Owens & Minor
OMI
#8456
Rank
$0.21 B
Marketcap
$2.80
Share price
2.19%
Change (1 day)
-71.25%
Change (1 year)

Owens & Minor - 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 quarterly period ended September 30, 1997
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 number 1-9810

OWENS & MINOR, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Virginia 54-1701843

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

4800 Cox Road, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Post Office Box 27626, Richmond, Virginia 23261-7626
(Mailing address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (804) 747-9794



(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed
since last report)

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 _____

The number of shares of Owens & Minor, Inc.'s common stock outstanding
as of November 5, 1997 was 32,207,271 shares.
Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Index

Page

Part I. Financial Information

Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 1997 and
December 31, 1996 3

Consolidated Statements of Income - Three Months and
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months
Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6-8

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 8-11

Part II. Other Information 11-13
Part I.  Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements
Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(In thousands, except share data) September 30, December 31,
(Unaudited) 1997 1996
------------- ------------
<S> <C>
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 671 $ 743
Accounts and notes receivable, net
of allowance of $6,404 and $6,495 180,083 147,243
Merchandise inventories 282,782 281,839
Other current assets 24,235 25,675
--------- --------
Total current assets 487,771 455,500
Property and equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation of $40,186 and $35,242 27,689 29,231
Excess of purchase price over net assets acquired, net
of accumulated amortization of $17,161 and $13,752 163,957 167,366
Other assets, net 25,522 27,404
---------- ---------
Total assets $ 704,939 $ 679,501
========== ==========

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable $ 247,727 $ 224,037
Accrued payroll and related liabilities 7,339 5,001
Other accrued liabilities 36,790 33,472
---------- -----------
Total current liabilities 291,856 262,510
Long-term debt 154,200 167,549
Accrued pension and retirement plans 5,285 7,042
---------- -----------
Total liabilities 451,341 437,101
---------- ------------
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock, par value $100 per share;
authorized - 10,000 shares
Series A; Participating Cumulative
Preferred Stock; none issued - -
Series B; Cumulative Preferred
Stock; 4.5%, convertible; issued
and outstanding - 1,150 shares 115,000 115,000
Common stock, par value $2 per share;
authorized - 200,000 shares; issued and
outstanding - 32,122 shares and 31,907 shares 64,244 63,814
Paid-in capital 6,818 5,086
Retained earnings 67,536 58,500
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 253,598 242,400
---------- -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 704,939 $ 679,501
========== ===========

</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
--------------------------- ---------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C>

Net sales $ 785,778 $ 744,146 $ 2,312,123 $ 2,265,396
Cost of goods sold 706,897 669,660 2,080,099 2,042,220
------------- ------------- ------------- --------------

Gross margin 78,881 74,486 232,024 223,176
------------- ------------ -------------- --------------

Selling, general and administrative expenses 57,582 57,709 172,616 177,223
Depreciation and amortization 4,507 4,016 13,044 12,017
Interest expense, net 3,928 4,283 11,634 15,057
Discount on accounts receivable securitization 1,649 1,889 5,002 4,484
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Total expenses 67,666 67,897 202,296 208,781
------------- ------------ -------------- -------------

Income before income taxes 11,215 6,589 29,728 14,395
Income tax provision 4,737 2,839 12,486 6,195
------------- ------------ --------------- -------------

Net income 6,478 3,750 17,242 8,200

Dividends on preferred stock 1,293 1,293 3,881 3,881
------------- ------------ --------------- -------------

Net income attributable to common stock $ 5,185 $ 2,457 $ 13,361 $ 4,319
============= ================ =============== ==============



Net income per common share $ 0.16 $ 0.08 $ 0.42 $ 0. 14
============= ================ =============== ===============


Cash dividends per common share $ 0.045 $ 0.045 $ 0.135 $ 0.135
============= ================ =============== ================


Weighted average common shares
and common share equivalents 32,250 31,980 32,130 31,700
============= ================= =============== ================

</TABLE>



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
----------------------------------
1997 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C>

Operating Activities
Net income $ 17,242 $ 8,200
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization 13,044 12,017
Provision for LIFO reserve 2,150 1,551
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts and notes receivable (32,657) 112,999
Merchandise inventories (3,093) 29,985
Accounts payable 38,778 (12,953)
Net change in other current assets
and current liabilities 7,729 15,854
Other, net (819) (1,417)
---------- --------
Cash provided by operating activities 42,374 166,236
---------- ---------

Investing Activities
Additions to property and equipment (6,290) (4,553)
Additions to computer software (3,115) (5,397)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 1,838 5,372
----------- ---------
Cash used for investing activities (7,567) (4,578)
----------- ----------

Financing Activities
Additions to long-term debt - 150,000
Reductions of long-term debt (13,358) (282,122)
Other short-term financing, net (15,088) (22,471)
Cash dividends paid (8,205) (8,136)
Exercise of stock options 1,772 1,511
----------- ----------
Cash used for financing activities (34,879) (161,218)
----------- ----------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (72) 440
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 743 215
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 671 $ 655
========== ==========

</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


1. Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management, the accompanying
unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments
(which are comprised only of normal recurring accruals and the use of
estimates) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial
position of Owens & Minor, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the
Company) as of September 30, 1997 and the consolidated results of
operations for the three and nine month periods and cash flows for the nine
month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996.

Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company enters into off-balance sheet interest rate swap agreements as
part of its interest rate risk management strategy. These swaps are not
held for trading purposes and are classified as synthetic alterations. In
order for the swaps to be accounted for as synthetic alterations they must
satisfy the following criteria: (1) the asset or liability to be converted
creates exposure to interest rate risk, and (2) the off-balance sheet
agreement is designated and effective as a synthetic alteration of the
balance sheet item. Accrual accounting is applied for these agreements and
the net payments or receipts are accrued as other accrued liabilities and
are recorded as adjustments to interest expense. If the outstanding
financing were to drop below the notional amount of the related swap, the
excess portion of the related swap would be marked to market and the
resulting gain or loss included in income. If a swap were to be terminated,
the gain or loss would be deferred and amortized over the remaining life of
the agreement.

2. Interim Results of Operations

The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

3. Interim Gross Margin Reporting

The Company uses estimated gross margin rates to determine the cost of
goods sold during interim periods. To improve the accuracy of its estimated
gross margins for interim reporting purposes, the Company takes physical
inventory counts at selected distribution centers. Reported results of
operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1997
and 1996 reflect the results of such counts, to the extent that they are
materially different from estimated amounts. Management will continue a
program of interim physical inventories at selected distribution centers to
the extent it deems appropriate to ensure the accuracy of interim reporting
and to minimize year-end adjustments.
4.   Long Term Debt and Off Balance Sheet Financing

In September, 1997 the Company renegotiated the terms of its Senior Credit
Facility (Facility). The Facility expires in May, 2001 with interest based
on, at the Companys discretion, the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
or the Prime Rate. The Company is charged a commitment fee of between 0.15%
and 0.25%, depending upon the Companys capitalization ratio, on the unused
portion of the Facility. The terms of the Facility limit the amount of
indebtedness that the Company may incur, require the Company to maintain
certain levels of tangible net worth, current ratio, leverage ratio and
fixed charge coverage, and restrict the ability of the Company to
materially alter the character of the business through consolidation,
merger or purchase or sale of assets.

In October, 1997 the Companys accounts receivable financing facility
(Receivables Financing Facility) was modified to reduce the term of the
agreement from May, 1999 to October, 1998. The remaining terms of the
Receivables Financing Facility are substantially the same as those in the
agreement entered into in December, 1995 and modified in May, 1996.

5. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

The following table presents condensed consolidating financial information
for: Owens & Minor, Inc.; on a combined basis, the guarantors of Owens &
Minor, Inc.s Senior Subordinated 10-year Notes (Notes) (all of the wholly
owned subsidiaries of Owens & Minor, Inc. except for O&M Funding Corp.
(OMF)); and OMF, Owens & Minor, Inc.s only non-guarantor subsidiary of the
Notes. Separate financial statements of the guarantor subsidiaries are not
presented because the guarantors are jointly, severally and unconditionally
liable under the guarantees and the Company believes the condensed
consolidating financial statements are more meaningful in understanding the
financial position of the guarantor subsidiaries.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(In thousands)
As of and for the Owens
nine months ended & Minor, Guarantor
September 30, 1997 Inc. Subsidiaries OMF Eliminations Consolidated

<S> <C>

Current assets $ 155,220 $ 468,959 $ 85,784 $ (222,192) $ 487,771
Noncurrent assets 306,129 225,898 - (314,859) 217,168
----------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ---------------
Total assets $ 461,349 $ 694,857 $ 85,784 $ (537,051) $ 704,939
=========== =========== =========== ============== ===============

Current liabilities $ 7,440 $ 439,092 $ 68,143 $ (222,819) $ 291,856
Noncurrent liabilities 154,200 5,285 - - 159,485
Shareholders equity 299,709 250,480 17,641 (314,232) 253,598
----------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------------
Total liabilities and
shareholders equity $ 461,349 $ 694,857 $ 85,784 $ (537,051) $ 704,939
=========== =========== =========== =============== ================

Net sales $ 11,646 $ 2,312,123 $ 10,591 $ (22,237) $ 2,312,123
Expenses 12,784 2,295,956 9,007 (22,866) 2,294,881
----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ----------------
Net income (loss) $ (1,138) $ 16,167 $ 1,584 $ 629 $ 17,242
=========== =========== =========== =============== ================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


As of and for the Owens
nine months ended & Minor, Guarantor
September 30, 1996 Inc. Subsidiaries OMF Eliminations Consolidated
- ------------------ ---- ------------ --- ------------ ------------
<S> <C>



Current assets $ 191,572 $ 446,930 $ 53,892 $ (227,236) $ 465,158
Noncurrent assets 306,791 237,486 - (314,859) 229,418
----------- ------------ ------------ --------------- ----------------
Total assets $ 498,363 $ 684,416 $ 53,892 $ (542,095) $ 694,576
=========== ============ ============ ============== =================


Current liabilities $ 6,261 $ 436,425 $ 38,451 $ (227,860) $ 253,277
Noncurrent liabilities 181,900 19,187 - - 201,087
Shareholders equity 310,202 228,804 15,441 (314,235) 240,212
----------- ------------ ------------ --------------- ----------------
Total liabilities and
shareholders equity $ 498,363 $ 684,416 $ 53,892 $ (542,095) $ 694,576
=========== ============ ============ ============== =================

Net sales $ 18,014 $ 2,265,396 $ 7,911 $ (25,925) $ 2,265,396
Expenses 17,937 2,258,732 7,076 (26,549) 2,257,196
----------- ------------ ------------ --------------- ----------------
Net income $ 77 $ 6,664 $ 835 $ 624 $ 8,200
=========== ============ ============ ============== =================


</TABLE>


Item 2. Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations

The following management discussion and analysis describes material changes in
the Companys financial condition since December 31, 1996. Trends of a material
nature are discussed to the extent known and considered relevant. This
discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements, related notes thereto and managements discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations included in the Companys 1996
Annual Report to Shareholders and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996.

Certain statements in this discussion constitute forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, including, but not
limited to, general economic and business conditions, competition, changing
trends in customer profiles, outcome of outstanding litigation, and changes in
government regulations. Although the Company believes that its expectations with
respect to the forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions
within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be
no assurance that actual results, performance or achievements of the Company
will not differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Results of Operations
Third quarter and first nine months of 1997 compared with 1996

Net sales. Net sales increased 5.6% to $785.8 million in the third quarter of
1997 from $744.1 million in the third quarter of 1996. Net sales increased 2.1%
to $2,312.1 million in the first nine months of 1997 from $2,265.4 million in
the first nine months of 1996. The increase in sales was a result of several new
sales agreements signed during the first half of 1997, and penetration of
existing accounts. The Company continues its emphasis on initiatives to increase
profitable sales while continuing its efforts to reduce unprofitable sales and
therefore increase the overall profitability of the Company. The Company will
continue this commitment to profitable sales growth and has entered into several
new agreements in 1997 that will provide an opportunity for such future growth,
although such growth cannot be assured.
In August, 1997 the Company entered into a new three-year contract with VHA Inc.
(VHA) to provide distribution services to VHAs member hospitals and primary care
facilities. Net sales to member hospitals under contract with VHA Inc. totaled
approximately $926 million and $910 million for the nine month periods ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, approximately 40% of the Companys total net sales.
Under this contract, the Company will distribute medical and surgical supplies
and pursue growth opportunities with VHAs member hospitals and primary care
facilities.

Gross margin. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales of 10.0% in the third
quarter of 1997 is unchanged from the third quarter of 1996. Gross margin as a
percentage of net sales increased to 10.0% in the first nine months of 1997 from
9.9% in the first nine months of 1996. The improvement has been a result of the
Companys efforts to reduce unprofitable sales by negotiating price increases
where appropriate or reducing sales to unprofitable customers. Also, the
improvement has been the result of product and supplier standardization. The
Company will continue to focus on maintaining margin levels through its
continued emphasis on profitable sales and standardization of suppliers and
products.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and
administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 7.3% in
the third quarter of 1997 from 7.8% in the third quarter of 1996 and decreased
to 7.5% in the first nine months of 1997 from 7.8% in the first nine months of
1996. This decline was a result of many cost-saving initiatives, including the
reduction of over 100 full-time equivalent employees since September 30, 1996;
the reduction in the cost of employee retirement plans; the more cost effective
utilization of computer resources; the implementation of improved inventory
management systems; the continuing automation of administrative functions
through the utilization of electronic data interchange; and the refocus on best
practices within the Company. The results of these initiatives will be partially
offset by costs associated with computer system changes required to accommodate
the year 2000.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by 12.2%
in the third quarter of 1997 compared to the third quarter of 1996 and increased
by 8.5% in the first nine months of 1997 compared to the first nine months of
1996. This increase was due primarily to the Company's continued investment in
information technology. The Company anticipates similar increases in
depreciation and amortization for the remainder of 1997 associated with
additional capital investment in this area.

Interest expense, net and discount on accounts receivable securitization
(financing costs). Financing costs, net of finance charge income of $0.5 million
and $1.1 million in the third quarter of 1997 and 1996, respectively, decreased
to $5.6 million in the third quarter of 1997 from $6.2 million in the third
quarter of 1996. Financing costs, net of finance charge income of $2.3 million
and $3.5 million in the first nine months of 1997 and 1996, respectively,
decreased to $16.6 million in the first nine months of 1996 from $19.5 million
in the first nine months of 1996. The decline in financing costs has been a
result of the Companys ability to reduce working capital requirements by
substantially completing the implementation of its client/server-based inventory
forecasting system and strengthening its accounts receivable collection
procedures. As a result of the reduction in working capital requirements, the
Company has reduced outstanding borrowing by approximately $75.8 million since
September 30, 1996. Additionally, during 1996, the Company completed a
refinancing plan that, in addition to the Companys improved financial
performance, reduced the effective rate of its outstanding financing. The
Company will continue to take action to reduce financing costs by continuing its
working capital reduction initiatives, although the future results of these
initiatives cannot be assured.
Income  taxes.  The Company had an income tax  provision of $12.5 million in the
first nine months of 1997 (representing an effective tax rate of 42.0%) compared
with $6.2 million in the first nine months of 1996 (representing an effective
tax rate of 43.0%). The decline in the effective tax rate is due primarily to
increased income before taxes reducing the impact of nondeductible goodwill
amortization.

Net income. Net income increased $2.7 million in the third quarter of 1997
compared to the third quarter of 1996. Net income increased $9.0 million in the
first nine months of 1997 compared to the first nine months of 1996. The
increase was primarily due to the initiatives previously discussed related to
gross margin, SG&A expenses and financing costs. Although the trend has been
favorable and the Company continues to pursue these and other initiatives, the
future impact on net income cannot be assured.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity. The Company's liquidity position improved significantly during the
first nine months of 1997 compared to the first nine months of 1996. Outstanding
financing was reduced $75.8 million to $249.8 million at September 30, 1997 from
$325.6 million at September 30, 1996 and $43.7 million from $293.5 million on
December 31, 1996. The capitalization ratio (excluding the impact of the off
balance sheet accounts receivable securitization) decreased to 49.6% at
September 30, 1997 from 57.5% at September 30, 1996 and from 54.8% at December
31, 1996. The improvement was the result of reduced working capital requirements
and increased earnings.

The Company expects that its available financing will be sufficient to fund its
working capital needs and long-term strategic growth plans, although this cannot
be assured. At September 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $220.8 million
of unused credit under its revolving credit facility and $30.6 million under its
accounts receivable financing facility.

Working Capital Management. During the first nine months of 1997, the Companys
working capital management improved significantly compared to the first nine
months of 1996. Inventory turnover improved to 9.6 in the third quarter of 1997
from 9.0 in the third quarter of 1996 and from 9.4 in the fourth quarter of
1996. This improvement was due to the implementation of the Com-pany's
client/server-based inventory forecasting system and the initiative to reduce
the number of items from multiple manufacturers distributed by the Company. The
Company has also reduced accounts receivable days sales outstanding (excluding
the impact of the off balance sheet accounts receivable securitization) to 31.6
days in the third quarter of 1997 from 33.9 days in the fourth quarter of 1996.
This reduction has been achieved through strengthening the Company's methods of
monitoring and enforcing contract payment terms and basing a portion of its
sales force incentives on reducing days sales outstanding. The Company will
focus on maintaining these working capital management measurements, although the
results of its efforts cannot be assured.
Capital  Expenditures.  Capital  expenditures were approximately $9.4 million in
the first nine months of 1997, of which approximately $5.9 million was for
computer systems. The Company expects to continue to invest in technology for
the foreseeable future as the most cost effective method of reducing operating
expenses. These capital expenditures are expected to be funded through cash flow
from operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February, 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 (SFAS 128), Earnings per
Share. SFAS 128 prescribes the computation, presentation and disclosure
requirements for earnings per share. This standard is effective for reporting
periods ending after December 15, 1997. Management believes the adoption of this
new standard will not have a material impact on the results of operations of the
Company.


Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

As of October 31, 1997, Stuart Medical, Inc. (Stuart), which was acquired by the
Company in May, 1994, had been named as a defendant along with product
manufacturers, distributors, healthcare providers, trade associations and others
in approximately 136 lawsuits, filed in various federal and state courts (the
Cases). The Cases represent the claims of approximately 143 plaintiffs claiming
personal injuries and approximately 73 spouses asserting claims for loss of
consortium. The Cases seek damages for personal injuries allegedly attributable
to spinal fixation devices. The great majority of the Cases seek compensatory
and punitive damages in unspecified amounts.

Prior to December 1992, Stuart distributed spinal fixation devices manufactured
by Sofamor SNC, a predecessor of Sofamor Danek Group, Inc. (Sofamor Danek).
Approximately a third of the claims involve plaintiffs implanted with spinal
fixation devices manufactured by Sofamor Danek. Such plaintiffs allege that
Stuart is liable to them under applicable products liability law for injuries
caused by such devices distributed and sold by Stuart. In addition, such
plaintiffs allege that Stuart distributed and sold the spinal fixation devices
through deceptive and misleading means and in violation of applicable law. In
the remaining Cases, plaintiffs seek to hold Stuart liable for injuries caused
by other manufacturers devices that were neither distributed nor sold by Stuart.
Such plaintiffs allege that Stuart engaged in a civil conspiracy and concerted
action with manufacturers, distributors and others to promote the sale of spinal
fixation devices through deceptive and misleading means and in violation of
applicable law. Stuart never manufactured any spinal fixation devices. The
Company believes that affirmative defenses are available to Stuart. All Cases
filed against Stuart have been, and will continue to be, vigorously defended.
A majority of the Cases have been  transferred to, and consolidated for pretrial
proceedings, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia under the
style MDL Docket No. 1014: In re Orthopedic Bone Screw Products Liability
Litigation. Discovery proceedings, including the taking of depositions have been
ongoing in certain of the Cases, and, in a number of Cases, discovery has been
completed and these Cases have been remanded back for trial to those
jurisdictions where they were originally filed. As no Case has yet been prepared
for trial involving the Company, the Company is unable at this time to determine
with certainty whether or not Stuart may be held liable.

In October 1997, the presiding judge entered an order approving a settlement
agreement between one manufacturer of spinal fixation devices, AcroMed
Corporation (AcroMed), and the plaintiffs legal committee in the multi-district
litigation. Under the proposed terms of the settlement, AcroMed would establish
a settlement fund consisting of $100 million in cash and the proceeds of its
product liability insurance coverage. Stuart did not distribute devices
manufactured by AcroMed and is not a party to the AcroMed settlement. It is
anticipated that nonsettling defendants, including other manufacturers and
distributors, will appeal the approval of the settlement.

The Company believes that Stuart may be named as a defendant in additional
similar cases in the future as a result of the pending AcroMed settlement or as
statutes of limitations approach expiration.

Based upon managements analysis of indemnification agreements between Stuart and
Sofamor Danek, the manufacturer of the devices distributed by Stuart, the
Company believes that Stuart is entitled to indemnification by Sofamor Danek at
least with respect to claims brought by plaintiffs implanted with devices
manufactured by Sofamor Danek. Such Cases are being defended by Stuarts
insurance carriers. Regarding those Cases filed by plaintiffs implanted with
other manufacturers devices, one of Stuarts primary insurance carriers has
notified a representative of the former shareholders of Stuart that it will
withdraw its provision of defense of such Cases and another one of Stuarts
primary insurance carriers has notified a representative of the former
shareholders of Stuart that it has declined to provide a defense for such Cases,
in both instances asserting that such Cases involve only conspiracy and
concerted action claims. The former shareholders of Stuart are contesting the
insurance companies withdrawal and declination of the defense of such Cases. The
Company and Stuart are also contractually entitled to indemnification by the
former shareholders of Stuart for any liabilities and related expenses incurred
by the Company or Stuart in connection with the foregoing litigation. The
Company believes that Stuarts available insurance coverage together with the
indemnification rights discussed above are adequate to cover any losses should
they occur, and accordingly has accrued no liability therefor. Except as set
forth above, the Company is not aware of any uncertainty as to the availability
and adequacy of such insurance or indemnification, although there can be no
assurance that Sofamor Danek and the former shareholders will have sufficient
financial resources in the future to meet such obligations.
The  Company is party to various  other  legal  actions  that are  ordinary  and
incidental to its business. While the outcome of legal actions cannot be
predicted with certainty, management believes the outcome of these proceedings
will not have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial condition or
results of operation.


Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Item 601 Exhibits

Those exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are
listed in the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits filed
herewith and such listing is incorporated herein by reference.

(b) Report on Form 8-K

No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the quarter for
which this Report is filed.
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.



Owens & Minor, Inc.
(Registrant)


Date November 13, 1997 /s/ Ann Greer Rector
-------------------
Ann Greer Rector
Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer


Date November 13, 1997 /s/ Olwen B. Cape
-----------------
Olwen B. Cape
Vice President & Controller
Chief Accounting Officer
Exhibit Index

Exhibit #

4 Credit Agreement dated as of September 15, 1997 by and among Owens &
Minor, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries, the various banks and lending
institutions identified on the signature pages hereto, NationsBank,
N.A., as agent, Bank of America NT and SA and Crestar Bank, as
co-agents, and NationsBank, N.A., as administrative agent

10(a) Owens & Minor, Inc. Management Equity Ownership Program

10(b) First Amendment dated as of October 17, 1997 to the Amended and
Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement among O&M Funding Corp., Owens
& Minor Medical, Inc., Owens & Minor, Inc., Receivables Capital
Corporation and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association

10(c) First Amendment dated as of October 17, 1997 to the Amended and
Restated Parallel Asset Purchase Agreement among O&M Funding Corp.,
Owens & Minor Medical, Inc., Owens & Minor, Inc., Parallel Purchasers
and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association

10(d) Form of Enhanced Authorized Distribution Agency Agreement dated as
of August 20, 1997 between VHA, Inc. and Owens & Minor*

27 Financial Data Schedule




* The Company has requested confidential treatment by the Commission of certain
portions of this Agreement, which portions have been omitted and filed
separately with the Commission.