15,400
          Work in process and
          component parts                     10,875               13,008
                                            --------             --------
                                            $ 34,052             $ 28,408
                                            ========             ========
</TABLE>

       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - the Company capitalizes as additions to
property, plant and equipment expenditures at cost for molds, tooling, land,
buildings, equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements. Expenditures for
maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expense as incurred. The asset
and related accumulated depreciation or amortization accounts are adjusted to
reflect retirements and disposals and the resulting gain or loss is included in
the determination of net income (loss).

       Plant and equipment are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of
the respective classes of assets. Leasehold improvements and assets held under
capital leases are amortized over their respective lease terms. Accumulated
amortization on assets under capital leases totaled $1,902 and $2,302 at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

       Depreciation for financial reporting purposes is computed on the
       straight-line method using the following depreciable lives:

       Buildings..............................................40 years
       Buildings under capital lease .........................20 years
       Molds, tooling, and equipment .........................3-10 years
       Furniture and office equipment ........................3-10 years
       Vehicles ..............................................3 years

       Accelerated methods as permitted by the applicable tax law are used for
tax reporting purpose.

       FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Financial instruments consist of a
revolving credit agreement and notes payable and are carried at amounts which
approximate fair value.

       NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - The Company will be required to implement
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards "SFAS" No. 125, Accounting for
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,
in the first quarter of 1997. The Company expects the implementation of SFAS No.
125 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position and
results of operations.

       The Company will also be required to implement SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per
Share, in the fourth quarter of 1997. The Company expects the implementation of
SFAS No. 128 will not have a material impact on its calculation of earnings per
share.

                                       22


<PAGE>   23



                   ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)

       The Company adopted the disclosure-only option of SFAS No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as of December 31, 1996. The impact of
implementing SFAS No. 123 is discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial
statements.

2. SPECIAL CHARGES:

       In 1995, pursuant to a board approved plan, the Company recorded special
charges of $16,294, primarily related to losses from the disposal of certain
inventory, molds and tooling and other intangibles primarily resulting from a
decision to refocus the Company's primary operating and marketing efforts on the
North American market. The special charges include a $11,567 write-down to the
net realizable value of certain molds, tooling, inventory and other assets
disposed of or held for sale, $2,598 restructuring charge related to the
Company's sale of its European operations, and $2,129 of special charges related
to losses from the disposal of certain inventory and intangibles resulting from
discontinuing the Dirt Devil(R) Cyclone(TM) product line and executive
severance. The Company completed the sale of its European operations in 1995 and
liquidated its European real estate in 1996.

       Of the initial special charges, $369 remained as a reserve as of December
31, 1996. The balance of the reserve is primarily comprised of warranty
obligations and other related charges. A summary of the special charges reserve
account is presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996                1995
                                                         -----------         --------
<S>                                                      <C>                <C>    
Reserve balance at beginning of year                       $ 1,548            $    --

    Expenses charged to operations                              --             16,294
    Realized loss on disposal of property,
      equipment and inventories                               (666)           (12,372)

    Severance and other cash outflows                         (513)            (2,374)
                                                           -------            ------- 

Reserve balance at end of year                             $   369            $ 1,548
                                                           =======            =======
</TABLE>

3. DEBT:

       The Company's revolving credit facility has a maturity date of April 1,
1999, and is classified as long-term at December 31, 1996. The facility provides
for revolving credit up to $50,000, subject to a borrowing base formula as
defined in the agreement. The maximum amount allowable to the Company under the
borrowing base formula was approximately $42,000 as of December 31, 1996,
resulting in availability of approximately $39,000. The agreement requires
monthly payments of interest only through maturity. The facility provides for
pricing options at the bank's base lending rate and LIBOR plus a rate spread as
defined in the Agreement. At December 31, 1996, the bank's base lending rate was
8.25%. The Company's effective interest rate was 8.86% and 9.60% for the years
1996 and 1995. In addition, the Company pays a commitment fee at the annual rate
of .375% on the unused portion of the facility. The carrying amount of the
facility approximates fair value.

       The revolving credit facility contains covenants which require, among
other things, the achievement of minimum net worth levels and the maintenance of
certain financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with all applicable
covenants as of December 31, 1996. The revolving credit facility is
collateralized by the Company's inventories, trade accounts receivable,
equipment and general intangibles.

                                       23


<PAGE>   24



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

3. DEBT: (CONTINUED)

       In October 1996, the Company entered into a revolving trade accounts
receivable securitization program to sell, through a wholly-owned subsidiary,
certain trade accounts receivables. The maximum amount of receivables that can
be sold is seasonally adjusted. The maximum amount allowed at any given time
through February 28, 1997, is $16,000, $9,000, thereafter. At December 31, 1996,
the Company received approximately $14,300 from the sale of trade accounts
receivables. The proceeds from the sales were used to reduce borrowings under
the Company's revolving credit facility. Costs of the program, which primarily
consist of the purchaser's financing cost of issuing commercial paper backed by
the receivables, totaled $161 in 1996, and have been classified as Other expense
in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company, as agent
for the purchaser of the receivables, retains collection and adminstrative
responsibilites for the purchased receivables.

       The Company has a variable rate mortgage note payable in the amount of
$4,204. The note is collateralized by one of the Company's assembly facilities.
Monthly payments of principal and interest are payable through July 1, 2000, at
which time the balance of approximately $3,485 is due. Interest is at a 2.35%
spread above the 30 day commercial paper rate. At December 31, 1996, the 30 day
commercial paper rate was 5.38%. The carrying amount of the mortgage note
payable approximates fair value.

       The Company has a 7.9% fixed rate mortgage note payable in the amount of
$5,764. The note is collateralized by the Company's distribution facility.
Monthly payments of principal and interest are payable through November 1, 2000,
at which time the balance of approximately $4,775 is due. The carrying amount of
the mortgage note payable approximates fair value.

       During the second quarter of 1996, the Company sold two facilities which
were closed in 1995. The aggregate net proceeds were $2,237 in cash and the
assumption of a $3,690 capital lease liability by the buyer.

       Aggregate maturities of the notes payable and revolving credit facility
at December 31, 1996, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>               <C>    
          1997      $   418
          1998          452
          1999        3,375
          2000        8,609
                    -------
                    $12,854
                    =======
</TABLE>


                                       24


<PAGE>   25



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

4. LEASES:

       Royal leases various facilities, equipment and vehicles under capital and
operating lease agreements. Operating lease payments totaled $677, $1,255 and
$1,548 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.

       Minimum commitments under all capital and operating leases at December
31, 1996 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                   Year                                                  Capital             Operating
                   ----                                                  -------             ---------
<S>                                                                   <C>                    <C>    
                  1997 ................................................$     552              $   445
                  1998 ................................................      551                  291
                  1999 ................................................      553                  159
                  2000 ................................................      555                   69
                  2001 ................................................      244                   50
                  Thereafter ..........................................    3,471                   15
                                                                       ---------             --------
                  Total minimum lease payments ........................    5,926             $  1,029
                                                                                             ========

                  Less amount representing interest ...................    2,372
                                                                       ---------

                  Total present value of capital obligation ...........    3,554
                  Less current portion ................................      247
                                                                       ---------

                  Long-term obligation under capital leases............$   3,307
                                                                       =========
</TABLE>

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

       At December 31, 1996, the Company estimates having contractual
commitments for future advertising and promotional expense of approximately
$9,600 including commitments for television advertising through March 31, 1997.
Other contractual commitments for items in the normal course of business total
approximately $3,100.

       The Company is self-insured with respect to workers' compensation
benefits in Ohio and carries excess workers' compensation insurance covering
aggregate claims exceeding $350 per occurrence.

       The Company is involved in various claims and litigation arising in the
normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution
of these actions will not materially affect the consolidated financial position,
results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.

                                       25


<PAGE>   26



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

6. INCOME TAXES:

       The income tax provision (benefit) consisted of the following (1994
amounts have been restated to reflect the Company's election off the Last-In,
First-Out (LIFO) method of valuing inventory. See Note 1):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1996                    1995                   1994
                                           ------                  ------                 -----
<S>                                    <C>                    <C>                    <C>          
Current (Refundable)

     Federal                           $       4,643          $      (4,601)         $         832
     State and local                             589                     10                     39
Deferred (benefit)                               678                 (1,896)                   281
                                       -------------          -------------          -------------
Total                                  $       5,910          $      (6,487)         $       1,152
                                       =============          =============          =============
</TABLE>

       Deferred income taxes reflect the impact for financial statement
reporting purposes of temporary differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities. At December 31, 1996
and 1995, the components of the net deferred tax asset were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996                       1995
                                                                 ------                     -----
<S>                                                           <C>                        <C>       
Deferred tax assets:

     Warranty and customer returns                            $    3,694                 $    3,188
     Bad debt reserve                                                527                        782
     Inventory basis difference                                      590                        617
     Accrued vacation, salaries and wages                            398                        258
     AMT credit carry forward                                         --                        762
     State and local taxes                                           756                        356
     Basis difference in fixed assets                              1,037                        577
     Accrued advertising                                              --                        576
     Self insurance reserves                                         137                        150
     Charitable contributions carryforward                            --                        197
     Other                                                           191                        276

Deferred tax liabilities:

     State and local taxes                                          (521)                      (425)
     Other                                                          (257)                       (84)
                                                              ----------                 ----------
Net deferred tax asset                                        $    6,552                 $    7,230
                                                              ==========                 ==========
</TABLE>


       As of December 31, 1996, the Company has state and local tax net
operating loss carryforward tax benefits of approximately $571 which will
substantially expire between 2008 and 2010.

       The differences between income taxes at the statutory federal income tax
rate of 34% and those reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Year Ended December 31,
                                        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    % of Pre-tax                % of Pre-tax               % of Pre-tax
                                            1996       Income          1995         Loss          1994        Income
                                           ------     --------        ------       ------       -------      -------
<S>                                        <C>       <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>          <C> 
Tax (benefit) provision at statutory rate  $ 5,218       34.0%       $(6,883)      (34.0)%      $ 1,059        34.0%
Capital losses on disposition of foreign
   subsidiaries and other non deductible
   expenses                                     87         .6            461         2.3             --          --
State and local income taxes,
   net of federal benefit                      257        1.7           (400)       (1.9)            36         1.2
Federal surtax on income over $10 million       70         .5             --          --             --          --
Other, net                                     278        1.7            335         1.6             57         1.8
                                           -------     ------        -------      ------        -------      ------
                                           $ 5,910       38.5%       $(6,487)      (32.0)%      $ 1,152        37.0%
                                           =======     ======        ========     ======        =======      ======
</TABLE>



                                       26


<PAGE>   27



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

7. MAJOR CUSTOMERS:

      Royal's two largest customers represented approximately 33.0% and 11.3% of
total net sales in 1996, 28.6% and 15.5% in 1995 and 24.5% and 14.4% of total
net sales in 1994. Additionally, a significant concentration of Royal's business
activity is with major domestic mass market retailers whose ability to meet
their financial obligations with Royal is dependent on economic conditions
germane to the retail industry. During recent years, many major retailers have
experienced significant financial difficulties and some have filed for
protection from creditors under applicable bankruptcy laws. The Company sells
its products to certain customers that are in bankruptcy proceedings.

      The Company provides credit, in the normal course of business, to the
retail industry which includes mass market retailers, warehouse clubs, and
independent dealers. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its
customers and establishes appropriate allowances for doubtful accounts based
upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical
trends and other information.

8. STOCK OPTIONS:

       Under the terms of the Company's stock option plans for employees,
outside directors and consultants, all outstanding options have been granted at
prices at least equal to the then current market value on the date of grant,
except for 50,000 options granted to a consultant below market value in
November, 1996. The compensation element of these 50,000 options is being
recognized as compensation expense over the two year vesting period. Certain
stock options granted become exercisable in cumulative 20% installments,
commencing one-year from date of grant with full vesting occurring on the fifth
anniversary date, and expire in ten years, subject to earlier termination in
certain events related to termination of employment. Other stock options granted
vest at the end of five years ("5 year cliff vesting") and expire in six years,
subject to earlier termination in certain events related to termination of
employment. Vesting may be accelerated in certain events relating to change of
the Company's ownership.

       The following summarizes the changes in the number of Common Shares under
option:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996                    1995                    1994
                                                    ------                  ------                  -----
<S>                                          <C>                     <C>                       <C>
Options outstanding at beginning                                                      
   of the year                                           1,141                   1,051                     762
Options granted during the year                          1,639                     446                     330
Options exercised during the year                          (31)                     --                      --
Options canceled during the year                          (263)                   (356)                    (41)
                                               ---------------         ---------------         ---------------
Options outstanding at end of year                       2,486                   1,141                   1,051
                                               ===============         ===============         ===============
Options exercisable at end of the year                     439                     326                     298
Option price range per share                   $3.00 to $10.25         $3.25 to $10.00          $3.75 to $10.00
</TABLE>

       The 439 exercisable options at December 31, 1996, are exercisable at an
average exercise price of $5.33. The Company's current option plans, which
provide for a total of 3,060 options, have 543 options remaining for future
grants at December 31, 1996.

       The Company accounts for employee stock options under Accounting
Principles Board "APB" Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation cost has been
recognized, except for options granted below market value. The Company adopted
the disclosure-only option of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation, as of December 31, 1996. Had compensation cost been determined
based upon the fair market value at the grant date for awards granted in 1996
and 1995 consistent with the methodology prescribed in SFAS No. 123, the effect
on 1996 and 1995 net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been
immaterial.

                                       27


<PAGE>   28



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

9. SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN:

       The Company has a Shareholder Rights Plan which provides that under
certain circumstances each Right will entitle the shareholder to purchase one
one-hundredth of a share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock at an
exercise price of $40. Upon the occurrence of certain other events, including if
a "Person" becomes the beneficial owner of more than 20% of the outstanding
Common Shares or an "Adverse Person" becomes the beneficial owner of 10% of the
outstanding Common Shares, the holder of a Right will have the right to receive,
upon exercise, Common Shares of the Company, or Common Stock of the acquirer,
having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. The
Shareholder Rights Plan is designed to deter abusive market manipulation or
unfair takeover tactics and to prevent an acquirer from gaining control of the
Company without offering a fair price to all shareholders. The Rights expire on
November 2, 2003, unless redeemed prior to that date. The Rights can be redeemed
at a price of $.01 per Right.

10. BENEFIT PLANS:

       The Company sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan which covers
substantially all of its employees who have satisfied the plan's eligibility
requirements. Participants may contribute to the plan by voluntarily reducing
their salary up to a maximum of 15% of qualified compensation subject to annual
I.R.S. limits. All contributions vest immediately. For 1996, the matching
contribution was 100%, up to the first 2% of qualified compensation, and 50% of
the next 4% of such compensation. The Company has also made discretionary
contributions to the plan. The Company's provisions for matching and
discretionary contributions totaled approximately $797, $754 and $692 for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

       Voluntary after-tax contributions and certain rollover contributions are
also permitted.

       During 1996, the Company established a voluntary, non-qualified deferred
compensation plan for key executives. The Company has recorded a deferred
compensation liability of $180 as of December 31, 1996.

       The Company does not offer any other post-retirement benefits,
accordingly, it is not subject to the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards "SFAS" No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Post Retirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions."

                                       28


<PAGE>   29



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

11. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION:

       Prior to the sale of the Company's European operations in the fourth
quarter of 1995 (Note 2), sales and marketing operations of the Company were
principally located in both the United States and Europe. All Company operated
assembly facilities have been and are located in the United States. Included in
the amounts disclosed for the United States are amounts attributable to all
North American countries. Included in the Europe loss from operations is
approximately $1,800 and $5,197 of advertising, promotion and certain selling
expenditures for 1995 and 1994, respectively, which represents the parent
Company's funding of market penetration, including television advertising for
the European market.

                                           Business Segment Information
                                                by Geographic Area

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996                  1995                1994
                                                               ------                ------               -----
                                                                                                         (Note 1)

<S>                                                       <C>                    <C>                  <C>        
Net sales
    United States                                         $  286,123  (A)        $  259,727           $   259,522
    Europe                                                        --                 10,837                18,800
                                                          ----------             ----------            ----------
                                                          $  286,123             $  270,564           $   278,322
                                                          ==========             ==========           ===========

Income (loss) from operations
    United States                                         $   17,283            $   (14,664) (B)      $    13,012
    Europe                                                        --                 (1,267)               (4,955)
                                                          ----------             ----------            ----------
                                                          $   17,283            $   (15,931)          $     8,057
                                                          ==========            ===========           ===========

Identifiable assets
    United States                                         $  126,141            $   128,287           $   130,547
    Europe                                                        --                  2,974                10,661
                                                          ----------             ----------            ----------
                                                          $  126,141            $   131,261           $   141,208
                                                          ==========            ===========           ===========

Capital expenditures (includes cash and
  noncash acquisitions)
    United States                                         $    9,592            $    10,691           $     5,860
    Europe                                                        --                    815                   425
                                                          ----------             ----------            ----------
                                                          $    9,592            $    11,506           $     6,285
                                                          ==========            ===========           ===========

Depreciation and amortization expense
    United States                                         $    8,719            $    11,398           $    11,909
    Europe                                                        --                    188                   180
                                                          ----------             ----------            ----------
                                                          $    8,719            $    11,586           $    12,089
                                                          ==========            ===========           ===========
</TABLE>

(A)  Includes export sales originating from the United States in 1996.
(B)  Amount includes special charges of $16,294

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENT:

         In February 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a common
share repurchase program that provides for the Company to purchase, in the open
market and through negotiated transactions, up to 1,200 of its outstanding
common shares. Through March 26, 1996, the Company has repurchased 115 shares
for an aggregate purchase price of $754. The program is scheduled to expire on
March 1, 1998.

                                       29


<PAGE>   30



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

         None

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
- - -----------------------------------------------------------

       Information required by this Item with respect to Executive Officers of
the Company is set forth in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Information required by this Item with respect to members of the Board of
Directors of the Company contained under the headings "Nominees for Terms
Expiring in 1999" and "Directors whose Terms Expire in 1998" in the Company's
Proxy Statement, dated March 28, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference.

       Information required by this Item with respect to compliance with Section
16 of the Exchange Act contained under the heading "Section 16(a) Beneficial
Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's Proxy Statement, dated March
28, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
- - -------------------------------

       The information required by this Item relating to executive compensation
contained under the headings "Compensation of Directors", "Executive Officers'
Compensation", "Options Grants in 1996", "Aggregated Option Exercises in 1996
and Year-End Option Values", and "Change-in-Control and Other Employment
Arrangements" in the Company's Proxy Statement, dated March 28, 1997, is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------

       The information required by this Item contained under the headings
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners" and "Security Ownership of
Management", in the Company's Proxy Statement, dated March 28, 1997, is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
- - -------------------------------------------------------

       None

                                       30


<PAGE>   31



PART IV

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                               <C>
 (a)(1) Financial Statements                                                          
        --------------------

        Report of Independent Accountants                                                                16

        Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995                                        17

        Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years Ended
            December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                                                             18

        Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity - Years Ended
            December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                                                             19

        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended
            December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                                                             20

        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                    21-29
 
    (2) Financial Statement Schedules
        -----------------------------

        The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. and
        Subsidiaries is included in Item 14(d):

           Schedule II    - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                                            33

        All other schedules for which provision is made in the
        applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange
        Commission are not required under the related instructions, are
        inapplicable, or the information has been included in the Notes
        to Consolidated Financial Statements

    (3) Exhibits
        --------

        The exhibits filed herewith are set forth on the Index to Exhibits filed as part of
        this report.                                                                                34 - 35

 (b)    Reports on Form 8-K

        No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended December 31, 1996.                    --
</TABLE>


                                       31


<PAGE>   32



                                   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, on this 26th day of March,
1997.

                  ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.
                              Registrant

                  By       /s/ Michael J. Merriman
                     ---------------------------------------------
                              Michael J. Merriman
                       Chief Executive Officer and President

                  Date       March 26, 1997
                       -------------------------------------------

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 indicated, as of the 26th day of March 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                            Title
- - ---------                            -----
<S>                                <C>  
  /s/ Michael J. Merriman            Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
- - ---------------------------------    (Principal Executive and Financial Officer)
Michael J. Merriman

  /s/ Richard G. Vasek               Controller, Secretary and Chief Accounting Officer
- - ---------------------------------    (Principal Accounting Officer)
Richard G. Vasek

R. Louis Schneeberger *              Chairman of the Board
- - ---------------------------------
R. Louis Schneeberger

Jack Kahl Jr.*                       Director
- - ---------------------------------
Jack Kahl Jr.

E. Patrick Nalley *                  Director
- - ---------------------------------
E. Patrick Nalley

J.B. Richey *                        Director
- - ---------------------------------
J.B. Richey

John P. Rochon *                     Director
- - ---------------------------------
John P. Rochon
</TABLE>

*   The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this Form 10-K
    on behalf of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co., and the above named directors and
    officers of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co., pursuant to a Power of Attorney
    executed on behalf of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. and each of such directors
    and officers and which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission.

                        /s/ Michael J. Merriman
                        ------------------------------------------
                        Michael J. Merriman, Chief Executive Officer, President
                        and Director, and Attorney-in-Fact

                                       32


<PAGE>   33



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           Schedule II - VALUATION AND
                             QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
              For Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996
                             (Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              Balance at        Additions Charged to                                  Balance at
              Description                 Beginning of Year      Expenses and Costs           Deductions              End of Year
              -----------                 -----------------      ------------------           ----------              -----------
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:
- - --------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>                    <C>                      <C>                     <C>        
Year Ended
    December 31, 1994                        $         913            $    75                $    60  (A)            $         928
 
Year Ended
    December 31, 1995                        $         928            $ 1,062                $   (10) (A)            $       2,000

Year Ended
    December 31, 1996                        $       2,000            $   144                $   794  (A)            $       1,350

Inventory Reserve:
- - ------------------

Year Ended
    December 31, 1994                        $       4,265            $    41  (B)           $ 2,149  (C)            $       2,157

Year Ended
    December 31, 1995                        $       2,157            $ 2,434  (B)           $ 2,902  (C)            $       1,689

Year Ended
    December 31, 1996                        $       1,689            $  760   (B)           $1,048   (C)            $       1,401
</TABLE>


Note:    (A) Uncollectible accounts charged off, less recoveries.
         (B) Reserve for product model changes.
         (C) Disposal of obsolete inventory.

                                       33


<PAGE>   34




                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                Index to Exhibits
                                  for Form 10-K

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      
       Exhibit                                   Description                          
       -------                                  -------------                         
<S>             <C>                        
        3(a)    Articles of Incorporation, amended and restated May 4, 1992, N/A           
                filed as Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form              
                10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1992, filed with the                   
                Commission on August 13, 1992, and incorporated herein by                  
                reference.                                                                 
                                                                                           
        3(b)    Code of Regulations, amended and restated May 4, 1992, filed as            
                Exhibit 3.2 of Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for              
                the quarter ended June 30, 1992, filed with the Commission on              
                August 13, 1992, incorporated herein by reference.                         
                                                                                           
        3(c)    Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation                
                October 21, 1993, filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 8-K             
                filed with the Commission on November 1, 1993, and incorporated            
                herein by reference.                                                       
                                                                                           
        4(a)    Restated Credit and Security Agreement dated as of March 27,               
                1996, by and among the Registrant and various banks including              
                National City Commercial Finance, Inc. as agent. Filed as                  
                Exhibit 4(a) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the                     
                year-ended December 31, 1995, incorporated by reference.                   
                                                                                           
        4(b)    Amendment No. 1 to Restated Credit and Security Agreement dated            
                as of October 1, 1996, by and among the Registrant and various             
                banks including National City Commercial Finance, Inc. as Agent.           
                Filed as Exhibit 4(a) of Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form             
                10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996, filed with the              
                Commission on November 11, 1996, and incorporated herein by                
                reference.                                                                 
                                                                                           
        4(c)    Receivable Purchase and Servicing Agreement dated as of October            
                1, 1996, by the Registrant, Royal Appliance Receivables, Inc.,             
                as Seller, and Capital USA Funding L.P., as Purchaser. Filed as            
                Exhibit 4(b) of Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for             
                the quarter ended September 30, 1996, filed with the Commission            
                on November 11, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.                
                                                                                           
                The Registrant agrees to furnish copies of certain of its other            
                long-term debt to the Commission upon request.                             
                                                                                           
        4(d)    Shareholder Rights Agreement dated as of October 21, 1993, filed           
                as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission           
                on November 1, 1993, and incorporated herein by reference.                 
                                                                                           
        10(a)   Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. 1991 Stock Option Plan for Outside                
                Directors, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant's                      
                Registration Statement on Forms S-1, filed with the Commission             
                on August 6, 1991, file number 33-41211 (the "Initial                      
                Registration Statement"), incorporated herein by reference.                
                                                                                           
        10(b)   Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Employees and Consultants Stock Option            
                Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Initial Registration                   
                Statement, incorporated herein by reference.                               
                                                                                           
        10(c)   Form of Indemnity Agreement for Directors and Officers of the              
                Registrant, filed as Exhibit 10.38 to the Initial Registration             
                Statement, incorporated herein by reference.                               
                                                                                           
        10(d)   Lease dated December 11, 1981 by and between Syndicated                    
                Properties and the Registrant, as amended, filed as Exhibit 10.7
                to the Initial Registration Statement, incorporated herein by
                reference.
</TABLE>



                                       34


<PAGE>   35



                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                Index to Exhibits
                                  for Form 10-K

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      
       Exhibit                                   Description                          
       -------                                  -------------                         
<S>             <C>                                                                                   
        10(e)   Annual Management Incentive Plan Description. Filed as Exhibit                 
                10(f) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended                     
                December 31, 1993, incorporated herein by reference.                           
                                                                                               
        10(f)   Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Key Executive Long-Term Incentive Pla                 
                filed as Exhibit 10(f) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for                   
                the year ended December 31, 1995, incorporated herein by reference.            
                                                                                               
        10(g)   Form of Severance and Employment Agreement between the                         
                registrant and Mssrs. Merriman, Dieterich, Holcomb, Lynch                      
                and Moone, respectively, filed as Exhibit 10(g) to the Annual                  
                Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994,                      
                incorporated herein by reference.                                              
                                                                                               
        10(h)   Employment Agreement dated September 15, 1995, between the                     
                Registrant and Mr. Merriman filed as Exhibit 10(l) to the                      
                Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995,               
                incorporated herein by reference.                                              
                                                                                               
        10(i)   Royal Appliance 401(k) Plus Plan, effective July 1, 1996.                      
                                                                                               
        11      Statement regarding computation of per share earnings.                         
                                                                                               
        21      Subsidiaries of Registrant                                                     
                                                                                               
        23      Consent of Coopers & Lybrand regarding S-8 Registration.                       
                                                                                               
        24      Powers of Attorney of the Registrant, Directors and Principal                  
                Financial Officer of the Registrant.                                           

        27      Financial Data Schedule

        99.1    Form 11-K Annual Report for Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Employees
                Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and Trust.

        99.2    Consent of independent accounts
</TABLE>

                                       35


<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10(i)


                                 ROYAL APPLIANCE
                                401(K) PLUS PLAN

                                                        EFFECTIVE:  JULY 1, 1996


<PAGE>   2



                                401(K) PLUS PLAN

     This Plan is hereby adopted on this ___ day of June, 1996, effective July
1, 1996, by ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. (the "Company"), on its behalf and on
behalf of certain of its subsidiaries and affiliated companies which are
Participating Employers hereunder.

I. NAME AND PURPOSE

       1.1.   NAME. The name of this Plan shall be the ROYAL APPLIANCE 401(K)
              PLUS PLAN.

       1.2.   PURPOSE. This Plan is hereby established to provide unfunded
              deferred compensation to certain management and highly compensated
              employees of the Company and other Participating Employers under
              certain conditions specified herein.

       1.3.   PLAN FOR A SELECT GROUP. This Plan shall only cover employees of a
              Participating Employer who are members of a "select group of
              management or highly compensated employees" as provided in
              Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3), 401(a)(1) and 4021(b)(6) of ERISA.
              This Plan shall be administered in such a manner, and benefits
              hereunder shall be so limited, notwithstanding any contrary
              provision of this Plan, that this Plan shall constitute such a
              plan.

       1.4.   NOT A FUNDED PLAN. It is the intention and purpose of the Company
              that this Plan shall be deemed to be "unfunded" for tax purposes
              as well as being such a plan as would properly be described as
              "unfunded" for purposes of Title I of ERISA. This Plan shall be
              administered in such a manner, notwithstanding any contrary
              provision of this Plan, that it will be so deemed and would be so
              described.

II. DEFINITIONS

       2.1.   "ACCOUNTS" mean the Participants' Elective Accounts and Match
              Accounts maintained on the books of a Participating Employer for a
              Participant under this Plan. A Participant's Accounts shall not
              constitute or be treated as a trust fund of any kind.

       2.2.   "ADMINISTRATOR" means the person, persons, corporation,
              partnership or other entity designated as Administrator under
              Section 7.1.

       2.3.   "AGREEMENT" means the 401(k) Plus Plan Deferral Agreement(s)
              executed between a Participant, the Company, 



<PAGE>   3
              and the Participant's Participating Employer (if other than the 
              Company) whereby a Participant agrees to defer a portion of his
              Compensation, Salary, Bonus or other remuneration pursuant to the
              provisions of the Plan, and his Participating Employer agrees to
              make benefit payments in accordance with the provisions of the
              Plan.

       2.4.   "APPEALS COMMITTEE" means the Appeals Committee established
              pursuant to Article VII.

       2.5.   "BENEFICIARY" means the person, persons or entity so designated,
              or deemed to be so designated, by a Participant pursuant to
              Section 4.10.

       2.6.   "BOARD OF DIRECTORS" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

       2.7.   "BONUS" means gross monies payable from a Participating Employer
              under a pay incentive plan unreduced by any amounts deferred under
              the Retirement Savings Plan or this Plan. In all respects, the
              amount of Bonus shall be determined in accordance with the
              information contained in the payroll records of the Company and
              its subsidiaries and affiliated companies.

       2.8.   "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and any
              lawful regulations or other pronouncements promulgated thereunder.

       2.9.   "COMPANY" means Royal Appliance Mfg. Co, and any successor
              corporation or business organization which shall assume the duties
              and obligations of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. under this Plan.

       2.10.  "COMPENSATION" means for any Participant his Compensation under
              the Retirement Savings Plan, except that such amount shall not be
              subject to the limitation on the annual compensation which may be
              taken into account under the Retirement Savings Plan pursuant to
              Section 401(a)(17) of the Code. In all respects, the amount of
              Compensation shall be determined in accordance with the
              information contained in the payroll records of the Company and
              its subsidiaries and affiliated companies.

       2.11.  "DETERMINATION DATE" means the last day of each calendar quarter,
              and with respect to each Participant's Retirement Savings Plan
              Contribution Amount, either the transfer date of such amount as
              set forth in Section 3.11 below or the date of distribution of
              such amount as set forth in Section 4.1 below.

       2.12.  "DISABILITY" shall have the same meaning as the phrase "Total and
              Permanent Disability" under the Retirement Savings Plan.

                                        2


<PAGE>   4



       2.13.  "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date this Plan shall become effective
              which date shall be July 1, 1996.

       2.14.  "ELECTION YEAR" means the period from the Effective Date through
              December 31, 1996 and any calendar year thereafter.

       2.15.  "ELECTIVE AMOUNT" means for each Participant an amount equal to
              the amount by which his Compensation, Salary, Bonus or other
              remuneration are reduced pursuant to Section 3.4 hereof.

       2.16.  "ENTRY DATE" means, with respect to any Participant with respect
              to any Election Year, the beginning of such Election Year or, if,
              pursuant to Section 3.2, such Participant first participates for
              such Deferral Year as of July 1, then July 1 of such Election
              Year.

       2.17.  "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
              as amended and any lawful regulations or other pronouncements
              promulgated thereunder.

       2.18.  "MATCH ACCOUNTS" mean for each Participant the bookkeeping account
              maintained by his Participating Employer on his behalf to reflect
              his Match Amounts for an Election Year and all earnings, gains and
              losses thereon.

       2.19.  "MATCH AMOUNTS" mean for each Participant the amounts credited to
              a Match Account on behalf of such Participant pursuant to Section
              3.6 which match a portion of his Elective Amounts.

       2.20.  "NORMAL RETIREMENT DATE" means the date a Participant attains age
              65.

       2.21.  "PARTICIPANT" means an employee of a Participating Employer who is
              designated to be an eligible employee pursuant to Section 3.1 who
              enters into an Agreement, and who has commenced Compensation,
              Salary, Bonus or other remuneration reductions pursuant to such
              Agreement. A Participant shall cease to be a Participant, and
              shall become a former Participant, upon the earlier of his
              Termination of Employment and the date the employee ceases to be
              designated by the Company to be eligible to participate. However,
              the word Participant may also include, where the context
              indicates, any former Participant in this Plan.

       2.22.  "PARTICIPANT ELECTIVE ACCOUNT" means for each Participant the
              bookkeeping account maintained by his Participating Employer on
              his behalf to reflect his Elective Amounts for an Election Year
              and all earnings, gains and losses thereon.

                                        3


<PAGE>   5



       2.23.  "PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER" means the Company and such subsidiaries
              and affiliated companies of the Company which participate in the
              Plan with the consent of the Board of Directors.

       2.24.  "PLAN" means the Royal Appliance 401(k) Plus Plan as set forth in
              this instrument, as amended from time to time.

       2.25.  "RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN" means the Royal Appliance 401(k)
              Retirement Savings Plan, as amended from time to time.

       2.26.  "RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT" means with respect
              to each Participant the lesser of:

              (a)    the amount that is permitted to be made to the Retirement
                     Savings Plan for an Election Year on behalf of each
                     Participant as a Participant's salary reduction election
                     deemed to be an Employer's Elective Contribution in excess
                     of any such amounts already contributed for such Election
                     Year on behalf of such Participant taking into account any
                     limitations under the Retirement Savings Plan as determined
                     by the Company for such Election Year;

              (b)    the Elective Amount contributed by a Participant to this
                     Plan for such Election Year pursuant to Section 3.4 below;
                     or

              (c)    the value on the date of transfer as set forth in Section
                     3.11 below to the Retirement Savings Plan of the Elective
                     Amount contributed by a Participant to this Plan for such
                     Election Year pursuant to Section 3.4 below.

       2.27.  "RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN TRANSFER AMOUNT" means an amount equal to
              (a) plus (b) where:

              (a)    equals a Participant's Retirement Savings Plan Contribution
                     Amount; and

              (b)    the percentage, if any, as determined by the Company under
                     the Retirement Savings Plan, of the amount set forth in
                     paragraph (a) above that is permitted to be made to the
                     Retirement Savings Plan as a matching contribution for such
                     Participant taking into account any limitations under the
                     Retirement Savings Plan as determined by the Company for
                     the appropriate Election Year.

       2.28.  "SALARY" means the Participant's gross base salary, unreduced by
              any amounts deferred under the Retirement Savings Plan or this
              Plan, payable during a calendar year. In all respects, the amount
              of Salary shall be

                                        4


<PAGE>   6



              determined in accordance with the information contained in the
              payroll records of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliated
              companies.

       2.29.  "TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT" means the Participant's cessation of
              his service with a Participating Employer for any reason
              whatsoever, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, including by
              reason of retirement, death, or Disability.

       2.30.  "TRUST" means any trust established pursuant to Article VI hereof.

       2.31.  "YEARS OF SERVICE" means a Participant's period of continuous
              employment with the Company and a Participating Employer
              commencing on his most recent date of hire and ending on his
              Termination of Employment.

III. PARTICIPATION, COMPENSATION REDUCTIONS AND ACCOUNTS

       3.1.   ELIGIBILITY. An employee of a Participating Employer shall be
              eligible to participate in the Plan for any Election Year if the
              employee is designated by the Company to qualify as a member of a
              "select group of management or highly compensated employees" as
              provided in Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3), 401(a)(1) and 4021(b)(6)
              of ERISA for such Election Year and as a "highly compensated
              employee" as provided in Section 414(q) of the Code for such
              Election Year.

       3.2.   PARTICIPATION. Each employee who has satisfied the eligibility
              requirements set forth in Section 3.1 shall become a Participant
              and actively participate for an Election Year by completing and
              filing an Agreement described in Section 3.3 with his
              Participating Employer prior to the first day of the Election Year
              (June 30, 1996, in the case of the initial Election Year). In the
              event an employee first meets such eligibility requirements after
              the beginning of a Election Year, such employee may become a
              Participant and actively participate for the period commencing on
              the first day of the month coincident with or after which he meets
              the eligibility requirements until the end of such Election Year
              by completing and filing an Agreement described in Section 3.3
              with his Participating Employer prior to the first day of such
              month. Such Agreement shall contain such provisions as the Company
              shall require and shall otherwise be in such form as the
              Administrator shall determine.

       3.3.   DEFERRAL ELECTIONS UNDER AN AGREEMENT. With respect to each
              Election Year, each eligible employee may elect, under his
              Agreement for such Election Year, to make one

                                        5


<PAGE>   7



              or more of the deferrals described below for which he is eligible.

              (a)    Salary Deferral: Each eligible employee may defer a whole
                     percentage of up to 100% of the Salary for the Election
                     Year which is payable each payroll period commencing on or
                     after such employee's Entry Date.

              (b)    Bonus Deferral: (1) Each eligible employee may defer up to
                     100% of his Bonus otherwise payable thereunder (to the
                     extent payable after his Entry Date) in 1% increments.

              (c)    Retirement Savings Plan Deferral: Each eligible employee
                     may defer all or a portion of his Retirement Savings Plan
                     Contribution Amount.

              (d)    Other Deferrals: In addition, the Administrator, with the
                     consent of the Company, may establish procedures to permit
                     some or all Participants to elect to make additional or
                     other deferrals of their Compensation, Salary, Bonus or
                     other remuneration. Such elections must be made at least a
                     reasonable time, as determined by the Company in its sole
                     discretion, prior to the time any such deferred amounts
                     would otherwise be payable to such Participants. Any such
                     other deferral shall be evidenced by an Agreement in a form
                     acceptable to the Administrator.

      3.4. COMPENSATION REDUCTIONS AND DEFERRAL AMOUNTS.

              (a)    A Participant's election to defer pursuant to 3.3(a) shall
                     cause an equivalent reduction in the Participant's Salary
                     at the time such Salary would otherwise be payable.

              (b)    A Participant's election to defer pursuant to 3.3(b) shall
                     cause an equivalent reduction in the Participant's Bonus at
                     the time such Bonus would otherwise be payable.

              (c)    A Participant's election to defer pursuant to 3.3(c) shall
                     cause his Retirement Savings Plan Contribution Amount to be
                     transferred to the Retirement Savings Plan pursuant to
                     Section 3.11 below instead of such amount being paid to
                     such Participant pursuant to Section 4.1 below.

              (d)    A Participant's election to defer in accordance with 3.3(d)
                     shall cause an equivalent reduction in the Participant's
                     Compensation, Salary, Bonus or other remuneration at the
                     time such amounts would otherwise be payable.

                                        6


<PAGE>   8




              An amount equal to such reductions in a Participant's
              Compensation, Salary, Bonus and other remuneration pursuant to
              (a), (b) and (d) above shall constitute an Elective Amount
              hereunder and shall be credited to such Participant's Elective
              Account as of the time of such reductions.

       3.5.   ALTERATION OF DEFERRALS. A Participant's deferral election made
              pursuant to Section 3.3 above shall be irrevocable except that in
              the event that the Participant has received a distribution on
              account of an unforeseeable financial emergency pursuant to
              Section 4.2, the Administrator may, at its option, discontinue the
              Participant's deferrals for the remainder of the then current
              Election Year, and preclude the Participant from making any
              deferrals for all or part of the succeeding Election Year.

       3.6.   MATCH AMOUNTS. In the event that a Participant has elected to make
              deferrals under Section 3.3 above then, for each Election Year,
              his Participating Employer shall credit his Match Account with an
              amount equal to the same amount that would have been allocated to
              the Participant's account under the Retirement Savings Plan for
              such Election Year, computed as provided therein, but without
              regard to the limitations of Code Sections 401(a)(17), 401(k)(3),
              401(m)(2) and 415. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant
              under this Plan who is not a participant under the Retirement
              Savings Plan shall be entitled to a Match Amount under this Plan
              only with respect to deferrals made under this Plan commencing on
              the date that he first becomes eligible to participate in the
              Retirement Savings Plan.

       3.7.   ESTABLISHMENT OF ACCOUNTS. Each Participating Employer shall
              establish a Participant Elective Account and a Match Account in
              the name of each Participant who is employed by it on the books
              and records of such Participating Employer. All amounts so
              credited to the Accounts of any Participant or former Participant
              shall constitute a general, unsecured liability of such
              Participating Employer to such person.

       3.8.   ALLOCATION OF ELECTIVE AMOUNTS AND MATCHING AMOUNTS. At the time a
              Participant's Compensation, Salary, Bonus or other remuneration
              are reduced pursuant to Section 3.4 hereof, the Participating
              Employer employing such Participant shall credit the Participant
              Elective Account of such Participant with the Participant's
              Elective Amount with respect to such Compensation, Salary, Bonus
              or other remuneration, respectively. At the end of each calendar
              month, such Participating Employer shall credit each Participant's
              Match Account with his Match Amount for such calendar month, if
              any.


                                        7


<PAGE>   9



       3.9.   CREDITING OF EARNINGS. Each Participating Employer shall credit
              each Account of each Participant who is an employee for it with
              earnings, gains and losses under one of the following methods, as
              determined by the Company:

              (a)    crediting earnings, gains and losses on such Account as if
                     an amount equal to the Participant's Account balance had
                     been invested in accordance with any investment directions
                     the Company permits such Participant to make pursuant to
                     Section 6.4 hereof;

              (b)    crediting earnings, gains and losses on such Account as if
                     an amount equal to the Participant's Account balance had
                     been invested in the same manner as the assets of any Trust
                     established under Section 6.1 hereunder; or

              (c)    in such other manner as the Company may determine.

       3.10.  DETERMINATION OF ACCOUNT. The balance of each Participant's
              Accounts as of each Determination Date shall be calculated as
              follows, using the terms and methods in the order defined below:

              (a)    Earnings, gains and losses determined pursuant to Section
                     3.9 shall be allocated based on the Participant's Adjusted
                     Account. A Participant's Adjusted Account is equal to the
                     Participant's Account as of the prior Determination Date,
                     plus transfers posted into the investment fund, plus 50% of
                     Elective and Match Amounts, less transfers posted out of
                     the investment fund, less forfeitures, and less
                     distributions, which occurred after the prior Determination
                     Date and up through and including the current Determination
                     Date.

              (b)    In the event that a Participant receives an Emergency
                     Benefit pursuant to Section 4.4 below, the Participant's
                     Adjusted Account will be reduced by the Weighted
                     Distribution Amount instead of the full distribution
                     amount. The Weighted Distribution Amount shall be equal to
                     the Emergency Benefit multiplied by the ratio of the number
                     of days that have elapsed between the Emergency Benefit
                     payment date and the current Determination Date, to 90. In
                     no event shall the ratio exceed 1.0.

       3.11.  RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN TRANSFER AMOUNT. On a date determined by 
              the Company which shall be on or before the March 15 after the
              end of an Election Year, each Participating Employer shall
              transfer from this Plan to the Retirement Savings Plan an amount
              credited to the Accounts of a Participant hereunder who is an
              eligible

                                        8


<PAGE>   10



              participant in the Retirement Savings Plan on the last day of such
              Election Year and who has made a Retirement Savings Plan Deferral
              election for such Election Year equal to the Retirement Savings
              Plan Transfer Amount. The amount of such Retirement Savings Plan
              Transfer Amount attributable to Elective Amounts shall be debited
              against the Participant Elective Account of the Participant and
              the amount attributable to Match Amounts shall be debited against
              the Participant's Match Account.

IV. BENEFITS

       4.1.   DISTRIBUTION OF RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN CONTRIBUTION. On or before
              the March 15 after an Election Year, a Participating Employer
              shall pay to a Participant his Retirement Savings Plan
              Contribution Amount in a lump sum; provided, however, that such
              payment shall not be made in the event that a Participant has made
              a Retirement Savings Plan Deferral election pursuant to Section
              3.3(c) above to have his Retirement Savings Plan Contribution
              Amount transferred to the Retirement Savings Plan in accordance
              with Section 3.11 above.

       4.2.   IN-SERVICE DISTRIBUTION. A Participant who is in the active employ
              of the Company may request to withdraw all or a portion of his
              Accounts, provided that any such amounts have been credited to his
              Accounts for two (2) or more calendar years at the time of
              distribution. Such request shall be made in writing in a form and
              manner specified by the Company and must specify the amounts to be
              withdrawn and the date upon which such amounts shall be paid which
              must be as soon as administratively possible following a
              Determination Date that is at least one (1) year after the date on
              which the request is made. Any such request shall be irrevocable
              unless, prior to payment, the Participant has a Termination of
              Employment, dies, or becomes disabled, at which time the request
              shall become null and void and the Participant's Accounts shall be
              paid as provided in Section 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8 or 4.9 hereof,
              whichever shall be applicable.

       4.3.   PARTICIPANT CALL PROVISION. A Participant (or the Participant's
              Beneficiary in the case of the death of the Participant) at any
              time may request an accelerated distribution of all or a portion
              of the amounts credited to his Accounts except those amounts that
              have been contributed during the Election Year when such request
              is made, subject to the forfeiture of an amount equal to ten
              percent (10%) of such accelerated amount. Such request shall be
              made in writing in a form and manner specified by the Company. The
              Company shall distribute to the Participant or Beneficiary such
              accelerated amount in the form of a lump sum as soon as
              administratively possible after the Determination Date that
              coincides with or is

                                        9


<PAGE>   11



              immediately after the date on which the Company receives the
              request. Such distribution shall completely discharge the Company
              from all liability with respect to the Participant's or
              Beneficiary's Accounts or portion thereof that is either
              distributed or forfeited as set forth herein. Further, if the
              Participant is in the active employ of the Company at the time of
              the distribution, the Participant may not make any further
              deferrals into the Plan until January 1 of the second calendar
              year following the calendar year in which the Participant receives
              the distribution.

       4.4.   EMERGENCY BENEFIT. In the event that the Administrator, upon
              written petition of the Participant or his Beneficiary, determines
              in its sole discretion, that the Participant or his Beneficiary
              has suffered an unforeseeable financial emergency, a Participating
              Employer shall pay to the Participant or his Beneficiary as soon
              as practicable following such determination, an amount, not in
              excess of the Participant's Accounts necessary to satisfy the
              emergency, excluding, however, those amounts that have been
              contributed during the Election Year when such unforeseeable
              financial emergency occurs. The Administrator may, if it decides
              in its sole discretion that it is necessary to do so, pay a
              portion of an amount distributable under this Section 4.4 based
              upon the value of the Participant's Accounts as of the immediately
              prior Determination Date and the balance of such amounts as soon
              as administratively possible after the Determination Date that
              coincides with or is immediately after the final determination
              that an amount is payable under this Section 4.4. For purposes of
              this Plan, an unforeseeable financial emergency is an
              unanticipated emergency that is caused by an event beyond the
              control of the Participant or Beneficiary and that would result in
              severe financial hardship to the individual if the emergency
              distribution were not permitted, as may result from illness,
              casualty loss or sudden financial reversal. Cash needs arising
              from foreseeable events, such as the purchase of a residence or
              education expenses for children shall not be considered the result
              of an unforeseeable financial emergency.

       4.5.   SHORT SERVICE TERMINATION BENEFIT. Upon the Termination of
              Employment of a Participant, for reasons other than death or
              Disability, before the date that he has completed five (5) Years
              of Service, he shall be entitled to receive a distribution of the
              balance of his Accounts. Unless otherwise directed by the
              Administrator, this termination benefit shall be payable in a lump
              sum as soon as administratively as possible after the December
              31st of the calendar year in which his Termination of Employment
              occurs.


                                       10


<PAGE>   12



       4.6.   LONG SERVICE TERMINATION BENEFIT. Upon the Termination of
              Employment of a Participant, for reasons other than death or
              Disability, on or after the date that he has completed at least
              five (5) Years of Service, he shall be entitled to receive a
              distribution of the balance of his Accounts. Such distribution
              shall be in the form of benefit provided in Section 4.10 and shall
              be paid or commence to be paid as soon as administratively
              possible after a Determination Date that is at least one (1) year
              after the date on which such a Participant makes a written request
              for distribution; provided, however, that such payment or
              commencement date shall in no event be later than a date which is
              as soon as administratively possible after the January 1st
              coinciding with or immediately after the later of either the
              Participant's Normal Retirement Date or his date of actual
              retirement.

       4.7.   DEATH PRIOR TO BENEFIT COMMENCEMENT. Upon the Participant's death
              prior to commencement of benefits hereunder, the Beneficiary of
              the deceased Participant shall be entitled to a death benefit
              equal to the balance of the Participant's Accounts. Such
              distribution shall be in the form of benefit determined under
              Section 4.10, shall commence as of the date determined under
              Section 4.11 and shall be in lieu of all other benefits under this
              Plan.

       4.8.   DEATH SUBSEQUENT TO BENEFIT COMMENCEMENT. Upon the death of a
              Participant subsequent to commencement of his benefits, the
              Beneficiary of the deceased Participant shall be entitled to
              receive a distribution of the Participant's remaining Accounts.
              Such distribution shall be in the form of benefit determined under
              Section 4.10, shall commence as of the date determined under
              Section 4.11 and shall be in lieu of all other benefits under this
              Plan.

       4.9.   DISABILITY. In the event the Administrator has determined that the
              Participant has incurred a Termination of Employment due to a
              Disability of at least six months duration which first manifests
              itself after the Effective Date and prior to his Normal Retirement
              Date, a disabled Participant shall be entitled to receive a
              distribution of the balance of his Accounts. Such distribution
              shall be in the form of benefit determined under Section 4.10 and
              shall commence as of the date determined under Section 4.11;
              provided, however, that the payment or commencement date shall not
              be later than a date which is as soon as administratively possible
              after the Determination Date coinciding with or immediately
              following the Participant's Normal Retirement Date.


                                       11


<PAGE>   13



       4.10.  FORM AND AMOUNT OF BENEFIT PAYMENT.

              (a)    Subject to such rules, procedures, limits and restrictions
                     as the Administrator may establish from time to time, a
                     Participant, may elect that distributions payable under
                     Sections 4.6, 4.7, 4.8 and 4.9 shall be made in a single
                     sum or in the form of annual installments over a period of
                     no less than two (2) calendar years and no more than ten
                     (10) calendar years.

              (b)    Initially, the amount of any installments under any
                     installment form of payment shall be equal to the balance
                     of the Accounts to be distributed divided by the number of
                     installments to be paid. The amount of the installment
                     payments shall be recomputed annually and the installment
                     payments shall be increased or decreased to reflect any
                     changes in the Accounts due to fluctuations in earnings,
                     gains and losses on the remaining balance and the number of
                     remaining installments.

              (c)    In the event of the death of the Participant, as described
                     in Sections 4.7 or 4.8, the Participant's Beneficiary may,
                     with the consent of the Administrator, request an
                     alternative form of benefit payment, such as a lump-sum
                     payment or an installment form with an installment period
                     of less than ten (10) years. Such request shall be made in
                     accordance with such procedures as the Administrator may
                     establish. Any such procedures shall either require such
                     request be made a reasonable period of time, as determined
                     by the Company in its sole discretion, before the amounts
                     affected by such a request shall be distributable, or
                     require a forfeiture of a significant portion of such
                     amounts. The Administrator may, but is not required to,
                     grant any such requests.

              (d)    The Administrator, with the consent of the Company, may
                     establish procedures to permit some or all Participants to
                     request to change their prior elections regarding the form
                     of their benefit payments hereunder, provided that any such
                     procedures shall either require such request be made a
                     reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company in
                     its sole discretion, before the amounts affected by such
                     request shall be distributable, or require a forfeiture of
                     a significant portion of such amounts. The Administrator
                     may, but is not required to, grant any such requests.

              (e)    Notwithstanding anything in this Section IV to the
                     contrary, in no event shall any distribution under

                                       12


<PAGE>   14



                     Section 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4 hereunder be less than the lesser
                     of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or the entire balance
                     of the Participant's Accounts hereunder.

       4.11.  COMMENCEMENT OF PAYMENTS.

              (a)    Except as otherwise provided, commencement of payments
                     under this Plan shall be as soon as administratively
                     possible following receipt of notice by the Administrator
                     of an event which entitles a Participant or a Beneficiary
                     to payments under this Plan. All payments shall be made as
                     of the first day of the month.

              (b)    Subject to such rules, procedures, limits and restrictions
                     as the Administrator may establish from time to time, a
                     Participant may elect that any single sum distributions
                     payable under this Article IV be made as soon as
                     administratively possible after the start of any calendar
                     year after the event permitting payment.

              (c)    In the event of the death of the Participant, as described
                     in Sections 4.7 or 4.8, the Participant's Beneficiary may,
                     with the consent of the Administrator, request to change
                     the time of commencement of benefits hereunder. Such
                     request shall be made in accordance with such procedures as
                     the Administrator may establish. Any such procedures shall
                     either require such request be made a reasonable period of
                     time, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion,
                     before the amounts affected by such a request shall be
                     distributable, or require a forfeiture of a significant
                     portion of such amounts. The Administrator may, but is not
                     required to, grant any such requests.

              (d)    The Administrator, with the consent of the Company, may
                     establish procedures to permit some or all Participants to
                     request to change their prior elections regarding the time
                     of commencement of benefits hereunder, provided that any
                     such procedures shall either require that the request be
                     made a reasonable period of time, as determined by the
                     Company in its sole discretion, before the amounts affected
                     by such request shall be distributable, or require a
                     forfeiture of a significant portion of such amounts. The
                     Administrator may, but is not required to, grant any such
                     requests.

       4.12.  DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY. Subject to rules and procedures
              promulgated by the Administrator, a

                                       13


<PAGE>   15



              Participant may sign a document designating a Beneficiary or
              Beneficiaries. In the event that a Participant fails to designate
              any Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions of this Section,
              he shall be deemed to have designated his spouse, or if no spouse
              is then living, his estate, as his Beneficiary.

       4.13.  PROTECTIVE DISTRIBUTIONS. In the event that the Administrator
              determines, in its sole discretion, that a Participant is not, or
              may not be, a member of a "select group of management or highly
              compensated employees" within the meaning of Sections 201(2),
              301(a)(3), 401(a)(1) or 4021(b)(6) of ERISA or a "highly
              compensated employee" within the meaning of Section 414 (q) of the
              Code, then the Administrator may, in its sole discretion,
              terminate such Participant's participation in this Plan, and
              distribute all amounts credited to such Participant's Accounts in
              a single lump sum payment. Any such distribution shall be made at
              such time as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion.

       4.14.  TAX WITHHOLDING. A Participating Employer may withhold from any
              payment made by it under the Plan of such amount or amounts as may
              be required for purposes of complying with the tax withholding or
              other provisions of the Code or the Social Security Act or any
              state or local income or employment tax act or for purposes of
              paying any estate, inheritance or other tax attributable to any
              amounts payable hereunder.

V. RIGHTS OF PARTICIPANTS

       5.1.   CREDITOR STATUS OF PARTICIPANTS. The Elective Amounts and Match
              Amounts of a Participant shall be merely unfunded, unsecured
              promises of the Participating Employer by which he is employed to
              make benefit payments in the future and shall be liabilities
              solely against the general assets of such Participating Employer.
              The Company and the other Participating Employers shall not be
              required to segregate, set aside or escrow the Elective Amounts or
              Match Amounts nor any earnings, gains and losses credited thereon.
              With respect to amounts credited to any Accounts hereunder and any
              benefits payable hereunder, a Participant and his Beneficiary
              shall have the status of general unsecured creditors of the
              Participating Employer by which such Participant is employed, and
              may look only to such Participating Employer and its general
              assets for payment of such Accounts and benefits.

       5.2.   RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO THE TRUST. Any trust, and any assets held
              thereby to assist the Company or other Participating Employer in
              meeting its obligations under

                                       14


<PAGE>   16



              the Plan, shall in no way be deemed to controvert the provisions
              of the preceding Section.

       5.3.   INVESTMENTS. In the Company's sole discretion, the Participating
              Employers may acquire insurance policies, annuities or other
              financial vehicles for the purpose of providing future assets of
              Participating Employers to meet their anticipated liabilities
              under this Plan. Such policies, annuities or other investments,
              shall at all times be and remain unrestricted general property and
              assets of the Participating Employers or property of a trust
              established pursuant to Article VI hereof. Participants and
              beneficiaries shall have no rights, other than as general
              creditors, with respect to such policies, annuities or other
              acquired assets.

VI. TRUST.

       6.1.   ESTABLISHMENT OF TRUST. Notwithstanding any other provision or
              interpretation of this Plan, the Company may establish a Trust in
              which to hold cash, insurance policies or other assets to be used
              to make, or reimburse the Company or any other Participating
              Employer for, payments to the Participants or beneficiaries of all
              or part of the benefits under this Plan. Any Trust assets shall at
              all times remain subject to the claims of general creditors of the
              Company or any other Participating Employer in the event of their
              insolvency as more fully described in the Trust.

       6.2.   OBLIGATION OF THE PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS. Notwithstanding the
              fact that a Trust may be established under Section 6.1, the
              Participating Employers shall remain liable for paying the
              benefits under this Plan. However, any payment of benefits to a
              Participant or Beneficiary made by such a Trust shall satisfy the
              appropriate Participating Employer's obligation to make such
              payment to such person.

       6.3.   TRUST TERMS. A Trust established under Section 6.1 may contain
              such terms as the Company may determine to be necessary or
              desirable. The Company may terminate or amend a Trust established
              under Section 6.1 at any time, and in any manner it deems
              necessary or desirable, subject to the terms of any agreement
              under which any such Trust is established or maintained.

       6.4.   INVESTMENT FUNDS AND ELECTIONS. The Company from time to time may
              permit all or some of the Participants, former Participants, and
              beneficiaries of deceased Participants to elect that their
              Accounts shall be credited with earnings, gains and losses as if
              such accounts held actual assets and such assets were invested in
              accordance with such individuals' directions among such Investment

                                       15


<PAGE>   17



              Funds as the Company may designate. Any such direction of
              investment shall be subject to such rules as the Company and
              Administrator may prescribe, including, without limitation, rules
              concerning the manner of providing investment directions, the
              frequency of changing such investment directions, and method of
              crediting earnings, gains and losses for any portion of an Account
              which is not covered by any valid investment directions. The
              Investment Funds which the Company may designate shall include but
              not be limited to the following types of funds, which can be
              managed on an individual basis or as part of a mutual fund, as the
              Company shall determine:

              (a)    money market funds;

              (b)    common stock funds;

              (c)    bond funds;

              (d)    balanced funds; and

              (e)    investment funds which are primarily invested in insurance
                     contracts; and

              (f)    investment funds which are provided for under insurance
                     contracts.

              The Company shall have the sole discretion to determine the number
              of Investment Funds to be designated hereunder and the nature of
              the funds and may change or eliminate the Investment Funds
              provided hereunder from time to time. The Company shall in its
              sole discretion determine the rate of earnings, gains and losses
              to be credited to Accounts under this Plan with respect to any
              such Investment Fund for any period, taking into account the
              return, net of any expenses, of such Investment Funds for such
              period.

VII. ADMINISTRATION AND CLAIMS PROCEDURE

       7.1.   ADMINISTRATOR. The Company shall be the Administrator unless and
              until the Board shall appoint some other person, persons,
              committee, corporation, partnership or other entity as
              Administrator.

       7.2.   GENERAL RIGHTS, POWERS, AND DUTIES OF ADMINISTRATOR. The
              Administrator shall be the Plan Administrator under ERISA. The
              Administrator shall be responsible for the general administration
              of the Plan and shall have all powers as may be necessary to carry
              out the provisions of the Plan and may, from time to time,
              establish rules for the administration of the Plan and the
              transaction of the Plan's business. In addition to any powers,
              rights and

                                       16


<PAGE>   18



              duties set forth elsewhere in the Plan, it shall have the
              following powers and duties:

              (a)    To enact such rules, regulations, and procedures and to
                     prescribe the use of such forms as it shall deem advisable;

              (b)    To appoint or employ such agents, attorneys, actuaries,
                     accountants, assistants or other persons (who may also be
                     Participants in the Plan or be employed by or represent a
                     Participating Employer) at the expense of the Participating
                     Employers, as it may deem necessary to keep its records or
                     to assist it in taking any other action authorized or
                     required hereunder;

              (c)    To interpret the Plan, and to resolve ambiguities,
                     inconsistencies and omissions, to determine any question of
                     fact, to determine the right to benefits of, and the amount
                     of benefits, if any, payable to, any person in accordance
                     with the provisions of the Plan and resolve all questions
                     arising under the Plan;

              (d)    To administer the Plan in accordance with its terms and any
                     rules and regulations it establishes;

              (e)    To maintain such records concerning the Plan as it deems
                     sufficient to prepare reports, returns and other
                     information required by the Plan or by law; and

              (f)    To direct a Participating Employer to pay benefits under
                     the Plan, and to give such other directions and
                     instructions as may be necessary for the proper
                     administration of the Plan.

       7.3.   INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED TO ADMINISTRATOR. A Participating
              Employer shall furnish the Administrator with such data and
              information as it may reasonably require. The records of a
              Participating Employer shall be determinative of each
              Participant's period of employment, termination of employment and
              the reason therefor, leave of absence, reemployment, years of
              service, personal data, and data regarding Compensation, Salary,
              Bonus and other remuneration, and all reductions thereof under
              this Plan. Participants and their Beneficiaries shall furnish to
              the Administrator such evidence, data or information and execute
              such documents as the Administrator requests.

       7.4.   CLAIM FOR BENEFITS. Any claim for benefits under the Plan shall be
              made in writing to the Administrator in such a manner as the
              Administrator shall prescribe. The Administrator shall process
              each such claim and determine

                                       17


<PAGE>   19



              entitlement to benefits within ninety (90) days following its
              receipt of a completed application for benefits unless special
              circumstances require an extension of time for processing the
              claim. If such an extension of time for processing is required,
              written notice of the extension shall be furnished to the claimant
              prior to the termination of the initial ninety (90) day period. In
              no event shall such extension exceed a period of ninety (90) days
              from the end of such initial period. The extension notice shall
              indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time
              and the date as of which the Administrator expects to render the
              final decision.

              If such claim is wholly or partially denied by the Administrator,
              the Administrator shall notify the claimant of the denial of the
              claim in writing, delivered in person or mailed by first class
              mail to the claimant's last known address. Such notice of denial
              shall be in writing and shall contain:

              (a)    the specific reason or reasons for denial of the claim;

              (b)    a reference to the relevant Plan provisions upon which the
                     denial is based;

              (c)    a description of any additional material or information
                     necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim, together
                     with an explanation of why such material or information is
                     necessary; and

              (d)    an explanation of the Plan's claim review procedure.

              If no such notice is provided, the claim shall be deemed denied.
              The interpretations, determinations and decisions of the
              Administrator shall be final and binding upon all persons with
              respect to any right, benefit and privilege hereunder, subject to
              the review procedures set forth in this Article.

       7.5.   REQUEST FOR REVIEW OF A DENIAL OF A CLAIM FOR BENEFITS. Any
              claimant or any authorized representative of such claimant whose
              claim for benefits under this Plan has been denied or deemed
              denied, in whole or in part, by the Administrator may upon written
              notice to the Appeals Committee request a review by the Appeals
              Committee of such denial of her or his claim for benefits. Such
              claimant shall have sixty (60) days from the date the claim is
              deemed denied, or sixty (60) days from receipt of the notice
              denying the claim, as the case may be, in which to request a
              review by written application delivered to the Appeals Committee,
              which must specify the relief requested and the reason such
              claimant believes the denial should be reversed.

                                       18


<PAGE>   20




       7.6.   APPEALS PROCEDURE. The Appeals Committee is hereby authorized to
              review the facts and relevant documents as well as this Plan, to
              interpret this Plan and other relevant documents and to render a
              decision on the claim of the claimant. Such review may be made by
              written briefs submitted by the claimant and the Administrator or
              at a hearing, or by both as shall be deemed necessary by the
              Appeals Committee. Any such hearing shall be held in the main
              offices of the Company or such other location as the Appeals
              Committee shall select on such date and at such time as the
              Appeals Committee shall designate upon not less than fifteen (15)
              days notice to the claimant and the Administrator unless both of
              them accept shorter notice. The notice shall specify that such
              claimant must indicate in writing, at least five (5) days in
              advance of the time established for such hearing, his intention to
              appear at the appointed time and place, or the hearing will be
              automatically cancelled. The reply shall specify any other persons
              who will accompany him to the hearing, or such other persons will
              not be admitted to the hearing. The Appeals Committee shall make
              every effort to schedule the hearing on a day and at a time which
              is convenient to both the claimant and the Administrator. The
              claimant, or his duly authorized representative, may review all
              pertinent documents relating to the claim in preparation for the
              hearing and may submit issues and comments in writing prior to or
              during the hearing.

       7.7.   DECISION UPON REVIEW OF DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR BENEFITS. After the
              review has been completed, the Appeals Committee shall render a
              decision in writing, a copy of which shall be sent to both the
              applicant and the Administrator. In making its decision the
              Appeals Committee shall have full power and discretion to
              interpret the Plan, and to resolve ambiguities, inconsistencies
              and omissions, to determine any question of fact, to determine the
              right to benefits of, and the amount of benefits, if any, payable
              to, any person in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The
              Appeals Committee shall render a decision on the claim review
              promptly, but no more than sixty (60) days after the receipt of
              the claimant's request for review, unless special circumstances
              (such as the need to hold a hearing) require an extension of time,
              in which case the sixty (60) day period shall be extended to one
              hundred twenty (120) days. Such decision shall include specific
              reasons for the decision and contain specific references to the
              relevant Plan provisions upon which the decision is based. The
              decision on review shall be furnished to the claimant within the
              appropriate time described above. If the decision on review is not
              furnished within such time, the claim shall be deemed denied on
              review. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final and
              binding in all respects on the Administrator and the Participating
              Employer and claimant involved. The review

                                       19


<PAGE>   21



              procedures of this Article shall be the sole and exclusive remedy
              and shall be in lieu of all actions at law, in equity, pursuant to
              arbitration or otherwise.

       7.8.   ESTABLISHMENT OF APPEALS COMMITTEE. The Company shall appoint the
              members of an Appeals Committee which shall consist of three (3)
              or more members. The Company may appoint one Appeals Committee to
              hear all appeals of denied benefits that may arise under the Plan
              or a number of Appeals Committees with different members to hear
              the appeals of denied benefits that arise from Participants
              employed by a Participating Employer or group of Participating
              Employers. The members of the Appeals Committee shall remain in
              office at the will of the Company and the Company, from time to
              time, may remove any of said members with or without cause. A
              member of the Appeals Committee may resign upon written notice to
              the remaining member or members of the Appeals Committee and to
              the Company, respectively. The fact that a person is a Participant
              or a former Participant or a prospective Participant shall not
              disqualify him from acting as a member of the Appeals Committee,
              nor shall any member of the Appeals Committee be disqualified from
              acting on any question because of his interest therein, except
              that no member of the Appeals Committee may act on any claim which
              such member has brought as a Participant, former Participant, or
              Beneficiary under this Plan. In case of the death, resignation or
              removal of any member of the Appeals Committee, the remaining
              members shall act until a successor-member shall be appointed by
              the Company. At the Administrator's request, the Secretary of the
              Company shall notify the Administrator in writing of the names of
              the original members of the Appeals Committee, of any and all
              changes in the membership of the Appeals Committee, of the member
              designated as Chairman, and the member designated as Secretary,
              and of any changes in either office. Until notified of a change,
              the Administrator shall be protected in assuming that there has
              been no change in the membership of the Appeals Committee or the
              designation of Chairman or of Secretary since the last
              notification was filed with it. The Administrator shall be under
              no obligation at any time to inquire into the membership of the
              Appeals Committee or its officers. All communications to the
              Appeals Committee shall be addressed to its Secretary at the
              address of the Company.

       7.9.   OPERATIONS OF APPEALS COMMITTEE. On all matters and questions, the
              decision of a majority of the members of the Appeals Committee
              shall govern and control; but a meeting need not be called or held
              to make any decision. The Appeals Committee shall appoint one of
              its members to act as its Chairman and another member to act as
              Secretary. The terms of office of these members shall be
              determined by the Appeals Committee, and the Secretary and/or
              Chairman may be removed by the other members of

                                       20


<PAGE>   22



              the Appeals Committee for any reason which such other members may
              deem just and proper. The Secretary shall do all things directed
              by the Appeals Committee. Although the Appeals Committee shall act
              by decision of a majority of its members as above provided,
              nevertheless in the absence of written notice to the contrary,
              every person may deal with the Secretary and consider his acts as
              having been authorized by the Appeals Committee. Any notice served
              or demand made on the Secretary shall be deemed to have been
              served or made upon the Appeals Committee.

       7.10.  LIMITATION OF DUTIES. The Company, the Participating Employers,
              the Administrator, the Appeals Committee, and their respective
              officers, members, employees and agents shall have no duty or
              responsibility under the Plan other than the duties and
              responsibilities expressly assigned to them herein or delegated to
              them pursuant hereto. None of them shall have any duty or
              responsibility with respect to the duties or responsibilities
              assigned or delegated to another of them.

       7.11.  EXPENSES OF ADMINISTRATION AND THE APPEALS COMMITTEE. No fee or
              compensation shall be paid to the Administrator or any member of
              the Appeals Committee for his or its services as such, but the
              Administrator and Appeals Committee may be reimbursed for its
              expenses from any Trust established by the Company in connection
              herewith, or, if no funds exist therein or if the Company
              determines that they should not be paid by such Trust, by one or
              more of the Participating Employers as directed by the Company.
              The Appeals Committee and the Administrator may hire such
              attorneys, accountants, actuaries, agents, clerks, and secretaries
              as it may deem desirable in the performance of its functions, any
              of whom may also be advisors to any Participating Employer or any
              affiliated company, and the expense associated with the hiring or
              retention of any such person or persons shall be paid directly by
              the Company or from such Trust, as directed by the Company.

       7.12.  INDEMNIFICATION. In addition to whatever rights of indemnification
              any individual who serves as a delegate of the Administrator,
              Company or other Participating Employer hereunder and the members
              of the Appeals Committee may be entitled to under the articles of
              incorporation, regulations or bylaws of the Participating
              Employers, under any provision of law or under any other
              agreement, including the Retirement Savings Plan, the
              Participating Employers shall satisfy any liability actually
              incurred by any such individual including reasonable expenses and
              attorneys' fees, and any judgments, fines, and amounts paid in
              settlement, in connection with any threatened, pending or
              completed action, suit or proceeding which is related to the

                                       21


<PAGE>   23



              exercise or failure to exercise by such individual of any powers,
              authority, responsibilities or discretion provided under this Plan
              or reasonably believed by such member to be provided hereunder,
              and any action taken by such individual in connection therewith.
              This indemnification for all such acts taken or omitted is
              intentionally broad, but shall not provide indemnification for
              embezzlement or diversion of Plan funds for the benefit of any
              such individual. Such indemnification will not be provided to any
              person who is not a present or former employee of a Participating
              Employer or a subsidiary or affiliated company thereof nor shall
              it be provided for any claim by a Participating Employer or a
              subsidiary or affiliated company thereof against any such person.
              No indemnification shall be provided to any person who is not an
              individual.

       7.13.  LIMITATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE LIABILITY. Neither the Administrator
              nor the Appeals Committee while acting on behalf of the
              Administrator, nor any of their respective officers, members,
              employees, agents and delegates shall be liable for any act taken
              by such person or entity pursuant to any provision of the Plan
              except for gross abuse of the discretion given it and them
              hereunder. No member of the Appeals Committee shall be liable for
              the act of any other member. No member of the Board of Directors
              of the Company shall be liable to any person for any action taken
              or omitted in connection with the administration of this Plan.

       7.14.  LIMITATION OF SPONSOR LIABILITY. Any right or authority
              exercisable by the Company or Board pursuant to any provision of
              this Plan shall be exercised in the Company's capacity as sponsor
              of the Plan, or on behalf of the Company in such capacity, and not
              in a fiduciary capacity, and may be exercised without the approval
              or consent of any person in a fiduciary capacity. Neither the
              Company, nor the Board, nor any of their respective officers,
              members, employees, agents and delegates, shall have any liability
              to any party for its exercise of any such right or authority.

VIII. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

       8.1.   AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION. This Plan may be amended,
              modified or terminated by the Company at any time, or from time to
              time, by a document executed on behalf of the Company by an
              officer thereof, which amendment, modification or termination is
              authorized or ratified by the Board. No such amendment,
              modification or termination shall reduce the amounts credited to
              any Participant's Accounts, all determined as of the date of such
              amendment, modification or termination.


                                       22


<PAGE>   24



       8.2.   ACTIONS BINDING ON PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS. Any amendments made to
              this Plan shall be binding on all the Participating Employers
              without the approval or consent of such Participating Employers.
              The Company may, by amendment, also terminate this Plan on behalf
              of all or any one of the Participating Employers in its sole
              discretion.

       8.3.   DISTRIBUTIONS ON TERMINATION. In the event this Plan is
              terminated, the amounts then credited to all Participants'
              Accounts may, in the Company's sole discretion, (i) be distributed
              to the Participants in quarterly installments over such period not
              more than fifteen (15) years as the Company may determine, (ii) be
              distributed to the Participants in a lump sum, or (iii) continue
              to be credited with earnings, gains and losses pursuant to Article
              III and be distributed pursuant to Article IV.

IX. PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS

       9.1.   LIST OF PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS. The initial Participating
              Employers as of the Effective Date are as follows:

                            Participating Employers
                            -----------------------

                           Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.

              The Company may designate additional Participating Employers or
              remove Participating Employers during the period of the Plan's
              existence by action of an appropriate officer of Company
              authorized or ratified by the Board. Such addition or deletion
              shall not require a formal amendment hereto.

       9.2.   DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY. The Company is hereby fully empowered to
              act on behalf of itself and the other Participating Employers as
              it may deem appropriate in maintaining this Plan and any Trust.
              Furthermore, the adoption by the Company of any amendment to the
              Plan or any Trust, or the termination of the Plan or any Trust,
              will constitute and represent, without any further action on the
              part of any Participating Employer, the approval, adoption,
              ratification or confirmation by each Participating Employer of any
              such amendment or termination. In addition, the appointment of or
              removal by the Company of any Appeals Committee member, any
              Administrator, any trustee or other person under the Plan or any
              Trust shall constitute and represent, without any further action
              on the part of any Participating Employer, the appointment or
              removal by each Participating Employer of such person.


                                       23


<PAGE>   25



X. MISCELLANEOUS

       10.1.  NO IMPLIED RIGHTS. Neither the establishment of the Plan nor any
              amendment thereof shall be construed as giving any Participant,
              Beneficiary or any other person any legal or equitable right
              unless such right shall be specifically provided for in the Plan
              or conferred by specific action of the Company in accordance with
              the terms and provisions of the Plan. Except as expressly provided
              in this Plan, neither the Company nor any other Participating
              Employer shall be required or be liable to make any payment under
              the Plan.

       10.2.  NO RIGHT TO PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER ASSETS. Neither the Participant
              nor any other person shall acquire by reason of the Plan any right
              in or title to any assets, funds or property of a Participating
              Employer whatsoever including, without limiting the generality of
              the foregoing, any specific funds, assets or other property which
              a Participating Employer, in its sole discretion, may set aside in
              anticipation of a liability hereunder. Any benefits which become
              payable hereunder shall be paid from the general assets of a
              Participating Employer. The Participant shall have only a
              contractual right to the amounts, if any, payable hereunder
              unsecured by any asset of a Participating Employer. Nothing
              contained in the Plan constitutes a guarantee by a Participating
              Employer that the assets of a Participating Employer shall be
              sufficient to pay any benefit to any person.

       10.3.  NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS CREATED. This Plan shall not be deemed to
              constitute a contract of employment between any of the
              Participating Employers and any Participant, nor confer upon any
              Participant or employee the right to be retained in the service of
              any Participating Employer for any period of time, nor shall any
              provision hereof restrict the right of any Participating Employer
              to discharge or otherwise deal with any Participant or other
              employees, with or without cause. Nothing herein shall be
              construed as fixing or regulating the Compensation, Salary, Bonus
              or other remuneration payable to any Participant or other employee
              of a Participating Employer.

       10.4.  OFFSET. If, at the time payments or installments of payments are
              to be made hereunder, the Participant or the Beneficiary or both
              are indebted or obligated to a Participating Employer, then the
              payments remaining to be made to the Participant or the
              Beneficiary or both may, at the discretion of the Company, be
              reduced by the amount of such indebtedness or obligation,
              provided, however, that an election by the Company not to reduce
              any such payment or payments shall not constitute a waiver of its
              claim for such indebtedness or obligation.

                                       24


<PAGE>   26




       10.5.  NON-ASSIGNABILITY. Neither the Participant nor any other person
              shall have any voluntary or involuntary right to commute, sell,
              assign, pledge, anticipate, mortgage or otherwise encumber,
              transfer, hypothecate or convey in advance of actual receipt the
              amounts, if any, payable hereunder, or any part thereof, and any
              attempt to do so shall be void. All benefits or amounts credited
              to Accounts under this Plan are expressly declared to be
              unassignable and non-transferable. No part of the benefits or
              amounts credited to Accounts under this Plan shall be, prior to
              actual payment, subject to seizure or sequestration for the
              payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance
              owed by the Participant or any other person, or be transferable by
              operation of law in the event of the Participant's or any other
              person's bankruptcy or insolvency.

       10.6.  NOTICE. Any notice required or permitted to be given under the
              Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand delivered, or sent
              by registered or certified mail, and if given to the Company,
              delivered to the principal office of the Company, directed to the
              attention of the Vice President of Human Resources. Such notice
              shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery or, if delivery
              is made by mail, as of the date shown on the postmark or the
              receipt for registration or certification.

       10.7.  GOVERNING LAWS. The Plan shall be construed and administered
              according to the laws of the State of Ohio to the extent not
              preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

       10.8.  INCAPACITY. If the Administrator determines that any Participant
              or Beneficiary entitled to payments under the Plan is incompetent
              by reason of physical or mental disability and is consequently
              unable to give a valid receipt for payments made hereunder, or is
              a minor, the Administrator may order the payments becoming due to
              such Participant or Beneficiary to be made to another person for
              the benefit of such Participant or Beneficiary, without
              responsibility on the part of the Administrator to follow the
              application of amounts so paid. Payments made pursuant to this
              Section shall completely discharge the Plan, any Trust, the
              Administrator, the Participating Employers and the Appeals
              Committee with respect to such payments.

       10.9.  ADMINISTRATIVE FORMS. All applications, elections and designations
              in connection with the Plan made by a Participant or Beneficiary
              shall become effective only when duly executed on forms provided
              by the Administrator and filed with the Administrator.

       10.10. INDEPENDENCE OF PLAN. Except as otherwise expressly provided
              herein, this Plan shall be independent of, and

                                       25


<PAGE>   27



              in addition to, any other employee benefit agreement or plan or
              any rights that may exist from time to time thereunder.

       10.11. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEGAL EFFECT. Neither the Company, any other
              Participating Employer, the Administrator, the Appeals Committee,
              nor any officer, member, delegate or agent of any of them, makes
              any representations or warranties, express or implied, or assumes
              any responsibility concerning the legal, tax, or other
              implications or effects of this Plan.

       10.12. SUCCESSORS. The terms and conditions of this Plan shall inure to
              the benefit of and bind the Company, the Participating Employers,
              the Administrator, the Appeals Committee and its members, the
              Participants, their beneficiaries, and the successors, assigns,
              and personal representatives of any of them.

       10.13. HEADINGS AND TITLES. The Section headings and titles of Articles
              used in this Plan are for convenience of reference only and shall
              not be considered in construing this Plan.

       10.14. GENERAL RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. The masculine gender shall include
              the feminine and neuter, and vice versa, as the context shall
              require. The singular number shall include the plural, and vice
              versa, as the context shall require. The present tense of a verb
              shall include the past and future tenses, and vice versa, as the
              context may require.

       10.15. SEVERABILITY. In the event that any provision or term of this
              Plan, or any agreement or instrument required by the Administrator
              hereunder, is determined by a judicial, quasi-judicial or
              administrative body to be void or not enforceable for any reason,
              all other provisions or terms of this Plan or such agreement or
              instrument shall remain in full force and effect and shall be
              enforceable as if such void or nonenforceable provision or term
              had never been a part of this Plan, or such agreement or
              instrument.

       10.16. ACTIONS BY THE COMPANY. Except as otherwise provided herein, all
              actions of the Company under this Plan shall be taken by the
              Board, by any officer of the Company, or by any other person
              designated by any of the foregoing.

                                       26


<PAGE>   28


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company, by two of its appropriate officers duly
authorized, has executed this 401(k) Plus Plan as of the date first above
written.

                                           ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.
                                           ("Company")

                                           By______________________________

                                           Title___________________________

                                           And_____________________________

                                           Title___________________________


                                       27


<PAGE>   1



Exhibit 11
- - ----------

                    ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                    FORM 10-K
                    COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

                       For Years Ended December 31, 1996,
                                1995, and 1994
                   (in thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996                 1995                    1994
                                                             ------               ------                  -----
<S>                                                       <C>                   <C>                  <C>
Net income (loss) applicable to share                       $ 9,436              $(13,756)               $ 1,962(A)
                                                            =======              ========                =======

Primary:
   Weighted average common shares
       outstanding for the period                            24,030                23,999                 23,999

   Dilutive stock options - based on
       the treasury stock method using average
       market price                                             183                    --                     12
                                                            -------              --------                -------   

Totals                                                       24,213                23,999                 24,011
                                                            =======              ========                =======



Fully diluted:
   Weighted average common shares
       outstanding for the period                            24,030                23,999                 23,999


   Dilutive stock options - based on the treasury stock method
       using the year-end market price if higher than the
       average market price                                     242                    --                     12
                                                            -------               -------                -------

Totals                                                       24,272                23,999                 24,011
                                                            =======               =======                =======


Earnings (loss) per common and common equivalent share:

   Primary                                                  $   .39               $  (.57)               $   .08

   Fully diluted (B)                                        $   .39               $  (.57)               $   .08
</TABLE>

(A)     Amount has been restated to reflect a change in the valuation method of
        accounting for inventory from the LIFO method to the FIFO method.

(B)     This calculation is submitted in accordance with Regulations S-K Item
        601(b)(11) although not required for statement of income presentation
        because it results in dilution of less than 3 percent.

                                     



<PAGE>   1


Exhibit 21
- - ----------

<TABLE>

                                  SUBSIDIARIES
<CAPTION>

                                                       Jurisdiction of
               Name                                      Incorporation
- - ------------------------------------               -------------------------  
<S>                                                <C>
Dirt Devil, Inc. (1)                               Ohio              
                                                                     
Royal Appliance Receivable, Inc. (1)               Ohio              
                                                                     
Royal Appliance FSC Inc. (1)                       U.S.V.I.          
                                                                     
Royal Appliance International Co. (1)              Delaware          
                                                                     
Dirt Devil, Ltd. (2)                               United Kingdom    
                                                                     
</TABLE>
- - ---------------

(1)  Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant. 
(2)  Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Appliance International Co.



<PAGE>   1

Exhibit 23
- - ----------

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of
Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-44802) of our report dated
February 11, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedule of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. and Subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10- K.

                                                                          
                                                  Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Cleveland, Ohio
March 25, 1997





<PAGE>   1
                                                               EXHIBIT 24

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                -----------------

                            ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.
                            ------------------------

       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS; that Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. and each
person whose name is signed below hereby constitute and appoint Michael J.
Merriman and Richard G. Vasek, or both of them, their attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and on behalf of
Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. and the undersigned Directors and officers of Royal
Appliance Mfg. Co., to sign Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.'s Annual Report on Form
10-K, any or all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to
do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in
connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that such
attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.

       This Power of Attorney of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. and the Directors and
officers of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. may be executed in multiple counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original with respect to the person executing
it.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Power of Attorney has been signed at Cleveland,
Ohio this 14th day of March, 1997.

                                   ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.

                                   By:    /s/  Richard G. Vasek
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Richard G. Vasek, Controller, Secretary
                                        and Chief Accounting Officer

                                    DIRECTORS

/s/ Jack Kahl Jr.                           /s/ Michael J. Merriman
- - ------------------------------------        ---------------------------------
Jack Kahl Jr.                               Michael J. Merriman

/s/ E. Patrict Nalley                       /s/ Joseph B. Richey, II
- - ------------------------------------        ---------------------------------
E. Patrick Nalley                           Joseph B. Richey, II

/s/ John P. Rochon                          /s/ R. Louis Schneeberger
- - ------------------------------------        ---------------------------------
John P. Rochon                              R. Louis Schneeberger



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S FORM 10K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000085462
<NAME> ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           1,001
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   39,761
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     34,052
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                83,802
<PP&E>                                          72,937
<DEPRECIATION>                                  35,654
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 126,141
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           54,164
<BONDS>                                         15,743
<COMMON>                                           210
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                      56,024
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   126,141
<SALES>                                        286,123
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               286,123
<CGS>                                          204,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  204,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,559
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 15,346
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,910
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              9,436
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     9,436
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .39
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .39
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1

                                                                 Exhibit  99.1


                                 EXHIBIT 99.1 TO

                                    FORM 10-K

                                    FORM 11-K

                                  ANNUAL REPORT

                        Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
                         Securities Exchange Act of 1934

              For the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 1995 and 1996

                            ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.

               EMPLOYEES PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN AND TRUST
               --------------------------------------------------
                            (Full title of the plan)

                            ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.
                            ------------------------
          (Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan)

                     650 ALPHA DRIVE, CLEVELAND, OHIO 44143
                     --------------------------------------
                     (Address of principal executive office)


<PAGE>   2



                          INDEX OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

                                                                       PAGES
                                                                       -----

Report of Independent Accountants                                        2

Financial Statements:

  Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan
    Benefits at December 31, 1995                                        3

  Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan
      Benefits at December 31, 1996                                      4

  Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for
    Plan Benefits for the year ended December 31, 1995                   5

  Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for
      Plan Benefits for the year ended December 31, 1996                 6

Notes to Financial Statements                                          7-9

Supplemental Schedule:

   Schedule of Reportable Transactions for the
      years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996                            10









                                        1


<PAGE>   3



                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

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


To the Trustees of the
  Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Employees
  Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and Trust

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for plan
benefits of the Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Employees Profit Sharing Retirement
Plan and Trust (the Plan) as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and the related
statements of changes in net assets available for plan benefits for the years
then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan as of
December 31, 1995 and 1996 and the changes in net assets available for Plan
benefits for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The supplemental schedule of reportable
transactions for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 is presented for the
purpose of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial
statements but is supplementary information required by the Department of
Labor's Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The Fund Information in the statement of
net assets available for plan benefits and the statement of changes in net
assets available for plan benefits is presented for purposes of additional
analysis rather than to present the net assets available for plan benefits and
changes in net assets available for plan benefits of each fund. The supplemental
schedule and Fund Information have been subjected to the auditing procedures
applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, is
fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole.

                                                Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Cleveland, Ohio
March 25, 1997

                                        2


<PAGE>   4



                            ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.

               EMPLOYEES PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN AND TRUST

               STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS

                              AT DECEMBER 31, 1995

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         National  Institutional   Strong             Vanguard   Kaufmann             Dodge &    Davis
                           City      Investors'  Government Fidelity    500     Agressive    Scudder    Cox     New York  Templeton
                           Cash         GIC      Securities Puritan   Portfolio   Growth     Global   Balanced  Venture    Foreign 
        Assets            Account      Fund         Fund      Fund      Fund       Fund       Fund      Fund      Fund      Fund   
                          -------      ----         ----      ----      ----       ----       ----      ----      ----      ----   

<S>                      <C>        <C>           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      
Investments              $103,627   $1,868,941    $526,296  $968,232  $627,088  $1,445,854  $538,856  $123,278  $915,688  $    --  
Contributions receivable       --       92,394      19,154    30,538    31,865      73,579        --    14,532    47,596   22,828  
Loans to participants     (58,877)          --          --        --        --          --        --        --        --       --  
                         --------   ----------    --------  --------  --------  ----------  --------  --------  --------  -------  
Total assets             $ 44,750   $1,961,335    $545,450  $998,770  $658,953  $1,519,433  $538,856  $137,810  $963,284  $22,828  
                         ========   ==========    ========  ========  ========  ==========  ========  ========  ========  =======
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE
     FOR PLAN BENEFITS

Net Assets Available     $ 44,750   $1,961,335    $545,450  $998,770  $658,953  $1,519,433  $538,856  $137,810  $963,284  $22,828  
     For Plan Benefits   ========   ==========    ========  ========  ========  ==========  ========  ========  ========  =======


<CAPTION>

                                Royal                           
                                Stock      Loan                 
        Assets                  Fund      Account      Total    
                                ----      -------      -----    
                                                                
<S>                           <C>         <C>        <C>        
Investments                   $388,266    $35,787    $7,541,913 
Contributions receivable        25,186         --       357,672 
Loans to participants               --     58,877            -- 
                              --------    -------    ---------- 
Total assets                  $413,452    $94,664    $7,899,585 
                              ========    =======    ========== 
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE                                            
     FOR PLAN BENEFITS                                          
                                                                
Net Assets Available          $413,452    $94,664    $7,899,585 
     For Plan Benefits        ========    =======    ==========
</TABLE>



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

                                        3


<PAGE>   5



                            ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.

               EMPLOYEES PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN AND TRUST

               STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS

                              AT DECEMBER 31, 1996

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               National   Institutional     Strong                        Vanguard     Kaufmann              
                                 City       Investors'    Government      Fidelity           500      Aggressive  Scudder    
                                 Cash          GIC        Securities       Puritan        Portfolio     Growth    Global     
        ASSETS                  Account        Fund           Fund           Fund           Fund         Fund      Fund      
                               -------         ----           ----           ----           ----         ----      ----      
<S>                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>       <C>         
Investments                 $   186,992    $ 1,713,117    $   499,147    $ 1,006,468    $   106,314    $   --    $     --    

Contributions receivable             --         77,893         16,205         27,089         43,602                    --    
                            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                $   186,992    $ 1,791,010    $   515,352    $ 1,033,557    $ 1,106,746    $   --    $     --    
                            ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========     =====    ========
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE              
     FOR PLAN BENEFITS

Net Assets Available        $   186,992    $ 1,791,010    $   515,352    $ 1,033,557    $ 1,106,746    $   --    $     --    
     For Plan Benefits      ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ======    ========


<CAPTION>

                             Dodge &         Davis                                                                                
                               Cox          New York      Templeton      Parkstone         Royal                                  
                             Balanced       Venture        Foreign         Small           Stock          Loan                    
        ASSETS                 Fund           Fund           Fund      Capitalization       Fund         Account         Total    
                               ----           ----           ----      --------------       ----         -------         -----    
<S>                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>         
Investments                 $   315,105    $ 1,305,178    $   623,844    $ 1,973,851    $ 1,134,642    $   551,019    $10,372,507 
                                                                                                                                  
Contributions receivable         18,299         52,524         23,197         84,560         26,969             --        370,338 
                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                $   333,404    $ 1,357,702    $   647,041    $ 2,058,411    $ 1,161,611    $   551,019    $10,742,845 
                            ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE                                                                                                              
     FOR PLAN BENEFITS                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                  
Net Assets Available        $   333,404    $ 1,357,702    $   647,041    $ 2,058,411    $ 1,161,611    $   551,019    $10,742,845 
     For Plan Benefits      ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>




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




                                        4


<PAGE>   6



                            ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.

               EMPLOYEES PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN AND TRUST

         STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS

                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      National  Institutional  Strong              Vanguard               Kaufmann
                                                       City       Investors' Government  Fidelity    500      Gabelli    Aggressive
                                                       Cash         GIC      Securities  Puritan  Portfolio   Growth       Growth
                                                      Account       Fund        Fund      Fund       Fund      Fund         Fund
                                                      -------       ----        ----      ----       ----      ----         ---- 
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        
Additions:                                                                                                                          
  Contributions and Contributions Receivable:                                                                                       
    Company contributions                            $     --   $  163,144  $  40,565   $ 78,586   $ 65,306  $      --   $  165,746 
    Employee pre-tax contributions                    (59,345)     173,553     51,006    145,865    108,956      5,770      245,532 
    Participant's voluntary after-tax contributions      (557)       1,999        373        249        460         43          710 
                                                                                                                                    
  Investment Income:                                                                                                                
    Interest                                            2,743          699        238        346        379        395          639 
    Dividend                                               --           --     30,741     50,138     13,293         --       26,621 
                                                                                                                                    
  Net appreciation/(depreciation) in fair                                                                                           
    market value                                           --      117,061     56,875    114,910    129,627     22,452      342,306 
  Loans to participants, net                           44,842      (14,872)    (3,939)    (9,972)    (3,097)      (220)      (5,690)
  Transfers between funds, net                        (14,911)      26,612    (83,385)   (39,288)    49,858   (480,408)      (4,271)
                                                     --------   ----------  ---------   --------   --------  ---------   ---------- 
    Total additions                                   (27,228)     468,196     92,474    340,834    364,782   (451,968)     771,593 
Deductions:                                                                                                                         
  Benefits paid to participants                        36,016      333,894     27,439     58,848     40,483      4,667      115,426 
                                                                                                                                    
  Miscellaneous fees                                       --           62         21         31         35          2          106 
                                                     --------   ----------  ---------   --------   --------  ---------   ---------- 
                                                                                                                                    
    Net additions                                     (63,244)     134,240     65,014    281,955    324,264   (456,637)     656,061 
                                                                                                                                    
  Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits,                                                                                           
    Beginning of Year                                 107,994    1,827,095    480,436    716,815    334,689    456,637      863,372 
                                                     --------   ----------  ---------   --------   --------  ---------   ---------- 
  Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits,                                                                                           
    End of Year                                      $ 44,750   $1,961,335  $ 545,450   $998,770   $658,953  $      --   $1,519,433 
                                                     ========   ==========  =========   ========   ========  =========   ========== 
                                                                                                                            
<CAPTION>

                                                                 Dodge &    Davis                                              
                                                       Scudder     Cox     New York  Templeton     Royal                       
                                                       Global    Balanced   Venture   Foreign      Stock    Loan               
                                                        Fund       Fund      Fund      Fund        Fund    Account     Total   
                                                        ----       ----      ----      ----        ----    -------     -----   
<S>                                                    <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>        
Additions:                                                                                                                     
  Contributions and Contributions Receivable:                                                                                  
    Company contributions                              $ 39,075  $ 29,073  $ 99,434   $17,554   $  57,425  $    --  $  755,908 
    Employee pre-tax contributions                       82,067    42,235   131,646     5,274      94,766       --   1,027,325 
    Participant's voluntary after-tax contributions         175        --     1,070        --       1,577       --       6,099 
                                                                                                                               
  Investment Income:                                                                                                           
    Interest                                                255       253       777        --         381    5,642      12,747 
    Dividend                                             11,548     5,026    62,466        --          --       --     199,833 
                                                                                                                               
  Net appreciation/(depreciation) in fair                                                                                      
    market value                                         69,458     7,255   162,229        --    (152,101)      --     870,072 
  Loans to participants, net                             (2,769)   (1,173)   (2,305)       --        (805)  38,122      38,122 
  Transfers between funds, net                          (23,213)   51,511   517,730        --        (235)      --          -- 
                                                       --------  --------  --------   -------   ---------  -------  ---------- 
    Total additions                                     176,596   134,180   973,047    22,828       1,008   43,764   2,910,106 
Deductions:                                                                                                                    
  Benefits paid to participants                          34,435     3,199    37,323        --      26,818       --     718,548 
                                                                                                                               
  Miscellaneous fees                                         23        21        65        --          35       --         401 
                                                       --------  --------  --------   -------   ---------  -------  ---------- 
                                                                                                                               
    Net additions                                       142,138   130,960   935,659    22,828     (25,845)  43,764   2,191,157 
                                                                                                                               
  Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits,                                                                                      
    Beginning of Year                                   396,718     6,850    27,625        --     439,297   50,900   5,708,428 
                                                       --------  --------  --------   -------   ---------  -------  ---------- 
  Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits,                                                                                      
    End of Year                                        $538,856  $137,810  $963,284   $22,828   $ 413,452  $94,664  $7,899,585 
                                                       ========  ========  ========   =======   =========  =======  ========== 
</TABLE>


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

                                        5


<PAGE>   7



                            ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.

               EMPLOYEES PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN AND TRUST

         STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS

                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    National Institutional  Strong                 Vanguard      Kaufmann           
                                                     City      Investors' Government   Fidelity       500       Aggressive   Scudder
                                                     Cash          GIC     Securities  Puritan      Portfolio     Growth     Global 
                                                    Account       Fund       Fund        Fund         Fund         Fund       Fund  
                                                    -------       ----       ----        ----         ----         ----       ----  
<S>                                                <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>       
Additions:                                                                                                                          
  Contributions and Contributions Receivable:                                                                                       
    Company contributions                          $(18,958)  $  129,362   $ 35,808  $   58,895  $   93,833  $   137,938  $      -- 
    Employee pre-tax contributions                   64,760      105,129     40,137      82,286     130,927      204,978         -- 
    Participant's voluntary after-tax contributions   4,818          105         24          24          --           68         -- 
                                                                                                                                    
  Investment Income:                                                                                                                
    Interest                                          1,976        1,570     31,338     112,773      22,096          108     10,035 
    Dividend                                             --           --         --          --          --           --         -- 
  Net appreciation/(depreciation) in fair                                                                                           
    market value                                         --      105,407    (18,251)     23,837     155,419      338,117      7,293 
                                                                                                                                    
  Loans to participants, net                         12,253     (125,898)   (33,846)    (33,337)    (31,349)     (53,638)        -- 
                                                                                                                                    
  Transfers between funds, net                      106,618     (193,758)   (44,140)   (104,150)    120,638   (2,039,285)  (556,175)
                                                   --------   ----------   --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  --------- 
    Total additions                                 171,467       21,917     11,070     140,328     491,564   (1,411,714)  (538,847)
Deductions:                                                                                                                         
  Benefits paid to participants                      29,225      192,082     41,164     105,535      43,760      107,707         -- 
                                                                                                                                    
  Miscellaneous fees                                     --          160          4           6          11           12          9 
                                                   --------   ----------   --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  --------- 
    Net additions                                   142,242     (170,325)   (30,098)     34,787     447,793   (1,519,433)  (538,856)
                                                                                                                                    
  Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits,                                                                                           
    Beginning of Year                                44,750    1,961,335    545,450     998,770     658,953    1,519,433    538,856 
                                                   --------   ----------   --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  --------- 
  Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits,                                                                                           
    End of Year                                    $186,992   $1,791,010   $515,352  $1,033,557  $1,106,746  $        --  $      -- 
                                                   ========   ==========   ========  ==========  ==========  ===========  ========= 
                                                                                                                            

<CAPTION>

                                                   Dodge &      Davis                                                              
                                                     Cox       New York  Templeton   Parkstone      Royal                          
                                                   Balanced    Venture    Foreign      Small        Stock     Loan                 
                                                     Fund       Fund       Fund    Capitalization   Fund     Account        Total  
                                                     ----       ----       ----    --------------   ----     -------        -----  
<S>                                                <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>       
Additions:                                                                                                                         
  Contributions and Contributions Receivable:                                                                                      
    Company contributions                          $ 41,883  $   65,767  $ 48,062  $  115,108   $   54,659   $     --   $   762,357
    Employee pre-tax contributions                   54,304     172,996    75,064      51,551      118,654         --     1,100,786 
    Participant's voluntary after-tax contributions      --       2,296        22          --        2,279         --         9,636 
                                                                                                                                    
  Investment Income:                                                                                                                
    Interest                                         12,700      61,988    26,562     307,471          121      6,400       595,138 
    Dividend                                             --          --        --          --           --         --            -- 
  Net appreciation/(depreciation) in fair                                                                                           
    market value                                     21,421     202,250    54,222    (361,448)     715,383         --     1,243,650 
                                                                                                                                    
  Loans to participants, net                        (11,054)    (51,356)  (31,046)    (33,537)     (57,147)   449,955            -- 
                                                                                                                                    
  Transfers between funds, net                       82,512      64,445   526,013   2,015,421       21,861         --            -- 
                                                   --------  ----------  --------  ----------   ----------   --------   ----------- 
    Total additions                                 201,766     518,386   698,899   2,094,566      855,810    456,355     3,711,567 
Deductions:                                                                                                                         
  Benefits paid to participants                       6,166     123,956    74,666      36,123      107,639         --       868,023 
                                                                                                                                    
  Miscellaneous fees                                      6          12        20          32           12         --           284 
                                                   --------  ----------  --------  ----------   ----------   --------   ----------- 
    Net additions                                   195,594     394,418   624,213   2,058,411      748,159    456,355     2,843,260 
                                                                                                                                    
  Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits,                                                                                           
    Beginning of Year                               137,810     963,284    22,828          --      413,452     94,664     7,899,585 
                                                   --------  ----------  --------  ----------   ----------   --------   ----------- 
  Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits,                                                                                           
    End of Year                                    $333,404  $1,357,702  $647,041  $2,058,411   $1,161,611   $551,019   $10,742,845 
                                                   ========  ==========  ========  ==========   ==========   ========   =========== 
</TABLE>





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

                                        6


<PAGE>   8



                            ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.

               EMPLOYEES PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN AND TRUST

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

1.     Plan Description and Benefits:
       ------------------------------

       The following brief description of the Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Employees
       Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and Trust (the "Plan") is provided for
       general information purposes only. Participants should refer to the
       Summary Plan Description for more complete information.

       GENERAL - The Plan is a defined contribution plan covering substantially
       all employees of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. (the "Company"). Employees who
       attain age 20-1/2 and complete at least six months of service are
       eligible to become participants in the Plan.

       On December 27, 1991, the Company filed Form S-8 with the Securities and
       Exchange Commission (SEC) allowing participants in the Plan to invest in
       Common Shares of the Company. This investment option was available as of
       February 1, 1992. As a result, the Plan is now required to comply with
       the reporting provisions of the SEC Form 11-K.

       CONTRIBUTIONS - Contributions consist of employer matching, employer
       profit sharing, salary reduction, voluntary after-tax contributions, and
       rollover contributions.

       In 1995 and 1996, employer matching contributions were 100% of the salary
       reduction contributions that do not exceed 2% of qualified employee
       compensation and 50% of the salary reduction contributions greater than
       2% but not in excess of 4% of qualified employee compensation. The
       employer profit sharing contribution is discretionary based on amounts as
       authorized by the Board of Directors. All employer contributions have
       been made in the form of cash. Salary reduction contributions may range
       from 1% to 15% of qualified compensation subject to annual I.R.S. limits.
       Participants may also make voluntary after-tax contributions of up to 10%
       of their annual compensation in addition to the contribution through
       salary reduction. Rollover contributions are also permitted.

       INVESTMENT OF FUNDS - All of the investment transactions are executed by
       National City Trust ("National City"), an affiliate of National City
       Corporation.

       Each participant may elect among the following investment vehicles:

       A.    INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS' GIC FUND - Seeks to provide income and
             stability of principal by investing in guaranteed investment
             contracts (GIC's) or similar instruments issued by insurance
             companies and/or banks.

       B.    STRONG GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND - Seeks to provide a high level
             of current income by investing in securities issued or guaranteed
             by the U.S. government.

       C.    FIDELITY PURITAN FUND - Seeks to maximize income, with growth of
             capital being a secondary objective. Invests in high-yielding
             securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and bonds.

       D.    VANGUARD 500 PORTFOLIO FUND - Seeks to return investment results
             that correspond to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500
             index.

       E     KAUFMANN AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND - Seeks growth of capital by
             investing in stocks of small to medium size companies typically
             outside of the S&P 500 "universe". This investment option was
             discontinued in 1996.

       F.    SCUDDER GLOBAL FUND - Seeks long term growth of capital by
             investing in companies incorporated in the U.S. and foreign
             countries. This investment option was discontinued in 1996.

                                      - 7 -


<PAGE>   9



                            ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.

               EMPLOYEES PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN AND TRUST

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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


1.     Plan Description and Benefits (cont.):
       --------------------------------------

       G.    DODGE & COX BALANCED FUND - seeks income, conservation of
             principal, and long-term growth of principal and income.

       H.    DAVIS NEW YORK VENTURE FUND - seeks long term capital growth by
             investing in securities that have above average appreciation
             potential.

       I.    TEMPLETON FOREIGN FUND - seeks long term growth of capital by
             investing in companies generally located in foreign countries.

       J.    PARKSTONE SMALL CAPITALIZATION FUND - seeks growth of capital by
             investing in stocks of small to medium size companies primarily in
             the United States.

       K.    ROYAL STOCK FUND - This fund is comprised exclusively of Common
             Shares, without par value of the Company (Common Shares). Each
             participant electing to purchase Common Shares through the Stock
             Fund is permitted to vote such Common Shares in the same manner as
             any other shareholder and is furnished proxy materials to such
             effect. If a participant does not vote their proxy, the Trustee
             votes the proxy for the participant's Common Shares. Investments in
             the Stock Fund may be made as of January 1, April 1, July 1, or
             October 1 investment dates, but may not, for administrative
             reasons, be effected until up to 12 days (or such later date as is
             legally or administratively required) after the relevant quarterly
             investment date. Common Shares purchased under the Account are
             generally purchased on the open market for cash. The price of
             Common Shares purchased on the open market is priced for each
             participant's account at an average purchase price of all shares
             purchased, plus brokerage fees, taxes, commissions and expenses
             incident to the purchase, unless it is determined that the Company
             will bear these costs. No more than 50% of a participant's
             contributions may be invested in the Stock Fund.

       Participants can allocate their contribution between the Funds in various
       percentages, which can be changed on a quarterly basis throughout the
       year.

       The number of participants in each investment program as of December 31,
1996 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  No. of
                                                                               Participants
                                                                               ------------

<S>                                                                                 <C>
             Institutional Investors' GIC Fund                                      367
             Strong Government Securities Fund                                      201
             Fidelity Puritan Fund                                                  253
             Vanguard 500 Portfolio Fund                                            283
             Dodge & Cox Balanced Fund                                              163
             Davis New York Venture Fund                                            344
             Templeton Foreign Fund                                                 212
             Parkstone Small Capitalization Fund                                    423
             Royal Stock Fund                                                       266
</TABLE>

       VESTING - All contributions are 100% vested and non-forfeitable.

                                      - 8 -


<PAGE>   10



                            ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.

               EMPLOYEES PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN AND TRUST

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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


1.     Plan Description and Benefits (cont.):
       --------------------------------------

       DISTRIBUTION AND WITHDRAWALS - Loans and hardship withdrawals are
       permitted pursuant to the terms of the Plan. In addition, participants
       may make hardship withdrawals from the voluntary after-tax contribution
       account by filing a written request at least thirty (30) days in advance.

       Participants and their beneficiaries are entitled to receive a
       distribution of their account balances upon death, disability,
       termination of employment prior to retirement, or retirement.
       Distribution may be made in a lump sum or periodic payments, as may be
       elected by the participants or their beneficiaries, subject to the terms
       of the Plan.

       APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) IN FAIR MARKET VALUE OF ASSETS - The Plan
       presents, in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan
       Benefits, the net appreciation (depreciation) in the fair market value of
       its investments, which consist of realized gains or losses and unrealized
       appreciation (depreciation).

       EXPENSES - Administrative fees, brokerage fees and other Plan expenses
       are the responsibility of the Plan. The Company, at its discretion has
       elected to pay these costs directly.

2.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
       -------------------------------------------

       BASIS OF PRESENTATION - The accompanying financial statements have been
       prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with generally accepted
       accounting principles.

       INVESTMENTS - Certain assets of the Plan are maintained in Guaranteed
       Investment Contracts (the Institutional Investors' GIC Fund) and
       Investment Funds (Strong Government Securities Fund, Fidelity Puritan
       Fund, Vanguard 500 Portfolio Fund, Kaufmann Aggressive Growth Fund,
       Scudder Global Fund, Dodge & Cox Balanced Fund, Davis New York Venture
       Fund, Templeton Foreign Fund, and Parkstone Small Capitalization Fund)
       and common shares of the Company. Contributions by the Company and
       employees are first made to National City via the cash account facility.
       Contributions and income from investments of each fund are reinvested in
       the same fund.

       Investments in Guaranteed Investment Contracts are recorded at the
       guaranteed value (contribution and interest) of the Plan assets.

       Other investments are valued at fair market value by National City using
       readily available published market values.

       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 net assets
       available for plan benefits and changes, therein. Actual results could
       differ from those estimates.

3.     Income Tax Status:
       ------------------

       The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a favorable determination
       letter dated June 20, 1995, with respect to the Plan's qualified status,
       as amended, under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). As
       such, the trust established thereunder is exempt from Federal income
       taxes under Section 501(a) of the Code. All withdrawals are taxable to
       the participants of the Plan.

4.     Right to Terminate:
       -------------------

       Although it has not expressed any interest to do so, the Company has the
       right to terminate the Plan at any time.

                                      - 9 -


<PAGE>   11



                            ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO.

               EMPLOYEES PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN AND TRUST

        ITEM 30(d) - SCHEDULE OF TRANSACTIONS OR SERIES OF TRANSACTIONS

               IN EXCESS OF 5% OF THE CURRENT VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS

                 FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           Realized
                                                          Number      Purchase      Selling    Cost of       Current     Gain (Loss)
Identity of Party Involved    Description of Asset       of Shares      Price        Price      Asset     Value of Asset    on Sale
- - --------------------------    --------------------       ---------      -----        -----      -----     --------------    -------
<S>    <C>                    <C>                          <C>       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
1995
       National City          Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
                              Common Stock

                                       Purchases           37,861    $ 128,427    $      --    $ 128,427    $  94,202      $     --
1996

       National City          Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
                              Common Stock

                                       Purchases           41,734    $ 208,123    $      --    $ 208,123    $ 286,921      $     --

                                       Sales               31,461    $      --    $ 175,447    $ 188,034    $      --      $(12,587)
</TABLE>



                                     - 10 -



<PAGE>   1


                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.2

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of
Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Employee's Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and Trust on
Form S-8 (File No. 33-44802) of our report dated March 25, 1997, on our audits
of the financial statements of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Employee's Profit
Sharing Retirement Plan and Trust as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, which report is included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.

                                                    Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Cleveland, Ohio
March 25, 1997






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