H.B. Fuller
FUL
#3786
Rank
$3.36 B
Marketcap
$61.68
Share price
3.77%
Change (1 day)
10.84%
Change (1 year)

H.B. Fuller - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MAY 30, 1998
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
..................to.....................

Commission File No. 0-3488

H.B. FULLER COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

MINNESOTA 41-0268370
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
of incorporation or organization)

1200 WILLOW LAKE BOULEVARD, VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA 55110
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(651) 236-5900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock,
par value $1.00 per share

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 of 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 [ ]

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Common Stock, par value
$1.00 per share, was 13,975,178 as of June 30, 1998.

-1-
H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
---------------------- ----------------------
May 30, May 31, % May 30, May 31, %
1998 1997 Change 1998 1997 Change
--------- --------- ----- --------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 341,971 $ 328,872 4.0% $ 652,626 $ 632,963 3.1%
Cost of sales (233,278) (223,400) 4.4% (446,299) (432,762) 3.1%
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit 108,693 105,472 3.1% 206,327 200,201 3.1%
Selling, administrative and other expenses (83,973) (83,209) 0.9% (166,170) (162,604) 2.2%
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating earnings 24,720 22,263 11.0% 40,157 37,597 6.8%
Interest expense (6,573) (4,919) 33.6% (11,782) (9,899) 19.0%
Other income (expense), net 38 821 -95.4% (790) 340 *
-------- -------- -------- --------
Earnings before income taxes and minority interests 18,185 18,165 0.1% 27,585 28,038 -1.6%
Income taxes (7,420) (7,411) 0.1% (11,254) (11,439) -1.6%
Net earnings of consolidated subsidiaries
applicable to minority interests (65) 102 * 14 78 -82.1%
Earnings from equity investments 561 255 * 870 255 *
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net earnings 11,261 11,111 1.4% 17,215 16,932 1.7%
Dividends on preferred stock (4) (4) (8) (8)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net earnings applicable to common stock $ 11,257 $ 11,107 1.4% $ 17,207 $ 16,924 1.7%
========= ========= ========= =========
Average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding:
Basic 13,706 13,961 -1.8% 13,691 13,951 -1.9%
========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted 13,855 14,110 -1.8% 13,833 14,095 -1.9%
========= ========= ========= =========

Net earnings per common share:
Basic $ 0.82 $ 0.79 3.8% $ 1.26 $ 1.21 4.1%
========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted $ 0.81 $ 0.79 2.5% $ 1.24 $ 1.20 3.3%
========= ========= ========= =========

Cash dividend per common share $ 0.200 $ 0.185 8.1% $ 0.385 $ 0.350 10.0%
========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>

* Change of 100% or more.

-2-
H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)
May 30, November 29,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,274 $ 2,710
Trade receivables 224,871 211,469
Allowance for doubtful accounts (7,768) (5,879)
Inventories 167,854 150,685
Other current assets 51,715 50,171
----------- -----------
Total current assets 441,946 409,156

Property, plant and equipment, net of
accumulated depreciation of $318,530
in 1998 and $289,182 in 1997 420,228 398,561
Deposits and miscellaneous assets 64,878 62,196
Other intangibles 33,746 13,830
Excess cost 71,038 33,903
----------- -----------
Total assets $ 1,031,836 $ 917,646
=========== ===========


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable $ 46,416 $ 39,675
Current installments of long-term debt 7,938 2,551
Accounts payable 114,125 121,883
Accrued expenses 62,647 68,952
Income taxes payable 6,097 4,488
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 237,223 237,549

Long-term debt,
excluding current installments 328,267 229,996
Accrued pension cost 78,601 76,694
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities 21,722 18,477

Minority interest 15,953 15,816

Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock 306 306
Common stock 13,981 13,841
Additional paid-in capital 31,214 25,009
Retained earnings 316,839 304,975
Foreign currency translation adjustment (3,262) 366
Unearned compensation (9,008) (5,383)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity 350,070 339,114
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,031,836 $ 917,646
=========== ===========


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

-3-
H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)


Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
----------------------
May 30, May 31,
1998 1997
--------- ---------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings 17,215 16,932
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 23,158 22,502
Pension costs 3,257 5,266
Deferred income tax 3,706 (4,249)
Other items (7,485) (497)
Change in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (7,032) (8,318)
Inventory (13,297) (4,614)
Prepaid assets 1,566 (7,127)
Accounts payable (11,689) (792)
Accrued expense (1,362) 3,492
Income taxes payable 169 (1,295)
--------- ---------
Net cash (used)provided by operating activities 8,206 21,300

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchased property, plant and equipment (29,740) (25,682)
Purchased business, net of cash acquired (87,701) (7,618)
Proceeds from sale of assets 9,019 6,411
--------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (108,422) (26,889)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase in long-term debt 125,266 22,195
Current installments and payments of long-term debt (25,283) (7,089)
Notes payable 8,844 3,125
Dividends paid (5,351) (4,940)
Other (468) (7,781)
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities 103,008 5,510

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (228) (165)
--------- ---------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 2,564 (244)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 2,710 3,515
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 5,274 $ 3,271
========= =========

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest expense (net of amount capitalized) $ 13,468 $ 10,639
Income taxes $ 4,753 $ 12,766

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

-4-
H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in Thousands)
(Unaudited)


1. In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited Consolidated
Condensed Financial Statements include all adjustments necessary to present
fairly the financial position as of May 30, 1998 and November 29, 1997, the
results of its operations for the twenty-six weeks ended May 30, 1998 and
May 31, 1997 and its cash flows for the twenty-six weeks ended May 30, 1998
and May 31, 1997. All adjustments were of a normal recurring nature.

2. The results of operations for the thirteen week period ended May 30, 1998
are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full
year.

3. The composition of inventories is presented below:

MAY 30, 1998 NOVEMBER 29, 1997
------------ -----------------
Raw materials $ 75,436 $ 71,234
Finished goods 103,735 90,634
LIFO reserve (11,317) (11,183)
--------- ---------
$ 167,854 $ 150,685
========= =========


4. In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" (SFAS No. 128). SFAS No. 128 is effective for
financial statements for periods ending after December 15, 1997. Under SFAS
No. 128, the previous presentation of earnings per share is replaced with
dual presentation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per
share. Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by
dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted
earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of stock options and
restricted stock grants that could share in the earnings. The Company
adopted SFAS No. 128 for the quarter ended February 28, 1998 and has
restated last year net earnings per share data presented to conform to the
provisions of this statement. The difference between basic and diluted
earnings per share data as presented is due to the dilutive impact of stock
options and restricted stock grants whose exercise price or grant price was
below the average common stock price for the respective period presented.

5. The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts as a hedge
against firm commitment foreign currency intercompany accounts
receivable/payable/debt. Market value gains and losses are recognized, and
the resulting credit or debit offsets foreign exchange gains or losses on
those receivables/payables/debt. At May 30, 1998, the aggregate contract
value of instruments used to sell 4,521 pound sterling, 5,370 deutsche
marks, 1,000 French francs, and $4,331 to buy foreign currency (primarily
27,740 Dutch guilders) was $13,880. The contracts mature between June 30,
1998 and November 20, 2000.

-5-
6.   The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's significant
other financial instruments at May 30, 1998, are as follows:

CARRYING FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE
-------- --------
Cash and short-term investments $ 5,274 $ 5,274
Notes payable 46,416 46,416
Long-term debt 336,205 346,401

Fair values of short-term financial instruments approximate their carrying
values due to their short maturity.

The fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for the
same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for
debt of similar maturities. The estimates presented above on long-term
financial instruments are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that
would be realized in a current market exchange.

7. During the first and second quarters, the Company acquired two adhesive
companies in the United Kingdom for $87,701 in cash. Assets acquired
include other intangibles of $21,028 and excess of cost over net assets
acquired of $43,112. The acquisitions were accounted for as purchases and
the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the results of
these businesses since the purchase date. The historical results of
operations on a pro forma basis are not presented as the effects of the
acquisitions were not material.

-6-
ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in Thousands)

The following discussion includes comments and data relating to the Company's
financial condition and results of operations during the periods included in the
accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net sales for the second quarter of 1998 increased $13,099, or 4.0%, when
compared to the same quarter in 1997. The 4 percentage point sales increase
resulted from a 4.1 percentage point increase from volume and changes in product
mix, a 3.1 percentage point net impact of acquisitions and divestitures, a
negative 1.3 percentage points decreased pricing and a negative 1.9 percentage
points from a strengthened U.S. dollar. Net sales for the first half of 1998
increased $19,663, or 3.1%, when compared to the first half of 1997. The 3.1
percentage point sales increase resulted from a 4.2 percentage point increase
from volume and changes in product mix, 2.5 percentage points net impact of
acquisitions and divestitures, a negative 1.2 percentage points decreased
pricing and a negative 2.4 percentage points from a strengthened U.S. dollar.

A comparison of sales increases by operating area is as follows:

THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED 26 WEEKS ENDED
MAY 30, 1998 MAY 30, 1998
OPERATING AREA MAY 31, 1997 MAY 31, 1997
- -------------- ----------------- -------------------

North America $ 5,037 3% $14,012 4%
Latin America 2,088 5% 3,662 4%
Europe 9,078 15% 5,096 4%
Asia/Pacific (3,104) (13%) (3,107) (7%)
------- -------

Total $13,099 4% $19,663 3%
======= =======

In North America, the 3% second quarter sales increase was composed of 3
percentage points relating to increased volume and changes in product mix and 1
percentage point resulting from a second quarter 1997 joint venture and a
negative 1 percentage point from negative pricing.

-7-
The Adhesives, Sealants and Coatings Group had second quarter sales which
approximated the sales of 1997. Primary growth occurred in the woodworking,
engineered systems and window markets of the structural adhesives group. In the
industrial adhesives group, primary growth occurred in the graphic arts market
with sales of the paper/converting and nonwoven markets experiencing reduced
sales from 1997. The EFTEC (Automotive) group had an 8% increase in sales, with
5 percentage points increase resulting from the 1997 joint venture, 5 percentage
points relating to increased volume and changes in product mix and a negative 2
percentage points resulting from decreased pricing. In the Specialty Group,
sales increased 8%. The primary growth in sales occurred in TEC Incorporated and
Foster Products Incorporated. North American operating earnings grew at a rate
of 8% increasing from $15,943 to $17,295.

For the first half of 1998, North American sales increased 4% and was composed
of 4 percentage points resulting from increased volume and changes in product
mix, one percentage point resulting from the second quarter 1997 Automotive
joint venture and a negative one percentage point impact of pricing and
currency. The sales of the Adhesives, Sealants and Coatings Group approximated
the sales of 1997. Primary growth occurred in the woodworking, engineered
systems and window markets of the structural adhesives group. In the industrial
adhesives group, primary growth occurred in the graphic arts market with sales
of the paper/converting and nonwoven markets experiencing reduced sales from
1997. The EFTEC (Automotive) Group had an 18% increase in sales, with 12
percentage points increase resulting from the 1997 joint venture, 8 percentage
points relating to increased volume and changes in product mix and a negative 2
percentage points resulting from decreased pricing. Growth in the Specialty
Products Group occurred primarily in TEC Incorporated and Foster Products
Incorporated. First half North American operating income increased 15 % from
$24,128 to $27,694.

Latin American second quarter 1998 sales increased 5% from 1997. The increase in
sales is composed of 7 percentage points relating to increased volume and
changes in product mix partially offset by a 2 percentage point decrease in
pricing. Operating results were negatively impacted by pricing pressures and
slower economies in several countries mainly Brazil and Chile, two major
markets. Latin American operating earnings increased 8% when compared to 1997,
increasing from $2,916 to $3,164.

In Europe, the 15% second quarter 1998 sales increase was composed of 5
percentage points resulting from unfavorable foreign currency translations due
to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, a negative 2 percentage points due to
pricing, a positive 7 percentage points due to increased volume and changes in
product mix and 15 percentage points resulting from two 1998 acquisitions in the
United Kingdom. Operating earnings increased from $3,374 in the second quarter
1997 to $4,362 in 1998, primarily the result of gross margins generated on
increased volumes which offset the lower gross margins, as a percent of sales,
caused by the negative impact of raw material shortages, (products sold to the
nonwoven market) and competitive pricing pressures.

-8-
Asia/Pacific sales decreased 13% from the sales of the same period last year.
The strengthening of the U.S. dollar, compared to local currencies, caused a 13
percentage point decrease. Local currency sales increased 3 percentage points
due to increased volume and changes in product mix but decreased a net 3
percentage points as a result of a fourth quarter 1997 acquisition and second
quarter 1998 divestiture. Operating results decreased from $30 in 1997 to ($101)
in 1998, primarily due to negative economic conditions in the region, caused by
the continuing currency crisis.

For the first half of 1998, Latin American sales increased 4% over the same
period in 1997 with 6 percentage points accounted for by increased volume and
changes in product mix and a negative 2 percentage points resulting from
decreased pricing. Operating earnings decreased from $8,021 in 1997 to $7,498 in
1998. European sales increased 4% from first half 1997 sales with the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar having a 7 percentage points negative impact.
The 11 percentage point increase in local currency sales was comprised of 5
percentage points resulting from increased volume and changes in product mix, a
net 8 percentage point increase resulting from two acquisitions in the U.K. and
the sale of the construction business in 1997 and 2 percentage points in
decreased pricing. Operating earnings increased from $5,549 in 1997 to $5,711 in
1998. Asia/Pacific sales decreased 7% with a 14 percentage point decrease
resulting from a strengthened U.S. dollar. A 7 percentage point increase
resulted from volume and changes in product mix. Operating earnings decreased
from ($101) in 1997 to ($746) in 1998.

Cost of sales for the second quarter increased 4.4% ($9,878) over the same
quarter in 1997. Consolidated gross margins, as a percent of sales, decreased
from 32.1% in 1997 to 31.8% in 1998. Gross margins in 1998 benefited $1,368
($350 reversal of accrual and $1,018 non-accrual) or 0.4% of sales as a result
of a projected non-payment of profit sharing. Profit sharing targets were
increased in 1998 from prior year targets to complement overall profitability
improvement goals. Overall, raw materials costs were stable when compared to
second quarter 1997. However, some of our formulas are based on Styrene,
Isoprene, Styrene or SIS block co-polymers. Currently there is a shortage of SIS
in the marketplace, which is expected to impact the Company the balance of the
year. Strong demand and tight supply of Isoprene monomer, the feedstock of SIS,
has caused the shortage. As a result, prices are increasing in all geographic
areas. Price increases to our customers are also being implemented where
appropriate. Automotive gross margins as a percent of sales decreased as a
result of the middle second quarter 1997 joint venture and due to pricing
pressures within the industry. Our management continues in the process of
rationalizing and merging the operations of the two automotive companies.

Selling, administrative, and other expenses for the quarter were up 0.9% ($764)
when compared to the prior year. This category of expense, as a percent of
sales, decreased from 25.3% in 1997 to 24.6% in 1998. This category of expense
benefited $1,367 ($350 reversal of accrual and $1,017 non-accrual) or 0.4% of
sales as a result of projected non-payment of profit sharing.

Year-to-date, cost of sales was up 3.1% ($13,537) when compared to the same
period in 1997. Consolidated gross margins, as a percent of sales, equaled the
31.6% of 1997.

-9-
Selling, administrative, and other expenses for the quarter increased 2.2%
($3,566) when compared to the prior year. This category of expense, as a percent
of sales, improved from 25.7% in 1997 to 25.5% in 1998.

Interest expense of $11,782 increased $1,883 from the expense of the first half
of 1997. This was mainly the result of higher overall debt levels to fund
acquisitions, repurchase Company stock and for funding of benefit plans.

Year-to-date other income/(expense), net, decreased from an income of $340 in
1997 to expense of $790 in 1998. The income in 1997 was primarily the result of
gains from the sale of assets in Germany and in North America. These gains were
partially offset by expenses incurred in the pursuit of a major acquisition
opportunity which was not successful. Other income in 1998 was generated by the
sale of properties in New Zealand, Honduras and Munich which was more than
offset by costs associated with the change in CEO, writedown of impaired assets,
added goodwill expense and increased currency losses, primarily in Latin
America.

Income taxes for the first half of 1998 decreased $185 (1.6%) when compared to
the first half of 1997, primarily as a result of decreased earnings. The tax
rate for the first half of 1998 reflects a 40.8% annual effective tax rate equal
to 1997.

Net earnings increased from $16,932 in the first half of 1997 to $17,215 in the
first half of 1998.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The cash flows as presented in this section have been calculated by comparison
of the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets at May 30, 1998 and November 29,
1997 and May 31, 1997 and November 30, 1996.

During the first half of 1998, the Company generated $8,206 of cash to finance
operations as compared to $21,300 in the first half of 1997. The decreased
generation of cash was primarily the result of $12,991 increase in cash required
to fund working capital in the first half of 1998 compared to the same period in
1997.

Working capital was $204,723 at May 30, 1998 compared to $171,607 at November
29, 1997. The current ratio at May 30, 1998 was 1.9 compared to a ratio of 1.7
at November 29, 1997. The number of days sales in trade accounts receivable was
57 days at May 30, 1998 compared to 54 days sales at May 31, 1997. The average
day sales in inventory on hand was 63 days compared to 62 days at May 31, 1997.
Trade accounts payable decreased from 46 days at year-end 1997 to 44 days at May
30, 1998.

-10-
The Company's long-term debt to total capitalization ratio was 48.4% at May 30,
1998 compared to 40.4% at November 29, 1997. The primary reason for the increase
in this ratio is increased debt required to purchase businesses, $87,701 in
1998.

Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment of $29,740 in the first
half of 1998 were primarily for the completion of construction of a
manufacturing facility in Georgia, the investment in Information Technology, for
general improvements in manufacturing productivity and operating efficiency and
for environmental projects. Environmental capital expenditures, less than 10% of
total expenditures, are not a material portion of overall Company expenditures.

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this document are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not
limited to the following: The Asian economic crisis and other political and
economic conditions; product demand and industry capacity; competitive products
and pricing; manufacturing efficiencies; new product development; product mix;
availability and price of raw materials and critical manufacturing equipment;
new plant startups; accounts receivables collection; the Company's relationships
with its major customers and suppliers; changes in tax laws and tariffs; patent
rights that could provide significant advantage to a competitor; foreign
exchange rate fluctuations (particularly with respect to the German mark and the
Japanese yen); the regulatory and trade environment; the year 2000 computer
issue; and other risks as indicated from time to time in the Company's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking information
represents management's best judgment as of this date based on information
currently available that in the future may prove to have been inaccurate.

-11-
ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on April 16, 1998. Proxies
for such meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A total of 17,557,993 common and preferred
share votes ("Votes") were entitled to be cast at the meeting. At such meeting,
each of management's four nominees for director in Class II were elected for a
three-year term (until the Company's 2001 Annual Meeting), and until the
directors' respective successors are duly elected and qualified. The number of
Votes cast for the election of each director and the number of Votes withheld
are as follows:

COMBINED COMMON & COMBINED COMMON &
PREFERRED SHARE PREFERRED SHARE
DIRECTOR NAME VOTES IN FAVOR VOTES WITHHELD
------------- -------------- ----------------
Anthony L. Andersen 16,585,921 189,154
Norbert R. Berg 16,541,856 233,219
Freeman A. Ford 16,540,142 234,933
John J. Mauriel, Jr. 16,566,284 208,791

A proposal to approve the Company's 1998 Directors' Stock Incentive Plan was
approved by 15,195,500 Votes cast in favor, 1,246,894 Votes cast against, and
332,681 Votes abstaining. There were no broker non-votes with respect to the
approval of the 1998 Directors' Stock Incentive Plan.

A proposal to ratify the appointment of Price Waterhouse L.L.P. as independent
auditors for the Company for the fiscal year ending November 28, 1998 was
approved by 16,639,039 Votes cast in favor, 103,953 Votes cast against, and
32,083 Votes abstaining. There were no broker non-votes with respect to the
ratification of the appointment of Price Waterhouse L.L.P. as auditors.

In addition, a shareholder proposal requesting the Board of Directors adopt a
policy not to sell its adhesives to any tobacco-related company when they will
use it for the production of cigarettes or other tobacco products was defeated
by 13,454,105 Votes against the shareholder proposal, 1,332,857 Votes in favor
of the shareholder proposal and 946,624 Votes abstaining. There were 1,041,489
broker non-votes with respect to the shareholder proposal.

-12-
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits to Part I

27(a) Financial Data Schedule
27(b) Restated Financial Data Schedule for May 31, 1997

Exhibits to Part II

10(a) Employment Agreement, dated as of April 16, 1998, between H.B. Fuller
Company and Albert Stroucken.

10(b) Consulting Agreement and First Amendment to International Service
Agreement and Non-Competition Agreement, effective as of April 30,
1998, between H.B. Fuller Company and Walter Kissling.

10(c) H.B. Fuller Company 1998 Directors' Stock Incentive Plan.

10(d) Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated as of April 23, 1998, between
H.B. Fuller Company and Lee R. Mitau.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K. No reports on Form 8-K were filed for the thirteen
weeks ended May 30, 1998.



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.


H. B. FULLER COMPANY






Dated: July 13, 1998 /S/ Jorge Walter Bolanos
----------------------------
Jorge Walter Bolanos
Senior Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer

-13-
EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT NUMBER

10(a) Employment Agreement, dated as of April 16, 1998, between H.B. Fuller
Company and Albert Stroucken.

10(b) Consulting Agreement and First Amendment to International Service
Agreement and Non-Competition Agreement, effective as of April 30, 1998,
between H.B. Fuller Company and Walter Kissling.

10(c) H.B. Fuller Company 1998 Directors' Stock Incentive Plan.

10(d) Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated as of April 23, 1998, between H.B.
Fuller Company and Lee R. Mitau.

27(a) Financial Data Schedule

27(b) Restated Financial Data Schedule for May 31, 1997