SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                          Washington, D.C.  20549

                                 FORM 10-K

               Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
                   of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended                           Commission file number
  December 31, 1996                                           1-9608

                                 NEWELL CO.
           (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

            DELAWARE                                        36-3514169
(State or other jurisdiction of                          (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                        (Identification No.)

              Newell Center
29 East Stephenson Street, Freeport, Illinois                61032-0943
  (Address of principal executive offices)                   (Zip Code)

  Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (815)235-4171

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

                                                    Name of each exchange
             Title of each class                     on which registered
             -------------------                    ---------------------

Common Stock, $1 par value per share, and           New York Stock Exchange
associated Preferred Stock Purchase Rights          Chicago Stock Exchange

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


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

     Yes  __X__  No  _____

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


  2


     There were 158.9 million shares of the Registrant's common
stock outstanding as of December 31, 1996.  The aggregate market
value of the shares of common stock (based upon the closing price
on the New York Stock Exchange on that date) beneficially owned
by nonaffiliates of the Registrant was approximately $4,754.3
million.  For purposes of the foregoing calculation only, which
is required by Form 10-K, the Registrant has included in the
shares owned by affiliates those shares owned by directors and
officers of the Registrant, and such inclusion shall not be
construed as an admission that any such person is an affiliate
for any purpose.

               Documents Incorporated by Reference

                             Part III

     Portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement for
its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 7, 1997, which
will be filed March 14, 1997.


  3


                              PART I

Item 1.  Business
- -----------------

     "Newell" or the "Company" refers to Newell Co. alone or with
its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as the context requires.

GENERAL
- -------

     Newell is a manufacturer and full-service marketer of high-
volume consumer products serving the needs of volume purchasers. 
The Company's basic strategy is to merchandise a multi-product
offering of brand-name consumer products, with an emphasis on
excellent customer service, in order to achieve maximum results
for its stockholders.  Each group of the Company's products is
manufactured and sold by a subsidiary or division (each referred
to herein as a "division," even if separately incorporated).

     The Company manages the activities of its divisions through
executives at the corporate level, to whom the divisional
managers report, and controls financial activities through
centralized accounting, capital expenditure reporting, cash
management, order processing, billing, credit, accounts
receivable and data processing operations.  The production, sales
and servicing functions of each division, however, are conducted
with substantial independence.  Each division is managed by
employees who make day-to-day operating and sales decisions and
participate in an incentive compensation plan that ties a
significant part of their compensation to their division's
results.  The Company believes that this allocation of
responsibility and system of incentives fosters an
entrepreneurial approach to management that has been important to
the Company's success.


  4



INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
- -----------------

     The Company operates in a single industry segment consisting
of Consumer Products sold through a variety of retail and
wholesale distribution channels.

PRODUCTS
- --------

                         HOME FURNISHINGS
                         ----------------
Window Treatments
- -----------------

     The Company's window treatments business is conducted by the
Levolor Home Fashions and Newell Window Furnishings divisions.
Levolor Home Fashions and Newell Window Furnishings primarily
manufacture made-to-order and stock horizontal and vertical
blinds; pleated, cellular and pull shades; and window hardware
for the retail marketplace. Levolor Home Fashions also produces
window treatment components for custom window treatment
fabricators.

     Levolor Home Fashions and Newell Window Furnishings products
are sold primarily under the trade names of NEWELL{r},
LEVOLOR{r}, LOUVERDRAPE{r}, DEL MAR{r}, and JOANNA{r}, and the
brands SPECTRIM{r}, MAGIC FIT{r} and RIVIERA{r}.

     Levolor Home Fashions and Newell Window Furnishings market
their products directly and through distributors to mass
merchants, home centers, department/specialty stores, hardware
distributors, custom shops and select contract customers, using a
network of manufacturers' representatives, as well as regional
zone and market-specific sales managers.

     Levolor Home Fashions and Newell Window Furnishings design,
manufacture or import, package and distribute their window
treatments products.  Principal facilities are located in
Freeport, Illinois and High Point, North Carolina. Levolor Home
Fashions and Newell Window Furnishings have many facilities in
the U.S. and Canada.

Picture Frames
- --------------

     The Company's picture frame business is conducted by the
Intercraft division.  Intercraft primarily manufactures wood,
wood composite and metal ready-made picture frames, framed art
and photo albums.


  5


     Intercraft ready-made picture frames are sold primarily
under the trade names of INTERCRAFT{r}, DECOREL{r}, BURNES OF
BOSTON{r}, CARR{r}, RAREWOODS{r} AND TERRAGRAFICS{r}, while
framed art is sold primarily under the DECOREL{r} trade name and
photo albums are sold primarily under the HOLSON{r} trade name.

     Intercraft markets products directly to mass merchants,
warehouse clubs, grocery/drug stores and department/specialty
stores, using a network of manufacturers' representatives, as
well as regional zone and market-specific sales managers. 
INTERCRAFT{r}, DECOREL{r} and HOLSON{r} products are sold to mass
merchants, while the remaining brands are sold to
department/specialty stores.

     Intercraft designs, manufactures, packages and distributes
picture frames, framed art and photo albums.  Principal
facilities are located in Taylor, Texas; Statesville, North
Carolina; Mississauga, Ontario; Clairmont, New Hampshire;
Mundelein, Illinois; North Smithfield, Rhode Island; and Durango,
Mexico.

Home Storage Products
- ---------------------

     Lee Rowan{r} and System Works{r} - coated wire storage, home
storage, shelving systems and organization products.


  6



                            HOUSEWARES
                            ----------
Glassware and Plasticware
- -------------------------

     The Company's glassware and plasticware business is
conducted by the Anchor Hocking and Newell Europe divisions. 
Anchor Hocking and Newell Europe design, manufacture, package and
distribute glass and plastic products.  These products include
glass ovenware, servingware, cookware and dinnerware products and
plastic microwave cookware and food storage products.  Anchor
Hocking also produces foodservice products, glass lamp parts,
lighting components, meter covers and appliance covers for the
foodservice and specialty markets. Newell Europe also produces
glass components for appliance manufacturers and its products are
marketed in Europe, the Middle East and Africa only.

     Anchor Hocking products are sold primarily under the trade
names of ANCHOR HOCKING{r} and PLASTICS INC.{tm}, and the brand
names of OVEN BASICS{r} and STOWAWAYS{r}. Newell Europe's
products are sold primarily under the brand names of PYREX{r},
PYROFLAM{r}, VISION{r} and VITRI{r}.

     Anchor Hocking markets its products directly to mass
merchants, warehouse clubs, grocery/drug stores, department/
specialty stores, hardware distributors and select contract
customers, using a network of manufacturers' representatives, as
well as regional zone and market-specific sales managers. Newell
Europe markets its products to mass merchants, industrial
manufacturers and buying groups using a direct sales force.

     Principal facilities are located in Lancaster, Ohio; Monaca,
Pennsylvania; St. Paul and Coon Rapids, Minnesota; Sunderland,
Great Britain; Muhtal, Germany and Chateauroux, France.

Aluminum Cookware and Bakeware
- ------------------------------

     The Company's aluminum cookware and bakeware business is
conducted by the Mirro division.  Mirro primarily manufactures
aluminum cookware and bakeware for the retail marketplace.  Mirro
also manufactures various specialized aluminum cookware and
bakeware items for the food service industry.  It also produces
aluminum contract stampings and components for other
manufacturers and makes aluminum and plastic kitchen tools and
utensils.

     Mirro products are sold primarily under the trade names of
MIRRO{r} and WEAREVER{r}, and the brand names of AIRBAKE{r},
CUSHIONAIRE{r}, CONCENTRIC AIR{r}, CHANNELON{r} and WEAREVER
AIRE{tm}.


  7


     Mirro markets its products directly to mass merchants,
warehouse clubs, grocery/drug stores, department/specialty
stores, hardware distributors, cable TV networks and select
contract customers, using a network of manufacturers'
representatives, as well as regional zone and market-specific
sales managers.

     Mirro manufacturing operations are highly integrated,
rolling its own sheet stock from aluminum ingot, and producing
phenolic handles and knobs at its own plastics molding facility. 
Principal facilities are located in Manitowoc and Chilton,
Wisconsin and Salina, Kansas.

Hair Accessories and Beauty Organizers
- --------------------------------------

     Goody{r} - personal consumer products including hair
accessories and beauty organizers.


  8



                         OFFICE PRODUCTS
                         ---------------
Markers and Writing Instruments
- -------------------------------

     The Company's Markers and Writing Instruments business is
conducted by the Sanford division. Sanford primarily manufactures
permanent/waterbase markers, dry erase markers, overhead
projector pens, highlighters, wood-cased pencils and inks, and
distributes other writing instruments including roller ball
pens, ball-point pens and mechanical pencils for the retail
marketplace.

     Sanford products are sold primarily under the trade names of
SANFORD{r}, EBERHARD FABER{r} and BEROL{r}, and the brands
SHARPIE{r}, UNI-BALL{r}, EXPO{r}, ZEZE{r}, VIS-A-VIS{r},
EXPRESSO{r} and MONGOL{r}.

     Sanford markets its products directly and through
distributors to mass merchants, warehouse clubs, grocery/drug
stores, office superstores, office supply stores, contract
stationers, and hardware distributors, using a network of
manufacturers' representatives, as well as regional zone and
market-specific sales managers.

     Principal facilities are located in Bellwood, Illinois; and
Lewisburg and Shelbyville, Tennessee.  Principal foreign
facilities are located in Tlalnepantla, Mexico, Bogota, Colombia
and Canada.

Other
- -----

     Stuart Hall - school supplies, stationery and office
supplies; and Newell, Rogers and Keene Office Products - desktop
and computer accessories.

                        HARDWARE AND TOOLS
                        ------------------
Hardware
- --------

     The Company's hardware business is conducted by the Amerock
and Bulldog Fastener divisions. Amerock primarily manufactures
cabinet hardware for the retail marketplace. Amerock also
manufactures window hardware for window manufacturers. Bulldog
packages and distributes hardware which includes bolts, screws
and mechanical fasteners.

     Amerock and Bulldog products are sold primarily under the
trade names of AMEROCK{r}, ALLISON{r}, BULLDOG{r} and VSI{r}.


  9


     Amerock and Bulldog market their products directly and
through distributors to mass merchants, home centers, hardware
distributors, cabinet shops and window manufacturers, using a
network of manufacturers' representatives, as well as regional
zone and market-specific sales managers.

     Amerock designs, manufactures, packages and distributes its
hardware products. Bulldog Fastener Company packages and
distributes its products. Principal facilities are located in
Rockford, Illinois and Memphis, Tennessee.

Tools
- -----

     EZ Paintr - manual paint applicator products and BernzOmatic
- - propane and propane/oxygen hand torches.

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
- --------------------------

     Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. amounted to approximately 15%
of consolidated sales in 1996, 14% in 1995 and 15% in 1994. 
Sales to each of the Company's other customers, individually,
amounted to less than 10% of consolidated net sales.

     Most of the Company's customers are retailers that rely on a
single or principal source for each of the consumer products that
they sell.  Accordingly, the divisions focus their marketing
effort on the retailer, not on the ultimate consumer, and compete
with other suppliers for business.  The Company's strategy is to
emphasize excellent customer service, innovative merchandising
programs and a quality multi-product offering.  As part of its
customer service programs, the Company's computer systems allow
it to receive and process orders for its customers entirely on an
electronic basis.  The Company also offers vendor managed
inventory systems to its customers, with which the Company
manages inventory at customer locations.  These programs, and the
ability to fill and ship orders promptly, are important
competitive factors since they reduce a customer's order
processing costs and allow the customer to minimize the inventory
it must carry.  The divisions also maintain sales and service
organizations to be responsive to the needs of their customers.

BACKLOG
- -------

     The dollar value of unshipped factory orders is not
material.


  10


SEASONAL VARIATIONS
- -------------------

     The divisions are only moderately affected by seasonal
trends.  Home Furnishings and Hardware and Tool products have
higher sales in the second and third quarters due to an increased
level of do-it-yourself projects completed in the summer months;
Housewares products typically have higher sales in the second
half of the year due to retail stocking related to the holiday
season; and Office Products have higher sales in the second and
third quarters due to the back-to-school season.  The Company's
consolidated quarterly sales do not fluctuate significantly,
unless a significant acquisition is made, since these seasonal
trends are moderate.


  11



NET SALES BY PRODUCT CLASS
- --------------------------

     The following table sets forth the amounts and percentages
of the Company's net sales for the three years ended December 31,
1996 (including sales of acquired companies from the time of
acquisition), for the classes of similar products described
previously.

                                         Year Ended December 31,
                                  1996     %      1995     %      1994     %
                                  ----            ----            ----
                                        (In millions, except percentages)
Home Furnishings:
  Window Treatments            $  385.6   13%  $  392.0   16%  $  317.8   15%
  Picture Frames                  339.8   12      154.0    6      135.9    7
  Home Storage Products           190.8    7      186.3    7      189.1    9
                               --------        --------        --------
    Total Home Furnishings        916.2   32      732.3   29      642.8   31
                               --------        --------        --------
Housewares:
  Glassware and Plasticware       394.2   14      397.6   16      256.3   12
  Cookware and Bakeware           273.4    9      261.9   11      280.9   14
  Hair Accessories and
   Beauty Organizers              164.1    6      160.1    6      154.6    8
                               --------        --------        --------
    Total Housewares              831.7   29      819.6   33      691.8   34
                               --------        --------        --------
Office Products:
  Markers and Writing
   Instruments                    570.2   20      402.4   16      212.6   10
  Other *                         171.6    6      179.8    7      170.6    8
                               --------        --------        --------
    Total Office Products         741.8   26      582.2   23      383.2   18
                               --------        --------        --------
Hardware & Tools
  Hardware                        214.1    7      202.7    8      208.8   10
  Tools                           169.0    6      161.6    7      148.3    7
                               --------        --------        --------
    Total Hardware & Tools        383.1   13      364.3   15      357.1   17
                               --------        --------        --------
Newell Consolidated            $2,872.8  100%  $2,498.4  100%  $2,074.9  100%
                               ========  ===   ========  ===   ========  ===

*  This category is comprised of different product classes, each
representing less than 10% of net sales.

     Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been reclassified to
conform with the 1996 presentation.


  12



ACQUISITIONS OF BUSINESSES
- --------------------------

     At the foundation of the Company's growth strategy is
acquisitions.  Since the late 1960s, acquisitions have been the
Company's primary vehicle for growth.  Over the last 30 years,
the Company has acquired more than 70 companies.  In the last
five years alone, the Company has completed 13 major
acquisitions, representing nearly $2.0 billion in additional
sales.

     From a small manufacturer of drapery hardware with about
$20.0 million in sales and $2.0 million in net income in the late
1960s, Newell has grown  an average of nearly 20% per year and is
now an international consumer goods supplier with annual sales
approaching $3.0 billion and net income exceeding $250.0 million. 
This dramatic growth is largely the result of acquisitions,
supplemented by internal growth.

     In its acquisition planning, the Company looks for branded,
staple product lines sold to volume purchasers.  These product
lines must have the potential to reach the Company's high
standard of profitability, a low technology level and a long
product life cycle.  In addition to adding entirely new product
lines, acquisitions can be beneficial in rounding out existing
businesses by filling gaps in the product offering, adding new
customers and distribution channels, improve operational
efficiency through shared resources and create critical mass.

     The Company has typically acquired companies that it
believes have  unrealized profit potential.  "Newellization" is
the profit improvement and productivity enhancement process that
is applied to newly acquired product lines to bring  them up to
the Company's standards of profitability.

     Elements of the Newellization process at newly acquired
companies include establishing a focused business strategy,
improving customer service, building partnerships with customers,
reducing corporate overhead through centralization of
administrative functions, trimming excess costs, tightening
financial controls, improving manufacturing efficiency, pruning
nonproductive product lines and reducing inventories, increasing
trade receivable turnover and improving sales mix profitability
through the application of program merchandising techniques.

     As part of the Newellization process to improve
profitability, sales can often decline as unprofitable product
lines are reduced or eliminated.  In the Newell strategy, once a
company has been Newellized (the process usually takes about two
years), it is expected to begin building profitable sales and
contribute to the Company's internal growth.  Internal growth has
averaged 5% annually over the past five years.


  13


     On January 30, 1997, the Company signed a letter of intent
with Cooper Industries, Inc. to acquire Cooper's Kirsch Division. 
Kirsch manufactures and distributes drapery hardware and custom
window coverings in the U.S. and abroad.  Consummation of the
acquisition is subject to execution of a definitive agreement and
receipt of the necessary government approvals.  On March 5, 1997,
the Company purchased the Rolodex business unit of Insilco
Corporation.  Rolodex is a marketer of office products including
card files, personal organizers and paper punches.

     Additional information regarding acquisitions of businesses
is included in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS
- ------------------

     Geographic segment information regarding the Company's 1996
and 1995 foreign operations is included in note 13 to the
consolidated financial statements.

RAW MATERIAL
- ------------

     The Company expects to have multiple foreign and domestic
sources of supply for substantially all of its material
requirements.  The raw materials and various purchased components
required for its products have generally been available in
sufficient quantities.

PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
- ----------------------

     The Company has many patents, trademarks and trade names,
none of which is considered material to the consolidated
operations.

COMPETITION
- -----------

     The markets in which the Company competes are highly
competitive, with a number of well-established domestic and
foreign manufacturers.  In addition, many of the Company's
products compete with a number of substitute products.  The
Company believes, however, that it has a significant share in
many of its markets and is either number one or number two in
virtually all of its respective fields.

     The Company's principal methods of competition are customer
service, price, brand name identification, merchandising
programs, domestic manufacturing resources and breadth of product
line offerings.  The Company's strategy is to emphasize excellent
customer service, innovative merchandising programs and a quality
multi-product offering.  The Company also believes that its


  14


customer service programs and systems, which include delivery of
quality products on time and innovative good-better-best
merchandising programs, give it a competitive advantage.  The
Company's principal customers are sophisticated volume
purchasers, which consider a combination of all of these factors
in determining where to purchase products.

ENVIRONMENT
- -----------

     Information regarding the Company's environmental matters is
included in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of
this report.

EMPLOYEES
- ---------

     The Company has approximately 22,100 employees, of whom
approximately 5,600 are covered by collective bargaining
agreements. 


  15


Item 2.  Properties
- -------------------

     The following table shows the location and general character
of the principal operating facilities owned or leased by the
Company.  The executive offices are located in Beloit, Wisconsin,
which is an owned facility occupying approximately 9,000 square
feet.  Other Corporate offices are located in owned facilities in
Freeport, Illinois (occupying 59,000 square feet) and in
Rockford, Illinois (occupying 7,000 square feet).  Most of the
idle facilities, which are excluded from the following list, are
subleased while being held pending sale or lease expiration.  The
Company considers its properties to be in generally good
condition and well-maintained, and are generally suitable and
adequate to carry on the Company's business.  The properties are
used for manufacturing ("M"), distribution ("D") and
administrative offices ("A").

                                            Owned or
                                            Exp. Date          General
Location              City                  If Leased          Character
- --------          ------------              ---------        ------------
Australia         Chadstone, Melbourne      01/97              D & A

Arizona           Phoenix                   03/04            M, D & A

Belgium           Zellick                   10/98              D & A

California        Beaumont                  11/97                D
                  Garden Grove              09/97                M
                  Ontario                   12/97                D
                  Vista                     06/03              M & D
                  Westminster               03/97                A
                  Westminster               05/99                D
                  Westminster               09/97                M

Canada            Brampton, ON              09/97              M & D
                  Calgary, AB               07/01                M
                  Mississauga, ON           Owned              M & D
                  Oakville, ON              10/97              D & A
                  Pickering, ON             03/07                D
                  Prescott, ON              Owned                M
                  Prescott, ON              12/97                D
                  Richmond Hills, ON        10/00                A
                  Toronto, ON               08/00              M & A
                  Toronto, ON               02/98                D
                  Watford, ON               01/04             M, D & A
                  Weston, ON                M-T-M                A


  16

                                            Owner or
                                            Exp. Date        General
Location              City                  If Leased        Character
- --------          ------------              ---------        ------------
Colombia          Bogota                    Owned             M, D & A

England           Bath Road                 06/07                A
                  Dunstable                 02/05              D & A
                  King's Lynn               Owned             M, D & A
                  Sunderland                11/99                D
                  Sunderland                12/00                D
                  Sunderland                Owned                M

France            Avon                      11/99                A
                  Chateauroux               Owned             M, D & A

Georgia           Athens                    Owned                M
                  Columbus                  Owned                D
                  Manchester                Owned                M
                  Morrow                    M-T-M                D
                  Peachtree City            Owned                A

Germany           Muhltal                   Owned                M

Hawaii            Kapolei                   07/98                M

Illinois          Bellwood                  11/99             M, D & A
                  Bellwood                  Owned              M & A
                  Freeport                  Owned             M, D & A
                  Freeport                  12/98                D
                  Freeport                  Owned                A
                  Mundelein                 09/97              M & A
                  Rockford                  Owned             M, D & A
                  South Holland             12/97                M
                  Waukegan                  07/98                D

Indiana           Lowell                    Owned             M, D & A

Italy             Milan                     12/01                A
                  Milan                     04/99                D

Kansas            Salina                    Owned              M & D
                  Salina                    06/97                D

Mexico            Durango                   Owned                M
                  Tlalnepantla              Owned             M, D & A

Minnesota         Coon Rapids               Owned                M
                  Eagan                     01/99                D
                  St. Paul                  Owned              M & A


  17

                                            Owned or
                                            Exp. Date          General
Location              City                  If Leased          Character
- --------          ------------              ---------        ------------
Missouri          Fenton                    12/99                A
                  Jackson                   Owned             M, D & A
                  Kansas City               12/05             M, D & A

Nebraska          Omaha                     09/98                D

New Hampshire     Claremont                 Owned              M & D
                  Claremont                 10/97                D

New Jersey        Rockaway                  03/98                M

New York          Medina                    Owned             M, D & A
                  Ogdensburg                Owned                M

North Carolina    High Point                Owned              M & A
                  Statesville               Owned              M & D

Ohio              Bremen                    Owned                M
                  Columbus                  12/97                D
                  Lancaster                 Owned             M, D & A
                  Lancaster                 M-T-M                M

Pennsylvania      Ambridge                  M-T-M                D
                  Monaca                    Owned              M & A
                  Monaca                    M-T-M                D
                  Wampum                    M-T-M                D

Puerto Rico       Carolina                  06/98              D & A

Rhode Island      Lincoln                   M-T-M                D
                  North Smithfield          05/05                A

Spain             Madrid                    12/97                A

Tennessee         Johnson City              12/97                D
                  Johnson City              Owned                M
                  Lewisburg                 Owned             M, D & A
                  Memphis                   02/06             M, D & A
                  Memphis                   01/98                D
                  Shelbyville               Owned             M, D & A
                  Shelbyville               02/97                D

Texas             Taylor                    Owned             M, D & A

Utah              Ogden                     Owned                M
                  Salt Lake City            04/98                M


  18

                                            Owned or
                                            Exp. Date          General
Location              City                  If Leased          Character
- --------          ------------              ---------        ------------
West Virginia     Weirton                   Owned                M

Wisconsin         Beloit                    Owned                A
                  Chilton                   Owned                M
                  Madison                   Owned             M, D & A
                  Madison                   03/97*               D
                  Manitowoc                 04/98                D
                  Manitowoc                 Owned             M, D & A
                  South Milwaukee           06/97*               D
                  St. Francis               Owned             M, D & A

* Lease not extended past this date.


Item 3.  Legal Proceedings
- --------------------------

     Information regarding legal proceedings is included in note
14 to the consolidated financial statements and is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.


  19


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

     There were no matters submitted to a vote of the Company's
shareholders during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1996.

Supplementary Item  -    Executive Officers of the Registrant as
                         of 12/31/96

NAME                       AGE      PRESENT POSITION WITH THE COMPANY
- ----                       ----     ---------------------------------

William P. Sovey            63      Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Thomas A. Ferguson, Jr.     49      President and Chief Operating Officer

Donald L. Krause            57      Senior Vice President-Corporate Controller

William T. Alldredge        56      Vice President-Finance

Richard C. Dell             50      Group President

William J. Denton           52      Group President

William K. Doppstadt        64      Vice President-Personnel Relations


William P. Sovey has been Vice Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer since July 1992.  From January 1986 through July 1992, he
had been President and Chief Operating Officer.

Thomas A. Ferguson, Jr. has been President and Chief Operating
Officer since May 1992.  From January 1989 to May 1992, he was
President-Operating Companies.

Donald L. Krause was appointed Senior Vice President-Corporate
Controller in March 1990.  He was President-Industrial Companies
from February 1988 to March 1990.

William T. Alldredge has been Vice President-Finance of the
Company since August 1983.

Richard C. Dell has been Group President since June 1992.  He was
President of Amerock from November 1989 to June 1992.  He was
President of EZ Paintr from September 1987 to November 1989.

William J. Denton has been Group President since March 1990. 
From April 1989 to March 1990, he was Vice President-Corporate
Controller.  He was President of Anchor Hocking Glass from August
1987 to April 1989.

William K. Doppstadt has been Vice President-Personnel Relations
of the Company since 1974.


  20


                             PART II

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

     The Company's common stock is listed on the New York and
Chicago Stock Exchanges (symbol: NWL).  As of December 1996,
there were 14,577 stockholders of record.  The following table
sets forth the high and low sales prices of the common stock on
the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape (as published in the
Wall Street Journal) for the calendar periods indicated.

                                 Year Ended December 31,
                  -------------------------------------------------
                            1996                      1995
                  ----------------------     ----------------------
                     High         Low           High         Low
                  ----------  ----------     ----------  ----------
Quarters:
     First         $28 7/8     $25 5/8        $25 1/2     $20 5/8
     Second         32          25 1/2         25          22 1/4
     Third          32          28 1/2         26 1/4      23 5/8
     Fourth         33 1/4      28 1/4         27 1/4      23 43/64


      The Company has paid regular cash dividends on its common
stock since 1947.  On February 11, 1997, the quarterly cash
dividend was increased to $0.16 per share from the $0.14 per
share that had been paid since February 6, 1996.  Prior to this
date, the quarterly cash dividend had been paid at $0.12 per
share since May 11, 1995, which was an increase from the $0.10
per share paid since May 12, 1994.


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
- --------------------------------

     The following is a summary of certain consolidated financial
information relating to the Company.  The summary has been
derived in part from, and should be read in conjunction with, the
consolidated financial statements of the Company included
elsewhere in this report and the schedules thereto.


  21


                                      Year Ended December 31,
                          1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                (In millions, except per share data)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Net sales              $2,872.8   $2,498.4   $2,074.9   $1,645.0   $1,451.7
Cost of products sold   1,965.5    1,715.6    1,403.8    1,101.7      997.3
                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Gross income            907.3      782.8      671.1      543.3      454.4
Selling, general
  and administrative
  expenses                421.6      363.3      313.2      257.2      201.1
Restructuring costs           -          -          -          -       20.9
                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Operating income        485.7      419.5      357.9      286.1      232.4
Nonoperating expenses
 (income):
  Interest expense         57.0       49.8       30.0       19.1       20.4
  Other                     4.1       (1.1)      (1.4)      (8.5)     (65.6)
                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
    Net                    61.1       48.7       28.6       10.6      (45.2)
                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Income before income
   taxes and cumulative
   effect of accounting
   change                 424.6      370.8      329.3      275.5      277.6
Income taxes              168.1      148.3      133.7      110.2      114.3
                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Net income before
   cumulative effect
   of accounting
   change                 256.5      222.5      195.6      165.3      163.3
  Cumulative effect of
   accounting change          -          -          -          -      (44.2)
                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------

  Net income           $  256.5   $  222.5   $  195.6   $  165.3   $  119.1
                       ========   ========   ========   ========   ========

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA
  Before cumulative
   effect of
   accounting change      $1.62      $1.41      $1.24      $1.05     $ 1.05
  Cumulative effect of
   accounting change          -          -          -          -      (0.29)
                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------

  Earnings per share      $1.62      $1.41      $1.24      $1.05      $0.76
                       ========   ========   ========   ========   ========

Cash dividends per
 share                    $0.56      $0.46      $0.39      $0.35      $0.30
                       ========   ========   ========   ========   ========


  22


*****
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data (Cont.)
- ----------------------------------------

                          1996       1995       1994       1993      1992
                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                           (In millions)

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES  158.8      158.2      157.8      157.3     155.8

BALANCE SHEET DATA
Inventories           $  509.5   $  509.2   $  420.7   $  301.0  $  226.2
Working Capital          471.1      452.6      133.6       76.7     219.5
Total assets           3,005.1    2,927.1    2,488.3    1,952.9   1,569.6
Short-term debt          104.1      163.0      309.1      247.2      97.1
Long-term debt, net of
 current maturities      672.0      761.6      409.0      218.1     176.8
Stockholders' equity   1,491.8    1,296.0    1,125.3      979.1     859.4

1992
- ----

     On February 14, 1992, a subsidiary of the Company merged
with Sanford Corporation  ("Sanford"), a designer, manufacturer
and marketer of marking and writing instruments, plastic desk
accessories, file storage boxes and other office and school
supplies.  The Company issued approximately 27.8 million shares
of common stock for all the common stock of Sanford (valued at
approximately $686.7 million).  This transaction was accounted
for as a pooling of interests; therefore, prior financial
statements were restated to reflect this merger.

     On July 8, 1992, the Company acquired Stuart Hall Company,
Inc. ("Stuart Hall"), a manufacturer of school supplies,
stationery and office supplies.  On October 1, 1992, the Company
acquired substantially all of the assets of Intercraft
Industries, L.P., and all of the capital stock of Intercraft
Industries of Canada, Inc. (collectively, "Intercraft"),
manufacturers of ready-made picture frames.  For these and other
minor acquisitions, the Company paid $175.0 million in cash,
issued 3.2 million shares of common stock for all the common
stock of Stuart Hall (valued at approximately $54.6 million), and
assumed $82.4 million of debt.  These transactions were accounted
for as purchases; therefore results of operations are included in
the accompanying consolidated financial statements since their
respective dates of acquisition.  The acquisition costs were
allocated to the fair market value of the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed and resulted in trade names and goodwill of
approximately $161.9 million.

     In 1992, the Company adopted SFAS No. 106, "Employers'
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions." 
Adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the


  23


annual expense for postretirement benefits.  As part of adopting
this standard, the Company recorded, in the first quarter of
1992, a one-time, non-cash charge against earnings of $71.7
million before taxes and $44.1 million after taxes, or $0.29 per
share.  The effect of the charge on 1992 net income before
cumulative effect of accounting change was not material to the
consolidated financial statements.

     On December 31, 1992, the Company sold its closures business
for a $210.0 million note receivable due and paid January 4,
1993.  The Company recognized a net pre-tax gain of $82.9 million
on the sale.  Sales for this business totaled $160.6 million in
1992.


1993
- ----

     On April 30, 1993, the Company acquired substantially all of
the assets of Levolor Corporation ("Levolor"), a manufacturer and
distributor of decorative window coverings.  On September 22,
1993, the Company acquired Lee Rowan Company ("Lee Rowan"), a
manufacturer and marketer of coated wire storage and organization
products.  On November 9, 1993, the Company acquired Goody
Products, Inc. ("Goody"), a manufacturer and marketer of personal
consumer products including hair accessories and beauty
organizers.  For these and other minor 1993 acquisitions, the
Company paid $293.1 million in cash (excluding the $13.1 million
of Goody common stock that the Company owned prior to the
acquisition) and assumed $30.7 million of debt.

     These transactions were accounted for as purchases;
therefore results of operations are included in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements since their respective dates of
acquisition.  The acquisition costs were allocated to the fair
market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and
resulted in trade names and goodwill of approximately $208.2
million.

Subsequent Years
- ----------------

     Information regarding 1994, 1995 and 1996 acquisitions of
businesses is included in note 2 to the consolidated financial
statements.


  24



QUARTERLY SUMMARIES

     Summarized quarterly data for the last three years are as
follows (unaudited):

Calendar Year          1st         2nd         3rd       4th          Year
- -------------       --------    --------    --------   --------     --------
                          (In millions, except per share data)

     1996
     ----
Net sales           $  618.2    $  735.1    $  761.9   $  757.6     $2,872.8
Gross income           181.3       235.8       243.7      246.5        907.3
Net income              33.2        67.7        74.6       81.0        256.5
Earnings per share       .21         .43         .47        .51         1.62

     1995
     ----
Net sales           $  556.6    $  621.3    $  651.3   $  669.2     $2,498.4
Gross income           166.8       189.5       207.2      219.3        782.8
Net income              36.1        54.9        65.1       66.4        222.5
Earnings per share       .23         .35         .41        .42         1.41

     1994
     ----
Net sales           $  443.5    $  493.5    $  553.2   $  584.7     $2,074.9
Gross income           134.8       159.9       179.2      197.2        671.1
Net income              31.5        44.0        58.0       62.1        195.6
Earnings per share       .20         .28         .37        .39         1.24


  25



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

     The following discussion and analysis provides information
which management believes is relevant to an assessment and
understanding of the Company's consolidated results of operations
and financial condition.  The discussion should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following table sets forth for the period indicated
items from the Consolidated Statements of Income as a percentage
of net sales.

                                                   Year Ended December 31,     
                                                                               
                                              1996        1995        1994
                                             ------      ------      ------
Net sales                                    100.0%      100.0%      100.0%
Cost of products sold                         68.4        68.7        67.7
                                             ------      ------      ------
  Gross income                                31.6        31.3        32.3

Selling, general
 and administrative expenses                  14.7        14.5        15.1
                                             ------      ------      ------
  Operating income                            16.9        16.8        17.2

Nonoperating expenses (income):
 Interest expense                              2.0         2.0         1.4
 Other                                         0.1           -        (0.1)
                                             ------      ------      ------
   Net                                         2.1         2.0         1.3
                                             ------      ------      ------
  Income before income taxes                  14.8        14.8        15.9

Income taxes                                   5.9         5.9         6.5
                                             ------      ------      ------
  Net income                                   8.9%        8.9%        9.4%
                                              =====       =====       =====
      


  26



1996 vs. 1995
- -------------

     Net sales for 1996 were $2,872.8 million, representing an
increase of $374.4 million or 15.0% from $2,498.4 million in
1995.  The overall increase in net sales was primarily
attributable to contributions from the 1995 acquisitions of
Decorel and Berol, the 1996 acquisition of Holson Burnes, and
internal growth of 4% (internal growth is defined as growth from
the Company's "core businesses," which include continuing
businesses owned more than two years and minor acquisitions
completed during the last two years).  All of the acquisitions
are described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
Net sales for each of the Company's product groups (and the
primary reasons for the increases) were as follows, in millions:

                       Year Ended December 31,       Primary Reasons
                      1996        1995   %Change      for Increases
                   --------   --------   -------   ------------------

Home Furnishings   $  916.2   $  732.3    25.1%    Decorel October 1995 and
                                                    Holson Burnes January
                                                    1996 acquisitions and
                                                    6% internal growth

Housewares            831.7      819.6     1.5     4% internal growth offset
                                                    by weaker than expected
                                                    sales at Newell Europe
                                                    as a result of soft
                                                    European retail
                                                    conditions

Office Products       741.8      582.2    27.4     Berol November 1995
                                                    acquisition and 3%
                                                    internal growth

Hardware & Tools      383.1      364.3     5.2     Internal growth
                   --------   --------
                   $2,872.8   $2,498.4    15.0%
                   ========   ========

      Gross income as a percent of net sales for 1996 was 31.6%
versus 31.3% in 1995.  Gross margins improved slightly, primarily
as a result of increases in gross margins from the businesses
acquired in 1995 and 1994.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") as a
percent of net sales in 1996 were 14.7% versus 14.5% in 1995. 
There was no material change in spending at the core businesses;
the increase as a percentage of sales was primarily due to SG&A
at Holson Burnes.


  27


     Net nonoperating expenses for 1996 were $61.1 million versus
$48.7 million in 1995.  The $12.4 million change included a $7.2
million increase in interest expense and a $4.3 million increase
in amortization of trade names and goodwill as a result of
additional borrowings and capitalized goodwill related to the
1996 and 1995 acquisitions.  For supplementary information
regarding other nonoperating expenses, see note 12 to the
consolidated financial statements.

     The effective tax rate was 39.6% in 1996 versus 40.0% in
1995.  See note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for
an explanation of the effective tax rate.

     Net income for 1996 was $256.5 million, representing an
increase of $34.0 million or 15.3% from 1995.  Earnings per share
for 1996 were up 14.9% to $1.62 versus $1.41 in 1995.  The
increases in net income and earnings per share were primarily
attributable to contributions from Berol (net of associated
interest expense and goodwill amortization) and an improvement in
operating margins at several of the core businesses.

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
- ------------------------

     Until a few years ago, the Company's overseas business was
conducted by Newell International, an exporter of the Company's
products.  Newell International, with 1996 sales approaching
$60.0 million, had consistently increased sales since it was
established more than two decades ago.

     Then, in November 1994, the Company began a major emphasis
on overseas expansion with the acquisition of Corning's $130.0
million European consumer products business.  Now known as Newell
Europe, the acquisition included Corning's manufacturing
facilities in England, France and Germany.  The purchase also
included the trademark rights and product lines of Pyrex{r}, one
of the most recognized brands in Europe (see note 2 to the
consolidated financial statements).

     More recently, the 1995 acquisition of Berol, an
international manufacturer and marketer of writing instruments,
provided the Company with international sales of more than $80.0
million and extensive foreign manufacturing facilities.

     Recent acquisitions, combined with existing sales by Newell
International and by Canadian businesses (approximately $145.0
million), have pushed Newell's international business to almost
15% of sales and 10% of operating income (see note 13 to the
consolidated financial statements for a more detailed geographic
segment breakdown).  The non-U.S. business is growing at a faster
pace than the U.S. business, as shown below:


  28


                                 Year Ended December 31,
                          ----------------------------------
                            1996         1995       % Change
                          --------     --------     --------
                                    (in millions)
Net sales:
  U.S.                    $2,458.2     $2,157.0        14.0%
  Non-U.S.                   414.6        341.4        21.4
                          --------     --------
Total                     $2,872.8     $2,498.4        15.0%
                          ========     ========
Operating income:
  U.S.                    $  437.7     $  389.1        12.5%
  Non-U.S.                    48.0         30.4        57.9
                          --------     --------
Total                     $  485.7     $  419.5        15.8%
                          ========     ========

     The Company expects this trend to continue as it pursues its
substantial international growth opportunities.


  29


1995 vs. 1994
- -------------

     Net sales for 1995 were $2,498.4 million, representing an
increase of $423.5 million or 20.4% from $2,074.9 million in
1994.  The overall increase in net sales was primarily
attributable to contributions from the 1995 acquisitions of
Decorel and Berol, and the 1994 acquisitions of HFI, Faber and
Newell Europe (all of which are described in note 2 to the
consolidated financial statements).  Internal growth was lower
than expected in 1995 due to a sluggish retail environment.  Net
sales for each of the Company's product groups (and the primary
reasons for the increases) were as follows, in millions:

                        Year Ended December 31,    
                   --------------------------------       Primary Reasons
                      1995        1994      %Change         for Increases
                   --------    --------    --------    ----------------------
Housewares         $  819.6    $  691.8       18.5%     Newell Europe November
                                                         1994 acquisition

Home Furnishings      732.3       642.8       13.9      Decorel October 1995
                                                         acquisition and
                                                         HFI August 1994
                                                         acquisition

Office Products       582.2       383.2       51.9      Berol November 1995
                                                         acquisition,
                                                         Faber October 1994
                                                         acquisition and
                                                         9% internal growth

Hardware & Tools      364.3       357.1        2.0      Internal growth
                   --------    --------
                   $2,498.4    $2,074.9       20.4%
                   ========    ========

         Gross income as a percent of net sales for 1995 was 31.3%
versus 32.3% in 1994.  The decrease was due to lower than average
gross margins from the businesses acquired in 1995 and 1994.

     SG&A as a percent of net sales in 1995 was 14.5% versus
15.1% in 1994.  The decrease was due to lower spending at the
Company's core businesses and low levels of SG&A at Faber.

     Net nonoperating expenses for 1995 were $48.7 million versus
$28.6 million in 1994.  The $20.1 million change included a $19.8
million increase in interest expense and a $3.9 million increase
in amortization of trade names and goodwill as a result of
additional borrowings and capitalized goodwill related to the
1995 and 1994 acquisitions.  For supplementary information
regarding other nonoperating expenses, see note 12 to the
consolidated financial statements.


  30


     The effective tax rate was 40.0% in 1995 versus 40.6% in
1994.  See note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for
an explanation of the effective tax rate.

     Net income for 1995 was $222.5 million, representing an
increase of $26.9 million or 13.8% from 1994.  Earnings per share
for 1995 were up 13.7% to $1.41 versus $1.24 in 1994.  The
increases in net income and earnings per share were primarily
attributable to contributions from the 1995 and 1994 acquisitions
(net of associated interest expense and goodwill amortization)
and an increase in operating margins at several of the core
businesses.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
- -------------------------------

SOURCES:
- -------

     The Company's primary sources of liquidity and capital
resources include cash provided from operations and use of
available borrowing facilities.

     Operating activities provided net cash of $367.3 million
during 1996, an increase of $90.6 million from $276.7 million in
1995.  This increase was primarily due to an increase in net
income and effective working capital management in 1996.

     During 1996, the Company amended its revolving credit
agreement with 23 banks to provide for a five-year $900.0 million
agreement which will terminate in June 2001.  Under this
agreement, the Company may borrow, repay and reborrow funds in an
aggregate amount up to $900.0 million, at a floating interest
rate.  At December 31, 1996, there were no borrowings under the
revolving credit agreement.

     In lieu of borrowings under the Company's revolving credit
agreement, the Company may issue up to $900.0 million of
commercial paper.  The Company's revolving credit agreement
provides the committed backup liquidity required to issue
commercial paper.  Accordingly, commercial paper may only be
issued up to the amount available for borrowing under the
Company's revolving credit agreement.  At December 31, 1996,
$404.0 million (face or principal amount) of commercial paper was
outstanding.  The entire amount is classified as long-term debt.

     At December 31, 1996, the Company had outstanding $295.0
million (principal amount) of medium-term notes with maturities
ranging from five to ten years at an average rate of interest
equal to 6.4%.

     The Company has a universal shelf registration statement
under which the Company may issue up to $500.0 million of debt
and equity securities, subject to market conditions.  At December


  31


31, 1996, the Company had not yet issued any securities under
this registration statement.

     The Company has short-term foreign and domestic uncommitted
lines of credit with various banks which are available for short-
term financing.  Borrowings under the Company's uncommitted lines
of credit are subject to discretion of the lender.  The Company's
uncommitted lines of credit do not have a material impact on the
Company's liquidity.  Borrowings under the Company's uncommitted
lines of credit at December 31, 1996 totalled $70.9 million.


USES:
- ----

     The Company's primary uses of liquidity and capital
resources include capital expenditures, dividend payments and
acquisitions.

     Capital expenditures were $94.2 million, $82.6 million and
$66.0 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     The Company has paid regular cash dividends on its common
stock since 1947.  On February 11, 1997, the quarterly cash
dividend was increased to $0.16 per share from the $0.14 per
share that had been paid since February 6, 1996.  Prior to this
date, the quarterly cash dividend had been paid at $0.12 per
share since May 11, 1995, which was an increase from the $0.10
per share paid since May 12, 1994.  Dividends paid during 1996,
1995 and 1994 were $88.9 million, $72.8 million and $61.5
million, respectively.  In August 1994, the Company's Board of
Directors declared a two-for-one common stock split in the form
of a 100% stock distribution of the Company's common stock, which
was paid on September 1, 1994 to stockholders of record on August
15, 1994.  All per share data has been adjusted to reflect the
two-for-one stock split.

     Retained earnings increased in 1996, 1995 and 1994 by $167.6
million, $149.7 million and $134.0 million, respectively.  The
average dividend payout ratio to common stockholders in 1996,
1995 and 1994 was 35%, 33% and 31%, respectively (represents the
percentage of earnings per share paid in cash to stockholders).

     In 1996, the Company acquired Holson Burnes and completed
other minor acquisitions for a total cash purchase price of $42.6
million.  In 1995 and 1994, the Company completed acquisitions
with total cash purchase prices of $210.6 million and $360.8
million, respectively.  All of these acquisitions were accounted
for as purchases and were paid for with proceeds obtained from
the issuance of commercial paper, medium-term notes, notes
payable under the Company's lines of credit or shares of the
Company's common stock.


  32


     The increases in current assets, current liabilities,
property, plant and equipment and trade names and goodwill during
1996, 1995 and 1994 were primarily due to the acquisitions
occurring in those years.

     Working capital at December 31, 1996 was $471.1 million
compared to $452.6 million at December 31, 1995 and $133.6
million at December 31, 1994.  The current ratio at December 31,
1996 was 1.74:1 compared to 1.67:1 at December 31, 1995 and
1.17:1 at December 31, 1994.  The working capital and current
ratio increased in 1996 and 1995 versus 1994 as a result of
increased current assets related to acquired businesses coupled
with lower levels of short-term debt.  Total debt to total
capitalization (net of cash and cash equivalents) was .34:1 at
December 31, 1996, .40:1 at December 31, 1995 and .38:1 at
December 31, 1994.  The ratio decreased in 1996 primarily as a
result of paying down debt with cash provided from operations.

     The Company believes that cash provided from operations and
available borrowing facilities will continue to provide adequate
support for the cash needs of existing businesses; however,
certain events, such as significant acquisitions, could require
additional external financing.

     In 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of."  The
adoption of this statement in 1996 was not material to the
consolidated financial statements.

     In 1995, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock Based Compensation."  The Company adopted the disclosure
requirements of this statement (see note 10 to the consolidated
financial statements) and will continue to apply APB Opinion No.
25 to its stock option plans.

Environmental Matters
- ---------------------

     The Company is involved in various environmental remediation
and other compliance activities, including activities arising
under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act ("Superfund") and similar state
statutes.  Certain information regarding these activities is
included in note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. 
Based on information currently available to it, the Company has
estimated that remediation costs associated with these activities
will be between $9.6 million and $17.3 million.  As of December
31, 1996, the Company had a reserve equal to $15.9 million for
such remediation costs in the aggregate.  Because of the
uncertainties associated with environmental assessment and
remediation activities, the possibility that sites could be
identified in the future that require environmental remediation


  33


and the possibility of additional sites as a result of businesses
acquired, actual costs to be incurred by the Company may vary
from the Company's estimates.  Subject to difficulties in
estimating future environmental costs, the Company does not
expect that any sums it may have to pay in connection with
environmental matters in excess of amounts reserved will have a
material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Outlook
- -------

     The Company's primary financial goals are to maintain return
on beginning equity ("ROE") at 20% or above and increase earnings
per share ("EPS") an average of 15% per year, while maintaining a
prudent ratio of total debt to total capital ("leverage").  The
Company has achieved these goals over the last ten years,
averaging 21% ROE, increasing EPS 20% and averaging 28% leverage. 
The factors affecting the Company's ability to achieve these
goals in the future will be the rates of internal and acquisition
growth.

     In terms of internal growth, the Company has achieved an
average of 5% internal growth over the last five years.  This has
been accomplished by adding new customers, cross-selling existing
product lines to current customers, cultivating the Company's
relationships with volume purchasers, entering new markets, and,
most important, introducing new products.  The rate at which the
Company grows internally in 1997 and beyond will likely depend on
its success in these areas.  For 1997, the rate of internal
growth is expected to be in the 3-5% range.  In addition, the
Company's internal growth rate may be impacted by external
factors, such as the strength of retail economies (primarily in
the U.S. and to a lesser extent in Canada, Central and South
America, and Europe), the nature of the mareketplace (which can
be influenced by large and well-established manufacturers as well
as large volume purchasers, many of which are much larger than
the Company and have significant bargaining power) and the risks
associated with doing business internationally (including
currency fluctuations, tariffs, nationalization and other
political and regulatory risks).

     In terms of acquisition growth, since 1990 the Company has
more than doubled its size, acquiring businesses with annual
sales of almost $2.0 billion.  The rate at which the Company can
integrate these recent acquisitions, in order to meet the
Company's high standards of profitability, may affect near-term
EPS growth.  Over the longer term, the Company's ability to make
and integrate strategic acquisitions will impact the EPS growth
rate.

     On October 15, 1996, Black & Decker exercised its option to
convert the 150,000 shares of privately placed Black & Decker
preferred stock owned by the Company (purchased at a cost of


  34


$150.0 million) into 6.4 million shares of Black & Decker common
stock.  Prior to conversion, the preferred stock paid a 7.75%
cumulative dividend, aggregating $10.2 million annually or $0.07
per Newell common share, net of tax.  Based on historical
information, the dividends paid to the Company on the shares of
Black & Decker Common Stock owned by the Company are expected to
total $2.7 million annually, or $0.02 per Newell common share,
net of tax.

     Forward-looking statements made in this section and other
sections of this report are made in reliance upon the safe harbor
provisions of the private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995.  Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties which are generally discussed here.  Additional
information regarding such risks and uncertainties is included in
Exhibit 99 to the 1996 10-K Report, which identifies in greater
detail the risk factors which could cause the Company's actual
financial results to differ materially from results forecast or
estimated by the Company in forward-looking statements.


  35


Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
- ----------------------------------------------------

             Report of Independent Public Accountants
             ----------------------------------------

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Newell Co.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Newell Co. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, and the related consolidated
statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. 
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of
Newell Co.'s management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our
audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of Newell Co. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994, and the results of their operations and their cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the
basic financial statements taken as a whole.  The schedule listed
in Part IV Item 14(a)(2) of this Form 10-K is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and
is not a part of the basic financial statements.  This schedule
has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our
audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion,
fairly states in all material respects the financial data
required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole.

                       ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
January 27, 1997.


  36


                          NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                                           Year Ended December 31,
                                      1996          1995          1994
                                   ----------    ----------    ----------
                     (In thousands, except per share data)

Net sales                          $2,872,817    $2,498,414    $2,074,934
Cost of products sold               1,965,500     1,715,585     1,403,786
                                   ----------    ----------    ----------
     GROSS INCOME                     907,317       782,829       671,148

Selling, general and
 administrative expenses              421,630       363,356       313,283
                                   ----------    ----------    ----------
     OPERATING INCOME                 485,687       419,473       357,865

Nonoperating expenses (income):
  Interest expense                     56,989        49,812        29,970
  Other                                 4,064        (1,124)       (1,397)
                                   ----------    ----------    ----------
     Net                               61,053        48,688        28,573
                                   ----------    ----------    ----------
     Income before income taxes       424,634       370,785       329,292

Income taxes                          168,155       148,314       133,717
                                   ----------    ----------    ----------

     NET INCOME                    $  256,479    $  222,471    $  195,575
                                   ==========    ==========    ==========

Earnings per share                      $1.62         $1.41         $1.24
                                   ==========    ==========    ==========

Weighted average shares outstanding   158,764       158,212       157,774
                                   ==========    ==========    ==========



See notes to consolidated financial statements.


  37


                          NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


                                                       December 31,
                                              1996        1995         1994
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                      (In thousands)
ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS
  Cash and cash equivalents               $    4,360  $   58,771  $   14,892
  Accounts receivable, net                   404,170     390,296     335,806
  Inventories, net                           509,504     509,245     420,654
  Deferred income taxes                      121,152     107,499      90,063
  Prepaid expenses and other                  68,928      67,063      56,256
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
     TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                  1,108,114   1,132,874     917,671

MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES                 240,789      53,309      64,740

OTHER LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS                   58,703     203,857     214,044

OTHER ASSETS                                 119,168     122,702     133,652

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET           555,434     530,285     454,597

TRADE NAMES AND GOODWILL                     922,846     884,084     703,572
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------

     TOTAL ASSETS                         $3,005,054  $2,927,111  $2,488,276
                                          ==========  ==========  ==========



See notes to consolidated financial statements.


  38


                          NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONT.)



                                                      December 31,
                                             1996        1995         1994
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                     (In thousands)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
  Notes payable                           $   70,877  $  104,017  $  209,720
  Accounts payable                           105,333     113,927     112,269
  Accrued compensation                        65,632      73,057      57,785
  Other accrued liabilities                  324,719     317,184     296,554
  Income taxes                                37,209      13,043       8,271
  Current portion of long-term debt           33,243      59,031      99,425
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
     TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES               637,013     680,259     784,024

LONG-TERM DEBT                               672,033     761,578     408,986

OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES                 156,691     158,321     152,697

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                         47,477      30,987      17,243

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Common stock - authorized shares,
   400.0 million at $1 par value;
   Outstanding shares:                       158,871     158,626     157,844
    1996 - 158.9 million
    1995 - 158.6 million
    1994 - 157.8 million
  Additional paid-in capital                 197,889     190,860     175,218
  Retained earnings                        1,106,146     938,567     788,862
  Net unrealized gain on securities
   available for sale                         36,595      15,912       9,868
  Cumulative translation adjustment           (7,661)     (7,999)     (6,466)
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------

     TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY            1,491,840   1,295,966   1,125,326
                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                    $3,005,054  $2,927,111  $2,488,276
                                          ==========  ==========  ==========



See notes to consolidated financial statements.


  39
NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES -- CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 1996 1995 1994 --------- --------- --------- (In thousands) OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 256,479 $ 222,471 $ 195,575 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Depreciation and amortization 116,362 101,722 72,485 Deferred income taxes 44,700 40,747 30,673 Net gains(losses) on: Marketable equity securities - (15,819) (373) Write-off of investment 1,339 16,000 - Equity earnings of investment (6,364) (5,993) (5,661) Changes in current accounts, excluding the effects of acquisitions: Accounts receivable 1,812 16,380 (254) Inventories 27,256 (4,444) (13,798) Other current assets 37 (4,629) 4,187 Accounts payable (25,564) (14,941) (5,626) Accrued liabilities and other (48,731) (74,752) (38,782) --------- --------- --------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 367,326 276,742 238,426 --------- --------- --------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisitions, net (58,213) (187,788) (345,392) Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (94,237) (82,562) (66,026) Purchase of marketable equity securities (3,513) - - Sale of marketable equity securities - 37,324 1,053 Disposals of noncurrent assets and other 8,767 1,227 2,628 --------- --------- --------- NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (147,196) (231,799) (407,737) --------- --------- --------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from issuance of debt 1,193 315,191 402,708 Proceeds from exercised stock options and other 7,274 7,100 2,799 Payments on notes payable and long-term debt (194,108) (250,589) (162,638) Cash dividends (88,900) (72,766) (61,532) --------- --------- --------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES (274,541) (1,064) 181,337 --------- --------- --------- INCREASE(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (54,411) 43,879 12,026 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 58,771 14,892 2,866 --------- --------- --------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 4,360 $ 58,771 $ 14,892 ========= ========= ======== Supplemental cash flow disclosures: Cash paid during the year for: Income taxes $ 123,700 $ 129,300 $ 115,900 Interest 55,400 44,800 31,100
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 40
NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES -- CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Net Unrealized Gain On Add'l Securities Cumulative Common Paid-In Retained Available Translation Stock Capital(1) Earnings for Sale Adjustment ------ --------- -------- ---------- ----------- (In thousands, except per share data) Balance at December 31, 1993 $78,793 $ 249,588 $ 654,819 N/A $ (4,055) Net income 195,575 Fair value adjustment for securities available for sale at January 1, 1994 $ 3,353 Cash dividends: Common stock $0.39 per share (61,532) Stock split, form of 100% stock dividend 78,910 (78,910) Exercise of stock options 155 4,604 Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale 6,515 Foreign currency translation and other (14) (64) (2,411) -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- Balance at December 31, 1994 157,844 175,218 788,862 9,868 (6,466) Net income 222,471 Cash dividends: Common stock $0.46 per share (72,766) Stock issued for acquisitions 381 8,943 Exercise of stock options 412 6,759 Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale 6,044 Foreign currency translation and other (11) (60) (1,533) -------- ------ -------- ------ -------- Balance at December 31, 1995 158,626 190,860 938,567 15,912 (7,999) Net income 256,479 Cash dividends: Common stock $0.56 per share (88,900) Exercise of stock options 245 7,088 Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale 20,683 Foreign currency translation and other (59) 338 ------- ------- --------- ------- ------- Balance at December 31, 1996 $158,871 $ 197,889 $1,106,146 $ 36,595 $ (7,661) ======= ======= ========= ======= =======
(1) Net of treasury stock (at cost) of $199, $161 and $134 as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. See notes to consolidated financial statements. 41 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994 1) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Newell and its majority owned subsidiaries ("the Company") after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. Use of estimates: The preparation of these financial statements required the use of certain estimates by management in determining the Company's assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosures. Revenue Recognition: Sales of merchandise are recognized upon shipment to customers. Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments: Long-term Investments: The fair value of the investment in convertible preferred stock of The Black & Decker Corporation ("Black & Decker") in 1995 and 1994 was based on an independent appraisal. This preferred stock was converted into Black & Decker common stock on October 15, 1996 and reclassified to Long-term Marketable Equity Securities at December 31, 1996. Long-term Debt: The fair value of the Company's long-term debt issued under the medium-term note program is estimated based on quoted market prices which approximate cost. All other significant long-term debt is pursuant to floating rate instruments whose carrying amounts approximate fair value. Allowances for Doubtful Accounts: Allowances for doubtful accounts at December 31 totalled $13.2 million in 1996, $11.0 million in 1995 and $10.9 million in 1994. 42 Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost of certain domestic inventories (approximately 86%, 89% and 87% of total inventories at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively) was determined by the "last-in, first-out" ("LIFO") method; for the balance, cost was determined using the "first-in, first-out"("FIFO") method. If the FIFO inventory valuation method had been used exclusively, inventories would have increased by $26.0 million, $29.0 million and $12.3 million at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The components of inventories at the end of each year, net of the LIFO reserve, were as follows: December 31, 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Materials and supplies $124.5 $147.7 $ 81.7 Work in process 87.9 87.5 98.9 Finished products 297.1 274.0 240.1 ------ ------ ------ $509.5 $509.2 $420.7 ===== ===== ===== Inventory reserves at December 31 totalled $81.2 million in 1996, $67.3 million in 1995 and $51.6 million in 1994. Other Long-term Investments: At December 31, 1995 and 1994, the Company owned 150,000 shares of privately placed Black & Decker convertible preferred stock, Series B, purchased at a cost of $150.0 million. On October 15, 1996, in accordance with the terms of the preferred stock, Black & Decker exercised its option to convert the preferred stock into 6.4 million shares of Black & Decker common stock. As a result of the conversion, the common stock is classified as a Long-term Marketable Equity Security in the December 31, 1996 consolidated balance sheet. The Company has a 49% ownership interest in American Tool Companies, Inc., a manufacturer of hand tools and power tool accessory products marketed primarily under the VISE-GRIP and IRWIN trademarks. This investment is accounted for on the equity method with a net investment of $45.4 million. Long-term Marketable Equity Securities: Long-term Marketable Equity Securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair value with adjustments to fair value reported separately, net of tax, as a component of stockholders' equity (and excluded from earnings). Long-term marketable equity securities at the end of each year are summarized as follows: 43 December 31, 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Aggregate market value $240.8 $ 53.3 $ 64.7 Aggregate cost 180.3 26.8 48.3 ----- ------ ------ Unrealized gain $ 60.5 $ 26.5 $ 16.4 ===== ===== ===== During 1995, the Company received proceeds of $37.3 million from the sale of Long-term Marketable Equity Securities and recorded a gain of $15.8 million on the sale. Gains and losses on the sales of Long-term Marketable Equity Securities are based upon the average cost of securities sold. Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment at the end of each year consisted of the following: December 31, 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Land $ 21.1 $ 16.2 $ 9.6 Buildings and improvements 206.9 194.8 164.8 Machinery and equipment 699.6 620.2 515.8 ------- ------- ------- 927.6 831.2 690.2 Allowance for depreciation (372.2) (300.9) (235.6) ------- ------ ------ $ 555.4 $ 530.3 $ 454.6 ======= ====== ====== The components of depreciation are provided by annual charges to income calculated to amortize, principally on the straight-line basis, the cost of the depreciable assets over their depreciable lives. Estimated useful lives determined by the Company are as follows: Buildings and improvements 20-40 years Machinery and equipment 5-12 years Replacements and improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense. Trade Names and Goodwill: The cost of trade names and the excess of cost over identifiable net assets of businesses acquired are being amortized over 40 years on a straight-line basis. Total accumulated amortization of trade names and 44 goodwill was $99.7 million, $76.3 million and $57.0 million at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Subsequent to an acquisition, the Company periodically evaluates whether later events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of goodwill may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of goodwill may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that goodwill should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company uses an estimate of the relevant business's undiscounted net income over the remaining life of the goodwill in measuring whether the goodwill is recoverable. Accrued Liabilities: Accrued Liabilities at the end of each year included the following: December 31, 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Customer accruals $ 91.4 $ 83.7 $ 74.9 Accrued self-insurance liability 46.3 39.7 38.7 Customer accruals are promotional allowances and rebates given to customers in exchange for their selling efforts. The self-insurance accrual is primarily for workers' compensation and is estimated based upon historical claim experience. Foreign Currency Translation: Foreign currency balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at fiscal year end. Income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange in effect during the year. The related translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of stockholders' equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses were insignificant in 1996, 1995 and 1994. Earnings per share: The earnings per share amounts are computed based on the weighted average monthly number of shares outstanding during the year. Common stock equivalents assumed with the stock option plans are not materially dilutive to earnings per share. Accounting Principles Adopted: In 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long- Lived Assets to be Disposed of." The adoption of this statement in 1996 was not material to the consolidated financial statements. 45 In 1995, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation." The Company adopted the disclosure requirements of this statement (see note 10 to the consolidated financial statements) and will continue to apply APB Opinion No. 25 to its stock option plans. Reclassification: Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 1996 presentation. 46 2) ACQUISITIONS OF BUSINESSES 1994 - ---- On August 29, 1994, the Company acquired Home Fashions, Inc.("HFI"), a manufacturer and marketer of decorative window coverings, including vertical blinds and pleated shades sold under the Del Mar and LouverDrape brand names. HFI was combined with Levolor and together they are operated as a single entity called Levolor Home Fashions. On October 18, 1994, the Company acquired Faber-Castell Corporation ("Faber"), a maker and marketer of markers and writing instruments, including wood-cased pencils and rolling ball pens, sold under the Eberhard Faber brand name. Faber was combined with Sanford and together they are operated as a single entity called Sanford. On November 30, 1994, the Company acquired the European consumer products business of Corning Incorporated (now known as "Newell Europe"). This acquisition included Corning's consumer products manufacturing facilities in England, France and Germany, the European trademark rights and product lines for Pyrex, Pyroflam and Visions brands in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Corning's consumer distribution network throughout these areas (Pyrex and Visions are registered trademarks of Corning Incorporated). Additionally, the Company became the distributor in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Corning's U.S. manufactured cookware and dinnerware brands. For these and other minor 1994 acquisitions, the Company paid $360.8 million in cash and assumed $12.8 million of debt. These transactions were accounted for as purchases; therefore results of operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since their respective dates of acquisition. The acquisition costs were allocated to the fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in trade names and goodwill of approximately $202.2 million. 47 1995 - ---- On October 2, 1995, the Company acquired Decorel Incorporated ("Decorel"), a manufacturer and marketer of ready- made picture frames. Decorel was combined with Intercraft. On November 2, 1995, the Company acquired Berol Corporation ("Berol"), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of markers and writing instruments. Berol was combined with Sanford. For these and other minor 1995 acquisitions, the Company paid $210.6 million in cash, issued 379,507 shares of the Company's common stock (valued at approximately $9.5 million) and assumed $144.2 million of debt. These transactions were accounted for as purchases; therefore results of operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since their respective dates of acquisition. The acquisition costs were allocated to the fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in trade names and goodwill of approximately $181.1 million. 48 1996 - ---- On January 19, 1996, the Company acquired The Holson Burnes Group, Inc. ("Holson Burnes"), a manufacturer and marketer of photo albums and picture frames. For this and other minor 1996 acquisitions, the Company paid $42.6 million in cash and assumed $44.4 million of debt. These transactions were accounted for as purchases; therefore results of operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since their respective dates of acquisition. The acquisition costs were allocated on a preliminary basis to the fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulted in trade names and goodwill of approximately $37.0 million. The final adjustments to the purchase price allocation are not expected to be material to the financial statements. The unaudited consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 on a pro forma basis, as though Decorel, Berol and Holson Burnes had been acquired on January 1, 1995, are as follows: 1996 1995 -------- -------- (In millions, except per share data) Net sales $2,877.3 $2,867.8 Net income 255.5 200.1 Earnings per share 1.61 1.26 49 3) CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The Company has short-term foreign and domestic uncommitted lines of credit with various banks and a commercial paper program which are available for short-term financing. Borrowings under the Company's uncommitted lines of credit are subject to discretion of the lender. The Company's uncommitted lines of credit do not have a material impact on the Company's liquidity. Borrowings under the Company's uncommitted lines of credit at December 31, 1996 totalled $70.9 million. The following is a summary of borrowings under foreign and domestic lines of credit: 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Notes payable to banks: Outstanding at year-end - borrowing $ 70.9 $104.0 $ 92.6 - weighted average interest rate 4.7% 6.6% 6.0% Average for the year - borrowing 99.4 102.4 21.5 - weighted average interest rate 5.3% 6.7% 4.9% Maximum borrowing outstanding during the year 120.0 137.8 119.3 The Company also can issue up to $900.0 million of commercial paper. The revolving credit facilities, as described in note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, provide the committed backup liquidity required to issue commercial paper. The following is a summary of commercial paper: 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Commercial paper: Outstanding at year-end - borrowing $404.0 $448.6 $417.1 - average interest rate 5.9% 5.8% 6.0% Average for the year - borrowing 512.3 410.4 324.8 - average interest rate 5.3% 6.0% 4.4% Maximum borrowing outstanding during the year 594.0 500.0 479.0 50 4) LONG-TERM DEBT The following is a summary of long-term debt: December 31, 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Medium-term notes $295.0 $345.0 $186.0 Commercial paper 404.0 448.6 300.0 Other long-term debt 6.2 27.0 22.4 705.2 820.6 508.4 Current portion (33.2) (59.0) (99.4) ------ ------ ------ $672.0 $761.6 $409.0 ===== ===== ===== During 1996, the Company amended its revolving credit agreement to provide for a five-year $900.0 million agreement which will terminate in June 2001. Under this agreement, the Company may borrow, repay and reborrow funds in an aggregate amount up to $900.0 million, at a floating interest rate. At December 31, 1996, there were no borrowings under the revolving credit agreement. In lieu of borrowings under the Company's revolving credit agreement, the Company may issue up to $900.0 million of commercial paper. The Company's revolving credit agreement provides the committed backup liquidity required to issue commercial paper. Accordingly, commercial paper may only be issued up to the amount available for borrowing under the Company's revolving credit agreement. At December 31, 1996, $404.0 million (face or principal amount) of commercial paper was outstanding. The entire amount is classified as long-term debt. At December 31, 1996, the Company had outstanding $295.0 million (principal amount) of medium-term notes with maturities ranging from five to ten years at an average rate of interest equal to 6.4%. The Company has a universal shelf registration statement under which the Company may issue up to $500.0 million of debt and equity securities, subject to market conditions. At December 31, 1996, the Company had not yet issued any securities under this registration statement. The revolving credit agreement permits the Company to borrow funds using Syndicated loans (Base Rate loans or Eurodollar loans), Money Market loans (LIBOR Market loans or Set Rate loans) or Acceptance liabilities, as selected by the Company. The terms 51 of these agreements require, among other things, that the Company maintain a certain Total Debt to Total Capital Ratio and a minimum Operating Income to Interest Expense Ratio, as defined in these agreements. As of December 31, 1996, the Company was in compliance with these agreements. The aggregate maturities of Long-term Debt outstanding at December 31, 1996, are as follows: Year Aggregate Maturities ---- -------------------- (In millions) 1997 $ 33.2 1998 1.1 1999 8.0 2000 148.0 2001 404.9 Thereafter 110.0 ------ $705.2 ====== 52 5) DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company has only limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. They are used to manage certain interest rate and foreign currency risks. Interest rate swap agreements are utilized to convert certain floating rate debt instruments into fixed rate debt. Premiums paid related to interest rate swap agreements are amortized into interest expense over the terms of the agreements. As of December 31, 1996, the Company did not have any interest rate swaps outstanding. The Company uses forward exchange contracts to hedge certain purchase commitments denominated in currencies other than the domestic currency. Unamortized premiums are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses relating to qualifying hedges of firm commitments are deferred and are recognized in income as adjustments of carrying amounts when the hedged transaction occurs. As of December 31, 1996, certain forward purchase contracts to purchase approximately 2.5 billion Japanese yen for $22.3 million through June 1997 were outstanding. As of December 31, 1996, certain forward purchase contracts to purchase approximately $14.2 million for 19.2 million Canadian dollars through February 1997 were outstanding. The Company does not obtain collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to credit risk but monitors the credit standing of the counterparties. 6) LEASES The Company has minimum rental payments through the year 2007 under noncancellable operating leases as follows: 53 Year Minimum Payments ---- ---------------- (In millions) 1997 $24.8 1998 16.2 1999 9.6 2000 6.3 2001 5.1 Thereafter 17.9 ----- $79.9 ===== Total rental expense for all operating leases was approximately $45.0 million, $38.3 million and $31.8 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. 54 7) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLANS The Company and its subsidiaries have noncontributory pension and profit sharing plans covering substantially all of its foreign and domestic employees. Pension plan benefits are generally based on years of service and/or compensation. The Company's funding policy is to contribute not less than the minimum amounts required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or local statutes to assure that plan assets will be adequate to provide retirement benefits. Due to the overfunded status of most of the pension plans, contributions to these plans were insignificant during the past three years. The net periodic pension cost components for all significant pension plans are as follows: Year Ended December 31, ---------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ==== ==== ==== (In millions) Service cost-benefits earned during the year $ 16.0 $ 14.3 $ 13.4 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 36.1 35.0 31.3 Actual return on assets (74.0) (64.0) (31.3) Net amortization and other components 24.3 17.5 (9.4) ------ ------ ------ Total pension plan expense $ 2.4 $ 2.8 $ 4.0 ===== ===== ===== The principal actuarial assumptions used are as follows: 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In percent) Measurement of projected benefit obligation: Discount rate 7.75% 7.75% 8% Long-term rate of compensation increase 5% 5% 5% Long-term rate of return on plan assets 9% 9% 9% 55 The following table sets forth the funded status of the pension plans and the amount recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets: Plans Whose Plans Whose Assets Accumulated Exceed Benefits Accumulated Exceed Benefits Assets ------------ ----------- 1996 1995 1994 1996 1995(1) 1994 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Actuarial present value of benefit obligations: Vested $413.9 $329.0 $347.1 $ 17.8 $ 89.2 $ 21.1 Nonvested 10.6 10.1 12.0 9.1 10.5 4.8 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Accumulated benefit obligation 424.5 339.1 359.1 26.9 99.7 25.9 Effect of projected future salary increases 20.5 15.2 20.9 10.3 17.9 5.7 ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- Projected benefit obligation 445.0 354.3 380.0 37.2 117.6 31.6 Plan assets at market value (primarily common stock and fixed income investments) 585.8 463.1 469.2 - 75.9 6.1 ----- ----- ----- ---- ----- ---- Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit obligation 140.8 108.8 89.2 (37.2) (41.7) (25.5) Unrecognized transition (net asset) obligation (7.3) (4.5) (13.5) 2.3 (3.1) 1.7 Unrecognized prior service cost (7.7) (3.0) - .9 1.1 - Unrecognized net (gain)loss (54.5) (21.9) (7.5) 7.5 11.3 5.1 ------ ------ ------ ---- ----- ----- Net pension asset (liability) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Other Noncurrent Liabilities $ 71.3 $ 79.4 $68.2 $(26.5) $(32.4) $(18.7) ===== ===== ==== ===== ===== ===== 56 Total expense under all profit sharing plans was $6.6 million, $5.5 million and $4.5 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. (1) During 1995, the defined benefit plan covering certain hourly employees contained a temporary unfunded obligation. This plan was fully funded in 1996. 57 8) RETIREE HEALTH CARE Several of the Company's subsidiaries currently provide retiree health care benefits for certain employee groups. The components of the net postretirement health care cost are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Service cost-benefits attributed to service during the period $ 2.1 $ 1.7 $ 2.0 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 7.7 7.5 7.3 Net amortization and deferral (0.3) (0.5) - ----- ---- ---- Net postretirement health care cost $ 9.5 $ 8.7 $ 9.3 ===== ==== ==== The following table reconciles the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets: December 31, 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation: Retirees $ (63.5) $ (67.4) $ (65.2) Fully eligible active plan participants (5.5) (5.6) (6.0) Other active plan participants (28.1) (23.4) (21.1) ------- ------- ------ Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (97.1) (96.4) (92.3) Market value of assets - - - ----- ----- ----- Funded status (97.1) (96.4) (92.3) Unrecognized net gain (13.0) (13.0) (16.7) ----- ----- ----- Other Noncurrent Liability $(110.1) $(109.4) $(109.0) ====== ====== ====== The actuarial calculation assumed a 10% increase in the health care cost trend rate for fiscal year 1996. The assumed rate decreases one percent every year through the year 2000 to 6% and remains constant beyond that point. The health care cost trend rate has a significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, a one percentage point increase in the health care cost 58 trend rate would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $6.3 million and increase net periodic cost by $0.9 million. The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 7.75% in both 1996 and 1995 and 8% in 1994. 9) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY The Company's common stock consists of 400.0 million authorized shares, with a par value of $1 per share. Of the total unissued common shares at December 31, 1996, total shares in reserve included 8.8 million shares for issuance under the Company's stock option plans. Each share of common stock includes a preferred stock purchase right (a "Right"). Each Right will entitle the holder, until the earlier of October 31, 1998 or the redemption of the Rights, to buy one four-hundredth of a share of a new series of preferred stock, denominated "Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Series B," at a price of $25 per one four-hundredth of a share (as adjusted to reflect stock splits since the issuance of the Rights). This preferred stock is nonredeemable and will have 100 votes per share. The Company has reserved 500,000 Series B preferred shares for issuance upon exercise of such Rights. The Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires 20% or more of voting power of the Company or announces a tender offer following which it would hold 30% or more of the Company's voting power. In the event that any person becomes the beneficial owner of 30% or more of the Company's voting power, the Rights (other than Rights held by the 30% stockholder) would become exercisable for that number of shares of the Company's common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. Furthermore, if, following the acquisition by a person or group of 20% or more of the Company's voting power, the Company were acquired in a merger or other business combination or 50% or more of its assets were sold, or in the event of certain types of self-dealing transactions by a 20% stockholder, each Right (other than Rights held by the 20% stockholder) would become exercisable for that number of shares of common stock of the Company (or the surviving company in a business combination) having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. The Company may redeem the Rights at one cent per Right prior to the occurrence of an event that causes the Rights to become exercisable for common stock. The Board of Directors may terminate the Company's right to redeem the Rights prior to the time the Rights become exercisable for common stock at any time after a group or person acquires 20% or more of the Company's voting power under certain circumstances. 59 10) STOCK OPTIONS The Company's stock option plans are accounted for under APB Opinion No. 25. As a result, the Company grants fixed stock options under which no compensation cost is recognized. Had compensation cost for the plans been determined consistent with FASB Statement No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts: Year Ended December 31, -------------------------- 1996 1995 -------- -------- Net income: As reported $256,479 $222,471 Pro forma 254,787 221,345 Primary EPS: As reported $1.62 $1.41 Pro forma 1.60 1.40 Because the FASB Statement No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years. The Company may grant up to 9.7 million shares under the plans, of which, the Company has granted 3.1 million shares and cancelled 2.2 million shares through December 31, 1996. Under the plans, the option exercise price equals the common stock's closing price on date of grant, vests over a five-year period and expires after ten years. The following summarizes the changes in number of shares of common stock under option: 60
1996 1995 1994 ---------------------- ------------------ ---------------------- Weighted Weighted Weighted Avg. Exercise Avg. Exercise Avg. Exercise Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price ------ ------------ ------ ------------ ------ ------------ Outstanding at beginning of year 1,945,730 $20 2,155,758 $19 2,082,200 $17 Granted 301,850 28 284,250 24 454,400 21 Exercised (243,596) 17 (411,528) 16 (273,196) 11 Cancelled (143,920) 21 (82,750) 21 (107,646) 9 Outstanding at ---------- --- ---------- --- ---------- --- end of year 1,860,064 22 1,945,730 20 2,155,758 19 ========= ========= ========= Exercisable at end of year 999,118 18 1,113,118 17 1,079,278 16 ========= ========= ========= Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year $10 $9 ========= =========
100% of 1,860,064 options outstanding at December 31, 1996 have exercise prices between $3.875 and $31.625. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants in 1996 and 1995, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 6.4% and 6.6%; expected dividend yields of 1.8% and 1.8%; expected lives of 9.9 years and 9.5 years; and expected volatility of 20% and 20%. 61 11) INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes consists of the following: Year Ended December 31, ---------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Current: Federal $ 96.2 $ 88.5 $ 82.3 State 16.6 16.7 19.1 Foreign 10.6 2.4 1.6 ------- ------ ------ 123.4 107.6 103.0 Deferred 44.7 40.7 30.7 ------- ----- ------ Total $ 168.1 $ 148.3 $ 133.7 ====== ====== ====== The components of the net deferred tax asset are as follows: December 31, --------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Deferred tax assets: Accruals, not currently deductible for tax purposes $ 108.0 $ 105.1 $ 79.5 Postretirement liabilities 43.5 43.6 44.9 Inventory reserves 28.3 16.5 6.2 Self-insurance liability 16.5 13.2 14.1 Other 1.4 0.8 3.0 ------- ------- ------- 197.7 179.2 147.7 Deferred tax liabilities: Accelerated depreciation (46.4) (45.5) (37.1) Prepaid pension asset (30.5) (31.6) (24.2) Unrealized gain on securities available for sale (23.9) (10.6) (6.5) Amortization of intangibles (4.1) - - Other (19.1) (15.0) (7.0) ------ ------- ------- (124.0) (102.7) (74.8) Net deferred tax asset $ 73.7 $ 76.5 $ 72.9 ====== ====== ====== 62 The net deferred tax asset is classified in the consolidated balance sheets as follows: December 31, ---------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Current net deferred income tax asset $ 121.2 $ 107.5 $ 90.1 Noncurrent deferred income tax liability (47.5) (31.0) (17.2) ------- ------- ------- $ 73.7 $ 76.5 $ 72.9 ====== ====== ====== A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows: Year Ended December 31, ---------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In percent) Statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% Add (deduct) effect of: State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect 3.6 4.3 4.5 Nondeductible trade names and goodwill amortization 1.5 1.4 1.3 Other (0.5) (0.7) (0.2) ---- ---- ----- Effective rate 39.6% 40.0% 40.6% ==== ==== ==== No U.S. deferred taxes have been provided on the undistributed non-U.S. subsidiary earnings which are considered to be permanently invested. At December 31, 1996, the estimated amount of total unremitted non-U.S. subsidiary earnings is $37.7 million. The non-U.S. component of income before income taxes was $40.4 million in 1996, $19.3 million in 1995 and $3.5 million in 1994. 63 12) OTHER NONOPERATING EXPENSES(INCOME) Total other nonoperating expenses(income) consist of the following: Year Ended December 31, ----------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (In millions) Interest income $ (3.7) $ (1.9) $ (1.0) Trade names and goodwill amortization 23.6 19.3 15.4 Dividend income (11.0) (12.8) (12.6) Equity earnings in American Tool Companies, Inc., in which the Company has a 49% interest (6.4) (6.0) (5.7) Write-downs in carrying value of a long-term foreign investment accounted for under the equity method 1.3 16.0 - Net gain on marketable equity securities - (15.8) (0.4) Other 0.3 0.1 2.9 ------ ------ ------ $ 4.1 $ (1.1) $ (1.4) ===== ===== ===== 13) OTHER OPERATING INFORMATION INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company operates in a single industry segment: the Company is a manufacturer and full-service marketer of high- volume, brand-name, staple consumer products sold to volume purchasers. The Company's consumer products are sold through a variety of retail and wholesale distribution channels. The Company's consumer products and the primary brand names under which they are sold include: 64 Primary Product Group Product Class Brand Names - ------------- ------------- ----------- Home Furnishings Window Treatments Newell{r} Levolor{r} LouverDrape{r} Del Mar{r} Joanna{r} Picture Frames Intercraft{r} Decorel{r} Holson Burnes{r} Home Storage Products Lee Rowan{r} System Works{r} Housewares Glassware & Plasticware Anchor Hocking{r} Pyrex{r} (1) Aluminum Cookware & Bakeware Mirro{r} WearEver{r} Hair Accessories Goody{r} Ace{r} Office Products Markers & Writing Instruments Sanford{r} Eberhard Faber{r} Berol{r} School Supplies & Stationery Stuart Hall{r} Desktop & Computer Accessories Rogers{r} Keene{r} Hardware & Tools Hardware Amerock{r} Bulldog{r} Paint Applicators EZ Paintr{r} Hand Torches BernzOmatic{r} (1) Pyrex is marketed in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and is a registered trademark of Corning Incorporated. Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries amounted to approximately 15% of consolidated net sales in 1996, 14% in 1995 and 15% in 1994. Sales to each of the Company's other customers, individually, amounted to less than 10% of consolidated net sales. 65 GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT INFORMATION Prior to the 1994 acquisition of Newell Europe and the 1995 acquisition of Berol, the Company operated principally in the United States. Since these acquisitions, the Company operates in several non-U.S. locations including Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Mexico and Colombia. Summary financial information by geographic area included in the consolidated financial statements is as follows: 1996 1995 ------------------- -------------------- % of % of $ Total $ Total ----------- ----- ------------ ----- (In millions) (In millions) Net sales: U.S. $2,458.2 85.6% $2,157.0 86.3% Non-U.S. 414.6 14.4 341.4 13.7 -------- ------ --------- ---- Total $2,872.8 100.0% $2,498.4 100.0% ======= ===== ======= ===== Operating income: U.S. $ 437.7 90.1% $ 389.1 92.8% Non-U.S. 48.0 9.9 30.4 7.2 -------- ---- ------- ---- Total $ 485.7 100.0% $ 419.5 100.0% ======= ===== ======= ===== Total assets at December 31: U.S. $2,610.2 86.9% $2,501.0 85.4% Non-U.S. 394.9 13.1 426.1 14.6 Total $3,005.1 100.0% $2,927.1 100.0% ======= ===== ======= ===== Sales between geographic areas are not material. The Company's export sales, defined as sales of existing divisions' products made in the U.S. and sold by the Company's export division to foreign customers, were approximately 2.0% of net sales in 1996 and 2.2% in 1995 (financial information is included in the non-U.S. category in the above table). 66 14) LITIGATION The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain legal proceedings and claims, including the environmental matters described below, that have arisen in the ordinary conduct of its business. The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various matters concerning federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including 17 matters in which they have been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and certain state environmental agencies as potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") at hazardous waste disposal sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("Superfund") and equivalent state laws. In assessing its remediation costs, the Company has considered several factors, including: the extent of the Company's volumetric contribution at each site relative to that of other PRPs; the kind of waste; where applicable, the terms of existing cost sharing and other agreements; the financial ability of other PRPs to share in the payment of requisite costs; the Company's prior experience with environmental remediation; environmental studies and cost estimates available to the Company; the effects of inflation on cost estimates; and the extent to which the Company's and other parties' status as PRPs are disputed. Based on information currently available to it, the Company's estimate of remediation costs associated with these matters ranges between $9.6 million and $17.3 million. As of December 31, 1996, the Company had a reserve equal to $15.9 million for such remediation costs in the aggregate. No insurance recovery was taken into account in determining the Company's cost estimates or reserve nor do the Company's cost estimates or reserve reflect any discounting for present value purposes. The Company is involved in several legal proceedings relating to the importation and distribution of vinyl mini-blinds made with plastic containing lead stabilizers. In 1996, the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that such stabilizers deteriorate over time from exposure to sunlight and heat, causing lead dust to form on mini-blind surfaces and presenting a health risk to children under six years of age. In July 1996, the California Attorney General and the Alameda County District Attorney filed a civil suit against 12 named companies, including a subsidiary of the Company, alleging failure to warn consumers adequately about the presence of lead in accordance with California law and seeking injunctions, civil penalties and restitutionary relief. In August 1996, 15 companies, including a subsidiary of the Company, were named as defendants in a national and California private class action in Sacramento County Superior Court. In this case, the plaintiffs allege that these companies 67 breached an implied warranty, committed fraud by concealment, used false and misleading advertising, and employed unfair or fraudulent business practices in connection with the presence of lead in their blinds. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, unspecified damages, restitution of purchase price, suit costs, prejudgment interest and, with respect to the claim of fraud by concealment, punitive damages. The Company has agreed to indemnify several of its retailer customers that are named as defendants in one or both of these cases for liability directly related to actions or omissions of the Company. These two cases were recently coordinated, a coordination trial judge was appointed, and discovery is expected to begin shortly. Although management of the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters with certainty, it believes that their ultimate resolution will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 68 Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on - ------- Accounting and Financial Disclosure ------------------------------------------------ None. PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant - -------- ------------------------------------------------- Information regarding executive officers of the Company is included as a Supplementary Item at the end of Part I of this Form 10-K. Information regarding directors of the Company is included in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 7, 1997 ("Proxy Statement") under the caption "Proposal 1 -Election of Directors," which information is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is included in the Proxy Statement under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance Reporting," which information is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Item 11. Executive Compensation - -------- ---------------------- Information regarding executive compensation is included in the Proxy Statement under the caption "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Information Regarding Board of Directors and Committees," the captions "Executive Compensation - Summary; - - Option Grants in 1996; - Option Exercises in 1996; - Pension and Retirement Plans; - Employment Security Agreements," and the caption "Executive Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," which information is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Item 12. Security Ownerships of Certain Beneficial Owners and - ------- Management ---------------------------------------------------- Information regarding security ownership is included in the Proxy Statement under the caption "Certain Beneficial Owners," which information is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 69 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions - -------- ---------------------------------------------- Not Applicable. PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports - -------- on Form 8-K --------------------------------------------------- (a) (1) The following is a list of the financial statements of Newell Co. included in this report on Form 10-K which are filed herewith pursuant to Item 8: Report of Independent Public Accountants Consolidated Statements of Income - Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 (2) The following is a list of the consolidated financial statement schedules of the Company included in this report on Form 10-K which are filed herewith pursuant to Item 14(d) and appear immediately preceding the Exhibit Index: Schedule VIII - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (3) The exhibits filed herewith are listed on the Exhibit Index filed as part of this report on Form 10- K. Each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement of the Company listed on the Exhibit Index is separately identified by an asterisk. (b) Reports on Form 8-K: None 70 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. NEWELL CO. Registrant By /s/ William T. Alldredge ------------------------ William T. Alldredge Vice President-Finance Date March 24, 1997 ---------------------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on March 24, 1997, by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated. Signature Title --------- ------- /s/ Daniel C. Ferguson Chairman of the Board and Director - ------------------------ Daniel C. Ferguson /s/ William P. Sovey Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive - ------------------------ Officer and Director William P. Sovey (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Thomas A. Ferguson, Jr. President and Chief Operating Officer - ------------------------- and Director Thomas A. Ferguson, Jr. /s/ Donald L. Krause Senior Vice President-Corporate Controller - ------------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer) Donald L. Krause /s/ William T. Alldredge Vice President-Finance - ------------------------- (Principal Financial Officer) William T. Alldredge /s/ Alton F. Doody Director - ------------------------- Alton F. Doody /s/ Gary H. Driggs Director - ------------------------- Gary H. Driggs 71 /s/ Robert L. Katz Director - ------------------------- Robert L. Katz /s/ John J. McDonough Director - ------------------------- John J. McDonough /s/ Elizabeth Cuthbert Millett Director - ------------------------------ Elizabeth Cuthbert Millett /s/ Cynthia A. Montgomery Director - ----------------------------- Cynthia A. Montgomery /s/ Allan P. Newell Director - ----------------------------- Allan P. Newell /s/ Henry B. Pearsall Director - ----------------------------- Henry B. Pearsall 72 SCHEDULE VIII - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS NEWELL CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Additions ------------- Charged Charged Balance at to Costs to Other Balance at Beginning and Accounts Deductions End of Description of Period Expenses (A) (B) Period - ---------------- --------- -------- --------- ---------- ---------- Allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended: December 31, 1996 $ 11,014 $ 6,034 $2,200 $(6,058) $ 13,190 December 31, 1995 10,886 2,838 1,990 (4,700) 11,014 December 31, 1994 6,226 2,780 3,996 (2,116) 10,886
Note A - Represents recovery of accounts previously written off, along with reserves of acquired businesses. Note B - Represents accounts charged off.
Balance at Balance at Beginning Other End of of Period Provision Write-offs (C) Period --------- --------- ---------- ---- ---------- Inventory reserves for the years ended: December 31, 1996 $ 67,275 $ 22,251 $(30,721) $ 22,349 $ 81,154 December 31, 1995 51,599 8,621 (17,200) 24,255 67,275 December 31, 1994 28,995 9,901 (16,178) 28,881 51,599
Note C - Represents reserves of acquired businesses, including provisions for product line rationalization. 73 (C) EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit -------- ---------------------- Item 3. Articles of 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation Incorporation of Newell Co., and By-Laws as amended as of September 7, 1995. 3.2 By-Laws of Newell Co., as amended through November 9, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Pre-effective Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Reg. No. 33-64225, filed January 23, 1996). Item 4. Instruments 4.1 Restated Certificate of defining the Incorporation of Newell rights of Co., as amended as of security September 7, 1995, is holders, included in Item 3.1. including indentures 4.2 By-Laws of Newell Co., as amended through November 9, 1995, are included in Item 3.2. 4.3 Rights Agreement dated as of October 20, 1988 between the Company and First Chicago Trust Company of New York (formerly known as Morgan Shareholders Services Trust Company) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 25, 1988). 74 Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit -------- ---------------------- 4.4 Indenture dated as of April 15, 1992, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association). Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Report on Form 8 amending the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1992). Pursuant to item 601(b) (4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, the Company is not filing certain documents. The Company agrees to furnish a copy of each such document upon the request of the Commission. Item 10. Material *10.1 The Newell Long-term Savings and Contracts Investment Plan, as amended and restated effective May 1, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1993 (the "June 1993 Form 10-Q")). *10.2 The Company's Amended and Restated 1984 Stock Option Plan, as amended through February 14, 1990 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 (the "1990 Form 10-K")). 75 Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit -------- ---------------------- *10.3 Newell Co. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended, effective October 23, 1986 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995). *10.4 Newell Operating Company's ROA Cash Bonus Plan, effective January 1, 1977, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the 1981 Form S-14). *10.5 Newell Operating Company's ROI Cash Bonus Plan, effective July 1, 1966, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the 1981 Form S-14). *10.6 Newell Operating Company's Pension Plan for Salaried and Clerical Employees, as amended and restated, effective January 1, 1989 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the June 1993 Form 10-Q). *10.7 Newell Operating Company's Pension Plan for Factory and Distribution Hourly-Paid Employees, as amended and restated, effective January 1, 1984 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1985 (File No. 0-7843) (the "1985 Form 10-K")). 76 Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit -------- ---------------------- *10.8 Newell Operating Company's Supplemental Retirement Plan for Key Executives, effective January 1, 1982, as amended (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-14, File No. 2-71121, filed February 2, 1982). 10.9 Securities Purchase Agreement dated June 21, 1985 between American Tool Companies, Inc. and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the 1985 Form 10-K). *10.10 Form of Employment Security Agreement with six executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the 1990 Form 10-K). 10.11 Letter Agreement dated as of August 13, 1991 between The Black & Decker Corporation and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Company's Statement on Schedule 13D dated August 22, 1991). 10.12 Standstill Agreement dated as of September 24, 1991 between The Black & Decker Corporation and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Statement on Schedule 13D dated September 26, 1991). 77 Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit -------- ---------------------- *10.13 Newell Co. 1993 Stock Option Plan, effective February 9, 1993 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 33-67632, filed August 19, 1994). 10.14 Form of Placement Agency Agreement relating to private placement to accredited investors of unsecured notes of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the 1993 Form 10-K). 10.15 Five Year Credit Agreement dated as of June 12, 1995 among the Company, certain of its affiliates, The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), as Agent, and the banks whose names appear on the signature pages thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the June 1995 Form 10-Q). 10.16 Amendment No. 1 dated as of June 7, 1996 to Five Year Credit Agreement dated as of June 12, 1995 among the Company, certain of its affiliates, The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), as Agent, and the banks whose names appear on the signature pages thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1996). 78 Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit -------- ---------------------- Item 21. Subsidiaries 21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company. of the Registrant Item 23. Consent of 23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen experts and LLP. counsel Item 27. Financial 27 Financial Data Schedule. Data Schedule Item 99. Additional 99 Safe Harbor Statement. Exhibits * Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement of the Company.
                                                     EXHIBIT 21.1
                           SUBSIDIARIES

Jurisdiction of Name Organization Ownership - ---- ------------ --------- Anchor Hocking Consumer Delaware 100% of stock owned by Anchor Hocking Corporation Glass Corporation Anchor Hocking Corporation Delaware 100% of stock owned by Newell Operating Company Ashland Products, Inc. Delaware 100% of stock owned by Newell Co. Berol Blue Ribbon Corp. Kentucky 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation Berol Canada Inc. Ontario, Canada 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation Berol Corporation Delaware 100% of stock owned by Newell Co. Berol Corporation Massachusetts 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation (Delaware) Berol Corporation Nevada 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation (Delaware) Berol Corporation Puerto Rico 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation (Delaware) Berol Limited United Kingdom 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation Berol Pen Company North Carolina 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation Berol Trademarks, Inc. Delaware 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation Newell Sanford S.A. Colombia 43.41% of stock owned by Berol Pen Corporation; 14.00% of stock owned by Ember Investment Company; 16.91% of stock owned by Furth Corporation; 13.00% of stock owned by Loral Corporation; 12.68% of stock owned by Terbal Corporation Berol, S.A. de C.V. Mexico 81.35% of stock owned by Berol Corporation; 18.55% of stock owned by Newell Co. leaving .1% by other individuals 80 Jurisdiction of Name Organization Ownership - ---- ------------ --------- Berol Trademarks, Inc. Delaware 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation DAX Manufacturers, Inc. New York 100% of stock owned by Intercraft Company DeComex USA, Inc. Delaware 100% of stock owned by Intercraft Company Decorel Canada, Inc. Ontario, Canada 100% of stock owned by Intercraft Company Decorel, S.A. de C.V. Mexico .002% (1 share) of Series B of the fixed portion of capital stock and 1.03% of the variable portion of capital stock owned by Decorel Incorporated; 99.998% of Series B of the fixed portion of capital stock and 98.97% of Series B of the variable portion of capital stock owned by Decomex USA, Inc. Ember Investment Corp. Delaware 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation Empire Enterprises, Inc. Tennessee 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation Empire Leasing Company Delaware 75% of stock owned by Berol Corporation; 25% of stock owned by Berol Canada Inc. Faber-Castell Corporation New Jersey 100% of stock owned by Newell Co. Furth Corporation Delaware 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation Goody Products, Inc. Delaware 100% of stock owned by Newell Co. Intercraft Company Delaware 100% of stock owned by Newell Co. Lee Rowan Company Missouri 100% of stock owned by Newell Co. Loral Corporation Delaware 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation Newell Australia Pty, Ltd. Victoria, Australia 100% owned by Newell Investments Inc. Newell Consumer Products Germany 100% of stock owned by Newell Investments Inc. Products GmbH Newell Finance Company Delaware 100% of stock owned by Newell Operating Company Newell Holdings France S.A.S. France 1% of stock owned by Newell Operating Company; 99% of stock owned by Newell Investments Inc. 81 Jurisdiction of Name Organization Ownership - ---- ------------ --------- Newell Holdings U.K. Limited United Kingdom 100% of stock owned by Newell Investments Inc. Newell Consumer Iberica S.A. Spain 100% of stock owned by Newell S.A. Newell Industries Canada, Inc. Ontario, Canada 87.2% of stock owned by Newell Operating Company; 12.8% of stock owned by Goody Products, Inc. Newell International Jamaica 100% of stock owned by Newell Co. Corporation, Limited Newell Investment Co. Ltd. Ontario, Canada 100% of stock owned by Newell Co. Newell Investments Inc. Delaware 100% of stock owned by Newell Operating Company Newell Limited United Kingdom 100% of stock owned by Newell Holdings U.K. Limited Newell Operating Company Delaware 77.5% of stock owned by Newell Co.; 22.5% of stock owned by Anchor Hocking Corporation Newell Puerto Rico, Ltd. Delaware 100% of stock owned by Anchor Hocking Corporation Newell S.A. France 99% of stock owned by Newell Holdings France S.A.S.; remaining 1% owned by nominees as required by statute Newell S.p.A. Italy 100% of stock owned by Newell S.A. Newell Window Furnishings, Inc. Delaware 100% of stock owned by Newell Operating Company NSM Industries, Inc. New Jersey 100% of stock owned by Faber-Castell Corporation N.V. Newell Benelux S.A. Belgium 99% of stock owned by Newell S.A.; Remaining 1% owned by nominees as required by statute Osmiroid International England & Wales Cum. Pfd. - 100% by Berol Limited Common - 99.9% by Berol Limited Common - .01% by E.G. Lewis (nominee) Philips Canada, Inc. Ontario, Canada 100% of stock owned by Philips Industries, Inc. Pen and Pencil, Inc. Illinois 100% of stock owned by Newell Co. 82 Jurisdiction of Name Organization Ownership - ---- ------------ --------- Philips Industries, Inc. New York 100% of stock owned by Newell Co. Plastics, Inc. Delaware 100% of stock owned by Anchor Hocking Corporation Sanford Investment Company Delaware 21.29% of stock owned by Berol Corporation; 35.37% of stock owned by Faber-Castell Corporation; and 43.34% of stock owned by Pen and Pencil, Inc. Sanford, L.P. Illinois Newell Operating Company is the general partner and (limited and Sandford Investment Company is the limited partner. partnership) Sterling Plastics Co. New Jersey 100% of stock owned by Sanford Corporation Stuart Hall Company, Inc. Missouri 100% of stock owned by Newell Co. Terbal Corporation Delaware 100% of stock owned by Berol Corporation
                                                             EXHIBIT 23.1


                        [ARTHUR ANDERSEN LETTERHEAD]


                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


   As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
   incorporation of our report dated January 27, 1997 included in Form
   10-K, into the Company's previously filed Form S-8 Registration
   Statements File Nos. 33-24447, 33-25196, 33-40641, 33-67620, 33-67632,
   33-51063, 33-51961 and 33-62047, Form S-3 Registration Statement File
   No. 33-64225, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to Form S-4
   Registration Statements File Nos. 33-49282 and 33-44957.


                                 ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

   Milwaukee, Wisconsin
   March 25, 1997

                                                       EXHIBIT 99
                   Newell Safe Harbor Statement
                   ----------------------------

     Information provided by the Company may contain certain
forward-looking information, which, as defined by the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"), may relate
to such matters as sales, income, earnings per share, return on
equity, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure, free
cash flow, debt to capitalization ratios, internal growth rates,
future economic performance, management's plans and objectives
for future operations or the assumptions relating to any of the
forward-looking information.  This Safe Harbor Statement is being
made pursuant to the Act and with the intention of obtaining the
benefits of the so-called "safe harbor" provisions of the Act. 
The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are not
guarantees since there are inherent difficulties in predicting
future results, and that actual results could differ materially
from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking
statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ
include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

     o  RETAIL ECONOMY.  The Company's business depends on the
strength of the retail economies in various parts of the world,
primarily in the U.S. and to a lesser extent in Australia,
Canada, Central and South America, and Europe, which are affected
by such factors as consumer demand, the condition of the retail
industry and weather conditions.  Recently, the retail industry
has been characterized by intense competition and consolidation.

     o  NATURE OF THE MARKETPLACE.  The Company competes with
numerous other manufacturers and distributors, many of which are
large and well-established.  In addition, the Company's principal
customers are volume purchasers, many of which are much larger
than the Company and have significant bargaining power.  The
combination of these market influences creates a very competitive
marketplace, resulting in difficulty in raising prices and the
need to provide superior services to customers.  These
competitive pressures increase the risk of losing substantial
customers.

     o  GROWTH BY ACQUISITION.  The acquisition of companies that
sell branded, staple product lines to volume purchasers is one of
the foundations of the Company's growth strategy.  The Company's
ability to continue to make strategic acquisitions at reasonable
prices and to integrate the acquired businesses within a
reasonable period of time are important factors in the Company's
future earnings growth potential.

     o  FOREIGN OPERATIONS.  Foreign operations, currently in
Canada, Mexico, Colombia and Europe and sourcing from the Far
East, are of increasing importance to the Company's business. 
Foreign operations can be affected by factors such as devaluation
and other currency fluctuations, tariffs, nationalization and
other political and regulatory risks.
 

5 This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Newell Co. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Income and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. 1,000 12-MOS DEC-31-1996 DEC-31-1996 4,360 0 404,170 (13,190) 509,504 1,108,114 927,593 (372,159) 3,005,054 637,013 672,033 0 0 158,871 1,332,969 3,005,054 2,872,817 907,317 1,965,500 2,387,130 61,053 6,034 56,989 424,634 168,155 256,479 0 0 0 256,479 1.62 1.62 Allowances for doubtful accounts are reported as contra accounts to accounts receivable. The corporate reserve for bad debts is a percentage of trade receivables based on the bad debts experienced in one or more past years, general economic conditions, the age of the receivables and other factors that indicate the element of uncollectibility in the receivables outstanding at the end of the period. See note 1 to consolidated financial statements.