STEPHAN CO
10-K, 1998-04-15
PERFUMES, COSMETICS & OTHER TOILET PREPARATIONS
Previous: SPECTRUM CONTROL INC, 10-Q, 1998-04-15
Next: STRATTON GROWTH FUND INC, 485BPOS, 1998-04-15





                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                        WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                               FORM 10-K
(Mark one)
   ___
  | X |   ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
  |___|   SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 {FEE REQUIRED}

          For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1997


                                OR

   ___
  |   |   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) 
  |___|   OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 {NO FEE REQUIRED}

          For the transition period from _______  to ______

                       Commission File No. 1-4436


                            THE STEPHAN CO.
  _______________________________________________________________
        (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


               Florida                             59-0676812
  ________________________________              _________________
   (State or Other Jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer
   Incorporation or Organization)               Identification No.)

   
     1850  West McNab Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida     33309
  _______________________________________________________________  
    (Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (954) 971-0600
                                                     _____________


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

Title of Each Class     Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
___________________     _________________________________________
Common Stock, $.01                  AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
Par Value 


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 
the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.

                       YES X         NO     
                          ____         _____

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

State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates 
of the Registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the stock 
was sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such stock, as of a 
specified date within 60 days prior to the date of filing.

                 $ 59,664,000 as of March 31, 1998

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's 
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

         4,725,858 Shares of Common Stock, $.01 Par Value,
                      as of March 31, 1998

List hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the 
part of the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the document 
is incorporated:  (1) Any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy 
or information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 
424(b) or (c) under the Securities Act of 1933:

Portions of the Company's proxy statement for the Registrant's 1998 annual 
meeting to be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the Company's 
fiscal year are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.






















                                   2



                    THE STEPHAN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT
                             ON FORM 10-K
                     



                                                                      Page 
PART I                                                               ______
   
Item 1:   Business...................................................   4
Item 2:   Properties.................................................  10
Item 3:   Legal Proceedings..........................................  11 
Item 4:   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders......... 11
 
PART II

Item 5:   Market for the Registrant's Common Equity
           and Related Stockholder Matters...........................  12
Item 6:   Selected Financial Data....................................  13
Item 7:   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
           Condition and Results of Operations.......................  14
Item 8:   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data................  16
Item 9:   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
           Accounting and Financial Disclosure.......................  16

PART III

Item 10:  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.........  17
Item 11:  Executive Compensation.....................................  17
Item 12:  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
           Owners and Management.....................................  17
Item 13:  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.............  17

PART IV

Item 14:  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
           and Reports on Form 8-K..................................   18

Signatures..........................................................   19
       
                 


















                                   3 



                               PART I

     Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K("Form 10-K") 
under "Item 1. Business" and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis 
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation 
Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act").  Such forward looking statements 
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may 
cause the actual results, condition (financial or otherwise), performance 
or achievements of The Stephan Co. and its subsidiaries to be materially 
different from any future results, performance, condition or achievements 
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors 
include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic and 
business conditions; competition; success of operating initiatives; 
development and operating costs; advertising and promotional efforts; brand 
awareness; the existence or absence of adverse publicity; acceptance of new 
product offerings; changing trends in customer tastes; the success of 
multi-branding; changes in business strategy or development plans; quality 
of management; availability, terms and deployment of capital; business 
abilities and judgment of personnel; availability of qualified personnel; 
labor and employee benefit costs; availability and cost of raw materials 
and supplies; changes in, or failure to comply with, proceedings; the 
ability to successfully integrate newly-acquired businesses and any risks 
and problems inherent in such businesses, and other factors or events 
referenced in the Form 10-K.  The Stephan Co. does not undertake and 
specifically declines any obligation to publicly release the results of any 
revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect 
events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the 
occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Item 1.   Business

  GENERAL

     The Stephan Co.(the "Registrant" or the "Company"), founded in 1897 
and incorporated in the State of Florida in 1952, is engaged in the 
manufacture, sale and distribution of hair care and personal care products 
on both a wholesale and retail level.  The Registrant is comprised of The 
Stephan Co. ("Stephan") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Foxy Products, 
Inc., Old 97 Company, Williamsport Barber and Beauty Corp., Stephan & Co., 
Scientific Research Products, Inc. of Delaware, Trevor Sorbie of America, 
Inc. and Stephan Distributing, Inc.  The Company considers itself to be in 
a single line of business for reporting purposes.

  The Stephan Co.

     Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, The Stephan Co. ("Stephan") is 
principally engaged in the manufacturing of hair care products for sale by 
two of its subsidiaries, Scientific Research Products, Inc. and Trevor 
Sorbie of America, Inc., in addition to manufacturing products marketed 
under the STEPHAN brand name.  Stephan also markets and distributes hair 
and skin care products under various trade names through different 
divisions.  Retail brands acquired from Colgate-Palmolive and The Mennen 
Co. in December, 1995 include product lines such as Cashmere Bouquet talc, 
Quinsana Medicated talc, Balm Barr and Stretch Mark creams and lotions and 
Protein 29 and Wildroot hair care products for men.  These brands, 
manufactured by the Company's Tampa facility, accounted for approximately 
$5,100,000 of sales, or approximately 19% of consolidated revenues. The 


                                   4


Frances Denney division of Stephan continues to market a full line of 
cosmetics through retail and mail-order channels.  Under the 
terms of an exclusive Trademark License and Supply Agreement with Color Me 
Beautiful, Inc., the Registrant markets HOPE, INTERLUDE AND FADE-AWAY 
products through several retail chains, including J.C. Penney, in the 
United States and Canada.

Colgate Palmolive and Mennen Company Products:  On December 31, 1995, the 
Registrant entered into asset purchase agreements (collectively, the 
"Acquisition Agreements") with each of Colgate Palmolive Company and its 
subsidiary, The Mennen Company (collectively, the "Sellers"), for the 
acquisition by the Registrant of certain consumer product brands of the 
Sellers, as well as a licensing agreement for the domestic distribution of 
Colgate-Palmolive's Cashmere Bouquet talc product line (the "U.S. Trademark 
License").  The aggregate purchase price for the brands and the U.S. 
Trademark License was a minimum of $12,000,000, comprised of a $2,000,000 
cash down payment, five-year 8% promissory notes in an aggregate amount of 
$6,000,000 and an 8% royalty payment based upon "net sales" of the 
acquired/licensed products (as defined in the Acquisition Agreements) for a 
period of eight years (the "Deferred Payments"), with a minimum aggregate 
royalty payment of $4,000,000.  In June 1996, the Registrant refinanced the 
existing notes payable to the Sellers by securing a five-year term loan 
with a bank. 

     The Registrant purchased the Wildroot product line of men's hair care 
products from, and executed a licensing agreement for the manufacture and 
domestic distribution of the Cashmere Bouquet talc line with, Colgate 
Palmolive Company.  Protein 29 and Protein 21, both hair grooming 
preparations; Balm Barr, a hand and body lotion and creme product for 
women; Stretch Mark, a massage creme for women; and Quinsana, a medicated 
anti-fungal talc, were purchased from The Mennen Company.

     In December 1996, the Registrant entered into a Settlement Agreement 
and Amendment with the Sellers (the "Settlement Agreement") to resolve 
certain outstanding disputes between them in respect of the Acquisition 
Agreements.  In general, the Settlement Agreement (i) terminated an 
agreement which granted the Registrant the right to cause the Sellers to 
repurchase certain products if certain minimum net sales (as defined in the 
Settlement Agreement) were not achieved, (ii) required the Sellers to remit 
$500,000 in cash to the Registrant, and (iii) provided for the licensing to 
the Registrant of certain trademarks in Canada pursuant to a trademark 
license agreement (the "Canadian Trademark License").  Additionally, the 
Settlement Agreement provided that (i) Deferred Payments would be made with 
respect to products sold under the Canadian Trademark License, (ii) total 
Deferred Payments would be subject to a maximum of $4,000,000, and (iii) 
the Registrant is required to pay the greater of $150,000 and 50% of such 
Deferred Payments in immediately available funds, with the balance payable, 
at the option of the Registrant, by wire transfer or a five-year promissory 
note.  The Registrant has made three of such payments in cash since 
execution of the Agreement.  In the event that the $4,000,000 maximum 
amount is not paid by January 31, 2004, the Registrant must pay the 
difference in cash between that amount and Deferred Payments made prior to 
such date.

	The U.S. Trademark License grants the Registrant an exclusive license 
to use certain trademarks relating to the Cashmere Bouquet product line in 
connection with the manufacture and distribution of such product lines in 
the United States.  The Canadian Trademark License grants the Registrant an 


                                   5


exclusive license to use certain trademarks relating to the Cashmere 
Bouquet powder product line in Canada.  Each of the U.S. Trademark License 
and the Canadian Trademark License has an initial term of ten years and is
automatically renewable for successive ten-year periods unless earlier
terminated by breach, mutual agreement or upon certain other specified
events.  Any products sold under the License Agreement are included in net 
sales for purposes of determining the Deferred Payments. 

Color Me Beautiful, Inc.:  In March 1996, the Registrant entered into a 
Trademark License and Supply Agreement with Color Me Beautiful, Inc. 
("CMB") to license select products of the Registrant's Frances Denney Line 
and to supply the requirements of CMB for such products.  The agreement 
provides CMB with the exclusive right to market and distribute specified 
Denney products in certain retail chain stores in the United States and 
Canada.  The agreement provides for royalty payments by CMB based upon net 
sales (as defined in the agreement), with guaranteed minimum annual royalty 
payments throughout the term of the Agreement which are credited against 
accrued royalties.  The agreement also provides for the Registrant to be 
the exclusive supplier of products sold under the agreement.  The agreement 
continues in effect unless terminated (i) by the Registrant, upon the 
occurrence of certain events including, among others, bankruptcy or a 
change of control (as defined in the agreement) of CMB, (ii) by either 
party, upon the occurrence of a material breach by the other, (iii) by CMB, 
on 180 days prior notice or (iv) by mutual agreement.

     Stephan also manufactures and sells products under the name 
"STEPHAN'S".  Such products consist of different types of shampoos, hair 
treatments, after-shave lotion, dandruff lotion, hair conditioners and hair 
spray which are distributed throughout the United States to approximately 
350 beauty and barber distributors. The Registrant's trademark "STEPHAN'S" 
and the design utilized thereby has been registered with the United States 
Patent and Trademark Office, which registration is not due for renewal 
until 2001.  Sales of the parent company, Stephan, including the Frances 
Denney product line as well as other retail products, accounted for 
approximately 22% of consolidated revenues.

     The Fort Lauderdale location also serves as the Registrant's corporate 
headquarters, and the Registrant provides general management services to 
its subsidiaries therefrom. 

  Old 97 Company.

     Old 97 Company ("Old 97"), located in Tampa, Florida, was purchased in 
1988 by the Registrant. Old 97 markets products under brand names such as 
OLD 97, KNIGHTS, and TAMMY.  In addition to selling more than 100 different 
products, including hair and skin care products, fragrances, personal 
grooming aids and household items, Old 97 serves as the Company's second 
manufacturing facility.  The Tampa facility manufactures most of the 
products sold by the Frances Denney line, all the talc manufactured for the 
Cashmere Bouquet and Quinsana brands, as well as all the other retail hair 
and skin care brands sold by Stephan and Stephan Distributing, Inc.  Old 97 
is also responsible for distribution of the above products.  In addition to 
the above, Old 97 is responsible for the manufacturing of custom "private 
label" products, which is the manufacturing of products marketed and sold 
under the brand names of customers.  In 1997, one private label customer, 
Vogue International, accounted for 10.4% of the Company's sales.  This was 
the only customer of the Registrant to have sales in excess of 10% of the 
Registrant's consolidated revenues.  


                                   6


  Williamsport Barber and Beauty Corp.

     Williamsport Barber and Beauty Corp. ("Williamsport") was acquired in 
January, 1992 and is located in Williamsport, Pa. Williamsport, a large 
mail order beauty and barber supply company, had sales of $3,400,000, which  
accounted for almost 13% of consolidated revenues for the year ended 
December 31, 1997.

  Stephan & Co.

     Formerly known as Heads or Nails, Inc. and acquired in August, 1993, 
Stephan & Co. has focused its attention on the manufacture and supply of 
personal care amenity products for cruise ships, with production and 
shipping commencing in December, 1995.  Sales by Stephan & Co. for the year 
ended December 31, 1997 were not material.

  Scientific Research Products, Inc. of Delaware.
    
     Purchased by the Company in April, 1994, Scientific Research Products 
was one of the Registrant's largest private label customers and is a 
distributor of ethnic hair care products.  Scientific Research Products 
accounted for 26% of the Registrant's consolidated revenues, with sales 
approximating $7,000,000.  In addition to the above, Scientific is 
responsible for the distribution of the "Magic Wave" product line, formerly 
marketed by Foxy Products, Inc., a company acquired by the Registrant in 
1986.  Sales by Foxy Products, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1997 
were not material.

  Trevor Sorbie of America, Inc.
     
     On June 28, 1996, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement 
with Sorbie Acquisition Co. ("Sorbie"), and the stockholders of Sorbie, 
including the President and principal stockholder, as well as related 
agreements described below with the President, Trevor Sorbie International, 
Mr. Trevor Sorbie, Samson Arms, Inc. and Redken Laboratories.  

	Pursuant to the agreements, the Company exchanged 13,733 shares of its 
restricted Common Stock, valued at approximately $218,000, and additional 
consideration as described below, for all the outstanding common and 
preferred stock of Sorbie.  The Company issued an additional 18,899 shares 
of restricted stock, valued at approximately $300,000, to terminate an 
existing royalty agreement between Samson Arms, Inc. and Sorbie.  
Additionally, the Company (i) terminated a secured subordinated debenture 
of Sorbie held by the Company in the principal amount of $500,000, (ii) 
assumed liabilities due to the President of Sorbie under a pre-existing 
employment contract and (iii) replaced a certain secured promissory note of 
Sorbie in favor of Redken Laboratories in the principal amount of 
$3,250,000 with a $2,500,000 cash payment.

	In separate agreements, the Company amended the existing royalty 
contract between Sorbie, Trevor Sorbie International, Sorbie Trading 
Limited and Mr. Trevor Sorbie.  In accordance with the amended agreement, 
the royalty payment percentage rates payable upon future sales were 
reduced.  The amended agreement also provides for the supply to Sorbie 
Trading Limited and Trevor Sorbie International, at their option, by 
Sorbie, of such companies' requirements of certain products.  The amended 
agreement contains certain non-competition provisions, effective until 
December 31, 1999, relating to the Sorbie Products (as defined in the


                                   7

 
amended agreement).  The amended agreement expires in December 31, 2044, 
but any party thereto may renew it for successive ten-year periods until 
December 31, 2093.
    Sorbie, prior to the acquisition, was a major customer of the 
Registrant and is a distributor of a professional line of hair care 
products sold to salons in the United States, Canada and Mexico through a 
network of distributors.  Sales of professional hair care products in 1997 
were $4,800,000, representing 17.5% of consolidated revenues.

  Stephan Distributing, Inc.

     On June 26, 1997, the Company, through Stephan Distributing, Inc., a 
newly-formed subsidiary, acquired several product lines from New Image 
Laboratories, Inc. (New Image).  The primary brand acquired was a 
professional hair care line of products marketed under the brand name 
"Image", in addition to a retail hair care line know as "Modern" and 
marketed under the brand name "Stiff Stuff". Three smaller hair care lines, 
"Ecoterra", "Pure Botanicals"/"Deep Earth", and "Modern Essences" were also 
acquired in the transaction.  The brands were acquired for (i) 250,000 
shares of the Registrant's restricted common stock, valued at $10.81 per 
share, with provision for half the shares to be held in escrow pending, 
among other things, final adjustment of the purchase price in accordance 
with the acquisition agreement and (ii) up to 100,000 restricted shares to 
be issued over the next two years contingent upon the achievement of 
certain earnings levels as set forth in the acquisition agreement.  The 
acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, with a net value of 
approximately $2,700,000 based upon the quoted market price of the 
Registrant's stock at the time of issuance.  

     Pursuant to the transaction, the Company acquired certain accounts 
receivable, inventory, fixed assets and trademarks as well as assuming 
certain outstanding trade and other liabilities of approximately 
$5,332,000.  The liabilities acquired are subject to the terms of a 
liquidating trust agreement, and as provided for in the Asset Purchase 
Agreement, the Registrant delivered a note payable in the amount of 
$2,399,400, payable in two equal installments due in December, 1997 and 
February, 1998.  Additionally, the Registrant provided the Trust with a 
standby letter of credit in the amount of $2,932,600.  As indicated above, 
the purchase price is subject to adjustment based upon the value of the net 
assets acquired, as determined on the first anniversary of the closing 
date.  The Registrant believes that based upon information available at 
December 31, 1997, the 125,000 shares held in escrow will be returned to 
the Company.  The value of trademarks recorded, approximating $4,100,000, 
is net of this anticipated purchase price adjustment.

     In addition to being popular hair care lines, the brands acquired from 
New Image have international distribution which the Registrant believes 
will enhance the distribution of other Stephan Co. products.  Sales of 
brands acquired from New Image Laboratories, Inc. amounted to approximately 
$2,900,000 for the period ended December 31, 1997, which represented over 
10.5% of the Registrant's consolidated revenues. 

  Morris Flamingo-Stephan, Inc.

     On March 18, 1998, the Registrant and Morris Flamingo-Stephan, Inc. 
signed an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") with Morris-Flamingo, 
L.P., Morris-Flamingo Beauty Products, Inc., Shaheen & Co., Inc. and Shouky 
A. Shaheen, for the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities


                                   8


(including the immediate payment of a note payable to Fleet Capital 
Corporation approximating $1,880,000) of Morris-Flamingo, L.P. in exchange 
for 307,058 shares of the Registrant's restricted common stock.  The 
transaction will be recorded as a purchase, and, based upon the net assets 
received, goodwill of approximately $2,500,000 will be recorded.  The 
agreement also provides for 30% of the shares issued to be held in escrow, 
pending the final determination of the value of the net assets acquired 
within 90 days of closing.

     Morris-Flamingo, L.P. is a large mail order barber and beauty supply 
retailer, similar to the Registrant's subsidiary, Williamsport Barber and 
Beauty Corp.  The Company believes that this acquisition will enhance 
current distribution channels and provide a larger, more broad based market 
for the products manufactured by the Company.

     In connection with the acquisition of Morris-Flamingo, L.P., and the 
related agreement to retire the outstanding Fleet Capital Corporation debt, 
the Registrant secured additional financing from NationsBank, N.A.

  RAW MATERIALS, PACKAGING and COMPONENTS INVENTORY

     The materials utilized by the Registrant and its subsidiaries in the 
manufacture of its products consist primarily of chemicals, alcohol,
perfumes, paper labels, plastic bottles and caps.  All materials are 
readily available at competitive prices from numerous sources and have been 
purchased from domestic suppliers.  Neither the Registrant nor any of its 
subsidiaries has ever experienced any shortage in supplies thereof nor are 
any such shortages anticipated by the Registrant and its subsidiaries in 
the reasonably foreseeable future.
                  
     The Registrant and its subsidiaries try to maintain a level of 
inventory of their products sufficient for a period of at least two months.  
The Registrant does not anticipate any change in such practice during the 
reasonably foreseeable future.

  BACKLOG

     As of March 31, 1998, the dollar amount of backlog orders was not 
believed by the Registrant to be material.

  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

     During each of the three fiscal years ending December 31, 1997, 
expenditures by the Registrant and its subsidiaries on Company sponsored 
research relating to the development of new products, services or 
techniques or the improvement of existing products, services or techniques 
as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles 
were not believed by the Registrant to be material and were expensed as 
incurred.

  COMPETITION

     The hair care and personal grooming business is highly competitive in 
terms of price and product quality.  Products manufactured by the 
Registrant and its subsidiaries compete with numerous varieties of other 
such products, many of which bear well known, respected and heavily 
advertised brand names and are produced by companies having substantially 
greater financial, technical, personnel and other resources than does the


                                   9


Registrant.  Products produced by the Registrant and its subsidiaries
account for a relatively insignificant portion of the total hair care and 
personal grooming products manufactured and sold annually in the United 
States.

GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY REGULATION, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

     The Registrant is subject to regulation by the Food and Drug 
Administration ("FDA"), in addition to other Federal, State and local 
regulatory agencies.  The Company believes that it is in substantial
compliance with all applicable regulations.  In addition, the Registrant
does not believe that compliance with existing or proposed environmental 
standards, practices or procedures will have a material adverse effect on 
operations, capital expenditures or the competitive position of the 
Company.

  EMPLOYEES

     As of March 31, 1998, in addition to its six officers, the Registrant 
and its subsidiaries employed approximately 200 people engaged in the 
production, warehousing, and distribution of their products.  Although the 
Registrant and its subsidiaries do not anticipate the need to hire a 
material number of additional employees during the remainder of 1998, the  
Company believes that any such employees, if needed, would be readily 
available.  No significant number of employees are covered by any 
collective bargaining agreement and the Company believes its employee 
relationships are satisfactory.

Item 2.  Properties

     The Registrant's administrative, manufacturing and warehousing 
facilities are located in a building of approximately 33,000 square feet, 
which it owns, located at 1850 West McNab Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 
33309.  Approximately two-thirds of the space is utilized by the Registrant 
for the manufacture and warehousing of its products.  The remainder of the 
space is utilized by the Registrant for its administrative offices.  The 
Registrant also owns certain machinery and equipment suitable for the 
manufacture of its products that are housed in its facility in Fort 
Lauderdale, Florida.  The Registrant believes that such facilities and 
equipment are adequate for its needs in the reasonably foreseeable future.

     Old 97 owns three buildings totaling approximately 42,000 square feet 
of space, located at 2306 35th Street, Tampa, Florida 33605.  Such 
facilities are utilized by Old 97 in the manufacture of its various product 
lines.  In October, 1994, Old 97 acquired land and two buildings located at 
4829 East Broadway Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33605.  One building comprising 
12,500 square feet is being used for office facilities and order 
fulfillment for the Frances Denney line.  The second building, with 
approximately 30,000 square feet, is used as a warehouse and 
distribution facility.
                             
     In connection with the acquisition of Scientific Research Products, 
the Registrant assumed the leased interest in the office, warehouse and 
distribution facility located at 1601 SW 5th Court, Pompano Beach, Florida 
33069, under a lease which, by its terms, expired in October, 1997, with 
1997 rental payments of approximately $180,000.  These premises are 
currently being occupied on a month to month basis. 



                                   10

   
     In connection with the acquisition of Williamsport Barber Supply, the
Company entered into a two year lease, which expired in January, 1994, for
office and warehouse space of approximately 6,000 square feet. Subsequent 
to January, 1994, the Registrant leased the premises on a month to month
basis and commencing in February, 1997, the lease was extended five years, 
expiring January 31, 2002.  Monthly rent in the amount of $1,800 is payable 
to the former owner of Williamsport Barber Supply, currently the manager of 
the Williamsport operations.
 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

     There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the 
Registrant or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their 
property is the subject.  Neither the Registrant nor any of its 
subsidiaries is aware of any such proceedings known to be contemplated by 
governmental authorities.

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

     The Company has not submitted any matters to a vote of security 
holders since the August, 1997 Annual Meeting.






































                                   11                                 



                               PART II


Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Equity
         and Related Stockholder Matters

 (a)     Market Information

     The Registrant's Common Stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange 
("AMEX").  The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales 
prices for the Registrant's common stock for each quarterly period within 
the Registrant's two most recent fiscal years:

                                   High                  Low
         Quarter Ended          Sales Price          Sales Price
         _____________          ___________          ___________

         March 31, 1996           $ 17.13              $ 14.25
         June 30, 1996              16.88                14.25
         September 30, 1996         16.00                12.25
         December 31, 1996          13.00                11.50
___________________________________________________________________________

         March 31, 1997           $ 14.75              $ 11.00
         June 30, 1997              11.00                 9.19
         September 30, 1997         14.25                10.75
         December 31, 1997          14.50                11.75

                                   
 
(b)     Holders
 
     As of March 15, 1998, the Registrant's Common Stock was held of record 
by approximately 430 holders; however, the Registrant's stock is believed 
to be held in approximately 2,000 brokerage accounts ("street-name 
shareholders").

 (c)     Dividends

     The Company declared and paid cash dividends at the rate of $.02 per 
share for each quarter in 1996 and 1997.  Future dividends, if any, will be 
determined by the Company's Board of Directors, at their discretion, based 
on various factors, including the Company's profitability and anticipated 
capital needs.

     There are no contractual restrictions, including any restrictions on 
the ability of any of the Registrant's subsidiaries, to transfer funds to 
the Registrant in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances, that 
currently materially limit the Registrant's ability to pay cash dividends 
or that the Registrant reasonably believes are likely to materially limit 
the future payment of dividends on its Common Stock.








                                       
                                   12


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data (a)



                   1997       1996       1995       1994      1993
                         (in thousands, except per share data)
                 ____________________________________________________

Net sales         $27,113    $25,779    $26,197    $24,341   $16,719

Income before 
 income taxes       7,697      7,093      6,426      6,200     4,350

Net Income          5,041      4,679      4,315      4,076     2,776

Current assets     25,735     19,706     20,438     17,342    12,258

Total assets       57,464     46,499     42,463     29,074    19,606

Current 
 liabilities        8,468      6,223      4,674      3,525     2,687

Long term debt      9,078      6,689      9,112        811       950

PER COMMON SHARE
  (Basic and Diluted): (b)

 Net Income          1.20       1.13       1.05       1.01       .86

 Cash dividends       .08        .08        .04       None      None

                  
                       Notes to Selected Financial Data


 (a)  The selected financial data includes the operations of the Company 
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Foxy Products, Inc. (acquired in 1986), 
Old 97 Company (acquired in 1988), Williamsport Barber and Beauty Corp. 
(acquired in 1992), Stephan & Co., formerly Heads or Nails, Inc. (acquired 
in 1993),  Scientific Research Products, Inc. of Delaware (acquired in 
1994), Trevor Sorbie of America, Inc. (acquired in 1996) and Stephan 
Distributing, Inc., who acquired the brands from New Image Laboratories, 
Inc. in 1997.

 (b)  Earnings per common share is based upon the weighted average number 
of common shares outstanding, in accordance with Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards No. 128, issued in February, 1997, and after giving 
effect to stock splits in 1993.  The weighted average number of shares 
outstanding were  4,213,372 for 1997, 4,138,629 for 1996, 4,120,304 for 
1995, 4,031,558 for 1994, and 3,237,944 for 1993.  The weighted average 
number of shares for 1995, 1994 and 1993, as well as the earnings per share 
for 1994 and 1993, have been restated in accordance with SFAS No. 128.

This data should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated 
financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report.
       



                                     
                                   13


          Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
          (in thousands, except per share data)

                       3/31/97   6/30/97   9/30/97   12/31/97
                       _______   _______   _______   ________
          Net sales    $ 6,394   $ 7,106   $ 7,581    $ 6,032
          Gross profit   4,059     4,716     5,040      3,106
          Net income     1,226     1,460     1,607        748
          Per share        .30       .35       .37        .17

                       3/31/96   6/30/96   9/30/96   12/31/96
                       _______   _______   _______   ________ 
          Net sales    $ 6,740   $ 6,468   $ 7,011    $ 5,560
          Gross profit   3,749     4,136     4,274      3,163
          Net income     1,219     1,332     1,452        676
          Per share        .30       .32       .35        .16

 
Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
          Condition and Results of Operations.

          OVERVIEW

     Net income for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $5,041,000, or 
$1.20 per share, on revenues of $27,113,000, as compared to net income of 
$4,679,000, or $1.13 per share, on revenues of $25,779,000 for 1996.  With 
the acquisition of the brands from New Image Laboratories, Inc. ("Image") 
at the end of the second quarter of 1997, the Company continued its 
practice of product line enhancement and diversification in an effort to 
decrease its historical dependency on major customers and to increase and 
diversify its channels of distribution.  International distributors who 
were buying Image products have expressed interest in other product lines 
and the Company expects to be able to utilize their distribution 
capabilities.  The gross profit margin of the Company has continued to 
increase as a result of the Image hair care lines, however this increased 
gross profit margin is higher in order to compensate for the additional 
selling and marketing expenses that these professional and retail hair care 
lines demand.

          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AS COMPARED TO 1996
          ________________________________________________ 

     Sales for the year ended December 31, 1997 increased $1,335,000 from 
1996 sales, due significantly to the acquisition of several brand lines 
from Image.  Gross profit increased from $15,220,000 in 1996 to $16,921,000 
in 1997, which represented a 11.2% increase.  The gross profit margin 
increased to 62.4% in 1997 from 59% in 1996.  As the product mix of sales 
continues to change from that of a private label "contract" filler to that 
of a manufacturer and distributor of professional and retail hair care 
lines, the gross margin continues to grow to cover the increased selling, 
general and administrative expenses that those product lines require.  
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 10.6% in 1997 when 
compared to 1996, up from $8,239,000 to $9,110,000.  The increase in these 
expenses can be attributed to several areas, such as national and regional 
sales personnel and the related travel expenses that accompany a sales 
force, commissions paid to sales representatives, promotional literature 


                                   14


and point of purchase materials and promotions, retail distribution 
expenses dictated by major drug and department store retailers such as 
"slotting allowances", promotional "buy one-get one free" offers, "end-
cap", coupons  and other point of purchase rebates and sales allowances, 
increased freight and delivery expenses, as well as an increase in payroll 
and related payroll costs.  

     Interest expense increased $287,000, to $642,000, as a result of the 
additional debt incurred in connection with the acquisitions made in 1997 
and 1996.  Other income increased $50,000 to $125,000 as a result of the 
royalty provision of the Color-Me-Beautiful Trademark and Licensing 
Agreement.
        
          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AS COMPARED TO 1995
          ________________________________________________

     Net income rose in 1996 by $362,000 when compared to 1995, 
representing an 8% increase; however for the year, sales declined 
approximately $400,000 from 1995.  Although private label production by the 
Tampa facility, Old 97, increased in 1996, sales for the year decreased 
slightly because revenue from the newly acquired Colgate-Palmolive (C-P) 
brands and the Trevor Sorbie line were less than the sales lost as a result 
of the loss of Martin Himmel Inc.'s private label talc production.  Gross 
profit margin for the year increased from 52% in 1995 to 59% in 1996 as a 
result of the above and a change in the product mix and marketing strategy 
in connection with the Denney cosmetic line.  

     The acquisition of the brands from C-P, as well as the Sorbie 
acquisition, increased selling, general and administrative expenses 
significantly in 1996.  The C-P brands put the Company in more of a retail 
environment than previous products manufactured by the Company and this 
increased marketing costs after the transition period with C-P ended in 
July, 1996.  The Sorbie line, sold in professional salons nationwide, also 
requires significant marketing and education expenses not previously 
experienced by the Company.  These increased costs were more than offset by 
the significantly higher gross margins generated by these products.

     Interest expense increased as a result of the debt incurred in 
connection with the acquisitions made in 1995 and 1996 and other income of 
$75,000 was attributable to the royalty from the Color-Me-Beautiful 
Trademark and Licensing Agreement signed in the first quarter of 1996.         
 
     LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:  Working capital was approximately 
$17,267,000 at December 31, 1997, an increase of $3,784,000 from 1996, due 
largely to the acquisition of the brands from New Image Laboratories, Inc. 
in June, 1997.  In exchange for 250,000 shares of the Company's restricted 
(as provided for by Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933) common stock, 
the Company acquired accounts receivable and inventory, among other assets 
and assumed certain liabilities.  In addition, the Company restructured its 
line of credit from NationsBank, N.A.  Cash and cash equivalents increased 
$214,000 to $8,491,000 from 1996. 

     Accounts receivable and inventory have increased significantly from 
1996 as a result of acquisitions made by the Company.  Increased sales of 
retail brands acquired from Colgate-Palmolive and Image to large, national 
drug chains and other major retailers has increased the outstanding 
accounts receivable both from an actual dollar amount due to sales, as well 
as the length of time the receivable is outstanding.  With respect to the 
increase in inventory, the Image acquisition has added a significant amount 

                                   15


of Stock Keeping Units (SKU's) that the Company must manufacture and carry.  
As a result, many more chemicals, raw materials, components and packaging 
are required to be kept in stock in order to insure availability for 
production.

     In July, 1997, the Company restructured its unsecured line of credit 
with NationsBank, N.A., increasing the line from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000, 
and changing the maturity date of the loan to July, 1999.  As of December 
31, 1997, there was $1,000,000 available on the line, which was used to 
satisfy the note payable to trustee in February, 1998.  It is currently 
estimated that approximately $500,000 will be returned from the Trustee of 
the Liquidating Trust when the Trust terminates in June, 1998, and these 
funds will be used to reduce the amount outstanding on the line of credit.

     The Company is subject to various covenants with respect to working 
capital, current maturity coverage and funded debt ratios under the loan 
agreements with Nationsbank, N.A.  At December 31, 1997, the Company 
significantly exceeded the minimum requirements of the covenants. 

     In June, 1996, the Registrant refinanced the existing $6,000,000 notes 
payable to the Colgate/Mennen companies by securing a 5-year term loan with 
NationsBank N.A.(South).  As a result, the Company reduced the interest 
rate on the debt from 8.00% to 7.85%.  The new loan provides for monthly 
principal reductions of $100,000, plus interest, commencing in July, 1996. 

     There are no material capital commitments for the upcoming year.
   
     The Company has not experienced any adverse impact from the effects of 
inflation in the past.  Management maintains the flexibility to increase 
prices and does not have any binding contract pricing with either customers 
or vendors.  Many of the Company's products, as well as the components 
used, are petroleum-based products, and in the past, prices can be subject 
to various political or economic pressures.  The Company does not foresee 
any increase in its raw material or component costs but believes it has the 
flexibility of multiple vendors and the ability to increase prices to 
offset any price changes.

     Included in the Asset Purchase Agreement with Image, the Company 
acquired the computer system used by Image and is in the process of 
converting its existing computer systems to that system.  The software in 
use will be updated by the end of 1998 and will be Year 2000 compliant.  
Management of the Company does not expect costs relating to Year 2000 
problems to have any material effect on its financial condition, results of 
operations or cash flows.


Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

     Reference is made to the financial statements and supplementary data 
contained elsewhere in this Annual Report.
                                  
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
         and Financial Disclosure

     Not applicable                               





                                  16
      

        
                               PART III


     The information required by Part III Items 10-13 of Form 10-K are 
incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Proxy Statement for its 
1998 annual meeting of stockholders which will be filed with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the 
Registrant's fiscal year.



















































                                 
                                   17


                 
                                PART IV

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

  (a)     Exhibits
      
          10.1  Settlement Agreement and Amendment dated December 5, 1996, 
between The Stephan Co., The Mennen Company and Colgate-Palmolive Company, 
included with the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, filed 
April 15, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference.

          10.2  Trademark License and Supply Agreement dated March 7, 1996, 
between Color Me Beautiful, Inc. and The Stephan Co., included with the 
Form 8-K filed March 20, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.

          10.3  Agreement dated June 28, 1996 for the acquisition of
Sorbie Acquisition Co. and Subsidiaries, with exhibits, included with the 
Form 8-K filed July 15, 1996, and as amended on August 21, September 16 and 
October 9, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.

10.4  Acquisition Agreement dated as of May 23, 1997, between New 
Image Laboratories, Inc., The Stephan Co. and Stephan Distributing, Inc., 
in connection with the acquisition of brands, included with the Form 10-Q 
for the period ended June 30, 1997, filed August 13, 1997, is incorporated 
by reference.

          27.  Financial Data Schedule
  
  (b)     Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

          (i)  Financial Statements

          Independent Auditors' Report for the years ended
          December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

          Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 
          and 1996.
 
          Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended 
December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995.

          Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity 
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995.

          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended 
December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995.

               Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

          (ii) Financial Statement Schedules
              
               All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or
               the required information is shown in the consolidated
               financial statements or notes thereto.





                                  18




INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
 of The Stephan Co.:


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Stephan 
Co. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and 
the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' 
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the 
Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 
financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in 
all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of 
December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in 
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.






DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP



                              

Miami, Florida
April 9, 1998
       














                                  F-1



                  THE STEPHAN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
                    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                     DECEMBER 31,1997 AND 1996



                              ASSETS



                                           1997              1996          
                                      ____________      ____________   
CURRENT ASSETS                      

 Cash and cash equivalents            $  8,491,174      $  8,276,976   

 Cash on deposit with trustee              610,126              -

 Accounts receivable, less
  allowance for doubtful accounts
  of $98,359 and $56,171 in 1997 
  and 1996, respectively                 4,696,248         3,405,547   

 Inventories                            11,667,672         7,729,657  

 Prepaid expenses
  and other current assets                 269,304           293,425
                                      ____________      ____________

   TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                 25,734,524	   19,705,605


PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net       2,760,011         2,160,678

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net                  26,443,911        23,131,120   

OTHER ASSETS                             2,525,948         1,501,107   
                                      ____________      ____________  
   TOTAL ASSETS                       $ 57,464,394      $ 46,498,510    
                                      ============      ============  
    













           See notes to consolidated financial statements.



 

                                  F-2    


                  THE STEPHAN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                     DECEMBER 31,1997 AND 1996

                  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                          1997            1996          
                                       ___________    ___________       

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 Accounts payable and
  accrued expenses                     $ 3,704,383    $ 2,553,974

 Notes payable to bank                     400,000      1,400,000

 Note payable to trustee                 1,199,700           -

 Current portion of
  long-term debt                         1,773,788      1,804,879               

 Income taxes payable                    1,390,104        464,593
                                       ___________    ___________   
   TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES             8,467,975      6,223,446

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, net                 268,166        298,461

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current 
  maturities                             9,078,114      6,688,930
                                       ___________    ___________
   TOTAL LIABILITIES                    17,814,255     13,210,837
                                       ___________    ___________
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 10)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

  Common stock, $.01 par value;
   25,000,000 shares authorized; 
   4,418,800 and 4,147,466 shares
   issued and outstanding at 
   December 31, 1997 and 1996,                           
   respectively                             44,188         41,475

  Additional paid in capital            15,979,709     12,967,462

  Retained earnings                     24,977,805     20,278,736
                                       ___________   ____________
                                        41,001,702     33,287,673
  LESS 125,000 CONTINGENTLY 
    RETURNABLE SHARES                   (1,351,563)          -   
                                       ___________   ____________
  TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY            39,650,139     33,287,673  
                                       ___________   ____________
   TOTAL LIABILITIES AND 
    STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY               $57,464,394    $46,498,510
                                       ===========    ===========


              See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                  F-3    


                    THE STEPHAN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995


 
                                1997             1996             1995
                            ____________     ____________     ____________


NET SALES                   $	27,113,306     $ 25,778,618     $ 26,196,516

COST OF GOODS SOLD            10,192,411       10,558,919       12,652,546
                            ____________     ____________      ___________
GROSS PROFIT                  16,920,895       15,219,699       13,543,970
                            
SELLING, GENERAL AND
  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES      9,110,001        8,239,386        7,432,929
                            ____________     ____________      ___________

OPERATING INCOME               7,810,894        6,980,313        6,111,041

OTHER INCOME(EXPENSE)    
 Interest income                 402,940          392,314          404,631
 Interest expense               (641,654) 	    (354,362)		  (92,416)
 Other                           125,000           75,000            2,540
                            ____________      ___________      ____________ 
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES     7,697,180        7,093,265         6,425,796

INCOME TAXES                   2,656,171        2,414,105         2,110,385
                            ____________      ___________      ____________

NET INCOME                  $  5,041,009      $ 4,679,160      $  4,315,411
                            ============      ===========      ============

BASIC AND DILUTED  
  EARNINGS PER SHARE        $       1.20      $      1.13      $       1.05
                            ============      ===========      ============
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER 
OF SHARES OUTSTANDING          4,213,372        4,138,629         4,120,304
                            ============      ===========      ============












            See notes to consolidated financial statements.





                                  F-4


                        THE STEPHAN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995

                         Common Stock                               Treasury
                   _____________________  Additional                 Stock/
                                          Paid in     Retained    Contingently
                    Shares    Par Value   Capital     Earnings     Returnable
                                                                     Stock      
                   _________  _________   __________  __________  ___________ 
Balances, 
      Jan. 1, 1995  4,183,248  $  41,832  $13,715,319 $11,780,150  $ (884,000)

Treasury stock
      retired         (80,000)      (800)    (883,200)       -        884,000

Retirement of stock  
 received in settlement
 with former
 stockholder          (16,105)      (161)    (309,860)       -           - 

Stock options
      exercised        35,341        354       61,736        -           -   

Dividends paid           -          -            -       (164,899)       -

Net income for 1995      -          -            -      4,315,411        -     
                    _________  _________   __________  __________  __________
Balances,
     Dec. 31, 1995  4,122,484     41,225   12,583,995  15,930,662        -    
     
Stock issued for
     acquisition       32,632        326      517,707        -           -

Stock options
     exercised          6,750         68       49,941        -           -    

Treasury stock
     purchased           -          -            -           -       (184,325)

Treasury stock
     retired          (14,400)      (144)    (184,181)       -        184,325

Dividends paid           -          -            -       (331,086)       -

Net income for 1996      -          -            -      4,679,160        -
                    _________  _________   __________  __________  __________
Balances,
     Dec. 31, 1996  4,147,466     41,475   12,967,462  20,278,736        -     

Stock issued for
     acquisition      250,000      2,500    2,700,625        -           -

Contingently returnable
     stock               -          -            -           -     (1,351,563) 

Stock issued to
  Retire debt          34,534        345      442,100        -           -

Treasury stock
     purchased           -          -            -           -       (130,610)

Treasury stock
     retired          (13,200)      (132)    (130,478)       -        130,610

Dividends paid           -          -            -       (341,940)       -

Net income for 1997      -          -            -      5,041,009        -
                    _________  _________  ___________ ___________ ___________
Balances,
     Dec. 31, 1997  4,418,800  $  44,188  $15,979,709 $24,977,805 $(1,351,563)
                    =========  =========  =========== =========== ===========
                      See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                  F-5           

                     THE STEPHAN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996, AND 1995
               _____________________________________________

                                          1997        1996          1995 
                                       __________  ___________  ___________
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            

Net income                            $ 5,041,009  $ 4,679,160   $4,315,411
                                      ___________  ___________  ___________

Adjustments to reconcile net income
 to net cash flows provided by 
 operating activities:

   Depreciation                          338,326      221,867      166,046

   Amortization                        1,094,948	    889,944      476,815

   Adjustment to Goodwill                111,788      123,016      127,991

   Deferred income taxes                 (30,295)     178,340       35,121
   
   Provision for doubtful accounts       120,953       10,978       78,951

Changes in operating assets
 and liabilities, net of effects
 of acquisitions:

   Accounts receivable                  (750,621)    586,073   (1,182,627)      

   Inventories                        (2,354,349)    (555,425)    (809,948)

   Prepaid expenses
    and other current assets              24,121      (28,740)     (82,462)

   Other assets                       (1,024,841)	   (319,731)    (372,729)

   Accounts payable
    and accrued expenses              (1,385,587)  (2,340,331)    (851,196)

   Income taxes payable                  925,511	    464,593     (468,334)
                                      __________   __________   __________

    Total adjustments                 (2,930,046)   (769,416)  (2,882,372)
                                      __________   __________   __________
Net cash flows provided 
 by operating activities               2,110,963   3,909,744    1,433,039
                                      __________   __________   __________




            See notes to consolidated financial statements.





                                  F-6


                     THE STEPHAN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996, AND 1995
               _____________________________________________



                                         1997         1996         1995 
                                      __________   __________   __________
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

  Cash acquired from acquisition            -         128,445         -
 
  Colgate purchase price adjustment         -         331,000         -    

  Cash deposited with trustee           (610,126)        -            -
  
  Purchase of property, plant
   and equipment                        (562,659)	   (229,238)	 (185,763)

  Purchase of intangible assets         (409,823)     (75,284)        -

  Maturities of marketable securities       -	       -      	  417,237 
                                       __________   __________   __________
Net cash flows (used in)/provided by
 investing activities                  (1,582,608)    154,923	  231,474 
                                       __________   __________   __________
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

  Repayments of long-term debt        (1,841,907) (10,033,528) 	 (143,002)

  Repayment of note payable 
   to trustee                         (1,199,700)        -            -

  Proceeds from notes payable to bank  3,200,000    7,000,000         -   

  Acquisition of treasury stock         (130,610)    (184,325)        -    

  Dividends paid                        (341,940)    (331,086)    (164,899)

  Proceeds from exercise of 
   stock options                            -          50,009 	   62,090   
                                      __________   __________   __________
Net cash flows used in 
 financing activities                   (314,157) (3,498,930)  	 (245,811)
                                      __________   __________   __________
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND 
  CASH EQUIVALENTS                       214,198      565,737    1,418,702

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
  BEGINNING OF PERIOD                  8,276,976    7,711,239    6,292,537
                                      __________   __________   __________ 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
  END OF PERIOD                      $ 8,491,174	$ 8,276,976  $ 7,711,239
                                      ==========   ==========   ==========


           See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                  F-7
           

                THE STEPHAN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
           YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995


Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:


                                       1997          1996         1995 
                                   __________     _________    __________

  Interest paid                   $   644,862   $   354,445   $    96,452 
                                   ==========     =========    ========== 
  Income taxes paid               $ 1,760,955   $ 1,612,417   $ 2,488,598
                                   ==========     =========    ==========

Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:

In connection with the acquisition of the brands from New Image 
Laboratories, Inc. on June 26, 1997, the Company acquired inventory, 
accounts receivable, fixed and intangible assets and assumed certain 
liabilities by issuance of common stock with an approximate value of 
$2,700,000.

On September 9, 1997, the Company issued 34,534 shares of common stock to 
Charles V. Hall, in satisfaction of the amount due him as a result of the 
acquisition of Trevor Sorbie of America, Inc. in June, 1996.

In connection with the acquisition of Sorbie Acquisition Company and 
Subsidiaries on June 28, 1996, the Company acquired inventory, accounts 
receivable, fixed and intangible assets and assumed certain liabilities by 
issuance of common stock with an approximate net value of $518,000.

In connection with the acquisition of the Colgate-Palmolive Brands on 
December 31, 1995, the Company acquired inventory, molds and tooling 
equipment and intangible assets for cash, notes, and contingent 
consideration to be paid over an 8 year period.



















             See notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                  F-8                


                   THE STEPHAN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995


                
NOTE 1:   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

          PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:  The consolidated financial 
statements include the accounts of The Stephan Co. and its wholly-owned 
subsidiaries, Foxy Products, Inc., Old 97 Company, Williamsport Barber and 
Beauty Supply Corp., Stephan & Co. (formerly Heads or Nails, Inc.), 
Scientific Research Products, Inc. of Delaware, Trevor Sorbie of America, 
Inc. and Stephan Distributing, Inc. (collectively, the "Company").  All 
significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in 
consolidation.
          
          NATURE OF OPERATIONS:  The Company is engaged in the manufacture, 
sale, and distribution of personal care grooming products throughout the 
United States.  The Company's business activity constitutes a single 
reportable segment for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting 
Standards No. 14.  
    
          USE OF ESTIMATES:  The preparation of consolidated financial 
statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent 
assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements 
and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting 
period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

          MAJOR CUSTOMERS:  Sales to customers in excess of 10% of net 
sales for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were as follows:
                             
                                 1997             1996             1995
                             __________        __________       __________

   Customer A               $      -          $      -         $ 3,572,000
   Customer B                      -                 -           4,265,000      
   Customer C                      -                 -           3,128,000
   Customer D                 2,819,000         3,056,000             -  
                             __________        __________       __________
                            $ 2,819,000       $ 3,056,000      $10,965,000
                             ==========        ==========       ==========

          The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' 
financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral.  The Company 
does not believe that the credit risk represents a material risk of loss to 
the Company.  However, the loss of major customers mentioned above could 
have a material adverse effect on the Company.

          LONG-LIVED ASSETS:  The Company adopted SFAS No. 121, "Accounting 
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be 
Disposed Of" in the year ended December 31, 1996.  SFAS No. 121 establishes 
accounting standards for the impairment of long-lived assets, certain
identifiable intangibles, and goodwill related to those assets to be held
and used, and for long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles
to be disposed of.  The adoption of SFAS No. 121 did not have a material


                                  F-9     


NOTE 1:   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

          STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:  On January 1, 1996, the Company 
adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", which 
permits entities to recognize as expense over the vesting period the fair 
value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant.  Alternatively, SFAS 
No. 123 allows entities to continue to measure compensation cost for stock-
based awards using the intrinsic value based method of accounting 
prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to 
Employees", and to provide pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per 
share disclosures as if the fair value method defined in SFAS No. 123 had 
been applied.  The Company has elected to continue to apply the provisions 
of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide the pro forma disclosure provisions of 
SFAS No. 123.  See Note 11 to the financial statements.

          FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:  Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial 
Instruments," requires disclosure of the fair value of financial 
instruments, both assets and liabilities, recognized and not recognized in 
the consolidated balance sheets of the Company, for which it is practicable 
to estimate fair value.  The estimated fair values of financial instruments 
which are presented herein have been determined by the Company using 
available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies.  
However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to 
develop estimates of fair value.  Accordingly, the estimates presented 
herein are not necessarily indicative of amounts the Company could realize 
in a current market exchange.

          The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair 
value:

     - the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and 
accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short term nature;
    
     - discounted cash flows using current interest rates for financial 
instruments with similar characteristics and maturity were used to 
determine the fair value of notes receivable, notes payable and debt.
    
There were no significant differences as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 in 
the carrying value and fair market value of financial instruments.

          CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:  Cash and cash equivalents include 
cash, certificates of deposit, United States Treasury Bills, and municipal 
bonds having maturities of 90 days or less when acquired. Also included in 
cash and cash equivalents is a $400,000 certificate of deposit pledged as 
collateral against a $400,000 note payable to bank.  The Company maintains 
cash deposits at certain financial institutions in amounts in excess of 
federally insured limits of $100,000.  Cash and cash equivalents held in 
interest-bearing accounts as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 was 
approximately $7,342,000 and $7,023,000, respectively.

          INVENTORIES:  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost 
(determined on the first-in, first-out basis) or market.  Capitalized 
direct labor and overhead costs charged to inventory for the years ended 
December 31, 1997 and 1996 were approximately $2,404,000 and $2,037,000, 
respectively.


                                  F-10


NOTE 1:   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Capitalized direct labor and overhead costs included in inventory as of 
December 31, 1997 and 1996 were approximately $1,476,000 and $893,000 
respectively.

          PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:  Property, plant and equipment are 
recorded at cost.  Routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as 
incurred.  Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the 
estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

           Buildings and improvements                   15-30 years
           Machinery and equipment                      5-10 years
           Furniture and office equipment               3-5 years     

          INTANGIBLE ASSETS:  Intangible assets are amortized using the 
straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:

               Goodwill                           20-40 years
               Covenant not to compete            7 years
               Trademarks                         20-40 years
               Deferred acquisition costs         10 years 
                                                    
     The amount of impairment, if any, in unamortized Goodwill is measured 
based on projected future results of operations.  To the extent future 
results of operations of those subsidiaries to which the Goodwill relates 
through the period such Goodwill is being amortized are sufficient to 
absorb the amortization of Goodwill, the Company has deemed there to be no 
impairment of Goodwill.

          INCOME TAXES:  Income taxes are calculated under the asset and 
liability method of accounting.  Deferred income taxes are recognized by 
applying the enacted statutory rates applicable to future year differences 
between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of 
existing assets and liabilities.  A valuation allowance is recorded when it 
is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset 
will not be realized.

          EARNINGS PER SHARE:  Effective December 31, 1997, the Company 
adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per 
Share" (SFAS No. 128).  The provisions of SFAS No. 128 establish standards 
for computing and presenting earnings per share (EPS) and requires the 
Company to restate all prior years' EPS data presented.  The adoption of 
SFAS No. 128 did not have a material effect on the Company's previously 
reported earnings per share.  Basic and diluted EPS are computed by 
dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of 
common stock outstanding.  The Company has 303,253 outstanding stock 
options, of which 138,872 are exercisable.  These options were not included 
in the calculation of earnings per share because their inclusion would be 
antidilutive.

          NEW FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:  In June, 1997, SFAS No. 130, 
"Reporting Comprehensive Income" and SFAS. No. 131, "Disclosures about 
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" were issued.  The 
provisions of SFAS No. 130 must be adopted by the Company in the first 
quarter of 1998.  This statement establishes standards for the reporting of 
comprehensive income and its components.  Implementation of this disclosure 
standard will not affect the Company's financial position, results of 


                                  F-11


NOTE 1:   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

operations or the manner in which financial information is currently 
presented.  In accordance with SFAS No. 131, the Company may be required to
modify or expand the financial statement disclosures for operating 
segments, products and services, and geographic areas.  Implementation of 
this disclosure standard, which must be adopted by December 31, 1998, will 
not affect the Company's financial position or results of operations.

          RECLASSIFICATIONS:  Certain reclassifications have been made to 
prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation.

NOTE 2.   SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS

     On June 26, 1997, the Company acquired several product lines from New 
Image Laboratories, Inc.  The brands were acquired for 250,000 shares of 
the Company's restricted (as provided for by Rule 144 of the Securities Act 
of 1933) common stock, valued at $10.81 per share, with provision for half 
the shares to be held in escrow pending, among other things, final 
adjustment of the purchase price in accordance with the acquisition 
agreement and up to 100,000 restricted shares to be issued over the next 
two years contingent upon the achievement of certain levels of earnings as 
set forth in the agreement.  The Company will record the additional value 
of trademarks resulting from this contingent payment, if necessary, once 
the contingency is resolved. The acquisition was accounted for as a 
purchase, with a net value of approximately $2,700,000 based upon the 
quoted market price of the Company's stock at the time of issuance.  

     The Company acquired certain accounts receivable, inventory, fixed 
assets and trademarks as well as assuming certain outstanding trade and 
other liabilities of approximately $5,332,000.  The liabilities acquired 
are subject to the terms of a liquidating trust agreement, and as provided 
for in the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company signed a non-interest 
bearing, unsecured note payable in the amount of $2,399,400, payable in two 
equal installments due in December, 1997 and February, 1998.  Additionally, 
the Company provided the Trust with a standby letter of credit in the 
amount of $2,932,600.  Claims filed with the Trustee are funded 
periodically by the Company at the request of the Trustee, in addition to 
funds provided by the payment of the above note.  The Trust will terminate 
on the first anniversary of the agreement, and all funds on deposit with 
respect to unfiled claims will be refunded to the Company.  Management of 
the Company has reduced the value of the trademarks arising from the 
acquisition in accordance with the amount it believes will ultimately be 
refunded.  As of December 31, 1997, the Trustee had on deposit funds 
approximating $610,000 for satisfaction of claims filed in accordance with 
the provisions of the Liquidating Trust Agreement.

     As indicated above, the purchase price is subject to adjustment based 
upon the value of the net assets acquired, as determined on the first 
anniversary of the closing date.  The Company believes that based upon 
information available at December 31, 1997, the 125,000 shares held in 
escrow will be returned to the Company and has reduced the value of 
trademarks and stockholders' equity to reflect this anticipated purchase 
price adjustment.

     On June 28, 1996, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement 
with Sorbie Acquisition Co. and Subsidiaries (Sorbie), and all the 
stockholders of Sorbie, including the President and principal stockholder, 
as well as related agreements described below with the President, Trevor 

                                  F-12


NOTE 2.   SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS (Continued)

Sorbie International, Trevor Sorbie, Samson Arms, Inc. and Redken 
Laboratories.  

     Pursuant to the agreements, the Company exchanged 13,733 shares of 
restricted common stock, valued at approximately $218,000, and additional 
consideration as described below, for all the outstanding common and 
preferred stock of Sorbie.  In addition, the Company issued an additional 
18,899 shares of restricted stock, valued at approximately $300,000, to 
terminate an existing royalty agreement between Samson Arms, Inc. and 
Sorbie.  Additionally, and as further consideration for the acquisition, 
the Company (i) terminated a Secured Subordinated Debenture of Sorbie, 
dated July 20, 1994, held by the Company in the principal amount of 
$500,000, (ii) assumed liabilities due to the President of Sorbie under a 
pre-existing employment contract of approximately $500,000 and (iii) 
replaced a certain Secured Promissory Note of Sorbie in favor of Redken 
Laboratories in the principal amount of $3,250,000 with a cash payment of 
$2,500,000.

     In separate agreements, the Company amended the existing royalty 
contract between Sorbie, Trevor Sorbie International, Sorbie Trading 
Limited and Trevor Sorbie.  In accordance with the amended agreement, the 
royalty payment percentage rate payable upon future sales was reduced.

     Sorbie, formerly a major customer of the Company, is engaged in the 
distribution of professional hair care products sold in beauty salons in 
the United States and Canada.  The transaction was recorded using the 
purchase method and, accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to 
assets and liabilities based on their estimated fair values as of the date 
of acquisition.  The cost in excess of identifiable net assets acquired was 
approximately $5,600,000 and is being amortized over 30 years on a 
straight-line basis.

     Unaudited pro-forma results of operations, assuming the acquisition of 
Sorbie occurred as of the beginning of 1995, after giving effect to certain 
adjustments such as the elimination of intercompany sales and amortization 
of goodwill resulting from the acquisition are summarized as follows (in 
thousands, except per share data):
                                        1996          1995
                                     __________    __________

     Net sales                       $   27,076    $   30,315
                                     ==========    ==========

     Income before income taxes      $    6,699    $    5,195
                                     ==========    ==========

     Net Income                      $    4,431    $    3,539
                                     ==========    ==========

     Earnings per share              $     1.07    $      .85
                                     ==========    ==========

     On December 31, 1995, the Company entered into asset purchase 
agreements with Colgate-Palmolive Company and its subsidiary, The Mennen 
Company, to acquire certain consumer product brands, as well as a licensing 
agreement for the domestic distribution of the Cashmere Bouquet talc
product line.  The combined purchase price for the brands and licensing

                                  F-13


NOTE 2.   SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS (Continued)

agreement, as amended, was $12,000,000, comprised of a $2,000,000 cash down 
payment; 5 year, 8% notes in an aggregate amount of $6,000,000; and a 
royalty payment of $4,000,000 payable semi-annually over a period of 8 
years.  Approximately $600,000 of the purchase price was allocated to 
inventory, $200,000 was allocated to molds and other tooling equipment 
acquired and the balance of approximately $10,100,000 (after giving 
consideration to the net present value of the royalty stream) was allocated 
to trademarks and licenses which are being amortized over 30 years. 
Concurrent with the acquisition of the brands and the licensing agreement, 
the parties signed a seven-month transition agreement to facilitate the 
orderly transition of sales, production and distribution functions. In 
connection with the Acquisition Agreement between the Company and Colgate-
Palmolive, a purchase price adjustment was made at the end of the 
transition period that had the effect of reducing goodwill recorded on the 
acquisition by approximately $570,000.

NOTE 3.   ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

     Accounts Receivable at December 31, 1997 and 1996 consisted of the 
following:
                                        1997             1996
                                     ___________     ___________      
Accounts Receivable:
      Trade                          $ 4,753,965     $ 3,362,126
      Other                               40,642          99,592
                                     ___________     ___________  
                                       4,794,607       3,461,718
Less: Allowance for
 doubtful accounts                       (98,359)        (56,171)
                                     ___________     ___________
                                     $ 4,696,248     $ 3,405,547
                                     ===========     ===========

     The following is an analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts 
for the year ended December 31:
                                   1997           1996          1995
                                __________     __________    __________
Balance, beginning of year      $   56,171     $   46,401    $   41,819
Provision for doubtful
 accounts                          120,953         10,978        78,951
Uncollectible accounts 
 written off                       (78,765)        (1,208)      (74,369)
                                __________     __________    __________
Balance, end of year            $   98,359     $   56,171    $   46,401
                                ==========     ==========    ==========  

NOTE 4.   INVENTORIES

     Inventories at December 31, 1997 and 1996 consisted of the following:

                                     1997               1996       
                                 ____________       ____________   
  Raw materials                  $  2,880,011       $  1,087,257   
  Packaging and components          4,060,389          1,639,231   
  Work in progress                    437,965          1,019,317   
  Finished goods                    4,289,307          3,983,852   
                                 ____________       ____________   
                                 $ 11,667,672       $  7,729,657  
                                 ============       ============
                                  F-14

NOTE 4.   INVENTORIES (Continued)

     Raw materials include surfactants, chemicals and fragrances used in 
the production process.  Packaging materials include cartons, inner sleeves  
and boxes used in the actual product, as well as outer boxes and cartons 
used for shipping purposes.  Components are the actual bottles or 
containers (plastic or glass), jars, caps, pumps and similar materials that 
will be part of the finished product.

     Included in other assets is packaging and components inventory not 
anticipated to be utilized in less than one year, amounting to $1,740,167 
in 1997 and $702,528 in 1996.   

NOTE 5.   PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

     Property, plant, and equipment at December 31, 1997 and 1996 consisted 
of the following:
                                     1997              1996              
                                 ____________       ____________ 
        
Land                             $    379,627        $   379,627 
Buildings and improvements          1,873,508          1,610,191 
Machinery and equipment             1,398,922            834,435 
Furniture and office equipment        477,816            381,213  
                                 ____________        ___________       
                                    4,129,873          3,205,466     
Less: accumulated depreciation     (1,369,862)        (1,044,788) 
                                 ____________        ___________  
                     
                                 $  2,760,011        $ 2,160,678  
                                 ============        ===========  

NOTE 6.   INTANGIBLE ASSETS

     Intangible assets at December 31, 1997 and 1996 consisted of the 
following:
                                   1997                  1996         
                               ____________          ____________    
Goodwill-Williamsport
 Barber Supply                 $    510,674          $    510,674   
Covenant not to compete-
 Williamsport Barber Supply         275,000               275,000   
Goodwill-Stephan & Co.              278,054               278,054   
Goodwill-Scientific 
  Research Products, Inc.         2,088,234             2,200,022 
Trademarks-Scientific Research    1,758,343             1,758,343
Trademarks-Frances Denney         4,442,455             4,442,455
Trademarks-Colgate/Mennen         9,548,070             9,548,070 
Goodwill-Trevor Sorbie            5,622,130             5,610,903
Trademarks-Image/Modern           4,109,705                  -
Deferred Acquisition Costs          693,222               294,627
Other                               103,005               103,005
                                ___________          ____________
                                 29,428,892            25,021,153   

Less: accumulated amortization   (2,984,981)           (1,890,033)     
                               ____________          ____________    
                               $ 26,443,911          $ 23,131,120   
                               ============          ============   
                
                                  F-15


NOTE 6.   INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)

     Goodwill arising from the acquisition of Scientific Research Products 
of Delaware, Inc. in April, 1994 has been reduced by the tax effect of the 
Net Operating Loss carryforwards utilized. 

NOTE 7.   ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

     Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 1997 and 1996 
consisted of the following:
                                     1997                1996        
                                 ____________        ____________    

Accounts payable                 $  3,259,119        $  1,353,889   
Accrued marketing expenses            121,311             140,000   
Accrued payroll and bonuses           240,545             834,246   
Other accrued expenses                 83,408             225,839 
                                 ____________        ____________  
                                 $  3,704,383        $  2,553,974  
                                 ============        ============







                                  F-16


                                                               
NOTE 8.   LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt at December 31, 1997 and 1996 consisted of the 
following:                        
                                             1997             1996          
                                         ____________     ____________    

7.7% note payable to former owner of
 Williamsport Barber Supply; principal
 and interest due in monthly install-
 ments of $5,403, through January, 
 1999; collateralized by operating 
 assets of Williamsport Barber and 
 Beauty Supply with a carrying value 
 of approximately $1,500,000.                  67,183          124,431     

Non-interest bearing note payable to the
 seller of the Massimo Faust product line;
 payable in annual installments of $15,000,
 paid in January, 1998.                        15,000           30,000      

Guaranteed royalty payments to former
 owner of Sorbie brand, payable in                                              
 quarterly installments of $22,401,
 through December 31, 1999, discounted 
 at an 8% rate; unsecured.                    183,172          262,067

7.85% note payable to bank, principal of
 $100,000 plus interest, due monthly,
 through June 26, 2001; collateralized 
 by a secondary security interest in the
 brands acquired from Colgate-Palmolive
 with a carrying value of approximately
 $8,900,000.                                4,200,000         5,400,000

Revolving credit line note payable to
  Bank, interest payable monthly, due
  July 15, 1999; unsecured.                 4,000,000              -

Guaranteed payments of $250,000 due semi-
 annually to Colgate-Palmolive over an 
 8-year period discounted at an 8% rate;
 collateralized by a security interest 
 in the brands acquired with a carrying
 value of approximately $8,900,000.         2,386,547         2,677,311
                                         ____________      ____________  
                                           10,851,902         8,493,809     
Less: current portion                      (1,773,788)       (1,804,879)    
                                         ____________      ____________    
Long-term debt                           $  9,078,114      $  6,688,930   
                                         ============      ============   

     In July, 1997, the Company increased its $2,000,000 revolving credit 
line to $5,000,000, with a variable interest rate at LIBOR plus 1.5%.  At 
December 31, 1997, the outstanding obligation under this line of credit was 
$4,000,000, with an effective interest rate of 7.02%.  At December 31, 1997 
the Company has a $400,000 note payable to a bank due January 9, 1998 with 
interest at 3/4% above the certificate of deposit rate (5.5% in 1997 and 
1996) that is pledged as collateral against the note.  

                                  F-17


NOTE 8.   LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)

     The notes payable to bank have covenants with respect to current 
maturity coverage, funded debt to earnings (as defined) and minimum working 
capital.  At December 31, 1997, the Company was in compliance with all 
covenants.      

     At December 31, 1997, approximate maturities of long-term debt are 
$1,774,000 for 1998, $5,677,000 for 1999, $1,581,000 for 2000, $932,000 for 
2001, $318,000 for 2002, and $570,000 thereafter.
                   
NOTE 9.   INCOME TAXES

     The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following for the 
years ended December 31:                               
                         1997               1996             1995
                      ___________       ___________      ___________
Current Tax:
 Federal              $ 2,318,398       $ 1,872,701      $ 1,843,532
 State                    368,068           363,064          231,732
                      ___________       ___________      ___________

  Total Current         2,686,466         2,235,765        2,075,264    
                      ___________       ___________      ___________
Deferred Tax:
 Federal                  (26,425)          154,374           23,487
 State                     (3,870)           23,966           11,634
                      ___________       ___________      ___________

  Total Deferred          (30,295)          178,340           35,121    
                      ___________       ___________      ___________
Total provision 
 for income taxes     $ 2,656,171       $ 2,414,105      $ 2,110,385
                      ===========       ===========      ===========

     Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary 
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for 
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes.

     The net deferred tax liability in the accompanying balance sheets 
includes deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to the following 
items:
                                  1997              1996
                              ___________       ___________
   Accounts receivable
    allowances                $   (38,680)      $   (20,952)  
   Goodwill                       537,035           324,916
   Inventory                     (221,862)           (5,054)
   Other                           (8,327)             (449)
   Net operating loss 
    carryforward                 (409,691)         (510,000)
                              ___________       ___________

                                 (141,525)         (211,539)
   Less: Valuation allowance      409,691           510,000
                              ___________       ___________
   Net deferred tax
    liability                 $   268,166       $   298,461
                              ===========       ===========      

                                  F-18


NOTE 9.   INCOME TAXES (Continued)

     The provision for federal and state income taxes differs from 
statutory tax expense (computed by applying the U.S. Federal corporate tax 
rate to income before taxes) as follows:
                                            1997         1996        1995
                                          ________     ________    ________
Amount computed on pretax income            35.0%        35.0%        35.0%
Increase(decrease) in taxes:                                               
 State income taxes, net of 
  federal tax benefit                        3.4          3.6          2.5 
 Charitable contributions of inventory      (2.8)        (2.9)        (2.9)
 Benefit of graduated rates                 (1.0)        (1.0)        (1.0)  
 Other                                      ( .1)        ( .3)        ( .8)
                                          ________     ________    ________
 Total income tax                           34.5%        34.4%        32.8%
                                          ========     ========    ========

 NOTE 10.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     The Company is involved in litigation matters arising in the normal 
course of business.  It is the opinion of management that any such matters, 
at December 31, 1997, would not have a material adverse effect on the 
Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

     In connection with the acquisition of certain brands from New Image 
Laboratories, Inc., the Company secured a Standby Letter of Credit in the 
amount of $2,932,000 to guarantee payments to creditors in accordance with 
the provisions of the Liquidating Trust Agreement.  The face amount of this 
Standby Letter of Credit is reduced as payments are made to the Trustee.  
At December 31, 1997, the remaining amount of the outstanding letter of 
credit was $696,000.

     The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain 
officers and employees.  These agreements, which expire on various dates 
through June, 2001, provide for incentive bonuses based on consolidated 
income before taxes, earnings per share, or earnings of a subsidiary.  In 
the aggregate, such bonuses were approximately $68,000, $694,000 and 
$350,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and are included in selling, 
general and administrative expenses.  

NOTE 11.  CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK OPTIONS

     1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value are authorized, 
however, no shares have been issued.

     In 1990, the shareholders of the Company approved the 1990 Key 
Employee Stock Incentive Plan and the 1990 Outside Directors Plan. The 
aggregate number of shares currently authorized pursuant to the Key 
Employee Plan, as adjusted for stock splits and a shareholder-approved 
increase in 1994 and 1997, is 870,000 shares.  The number of shares and 
terms of each grant is determined by the Compensation Committee of the 
Board of Directors, in accordance with the 1990 Key Employee Plan, as 
amended.

     The Outside Directors Plan provides for annual grants, as adjusted for 
stock splits, of 5,062 shares to non-employee directors.  Such grants are
granted on the earlier of June 30 or the date of the Company's Annual
Meeting of Shareholders, at the fair market value at the date of grant.

                                  F-19


NOTE 11.  CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK OPTIONS (Continued)

The aggregate number of shares reserved for granting under this plan, as 
adjusted for stock splits, is 202,500. 

     Stock options are granted at the discretion of the Compensation 
Committee of the Board of Directors.  The options become exercisable one 
year from the grant date and must be exercised within five years of the 
grant date. Stock option activity for 1997, 1996, and 1995 is set forth 
below:

                                  Key Employee           Outside
                                     Option      Avg.   Directors    Avg. 
                                      Plan      Price      Plan     Price
__________________________________________________________________________

Outstanding at December 31, 1994..   205,524   $13.52     29,749   $12.76
Granted...........................      -                 10,124    15.50
Canceled..........................    (1,758)    1.16       -
Exercised.........................   (31,966)    1.16     (3,375)    7.41
                                   __________          __________

Outstanding at December 31, 1995..   171,800    15.95     36,498    14.09
Granted...........................   112,500    17.81     15,186    15.75
Canceled..........................    (5,000)   14.33     (2,500)    7.41
Exercised.........................      -                 (6,750)    7.41
                                   __________          __________

Outstanding at December 31, 1996..   279,300    16.77     42,434    15.89
Granted...........................    79,195    12.65     15,186    11.23       
Canceled..........................  (104,800)   15.46     (8,062)   17.17  
Exercised.........................      -                   -         -  
                                   __________          __________

Outstanding at December 31, 1997..   253,695   $16.03     49,558   $14.14
                                   ==========  ======  ==========  ======
     
     The number of shares and average price of options exercisable at 
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were 104,500 shares at $16.43, 174,800 
shares at $15.95 and 171,800 at $15.95 for the Key Employee Option Plan and   
34,372 at $15.80, 25,248 at $16.54 and 24,374 at $13.56 for the Outside 
Directors Plan, respectively.  At December 31, 1997 and 1996, 445,055 
shares and 85,450 shares, respectively, were available for future grants 
under the terms of the Key Employee Option Plan and 102,317 shares and 
107,941 shares, respectively, were available for future grants under the 
terms of the Outside Directors Plan.

     The Company continues to apply the provisions of Accounting Principles 
Board Opinion No. 25, and related Interpretations in accounting for stock-
based compensation plans.  Accordingly, no compensation expense has been 
recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for
options granted in 1997, 1996 and 1995, however pro forma disclosures of 
net earnings and earnings per share must be made as if SFAS No. 123 had 
been adopted.  Had compensation costs for options granted been determined 
on the basis of the fair value of the awards at the date of grant,
consistent with the treatment prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the Company's net 
income and earnings per share, on a pro forma basis, would be as follows:



                                  F-20
     

NOTE 11.  CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK OPTIONS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

                                   1997         1996          1995    
                               ___________   ___________   __________           
     Net income:
    
        As reported              $ 5,041       $ 4,679       $ 4,315
        Pro forma                $ 4,514       $ 4,418       $ 4,276

     Earnings per share:

        As reported               $ 1.20        $ 1.13        $ 1.05            

        Pro forma                 $ 1.07        $ 1.07        $ 1.04

     The above pro forma effect only takes into consideration options 
granted since January 1, 1995 and is likely to increase in future years as 
additional options are granted and amortized ratably over the vesting 
period.  The average fair value of options granted during 1997, 1996 and 
1995 was $8.52, $3.32 and $5.68, respectively.  The fair value of stock 
options granted in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was estimated using the Black-
Scholes option-pricing model and included the following assumptions: a life 
expectancy of 3 years for 1997, 1996 and 1995, a risk-free interest rate of 
6.2% for 1997, 5.9% for 1996 and 6.9% for 1995 and volatility of 48% for 
1997 and 46% for 1996 and 1995.  Since the Company did not start paying 
dividends until August, 1995, at an annual yield of less than 1%, dividends 
paid was not material to the determination of the fair value of options 
granted.

     The exercise price range of options outstanding and exercisable for 
both the Key Employee and Outside Directors plans, the weighted average 
contractual life remaining in years and the weighted average exercise price  
are as follows:

                           Outstanding                 Exercisable
                   ____________________________   ___________________
   
    Exercise        Number     Average  Average     Number    Average
   Price Range     of shares    Life     Price    of shares    Price
  _______________  __________ _______  ________   ___________________

  $10.00 - $13.99     94,381    3.72    $12.42        -          -
  $14.00 - $16.99    151,872    2.60    $15.18      81,872     $15.55
  $17.00 - $18.99     57,000     .88    $17.32      57,000     $17.32
                   _________                     _________   
                     303,253                       138,872 
                   =========                     =========

     Included in the $14.00-$16.99 range above are 70,000 ooptions which are
not exercisable until the stock trades for 20 consecutive days at a price 
equal to $19.18 or higher.

NOTE 12.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

     On March 18, 1998, the Company signed an Asset Purchase Agreement (the 
"Agreement") with Morris-Flamingo, L.P., Morris-Flamingo Beauty Products, 
Inc., Shaheen & Co., Inc. and Shouky A. Shaheen, for the acquisition of 
certain assets and liabilities (including the immediate payment of a note 


                                  F-21

NOTE 12.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)

payable to Fleet Capital Corporation approximating $1,880,000) of Morris-
Flamingo, L.P., in exchange for 307,058 shares of the Company's restricted 
common stock.  The transaction will be recorded as a purchase, and, based 
upon the net assets received, goodwill of approximately $2,500,000 will be 
recorded.  The agreement also provides for 30% of the shares issued to be 
held in escrow, pending the final determination of the value of the net 
assets acquired within 90 days of closing.  Morris-Flamingo, L.P. is a 
large mail order barber and beauty supply retailer.  In connection with the 
acquisition of Morris-Flamingo, L.P., and the related agreement to retire 
the outstanding Fleet Capital Corporation debt, the Company secured 
additional financing from NationsBank, N.A. in the amount of $3,000,000, 
and pledged all of the issued common stock of Morris Flamingo-Stephan, Inc. 
to the bank as collateral for the loan.  The loan is payable in equal 
monthly installments through March, 2005 and bears interest at the rate of 
6.92%.     

     In addition to the above, the Company has signed a lease for the 
Danville, Illinois facility currently occupied by Morris-Flamingo, L.P. 
(and owned by the former owner of the partnership) for a three year period, 
with an option to cancel in one year.  The annual rental is $210,000 and 
comprises approximately 93,000 square feet of office, manufacturing and 
warehouse space.

 


































                                  F-22


  

                               SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its 
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto, duly authorized.



THE STEPHAN CO.

By: /s/ Frank F. Ferola
   ___________________________________
   Frank F. Ferola
   President and Chairman of the Board
   April 15, 1998


By: /s/ David A. Spiegel
   ___________________________________
   David A. Spiegel 
   Principal Financial Officer
   Principal Accounting Officer
   April 15, 1998




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


By: /s/ Frank F. Ferola              By:   /s/ Thomas M. D'Ambrosio       
   ______________________________         ____________________________
   Frank F. Ferola, Principal             Thomas M. D'Ambrosio
   Executive Officer and Director         Vice President and Director
   Date: April 15, 1998                   Date: April 15, 1998              


By: /s/ John DePinto                 By:   /s/ Curtis Carlson  
   ______________________________         ____________________________
   John DePinto, Director                 Curtis Carlson, Director
   Date: April 15, 1998                   Date: April 15, 1998
                                          


By: /s/ Leonard Genovese
   ______________________________
   Leonard Genovese, Director
   Date: April 15, 1998








                                   19



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                       9,101,300
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                4,794,607
<ALLOWANCES>                                    98,359
<INVENTORY>                                 11,667,672
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            25,734,524
<PP&E>                                       4,129,873
<DEPRECIATION>                               1,369,862
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              57,464,394
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        8,467,975
<BONDS>                                      9,078,114
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        44,188
<OTHER-SE>                                  39,605,951
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                57,464,394
<SALES>                                     27,113,306
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            27,641,246
<CGS>                                       10,192,411
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               10,192,411
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             9,751,655
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               120,953
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             641,654
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              7,697,180
<INCOME-TAX>                                 2,656,171
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          5,041,009
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 5,041,009
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.20
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.20
        

</TABLE>


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