Quarterlytics / Industrials / Industrial - Machinery / Raven Industries Inc.

Raven Industries Inc.

ravn · NASDAQ Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker ravn
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Industrials
Industry Industrial - Machinery
Employees 1001-5000
← All annual reports
FY2008 Annual Report · Raven Industries Inc.
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
RAVEN

2008 ANNUAL REPORT   for the fiscal year ended January 31

Raven continues to generate solid sales and profit growth in spite of difficult 

market conditions. It was our eighth-consecutive year of record earnings  

per share, with sales to the agricultural market reaching all-time highs. Our  

earnings growth of 9% was respectable but not up to our stated goal of 15%. 

Difficulties in our residential construction and related markets reduced 

results for the year. We continue to generate strong profit margins and high 

returns on invested capital. These are the metrics we believe demonstrate 

Raven’s strength and reinforce the confidence we have in the future.

Inside this Report
Financial Highlights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Letter to Shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
Business Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
Operations Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
11-Year Financial Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Business Segment Performance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Financial Review and Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Stock and Quarterly Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Management’s Report on Internal Control  
  over Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Report of Independent Registered  
  Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Directors and Executives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Investor Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Dollars in thousands, except per-share data 

OPERATIONS

For the years  
ended January 3

2008 

2007 

change

Net sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $233,957 

$27,529 

Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

41,145 

27,802 

38,302 

25,44 

PER SHARE

Net income — diluted   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $      1.53 

$       .39 

Cash dividends  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Book value   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

PERFORMANCE

Operating income margin  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Return on net sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Return on average assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Return on beginning shareholders’ equity   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

0.44 

6.52 

17.6% 

11.9% 

20.8% 

28.3% 

0 .36 

5 .45 

7 .6% 

 .7% 

22 .5% 

30 .% 

Shares and stock units outstanding, year end (in thousands)  .  .  .  .  

18,130 

8,044 

7 .6%

7 .4%

9 .3%

0 .%

22 .2%

9 .6%

—

 .7%

–7 .6%

–6 .0%

0 .5%

Net Sales
(dollars in millions)

Earnings per Share
(dollars)

Sales per Employee
(dollars in thousands)

250

200

150

100

50

0

1.50

1.20

0.90

0.60

0.30

0.00

250

200

150

100

50

0

2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008

2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008

2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008

Raven’s revenues saw a five-year compound 
annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% and 
reached another record. While growth slowed 
due to softness in some of our markets, this 
was more than offset by strength in our 
Flow Controls Division.

Earnings per share also reached a new high 
and reflected a 20.6% five-year CAGR.  
Another year of earnings growth is expected 
in fiscal 2009.

By investing in its higher value-added 
businesses, sales per employee reached 
its 10th-consecutive record.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    

 
 
 
 
 
To Our Shareholders, Employees and Customers

Raven strengthened its financial condition and reported another 
year of record results. We faced some tough market conditions, 
especially in building construction, but made solid progress 
in improving product quality, developing new products and 
expanding distribution. Raven’s financial results were driven 
by the outstanding performance of its Flow Controls Division. 
Our  company  posted  its  eighth-consecutive  year  of  record  
earnings  per  share,  which  have  grown  from  $.31  to  $1.53 
during this time.

Results Reflect Solid Business Model
Last year’s results fell short of long-term goals for sales and 
profit growth, but demonstrated the strength and sustainability 
of Raven’s business model and the effectiveness of our diversi-
fied business operations.

•  Sales increased 8% to a record $234 million.

•  Net income grew 9% to $27.8 million, also a record, while 

earnings per share rose 10%, to $1.53.

•  The  quarterly  dividend  per  share  increased  22%,  our  

21st-consecutive annual increase.

•  Raven’s stock price had a roller-coaster ride during the 
year. After beginning the year at $28.43, it hit an all-time 
high of $45.85, before falling back to end the fiscal year  
at $30.02.

One Company – Four Strong Businesses
Raven has four terrific businesses that are leaders in their fields. 
Knowing that cheap labor is not a sustainable business strategy, 
we structured our operating units around innovation, quality, 
customer service and technical support.

We never stop evaluating our businesses to ensure they are  
sustainable and can provide the targeted returns on invested 
capital. Our strategy is to optimize core businesses and to dis-
continue non-strategic product lines. For Raven to achieve its 
long-term profit growth goal of 15%, not every business seg-
ment must deliver that level of growth. That’s a real advantage 
when one of our operations is caught in a market down-cycle, 
as was the case with the Engineered Films Division last year.

Ronald M. Moquist 
President & Chief Executive Officer

2    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

Engineered Films Faces Tough Market
The Engineered Films Division (EFD) produces high-strength 
plastic sheeting for industrial, construction, geomembrane and 
agricultural applications. The past year was a difficult one for 
EFD, with sales down 7% and operating income off 25%. We 
knew that sales would suffer in comparison with the previous 
year, which had $10 million of disaster-relief tarp sales related 
to hurricane recovery efforts. Two other factors compounded  
the situation: rising material costs and the competitive pricing 
pressure in the construction market, which makes up 40% of  
EFD’s revenues. We don’t see any short-term relief.

Raw material costs, mainly polyethylene resins, began climbing 
in mid-2007. They continued to rise for the rest of the year, 
increasing from $.60 per pound to $.80 by year-end. In the past, 
we had the ability to pass those increases to our customers, 
but  because  of  the  weak  marketplace,  that  was  no  longer  
possible. We don’t see this changing soon, and expect operating 
income in EFD will increase only modestly in the year ahead. 
As the construction market rebounds, pricing and margins will 
firm up.

In spite of those issues, I am more confident than ever that the 
manufacturing capacity and capability we added in the past 
18  months  will  drive  long-term  profitable  growth.  Exciting 
new products – such as our multi-layer radon gas barrier for 
healthy-home construction – will lead the way, together with 
geomembrane products that serve a growing market for high-
performance barrier films.

Record Performance at Flow Controls
The Flow Controls Division (FCD) had an exceptional year. 
Sales were up 41% and operating income rose 89%. Farm cash 
receipts are at an all-time high, as demand for corn and soy-
bean-based renewable fuels accelerates. However, growers’ net 
income is being moderated by high input costs related to fuel, 
fertilizer, seed, chemicals and insurance. These cost drivers 
work in Raven’s favor, as our precision control systems are 
designed to minimize input costs and maximize output and har-
vest yield. One example is the high cost of nitrogen fertilizer, 
which is taking sales of our anhydrous ammonia application 
control systems to all-time highs.

FCD is certainly helped by a strong agricultural market, but our 
growth is also being driven by new products, expanding distri-
bution and growth in international markets. International sales 
are currently 16% of the FCD total, with the potential to grow 
to a much higher level.

We are investing 6.6% of FCD sales into new product innova-
tion and are building out the division as rapidly as we can. The 
breadth of our product offering, combined with 30 years of 

Strength and Drive

serving this market and strong brand recognition, are serving 
us well. The Flow Controls Division will be the main factor in 
Raven’s growth for the coming year.

Mixed Results for Electronic Systems
Our Electronic Systems Division (ESD) had a respectable year, 
with sales up 2% but operating income down 5%. ESD works 
with a small base of Fortune 500 companies and specializes in 
low-volume, high-mix contract electronics manufacturing that 
requires a high degree of engineering support and customer 
service. We build printed circuit boards and sub-assemblies 
for the avionics and aerospace industry, and these were strong 
markets last year. On the negative side, sales of one of our 
key  products  –  electronic  bed  controls  –  were  down  20%.  
We do not see that trend changing soon, because the downturn 
in new home construction and home improvements is nega-
tively affecting this market.

One of our top accounts was recently acquired by a foreign 
company, which is taking its business to another manufacturer. 
The loss of this sales volume can’t be fully offset by short-term 
growth  in  our  industrial  and  avionics  accounts.  Long-term,  
ESD  will  grow  through  a  new  strategy  of  developing  and 
acquiring proprietary products in addition to increasing our 
base of contract manufacturing customers.

Turnaround Continues at Aerostar
Our Aerostar  subsidiary  increased  sales  by  18%  and  oper-
ating income doubled, although on a very small profit base.  
We  would  have  done  better  if  not  for  government-directed 
delays in parachute shipments. Aerostar has finally turned the 
corner on its restructuring and is now focused on three major 
product areas:

•  Aerostats, airships and high-altitude research balloons

•  Military parachutes

•  Specialty protective-wear for government agencies

Aerostar’s long-term future ultimately will be driven by our 
success in aerostats – for both military and commercial use. 
A new product we developed this past year – a tethered blimp 
equipped  with  electronic  sensors  and  radio  equipment  and 
mounted on a large flat-bed trailer for mobility – can be used  
for border security, intelligence gathering, scientific experi-
ments  and  emergency  communication  systems.  This  is  a 
product with tremendous revenue potential. Aerostar’s backlog 
is double last year’s, pointing to a very strong year of sales  
and profit growth.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    3

To Our Shareholders, Employees and Customers

Cash Management and ROI
Cash is king at Raven. Cash is real ... it can’t be manipulated. It 
is central to all we do at Raven, and we know how to generate 
it. Our balance sheet is clean, with no debt and $23 million in 
cash and investments. We ended the year with inventory about 
$4 million higher than it needed to be, and we can generate 
additional cash as we bring it down to a more reasonable level. 
Here are our cash management priorities:

•  Invest in organic growth whenever we can achieve a return 

on investment of at least 15%.

•  Increase the cash dividend annually.

•  Repurchase Raven shares and/or pay a special dividend 

whenever we have excess cash.

•  Make small, strategic acquisitions that can be bolted on to 

one of our core high-margin businesses.

•  Free up cash by improving inventory turns at least 10% 

per year.

Three-Year Capital Equipment Investments

FY	2008	

FY	2007	

FY	2006

$6.6 million 

$16.5 million 

$10.4 million

Seventy-four  percent  of  capital  investments  over  the  past  
three  years  went  to  our  Engineered  Films  Division. With  a 
projected return of 15-20%, our investments create significant 
economic value.

Over the last two years, it was tempting to leverage the bal-
ance sheet and add debt. We did the opposite. We built our 
cash position and now have the financial flexibility to move 
in whatever direction brings long-term growth and value to  
our shareholders.

While we lost some ground on our return on equity in the past 
two years, that was mainly due to our growing equity base and 
cash reserves.

By  the  end  of  the  current  year  we  should  have  a  total  of  
$40 million in cash. We are committed to returning 30% of 
earnings to our shareholders as dividends. Any stock buybacks 
or special one-time dividends would be additional.

Annual EPS Growth 

Return on Equity 

Return on Assets 

Return on Sales 

FY	2008	 FY	2007	 FY	2006	 FY	2005

10.1% 

28.3% 

20.8% 

11.9% 

  5.3% 

30.1% 

22.5% 

11.7% 

36.1% 

36.7% 

24.9% 

11.9% 

29.3%

26.9%

21.3%

10.6%

U.S.-based Manufacturing Strategy
All  of  Raven’s  manufacturing  is  done  in  the  United  States, 
with the bulk of that in South Dakota. This strategy may seem 
outdated  to  some,  but  it  actually  contributes  to  our  quality, 
customer service and profitability. We source raw materials and 
components on a global basis, but process and assemble them 
locally. We can do this because cheap labor is not our primary 
driver. We focus on innovation, technology, process control 
and  trained  personnel. At  some  point,  we  will  develop  off-
shore manufacturing capability. But it won’t happen because  
we could not compete with our American labor base. It will  
be  driven  by  a  strategy  to  sell  more  products  into  targeted  
international markets.

Our Long-term Growth Strategy
Our primary growth strategy is to drive profitable organic sales 
in high-margin, capital-efficient niche markets where we can be 
a leader. We avoid labor-intensive, commodity-type products. 
Our goal is to increase sales 12% and earnings 15% per year 
on average. We intend to achieve these targets by investing 
in  new  products  and  capabilities,  building  out  distribution 
channels and expanding our geographic reach – especially in  
South America and Europe.

Acquisitions could play a role in our growth – but they won’t 
be significant. Acquisition candidates must fit within one of 
Raven’s four core business units, increase long-term  share-
holder value and be purchased at their intrinsic value or less. 
Not many targets meet those basic criteria, which is why we do 
so few acquisitions.

Every year brings changes and the need to adapt. We don’t 
fall in love with any of our businesses – it’s performance that 
counts. Yet  some  operations  go  through  down-cycles,  as  is 
the case with Engineered Films. Some businesses take time to 
reach their potential, which happened with Aerostar. Some are 
going through a repositioning, as in Electronic Systems. Not 
every one of our four operations is going to perform at a high 
level every year, but together they have the strength and drive 
to achieve our long-term profit goals. That gives us a big advan-
tage over single-product competitors who struggle when their 
markets are in recession.

4    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

	
 
	
We  continue  to  use  tools  such  as  Six  Sigma  and  Lean  
Manufacturing  to  continuously  improve  quality,  eliminate 
waste and reduce cycle times. Every year the goal is to improve 
productivity 6% and increase inventory turns. You can’t save 
your way to success, but neither can you grow profitably if 
margins are compressed by rising costs.

The Benefit of a Strong Board
I  have  had  the  opportunity  to  see  and  experience  corporate 
governance and the role a strong board of directors can play. 
At  a  time  when  many  boards  defer  their  responsibilities  to 
outside experts rather than exercise the experience, judgment 
and knowledge for which they were retained, the Raven board 
continues  to  provide  strong  oversight  and  guidance  to  our 
executives. Raven’s board challenges as well as supports and 
encourages management. Our directors never forget that their 
primary role is to oversee how the company serves the interests 
of shareholders and other stakeholders.

Strength and Drive

Strength and Drive
Each day we have to earn the trust of shareholders, and nothing 
builds this like performance. Not every year will be great, but 
every year must instill a belief that we optimized the market 
situation handed to us – that we have a plan for success – and 
that we have the talent to execute that plan.

We  were  pleased  to  be  named  by  Forbes  as  one  of  the  top  
200 Small Companies in America. In the past two years we have 
been listed at 85 and 68. That doesn’t happen without a superb 
group of employees who have the talent and drive to succeed. 
My thanks to all of them – and to you, our shareholders, for 
your continued support and confidence.

Ronald M. Moquist 
President & CEO

March 28, 2008

Raven executive team from left to right:  
CFO Thomas Iacarella,  
Executive VP of Flow Controls Daniel Rykhus,  
President and CEO Ronald Moquist,  
VP of Engineered Films James Groninger,  
Aerostar President Mark West,  
VP Administration Barbara Ohme,  
VP of Electronic Systems David Bair

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    5

 
Business Profile

While Raven’s four operations serve different markets, they have these strong growth factors: 

•  Significant share in their niche markets, which supports profitable expansion

•  A business model that avoids labor-intensive commodity products – and offshore competition

•  Strong cash generation and continued reinvestment in new products and capacity

•  A high level of customer service through a combination of up-front sales consultation, materials management,  
  quality control and after-sales support

Operating Unit 

Products or Services 

Markets/Product Uses

Engineered Films

Flow Controls

Electronic Systems

•

•

•
•

String reinforced plastic (polyethylene) sheeting:  
DURA-SKRIM®
Extruded polyethylene film that can be formulated and 
tailored to a customer’s specifications: RUFCO®
Barriers against weather and air: FORTRESS™
Vapor retarders and gas barriers to prevent moisture from 
seeping through concrete slabs or walls: VaporBlock® 
underslab vapor retarder

•

•

•
•

•

Energy and geomembrane: oilfield pit liners, floating 
covers, remediation liners and covers, landfill caps,  
pond and canal linings
Construction: temporary building enclosures, house 
wraps, disaster films, vapor retarders, gas barriers 
Manufactured housing: transit enclosures, house wraps 
Industrial: multilayer packaging films, lamination films, 
containment tubing
Agriculture: temporary grain covers, silage bunker  
covers, poultry house ceilings, waste disposal liners 

•
•
•

•

•
•

•

•

•

Ag equipment guidance systems: Cruizer™ 
Spray equipment rate controllers: SCS Series™
Precision ag product application, steering and data 
management systems: Viper™, Envizio Plus™
Ag equipment boom management and applications 
systems: SmartBoom™, AccuBoom™, AutoBoom™
Tractor steering systems:  SmarTrax™, QuickTrax™
Navigational guidance for professional ship pilots: 
Starlink™

Contract manufacturing of low volume/high mix industrial 
products that stand up to harsh environments  
with great reliability
Repair/warranty service management and  
product distribution
High levels of engineering support and  
customer service

•

•
•

Domestic and international agricultural OEMs and  
sprayer manufacturers
Agricultural equipment aftermarket
Marine ship pilots

•
•

Primarily Fortune 500 industrial OEMs in North America 
Markets served by customers include industrial controls 
and instrumentation, aerospace/aviation, communication, 
defense 

Aerostar 
International

•
•

•

•
•

High-altitude scientific research balloons
High-altitude airships that reach near-space (60,000-
80,000 feet) for communications, data relay, surveillance
Tethered aerostats (blimps) for military, homeland security 
and scientific use
Military parachutes 
Clothing to protect from exposure to biochemicals,  
fuels and fumes, extreme cold weather

•
•
•
•
•

U .S . and foreign governments
U .S . and international military forces
Homeland security
NASA
Scientific agencies and universities

6    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

Sales by Operating Unit

Income by Operating Unit

Competitive Strengths 

Milestones

Engineered Films

Flow Controls

Electronic Systems

Aerostar

•

•

•
•

Vertically integrated manufacturer: offering extruded 
blown film, lamination and conversion
Broad product line including mono- to seven-layer  
co-extruded film and reinforced laminated sheeting, 
from  .003 to  .045 inches thick 
Superior target marketing
ISO 900:2000 certification

•

•
•

Installed new equipment capable of manufacturing 
specialty multi-layer films for markets not previously 
served
Moved to a market-specific approach to sales
New product introductions: radon, methane and  
oxygen barrier films

Engineered Films Sales
(dollars in millions)

$91.1

$84.8

$82.8

$58.7

$42.6

$35.1

•
•
•
•
•

Market leader for agricultural sprayer controls
Large installed base of sprayer controls 
Strong brand recognition and distribution network
Wide range of precision agricultural products
Excellent after-sale service 

•

•

•

Introduced new products, including Cruizer™,  
Viper PRO™, Envizio PRO™
Focus on international markets led to sales 
contribution of 6% 
Strengthened relationships with large OEMs that 
are integrating Raven’s products into their machine 
designs

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007  2008

Flow Controls Sales
(dollars in millions)

$64.3

$47.5 $45.5

$40.7

$35.1

$28.5

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007  2008

•
•

•
•

•

Advanced manufacturing technology
Full-service provider, from engineering and 
manufacturing to customer service
Close partnership with customers 
IPC certification to produce lead-free electronics 
assemblies
ISO 900:2000 certification

•
•

•
•

Expanded lead-free manufacturing capabilities
Significantly improved on-time delivery rates through 
use of Six Sigma
Continued to contribute good levels of cash flow
Introduced proprietary GPS-accessories product line

Electronic Systems Sales
(dollars in millions)

$66.3 $67.6

$56.2

$44.3 $47.0

$38.6

•
•

•

Sole source in U .S . for scientific research balloons
Over 50 years of experience in manufacturing 
stratospheric balloons 
Best technology for high-speed sewing and sealing  
of specialty films and fabrics

•
•
•
•

•

Began manufacturing military personnel parachutes
Secured fuel handler coverall contract
Won U .S . Navy survival suit contract
Successful introduction of tethered aerostat with 
transport and support equipment
Secured contract for a high-altitude unmanned airship

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007  2008

Aerostar Sales
(dollars in millions)

$21.7

$20.7

$17.4

$18.0

$17.3

$14.7

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007  2008

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    7

 
 
 
 
RAVEN Engineered Films Division

“Engineered Films is the 
industry innovator, and 

this is what will bring us 

growth and profitability. 

We have looked at where 

the business needs to be 

in five years and made 

many of the investments 

in people, technology and 

equipment that we’ll need 
to get there.”

James D. Groninger, 
Division Vice President 
and General Manager 
– Engineered Films Division

8    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

Strong Business Model
Plastics touch virtually everything in our lives, from packaging to storage 
and protection to finished goods. This makes it a huge market – and an 
excellent source of long-term growth for Raven.

We are vertically integrated. We handle the three key film produc-
tion processes: 1) extrusion – creating up to seven-layer plastic sheeting  
from  polyethylene  pellets,  2)  lamination  and  string  reinforcement 
– enhancing the strength of extruded films, and 3) conversion – custom-
izing the sheeting with special properties, such as coverage area, texture 
and print. As a result, our customers can gain access to a wide range of 
products through a single source. The combination of expanding our 
capacity  with  state-of-the-art  equipment  last  year,  and  a  production 
process that is ISO 9001:2000 certified, also qualifies us to serve more 
types of domestic markets than most of our competitors.

We  have  a  strong  research  and  development  capability.  
Our  experienced  design  team  helps  us  create  custom  solu-
tions  for  our  customers.  This  group  also  develops  variations  of 
existing  products  –  either  adding  more  characteristics,  or  enhancing  
properties while reducing the thickness of the film. The result is products 
with different “levels” of performance that meet the needs of a wide range 
of customers. In addition, we have a world-class quality control lab that 
performs extensive product testing.

We  have  close  relationships  with  our  customers. They 
often come to us with new product ideas and leverage our R&D 
expertise. Customers can purchase time on our production lines 
to test their product ideas on the most technologically advanced 
equipment in the industry. They can have us create short runs 
of their products. We make the process as effortless as possible: 
going out of our way to communicate at every step, and provid-
ing exceptional service and quick response times.

Sound Markets
Two market-related factors depressed Engineered Films’ perfor-
mance this past year. First, the level of disaster  film sales in 
previous years was unsustainably high and could not be repeated. 
Second,  a  softening  economy  –  particularly  in  residential 
construction – led competitors that traditionally concentrated in 
other film markets to enter some of ours with price discounting. 
But we remain in the right markets, which offer many opportuni-
ties for growth.

Two of our important markets are energy and geomembranes. 
Energy continues to be fueled by record prices for oil, sparking 
increased drilling and the need for our containment liner products 
to help protect the environment.

While geomembranes are a mature market, we are pursuing new 
niche opportunities. One example is a geomembrane that is NSF 
(National Sanitation Foundation) certified. About 90% of the fish 
consumed in the U.S. are grown on farms – to which we now can 
supply pond liners. Another example is water conservation. In 
the Southwest, farmers want to line their irrigation canals with 
our geomembranes to ensure precious moisture is not lost into 
the soil – something that wasn’t a concern five years ago.

There  are  many  industrial  applications  for  our  engineered 
films, including manufacturing or packaging operations. We are 
designing products that help farmers save money or increase 
productivity. While this can be a long sales cycle – because of the 
amount of testing involved – we are working with the right types 
of customers to generate long-term growth.

Strength and Drive

Drive to Succeed
Last year, we made progress on our long-term growth initiatives. 
We expect this fiscal year will be an important one for us, as we 
take those initiatives to the next level.

The investment we made in expanding our capacity and adopting 
new technologies will allow us to reap three benefits. First, we 
plan to introduce a greater number of new products. One example 
is a house wrap with improved handling characteristics. We also 
expect to see sales from new gas barrier products that will protect 
people from harmful fumes from one or more of these sources: 
gasoline, diesel fuel, radon, and methane found in landfills.

Second, we’ll be more innovative. New manufacturing technol-
ogy allows us to replicate the exact color and quality of products 
to  customers  year  after  year.  It  will  help  us  use  automation  
to improve productivity as well as the working conditions for  
our employees.

Third, we’ll be more flexible to meet market demand. We can 
quickly change our equipment from manufacturing one product 
to another. We also can alter the formulations of our products 
to  meet  the  different  levels  of  performance.  One  example  is 
“down gauging” to create a thinner, lower cost, more “green” 
solution for the customer without sacrificing performance. And 
by running more products with thinner gauges, we are able to 
achieve higher throughput on our existing capacity – a source of 
incremental profit.

Since our customers want to deal with specialists, we aligned 
our sales force by end-use market rather than geographical terri-
tories. The result is stronger relationships with these customers 
as well as those who specify our products, such as architects and 
engineers. We also gain deeper insights into our competition in 
each area. In addition, we’re doing a better job of sharing infor-
mation among salespeople, so customers can quickly get answers 
even if their primary contact is not immediately available. We are 
continuing to build out our sales team. Our most recent addition 
is an agricultural product specialist.

Increased competition in some market niches, continued raw 
material price volatility, and a flat economy will make this a chal-
lenging year. However, our combination of close relationships 
with customers, and new products – particularly house wraps, 
geomembranes and gas barriers – should lead Engineered Films 
to higher sales and profitability.  n

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    9

RAVEN Flow Controls Division

Strong Business Model
Flow Controls’ substantial increases in revenues and operating income 
last year were buoyed by a strong U.S. and international agricultural  
market. However, it was the operation’s business model that enabled it to 
grow faster than the industry.

We use proven technologies to create proprietary products. Flow 
Controls  is  known  for  developing  products  that  solve  ag  production  
problems related to applying pesticides and nutrients. The operation takes 
technologies introduced in other markets, such as wireless communica-
tions and global positioning systems (GPS), and creates breakthrough 
products for the agricultural market. This approach reduces development 
costs and shortens the new product cycle.

We  have  an  effective  approach  to  distribution.  Working closely 
with distributors, we reach the aftermarket in the U.S. and key inter-
national  markets: Argentina, Australia,  Brazil,  Canada,  Europe  and  
South Africa. We  make  it  easy  for  them  to  market  our  systems,  by 
ensuring  distributors  are  well  trained,  understand  our  products,  and 
have support when they need it. This approach led to explosive growth 
last year. We also have strong relationships with important agricultural  
equipment manufacturers.

“Flow Controls is a 
precision technology 

supplier that serves the  

ag market. We support  

our OEM customers by 

making their machines 

more effective. And  

we add value to the 

aftermarket by increasing 

the efficiency of a grower’s 
existing equipment.”

Daniel A. Rykhus, 
Executive Vice President  
and General Manager 
– Flow Controls Division

0    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

We  create  near-  and  long-term  growth  opportunities. 
Having a solid new product pipeline keeps our business strong. 
The process begins by reviewing our current suite of products. 
We  look  for  opportunities  to  build  on  the  technologies  and  
distribution  networks  already  in  place.  Last  year,  this  led  us 
to build out our steering and guidance lines. We also have an 
Advanced New Product Group that evaluates future trends – in 
technology as well as in agriculture – and uses this to direct our 
longer term investments.

Growing Markets
We focus on the U.S. and select international markets for two 
reasons.  First,  they  either  are  established  markets  that  must 
maximize the available acreage, or they  represent the fastest 
growing  emerging  markets.  Second,  growers  in  these  areas 
have shown they want to adopt higher technology application 
practices. Several trends are driving the demand that we expect 
will keep agriculture growing at a brisk pace for at least the next  
three years.

Land use is changing. This is happening because of a greater 
emphasis on renewable fuels. More acres are being planted in 
corn, and more growers want to plant it continuously. To do this 
successfully, they have to closely monitor the amounts of chemi-
cals, such as nitrogen and pesticides, and the areas where these 
are applied. Regulation also is increasing. Growers will need to 
have accurate records of the types of chemicals used, where and 
over what periods. Our Viper PRO™ computer tracks this data 
for each field and can send data wirelessly to a desktop or note-
book computer for easy analysis and datalogging. In addition, we 
will be providing diagnostic services over the Internet to ensure 
maximum up-time.

Input costs, such as fertilizer and diesel fuel, are rising. Growers 
also are changing their cropping practices. They increasingly 
choose  a  no  tillage  approach,  which  preserves  the  land  but 
requires more frequent spraying. Because growers operate their 
equipment with greater frequency, they want to do this as effi-
ciently as possible, and avoid issues such as gaps or overspray.

One of the results will be more demand for products such as our 
new Cruizer™ guidance and steering system. This compact 3-D 
system is designed for growers who do not yet have a guidance 
system, allowing them to adopt the technology at half the price of 
similar products. The combination of our steering and guidance 
systems with AutoBoom™, which automatically adjusts boom 
height to ensure even spraying of an uneven field, helps reduce 
their costs while improving their accuracy.

Strength and Drive

Drive to Succeed
Our first goal for this year is to further strengthen Flow Controls’ 
international  expansion. We  added  a  precision  ag  specialist 
in eastern Canada, where we had very little presence, and are 
developing a stronger network of dealers throughout the country.  
We also increased our support of the Australian market.

In addition, we established a relationship with a distributor in 
Ukraine  and  already  are  generating  sales  there. We  also  are 
reviewing our opportunities in Brazil.

Our ultimate objective is to increase international sales to more 
than 25% of total Flow Controls revenues from their current 
16%, while continuing to expand our domestic revenues.

Our second goal for this year is to further refine our product 
line,  to  make  us  more  competitive  and  improve  profitability. 
This already resulted in a product that premiered in February. 
FarmPro™  is  a  dual-frequency  RTK  steering  system  we  
created with a partner, which provides steering accuracy within 
2 centimeters. Its initial reception has been very positive. While 
we  do  not  expect  to  match  the  record  number  of  products  
introduced last year, we will continue a steady stream of refine-
ments,  and  increase  our  commitment  to  advanced  product 
development activities.

Our third goal is to wisely allocate our engineering resources. 
New product development, existing product improvement, and 
process change to support our production capacity are important 
engineering initiatives. These projects will improve our com-
petitive position both in the U.S. and internationally. We also will 
review acquisition opportunities that represent a good strategic 
fit, giving us access to complementary products, engineering 
expertise, and effective distribution channels.

Flow Controls has grown by developing and controlling proprie-
tary technologies that provide solutions to growers in this country 
and abroad. We will continue to make additions to our suite of 
products and improvements on our current offerings, increas-
ing the value we offer to our OEM partners and those who use  
our systems.  n

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    

RAVEN Electronic Systems Division

“We have a vested interest 
in making customers 

more successful. We help 

improve their design and 

systems – as well as our 

own – to create a seamless 

supply chain. This puts 

us in a great position to 

anticipate their needs or 

respond quickly. That’s 

something they’ll never 

get with an offshore 
company.”

David R. Bair,  
Division Vice President  
and General Manager  
– Electronic Systems Division

2    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

Strong Business Model
Electronic Systems takes an unusual approach to providing electronics 
manufacturing services. Seeking out short run, high product mix oppor-
tunities, our goal is to be a true partner with a small number of select 
companies, giving them the personal attention they deserve. As a result, 
most of our sales increases come from growing with them.

We are an extension of our customers’ operations. Our engineers 
work with customers to design products that can be efficiently and cost-
effectively produced. Our material management experts identify the right 
raw materials and vendors. Our quality control professionals design the 
right tests and discuss how to improve the results. Our customer value 
teams ensure customers have access to these and other resources, that 
scheduling is coordinated, and customers are satisfied. This is a true 
collaboration. And we handle repair and warranty service or product  
distribution as customers request it. Those who leverage our expertise 
see higher quality products at a lower cost. The longstanding customer 
relationships that result reinforce our competitive advantage.

We offer technologies customers may not have. One example is our 
ability to produce lead-free electronic assemblies. We are one of only 
about a dozen firms worldwide to be certified for this. In addition, our 
engineers can help customers convert from lead-based products, handling 
what can be a complex redesign process, so their engineers can focus on 

Strength and Drive

Drive to Succeed
Last year we made progress on most of our goals. Six Sigma, 
Lean  Manufacturing  and  our  first Tiger Team  of  employees, 
working together across department lines, allowed us to continue 
removing costs from our business while doing a better job of 
serving customers.

We strengthened our manufacturing capabilities by expanding 
circuit testing abilities and automated optical inspection – allow-
ing us to identify and correct any problems earlier in the process. 
Just as important as the $1 million we spend annually on capi-
tal equipment purchases is having the power and resources of 
Raven’s sizable organization behind us.

We did not make enough progress on inventory turns, which 
were flat with the prior year. This situation began to improve late 
in 2007, as we boosted one customer’s on-time delivery rate. Our 
goal is to reach 99% on-time delivery across our customer base. 
We have a number of projects underway and expect them to have 
a major impact on inventory turns.

This  year  will  be  a  difficult  one  for  us,  because  one  of  our  
customers  was  acquired  and  took  their  business  to  another 
provider. To offset this situation over the longer term, our goal 
is to add a new customer during the year. We seek clients that 
meet our criteria: 1) well-established companies, 2) the ability 
to begin with projects that create several million in revenues for 
us and grow from there, 3) a significant amount of engineering 
or schedule support, 4) a desire to work closely with us to align 
processes and improve the entire supply chain, and 5) a cultural 
fit that would lead to a successful long-term relationship.

We are working hard to return to our traditional level of 10% 
sales  growth  and  solid  earnings  from  operations  by  target-
ing  the  right  niches  and  the  right  customers. This  allows  us 
to  continue  making  operational  advances  to  better  serve  our 
customers while giving them the personal attention they deserve. 
Their long-term relationships with us mean we can move past 
early  start-up  related  costs  and  into  regular  production. The  
combination  provides  the  cash  flow  contribution  that  makes 
Electronic Systems a valuable part of Raven.  n

creating new products. We can provide the latest technology, 
handling surface-mount components the size of a flake of pepper. 
Many times older products are still in demand. Not everyone has 
the technology to make these products – but we do. For example, 
we can mount components using older through-hole technology.

We are committed to improving quality while removing 
costs. Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing techniques are part 
of  Electronic  Systems’  culture.  Last  year,  we  worked  with  a 
customer to create a single communication channel that allowed 
us to improve on-time delivery from 52% to more than 90%. As 
these process improvements bring cost savings, we share some 
of this with customers. The rest is reinvested in strengthening 
our capabilities to better serve customers,  while  still provid-
ing Electronic Systems with some of the strongest margins in  
its market.

Opportune Markets
Our diverse customer base reaches sizable markets. This increases 
the chances that softness in one area can be offset by sales in 
another niche or market.

Industrial controls and instrumentation is a good example. The 
bed frame controls market is dependent on residential housing. 
That market will be slow again this year. However, our business 
in commercial building controls for heating, ventilating and air 
conditioning actually benefits when older buildings are being 
maintained  rather  than  replaced  with  new  ones. We  provide 
parts to keep older systems running, so our clients can focus on 
developing newer ones. And as the new systems age, we begin 
to support these.

According to our research, the aerospace/aviation industry is 
expected to grow more than 8% annually for the next several 
years. This is driven by higher demand for corporate planes, 
and the need to replace aging U.S. commercial  jets as travel 
increases. We are benefiting from having a number of systems 
on aircraft – from environmental controls to landing gear to fuel 
tank monitoring.

Most  of  our  work  for  defense  and  homeland  security  is  in 
communications equipment. One reason we expect to see higher 
growth here is by serving the need for secure wireless systems 
that allow different military and government agencies to commu-
nicate with each other.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    3

RAVEN Aerostar

Strong Business Model
Aerostar serves four markets: parachutes, protective clothing, lighter than 
air research balloons and airships, and tethered aerostats. This focus arose 
from its expertise in product design engineering, efficient high-speed 
manufacturing, and effective quality control. Last year, Aerostar recom-
mitted to accelerating its revenue and profitability.

We have a strong foundation in military parachutes and protective 
clothing. Aerostar has been successful in gaining contracts and follow-
on work in these markets. While parachutes and protective clothing are 
a solid and sustainable business, their expansion is limited. We are using 
them as a platform to invest in areas with greater growth.

We  have  exciting  opportunities  in  high-altitude  products.  In 
January 2008, three Aerostar stratospheric balloons helped NASA set 
a record – flying 13,000 pounds of scientific equipment for over 1,700 
hours in Antarctica. Our experience in balloons and airships gives us the 
reputation as an industry leader. In addition, competition here is limited. 
We believe the potential size of these markets, combined with our good 
relationships with industry decision-makers and ability to cost-effectively 
execute programs, represents an opportunity for incredible growth.

“This is not the Aerostar 
of five years ago. We 

have identified our best 

opportunities for growth, 

and they are in the high 

tech aerospace market. 

We are using our stable 

businesses to fund faster 

growing opportunities 

and expect to become 

a major contributor to 

Raven’s revenues and 
profitability.”

Mark L. West,  
President  
– Aerostar International, Inc.

4    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

Favorable Markets
Parachutes used by the U.S. military were designed over 40 years 
ago, when soldiers and gear were considerably lighter. This has 
spurred a replacement cycle. The $14 million MC-6 U.S. Army 
parachute contract, which we began shipping in November 2007, 
is a two-year program. Follow-on contracts could last through 
2010. We also expect to qualify for the five-year T-11 parachute 
contract for all U.S. paratroopers. The combination of these two 
programs could mean approximately $7 million in annual rev-
enues to Aerostar over the next seven years.

In protective wear, last year we received a $6.5 million one-year 
contract for fuel handler coveralls. The first shipments were sent 
in December 2007. We are actively pursuing follow-on contracts. 
We also won a small but important contract for the Navy 86-P 
survival suit for pilots, which allowed us to enter this market.

We  believe  high-altitude  airships  offer  great  growth. As  an 
emerging market, there are no estimates on its size. However, 
Army professionals have told us they are very excited about the 
capabilities that airships offer. This was supported by additional 
Congressional funding of over $5 million for the HiSentinel pro-
gram, a joint project with Southwest Research Institute and the 
U.S. Air Force Research Lab. At its completion, this project will 
develop small near-space airships for tactical communications 
and surveillance.

Orders  for  high-altitude  research  balloons  had  declined  over 
the last 25 years, representing $3-4 million in Aerostar annual 
revenues. However, NASA breathed new life into the market. 
This has led to its recently announced – and funded – program 
to  explore  the Van Allen  Belt  in  2010,  which  would  involve  
30 flights in a two-year period.

Tethered  aerostats  offer  the  greatest  potential  for  near-term 
growth. They present an effective solution for the military’s need 
to quickly deploy an inexpensive unmanned surveillance or com-
munication platform. Only one other company competes in this 
market, which is estimated at $125 million annually. Capturing 
even a portion of this represents an important gain for Aerostar.

Strength and Drive

Drive to Succeed
Our performance last year was negatively affected by delays in 
shipping the MC-6 contract. However, we entered the current 
year with nearly 85% of our planned sales in place and are taking 
other steps to further improve performance.

We  expect  approximately  $15  million  in  revenues  from  
contracts  for  parachutes  and  protective  gear. There  are  three 
goals for this business. First, we plan to deliver these products 
on time and to our customers’ specifications. Second, we will use 
our unmatched high-speed manufacturing process and insights 
from skilled employees to ensure these contracts are as profitable 
as possible.

Our third goal is securing future business. The time from winning 
a contract to starting shipments can be long and influenced by 
factors beyond our control. We are looking – and qualifying – for 
follow-on contracts to existing parachute and protective wear 
programs. We also are building relationships with other partners 
to help secure additional contracts.

In high-altitude airships, we are working to make our next test 
flight a success. The test should help confirm our ability to pro-
duce a cost-effective solar powered stratospheric airship. The 
launch is expected to take place in our second quarter. We believe 
a successful flight could result in additional Congressional funds 
to support the high-altitude airship program, leading it to become 
a regular line item in the military budget.

For high-altitude research balloons, we plan to build on the inter-
est shown by NASA. New science is developing that demands 
the use of balloons. With traditional flights lasting only two-to-
four days, and our balloons capable of being airborne for more 
than 30 days, Aerostar is a leader in this market.

The tethered aerostat market offers much opportunity for growth. 
Our successful flight in October of Model TIF 25K illustrated 
Aerostar’s turnkey, easy-to-use mobile aerial platform, so the 
aerostat launched within hours of reaching the site. We offer five 
sizes of aerostats to meet a variety of needs. The lead time to 
manufacture an aerostat is approximately six months, so we will 
be particularly focused on contacting potential customers in the 
first half of this year.

Aerostar is more focused and is actively investing income from 
slower growing parachute and protective wear segments into 
fast-growing markets for high-altitude airships, research bal-
loons and tethered aerostats. Our goal is to be a more meaningful 
contributor to Raven’s long-term growth and profitability.  n

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    5

For the years ended January 3
2007 

2006

ELEVEN-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

11.9% 
28.3% 

2008 

Dollars in thousands except per-share data 
OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR
Net sales
    Ongoing operations   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $233,957 
    Sold businesses(a)   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
— 
233,957 
        Total  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Gross profit  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
59,148 
Operating income
41,145 
    Ongoing operations   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Sold businesses(a)   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
— 
41,145 
        Total  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Income before income taxes  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
42,224 
Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  27,802 
Net income as % of sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Net income as % of beginning equity  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Cash dividends  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $    7,966 
FINANCIAL POSITION
Current assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $100,869 
Current liabilities .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
22,108 
Working capital .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  78,761 
Current ratio  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
4.56 
Property, plant and equipment  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  35,743 
147,861 
Total assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Long-term debt, less current portion .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
— 
Shareholders’ equity  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $118,275 
Long-term debt / total capitalization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Inventory turnover (CGS / year-end inventory)   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
Operating activities .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  27,151 
(4,433) 
Investing activities   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(8,270) 
Financing activities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
14,489  
COMMON STOCK DATA
Net income per share — basic  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $      1.54 
1.53 
Net income per share — diluted .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
0.44 
Cash dividends per share   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Book value per share   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
6.52 
Stock price range during year
    High   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $    45.85 
    Low .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
26.20 
    Close .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $    30.02 
18,130 
Shares and stock units outstanding, year end (in thousands)  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
8,700 
Number of shareholders, year end   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
OTHER DATA
19.6 
Price / earnings ratio  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Average number of employees  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
930 
Sales per employee  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $       252 
Backlog  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  66,628 

0.0% 
4.8 

$27,529 
— 
27,529 
54,882 

38,302 
— 
38,302 
38,835 
$  25,44 

$204,528
—
204,528
53,23

37,284
—
37,284
37,494
$  24,262

 .7% 
30 .% 

 .9%
36 .7%

$    6,507 

$    5,056

$  73,29 
6,464 
$  56,755 
4 .45 
$  36,264 
9,764 
— 
$  98,268 

$  7,345
20,050
$  5,295
3 .56
$  25,602
06,57
9
$  84,389

0 .0% 
5 .8 

0 .0%
5 .4

$  26,33 
(8,664) 
(0,277) 
(2,626)  

$       .4 
 .39 
0 .36 
5 .45 

$    42 .70 
25 .46 
$    28 .43 
8,044 
8,992 

20 .5 
884 
$       246 
$  44,237 

$  2,89
(,435)
(6,946)
2,790

$       .34
 .32
0 .28
4 .67

$    33 .5
6 .54
$    3 .60
8,072
9,263

23 .9
845
$       242
$  43,69

All per-share, shares outstanding and market price data reflect the October 2004 two-for-one stock split, the January 2003 two-for-one stock split and the July 2001 three-for-two stock split.  
All other figures are as reported.

Price / earnings ratio is determined as closing stock price divided by net income per share — diluted.

Book value per share is computed by dividing total shareholders’ equity by the number of common shares and stock units outstanding.

(a) In fiscal 2003, 2001, and 2000, the company sold its Beta Raven Industrial Controls, Plastic Tank, and Glasstite businesses, respectively.

6    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

 
  2005 

2004 

2003 

2002 

200 

2000 

999 

998

 $68,086 
— 
  68,086 
  43,200 

  27,862 
— 
  27,862 
  27,955 
 $  7,89 

$42,727 
— 
42,727 
33,759 

2,98 
(355) 
2,626 
2,76 
$  3,836 

$9,589 
,34 
20,903 
27,55 

6,86 
204 
7,065 
7,254 
$  ,85 

$2,08 
6,497 
8,55 
23,85 

3,788 
(63) 
3,75 
3,565 
$    8,847 

0 .6% 
26 .9% 
 $  5,298(b) 

9 .7% 
23 .8% 

9 .3% 
2 .5% 

7 .5% 
8 .4% 

$    3,075 

$    2,563 

$    2,37 

 $  6,592 
  20,950 
 $  40,642 
2 .94 
 $  9,964 
  88,509 
— 
 $  66,082 

$  55,70 
,895 
$  43,85 
4 .68 
$  5,950 
79,508 
57 
$  66,47 

$  49,35 
3,67 
$  36,84 
3 .75 
$  6,455 
72,86 
5 
$  58,236 

$  45,308 
3,80 
$  3,498 
3 .28 
$  4,059 
67,836 
280 
$  52,032 

$3,360 
9,498 
32,858 
2,23 

7,47(c) 
3,33(d) 
0,748 
0,924 
$    6,4(c)(d) 
4 .8% 
 .8% 

$    2,399 

$  5,87 
3,935 
$  37,882 
3 .72 
$  ,647 
65,656 
2,03 
$  47,989 

$07,862 
42,523 
50,385 
24,27 

7,97 
2,606(e) 
0,577 
0,503 
$    6,762(e) 
4 .5% 
0 .9% 

$    2,895 

$  55,37 
4,702 
$  40,669 
3 .77 
$  5,068 
74,047 
3,024 
$  54,59 

$08,408 
46,798 
55,206 
24,44 

8,220 
,453 
9,673 
9,649 
$    6,82 

4 .0% 
0 .0% 

$04,489
47,679
52,68
24,929

9,555
,007
0,562
2,540(f)
$    8,062

5 .3%
4 .2%

$    2,944 

$    2,709

$  60,279 
5,28 
$  45,5 
3 .98 
$  9,563 
83,657 
4,572 
$  62,293 

$  57,285
7,86
$  39,469
3 .22
$  9,87
82,066
,28
$  6,563

0 .0% 
5 .4 

0 .% 
6 .5 

0 .3% 
4 .4 

0 .5% 
5 .0 

4 .0% 
5 .9 

5 .3% 
5 .2 

6 .8% 
4 .9 

 .8%
4 .8

 $  8,87 
(7,63) 
  (9,063) 
(7,823) 

 $      0 .99 
0 .97 
0 .85(b) 
3 .67 

 $    26 .94 
3 .08 
 $    8 .38 
  7,999 
6,269 

8 .9 
835 
 $       20 
 $  43,646 

$  9,732 
(4,352) 
(6,55) 
9,225 

$  2,735 
(9,66) 
(5,830) 
(2,26) 

$      0 .77 
0 .75 
0 .7 
3 .68 

$    5 .23 
7 .56 
$    4 . 
8,04 
3,560 

8 .8 
787 
$       8 
$  47,20 

$      0 .6 
0 .60 
0 .4 
3 .2 

$      9 .20 
4 .38 
$      7 .9 
8,33 
2,78 

3 .2 
784 
$       54 
$  42,826 

$  8,496 
(3,52) 
(8,539) 
(3,95) 

$      0 .48 
0 .47 
0 .3 
2 .82 

$      5 .88 
3 .02 
$      5 .64 
8,424 
2,387 

2 . 
858 
$       38 
$  33,834 

$    9,44 
9,752 
(4,227) 
4,966 

$      0 .3 
0 .3 
0 .2 
2 .53 

$      3 .48 
 .88 
$      3 .04 
8,956 
2,460 

9 .8 
,082 
$       23 
$  38,239 

$  0,375 
6,323 
(6,326) 
372 

$    8,326 
(3,27) 
(2,74) 
2,485 

$      0 .26 
0 .26 
0 . 
2 .32 

$      3 .04 
2 .25 
$      2 .40 
23,496 
2,749 

9 .2 
,369 
$       0 
$  44,935 

$      0 .22 
0 .22 
0 .0 
2 .2 

$      3 .79 
2 .54 
$      2 .67 
28,64 
3,04 

2 .4 
,507 
$       03 
$  47,43 

$    9,274
(4,979)
(4,884)
(589)

$      0 .28
0 .28
0 .09
2 .3

$      4 .29
3 .27
$      3 .77
28,944
3,22

3 .7
,573
$         97
$  47,54

(b) Includes a special dividend of $.625 per share that was paid in fiscal 2005.

(c) Includes $2.6 million of business repositioning charges, net of gains on plant sales, primarily in Electronic Systems and Aerostar.

(d) Includes the $3.1 million pretax gain ($1.4 million net of tax) on the sale of the company’s Plastic Tank Division.

(e) Includes the $1.2 million pretax gain ($764,000 net of tax) on the sale of assets of the company’s Glasstite subsidiary.

(f) Includes the $1.8 million pretax gain ($1.2 million net of tax) on the sale of an investment in an affiliate.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Dollars in thousands 

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005 

2004 

2003

For the years ended January 3

ENGINEERED FILMS DIVISION
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  84,783  $  9,082  $  82,794  $  58,657  $  42,636  $  35,096
0,030
17,655 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
7,244
43,688 
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
4,080
4,012 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
,475
4,046 
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

5,739 
25,8 
3,960 
,403 

9,907 
33,52 
7,359 
2,436 

0,563 
5,94 
72 
,6 

23,440 
4,988 
3,266 
2,887 

FLOW CONTROLS DIVISION
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  64,291  $  45,55  $  47,506  $  40,726  $  35,059  $  28,496
6,897
19,102  
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
2,483
36,922 
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
729
1,008 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
948
1,125 
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

0,56(b) 
23,70 
,372 
876 

0,  
27,629 
577 
,42 

8,254 
9,304 
34 
,004 

3,586 
30,047 
938 
,085 

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS DIVISION
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  67,609  $  66,278  $  56,29  $  47,049  $  44,307  $  38,589
4,022
10,349 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
4,528
25,865 
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
395
1,077 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
978
1,237 
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

5,797 
4,975 
84 
850 

8,96 
20,9 
,62 
87 

4,492 
7,382 
,20 
880 

0,850 
25,75 
,357 
,086 

AEROSTAR
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  17,274  $  4,654  $  8,009  $  2,654  $  20,725  $  7,408
,02
1,506 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
7,032
9,857 
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
570
156 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
374
499 
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

3,092(c) 
7,756 
,30 
436 

3,609 
7,492 
542 
389 

2,33 
6,837 
79 
359 

707 
8,6 
82 
375 

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS TOTAL
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $233,957  $27,529  $204,528  $68,086  $42,727  $9,589
2,96
48,612 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
60,287
116,332 
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
5,774
6,253 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
3,775
6,907 
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

34,356(b) 
73,756 
7,075 
3,548 

27,706(c) 
57,976 
3,024 
3,90 

45,08 
02,953 
6,02 
5,490 

44,542 
90,587 
0,088 
4,75 

CORPORATE & OTHER(a)
Sales from sold business  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $         —  $         —  $         —  $         —  $         —  $    ,34
Operating income (loss) from sold business  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
204
(5,00)
Operating (loss) from administrative expenses  .  .  .  .  .  .  
2,529
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
259
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
9
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

 — 
(7,467) 
31,529 
382 
437 

— 
(6,806) 
6,8 
50 
395 

— 
(7,258) 
5,570 
270 
400 

—  
(6,494) 
4,753 
466 
293 

(355) 
(5,725) 
2,532 
306 
244 

TOTAL COMPANY
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $233,957  $27,529  $204,528  $68,086  $42,727  $20,903
7,065
41,145 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
72,86
147,861 
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
6,033
6,635 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
3,966
7,344 
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

27,862(b) 
88,509 
7,54 
3,84 

2,626(c) 
79,508 
3,330 
4,45 

37,284 
06,57 
0,358 
5,5 

38,302 
9,764 
6,522 
5,885 

(a) Operating income from sold businesses includes administrative expenses directly attributable to the sold businesses. Assets are principally cash, investments, deferred taxes and notes receivable.

(b) Includes a $1.3 million pretax writeoff of assets related to the Fluent Systems product line.

(c) Includes $182,000 of pretax gain on plant sale.

8    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

 
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS

Comparative Results of Operations

Dollars in thousands, except per-share data 
Net sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Gross profit  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Operating expenses   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Income before income taxes  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Income taxes .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Net income per share – diluted .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Effective income tax rate   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

$233,957 
59,148 
18,003 
41,145 
42,224 
14,422 
$  27,802 
$      1.53 

34.2% 

2008 
% 
sales 

25.3 
7.7 
17.6 
18.0 
6.2 
11.9 

% 
change 
+  7.6 
+  7.8 
+  8.6 
+  7.4 
+  8.7 
+  7.7 
+  9.3 
+10.1 
–  0.9 

Executive Summary

For the years ended January 3
2007 
% 
sales 

$27,529 
54,882 
6,580 
38,302 
38,835 
3,394 
$  25,44 
$       .39 

34 .5% 

25 .2 
7 .6 
7 .6 
7 .9 
6 .2 
 .7 

% 
change 
+6 .4 
+3 . 
+4 .5 
+2 .7 
+3 .6 
+ .2 
+4 .9 
+5 .3 
–2 .3 

2006
% 
sales 

26 .0 
7 .8 
8 .2 
8 .3 
6 .5 
 .9 

$204,528 
53,23 
5,947 
37,284 
37,494 
3,232 
$  24,262 
$       .32 

35 .3% 

% 
change
+2 .7
+23 .2
+2 .9
+33 .8
+34 .
+3 .5
+35 .6
+36 .
–   .9

Raven Industries, Inc. is an industrial manufacturer providing a variety of products to customers in the industrial, agricultural, 
construction and military/aerospace markets, primarily in North America. It operates four business segments: Engineered Films,  
Flow Controls, Electronic Systems and Aerostar.

Fiscal 2008 was another record-breaking year for the company, which reported $27.8 million in net income and $1.53 of earnings  
per diluted share. Net income increased $2.4 million, or 9.3%, over last year’s $25.4 million, while earnings per diluted share rose  
14 cents from one year ago. Fiscal year net sales climbed to $234.0 million, exceeding fiscal 2007 by $16.4 million, or 7.6%. Sales 
and profit increases were driven by a strong performance from the company’s Flow Controls segment.

In fiscal 2008, Raven raised its quarterly dividend from 9 cents per share to 11 cents per share, representing the 21st-consecutive 
annual increase. Fiscal 2008 capital spending was $6.6 million, down significantly from the $16.5 million spent one year earlier. In 
fiscal 2007 and 2006, the company made significant capital investments in its Engineered Films segment, adding extrusion capacity 
and manufacturing capabilities. Management expects that fiscal 2009 capital spending will be in the $8 million range.

The following discussion highlights the consolidated operating results. Operating results are more fully explained in the segment 
discussions that appear after this.

Fiscal 2008 versus Fiscal 2007

Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2008 of $234.0 million were $16.4 million, or 7.6%, higher than last year. Flow Controls was the 
main driver of the annual revenue growth and, combined with revenue increases for Electronic Systems and Aerostar, offset lower 
Engineered Films sales. An improved agricultural economy which increased product demand and the introduction of new products 
grew Flow Controls sales by $18.8 million, to $64.3 million. Electronic Systems net sales of $67.6 million were $1.3 million higher 
than fiscal 2007, with deliveries of aviation and secure communication electronics increasing over last year. Aerostar fiscal 2008 net 
sales of $17.3 million improved $2.6 million over one year earlier, due mainly to higher research balloon and parachute sales activity. 
Engineered Films net sales of $84.8 million were $6.3 million lower than fiscal 2007, which included $9.9 million in disaster film 
shipments that did not recur in fiscal 2008.

Fiscal 2008 operating income of $41.1 million increased $2.8 million, or 7.4%, as compared with $38.3 million for fiscal 2007. A 
strong profit performance in Flow Controls, together with increased Aerostar operating income, offset lower Engineered Films and 
Electronic Systems results. Flow Controls improved profits by $9.0 million from fiscal 2007, leveraging higher sales volume on the 
existing manufacturing cost base to reach $19.1 million in operating income. Aerostar reported operating income of $1.5 million 
for fiscal 2008, more than double the $707,000 posted one year earlier. This was due mainly to higher research balloon profits and 
improved results on the MC-6 Army parachute contract. Engineered Films operating income of $17.7 million was down $5.8 million 
from one year ago, reflecting a lower sales level, increased raw material costs, and higher depreciation expense. Electronic Systems 
operating income of $10.3 million fell short of last fiscal year due primarily to a less favorable product mix, decreasing $501,000 on 
slightly higher sales volume.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS (continued)

Fiscal 2007 versus Fiscal 2006

Fiscal 2007 net sales of $217.5 million exceeded the prior year by $13.0 million, or 6.4%. Engineered Films and Electronic Systems 
posted record net sales for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2007, while Flow Controls and Aerostar fell short of fiscal 2006 revenue 
levels. Engineered Films net sales reached $91.1 million, an $8.3 million improvement over fiscal 2006, with increased demand for  
pit liners used in oil and gas fields, along with higher construction film sales, resulting in 10.0% revenue growth. Electronic Systems 
net sales climbed to $66.3 million, a $10.1 million increase over fiscal 2006. Higher product demand from the segment’s largest 
customer accounted for most of fiscal 2007’s revenue increase. Flow Controls net sales of $45.5 million for the fiscal year ended 
January 31, 2007, were behind the prior year by $2.0 million. There was a fair amount of uncertainty in the agricultural economy 
during that year and customer buying decisions were delayed. Lower parachute product deliveries accounted for the fiscal 2007 
revenue decrease for Aerostar, as net sales of $14.7 million represented a $3.4 million decline from fiscal 2006.

For the year ended January 31, 2007, operating income rose 2.7% to $38.3 million, an increase of $1.0 million compared with  
$37.3 million reported for fiscal 2006. Strong performances from Engineered Films and Electronic Systems were partially offset by 
lower operating income for Flow Controls and Aerostar. Higher sales and favorable raw material pricing contributed to Engineered 
Films’ improved operating income, which increased $3.5 million to reach $23.4 million. Fiscal 2007 Electronic Systems operating 
income of $10.9 million grew $1.9 million, due mainly to higher sales and better operational execution on existing customer  
contracts. Flow Controls fiscal 2007 operating income of $10.1 million represented a decrease of $3.5 million in contrast to one year 
earlier. Lower sales volume on relatively fixed costs negatively affected this segment’s profit for the year ended January 31, 2007. 
With the lack of parachute product shipments during fiscal 2007, Aerostar reported a decrease in operating income of $1.4 million, 
falling to $707,000.

Prospects

Management expects another year of record sales and profits in fiscal 2009, with continuing demand for Flow Controls precision 
agriculture products leading revenue and income growth. Aerostar is anticipating its turnaround to continue in fiscal 2009, as full-year 
deliveries under the government protective wear and MC-6 parachute contracts are expected to increase revenue and operating income 
for the segment. With the additional capabilities and capacity of the new extrusion equipment placed into service during fiscal 2008, 
Engineered Films continues to position itself for future revenue and profit growth and is expected to post higher sales and operating 
income in fiscal 2009. The company anticipates lower Electronic Systems sales and profits in fiscal 2009, due to the loss of an 
important customer and weak demand for consumer bed controls.

Performance Measures

Raven seeks to enhance shareholder value by delivering high returns on sales and invested capital. Fiscal 2008 net income was  
11.9% of net sales, matching the company’s fiscal 2006 record. Net income as a percent of average assets was 20.8% as compared to 
22.5% in fiscal 2007. As a percent of beginning equity, fiscal 2008 net income was 28.3%, down from fiscal 2007’s 30.1%.

Net income as % of
  Net sales .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Average assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Beginning equity   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

11.9% 
20.8% 
28.3% 

 .7% 
22 .5% 
30 .% 

 .9% 
24 .9% 
36 .7% 

0 .6% 
2 .3% 
26 .9% 

9 .7% 
8 .2% 
23 .8% 

9 .3%
5 .9%
2 .5%

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005 

2004 

2003

20    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

 
Segment Analysis

Net Sales and Operating Income by Segment

2008 

2007 

2006

Dollars in thousands 
Net Sales
Engineered Films .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Flow Controls  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Electronic Systems   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Aerostar   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Total  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

amount 

$  84,783 
64,291 
67,609 
17,274 
$233,957 

% 
change 

–  6.9 
+41.3 
+  2.0 
+17.9 
+  7.6 

amount 

$  9,082 
45,55 
66,278 
4,654 
$27,529 

% 
change 

+0 .0 
–  4 .2 
+7 .9 
–8 .6 
+  6 .4 

amount 

$  82,794 
47,506 
56,29 
8,009 
$204,528 

Operating Income
Engineered Films .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Flow Controls  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Electronic Systems   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Aerostar   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Corporate expenses   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Total  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Engineered Films

2008 

2007 

2006

amount 

$  17,655 
19,102 
10,349 
1,506 
(7,467) 
$  41,145 

% 
sales 

20.8 
29.7 
15.3 
8.7 

17.6 

amount 

$  23,440 
0, 
0,850 
707 
(6,806) 
$  38,302 

% 
sales 

25 .7 
22 .2 
6 .4 
4 .8 

7 .6 

amount 

$  9,907 
3,586 
8,96 
2,33 
(7,258)
$  37,284 

% 
change

+4 .
+6 .6
+9 .5
–6 .8
+2 .7

% 
sales

24 .0
28 .6
5 .9
 .8

8 .2

Engineered Films produces rugged reinforced plastic sheeting for industrial, construction, 
manufactured housing and agricultural applications.

Engineered Films — Comparative Results of Operations

2008 
% 
sales 

% 
change 
–  6.9 
–21.5 
4.0  +  0.7 
–24.7 

20.8 

24.8 

2007 
% 
sales 

29 .4 
3 .7 
25 .7 

% 
change 
+0 .0 
+7 .5 
+5 .5 
+7 .7 

$9,082 
26,803 
3,363 
23,440 

2006
% 
sales 

27 .6 
3 .5 
24 .0 

% 
change
+4 .
+24 .
+  9 .7
+26 .5

$82,794 
22,88 
2,9 
9,907 

Dollars in thousands 
Net sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Gross profit  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Selling expenses  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

$84,783 
21,040 
3,385 
17,655 

Fiscal 2008 versus Fiscal 2007

ENGINEERED FILMS
Operating
Income
(dollars in millions)

  Net Sales 
  (dollars in millions) 

$91.1

$82.8

$84.8

$23.4

$19.9

$17.7

Net sales of $84.8 million for the year ended January 31, 2008, were $6.3 million, or 6.9%, behind 
the $91.1 million mark posted one year ago. Lower disaster film shipments of $9.9 million and a 
decrease in industrial market revenue were partially offset by higher sales of pit liners used in the 
energy sector and an increase in underslab vapor barrier deliveries. Increased drilling activity due 
to high oil and gas prices throughout the year accounted for the sales improvement in the energy 
market, while higher market share and industry growth boosted vapor barrier revenue. In the past, the segment has been able to pass 
through raw material cost increases in the form of higher selling prices. However, competitive pricing pressures in the construction 
market did not allow for this type of adjustment in fiscal 2008. Despite higher raw material costs in fiscal 2008, selling prices were 
down approximately 3% from fiscal 2007 because of lower product pricing.

  2006  2007  2008 

2006  2007  2008

Fiscal 2008 operating income of $17.7 million fell behind the prior year by $5.8 million, or 24.7%. In addition, gross profit as a 
percent of sales dropped from 29.4% to 24.8%. For the quarter ended January 31, 2008, operating income of $3.4 million was down 
$914,000, or 21.2%, compared with one year earlier. Profits and margins have been negatively affected by a more competitive pricing 
environment, as higher input costs have not equated to increased selling prices due to excess film capacity in the marketplace. Besides 
higher raw material costs, the segment also experienced increased depreciation expense and start-up costs associated with the new 
extruders placed into service during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008. Fiscal 2008 selling expenses of $3.4 million were even 
with last year, reflecting lower personnel costs offset by increased product development expense.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS (continued)

Fiscal 2007 versus Fiscal 2006

Fiscal 2007 net sales of $91.1 million grew 10.0%, or $8.3 million, from $82.8 million reported for fiscal 2006. Sales of pit lining 
and construction films posted significant revenue growth for fiscal 2007, but were partially offset with decreased sales activity in the 
manufactured housing and disaster film markets. Fiscal 2007 disaster film sales totaled $9.9 million versus $11.4 million one year 
earlier. Selling price adjustments positively affected the fiscal 2007 sales level. The amount of sales attributable to higher product 
pricing (and not due to an increase in volume) was estimated to be about 8% of total fiscal 2007 reported sales.

Operating income in fiscal 2007 climbed to $23.4 million, up $3.5 million, or 17.7%. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales 
increased from 27.6% in fiscal 2006 to 29.4%. Higher sales and favorable resin costs contributed to the profit growth and higher 
margin percentage. A rise in fiscal 2007 selling expenses partially offset the positive impact of the segment’s higher sales level and 
favorable material costs. Fiscal 2007 selling expenses exceeded the prior year because of higher personnel costs and an increased trade 
show presence to support the segment’s expanded product offerings and manufacturing capabilities.

Prospects

Engineered Films is expected to generate double-digit sales growth in the upcoming year. However, operating income is not 
anticipated to grow at the same pace, as the current pricing environment is expected to continue into fiscal 2009. Management believes 
that the recent investments in extrusion capacity will allow this segment to expand its product offerings and open new markets, but 
notes that it generally takes two-to-three years to fully utilize new extrusion capacity. The degree of the continuing downturn in 
construction activity and the opportunity to sell disaster film in fiscal 2009 represent significant risk and upside, respectively, to the 
current outlook.

Flow Controls

Flow Controls, including Raven Canada and Raven GmbH (Europe), provides electronic and Global Positioning System (GPS) 
products for precision agriculture, marine navigation and other niche markets.

Flow Controls — Comparative Results of Operations

2008 
% 
sales 

% 
change 
  +41.3 
37.9  +67.1 
8.2  +18.0 
29.7  +88.9 

2007 
% 
sales 

32 . 
9 .9 
22 .2 

% 
change 
–  4 .2 
–6 .9 
+2 .6 
–25 .6 

$45,55 
4,599 
4,488 
0, 

2006
% 
sales 

37 .0 
8 .4 
28 .6 

% 
change
+6 .6
+7 .7
+27 .3
+5 .2

$47,506 
7,57 
3,985 
3,586 

Dollars in thousands 
Net sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Gross profit  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Selling expenses  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

$64,291 
24,397 
5,295 
19,102 

Fiscal 2008 versus Fiscal 2007

FLOW CONTROLS
Operating
Income
(dollars in millions)

  Net Sales 
  (dollars in millions) 

$64.3

$19.1

$47.5 $45.5

$13.6

$10.1

Flow Controls fiscal 2008 net sales climbed to a record $64.3 million, an increase of $18.8 
million, or 41.3%, over fiscal 2007. The strong farm economy pushed sales higher in all of the 
segment’s product groups (standard, precision, steering, and autoboom), with standard sprayer 
control systems making a significant contribution. Anhydrous ammonia control systems used in 
corn production accounted for the majority of sales growth within the standard product group. 
Increased deliveries of marine navigation systems and international agricultural sales also contributed to revenue expansion.  
Fiscal 2008 fourth-quarter sales of $16.6 million topped last year’s final quarter by $6.2 million, or 59.3%. Standard sprayer control 
system deliveries continued strong during the fourth quarter, while the segment also benefitted from sales of the recently introduced 
Envizio PRO™ and Cruizer™ products.

  2006  2007  2008 

2006  2007  2008

Fiscal 2008 operating income of $19.1 million grew 88.9% or $9.0 million, from one year earlier. Gross profit as a percentage of sales 
was 37.9% and compared favorably to 32.1% in fiscal 2007. Fiscal 2008 fourth quarter operating income of $4.5 million was more 
than double the $2.1 million for the quarter ended January 31, 2007. Gross margins increased from 29.9% one year ago to 35.8% for 
the just-ended quarter. The fiscal 2008 profit growth and favorable margin comparisons for both the full year and the fourth quarter 
were due to the higher sales volume and the effect of leveraging the increased revenue across a relatively fixed manufacturing cost 
base. Higher personnel costs for the segment’s domestic selling efforts and increased advertising expense related to new product 
introductions accounted for fiscal 2008 selling expenses rising 18.0% to $5.3 million. Fiscal 2008 selling expense as a percent of sales 
fell to 8.2% versus 9.9% one year ago.

22    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

 
 
 
 
   
Fiscal 2007 versus Fiscal 2006

Fiscal 2007 net sales were $45.5 million, a decrease of $2.0 million, or 4.2%, from the prior year. Revenue growth was hampered by 
three factors: softness in the U.S. agricultural economy; weakness in global markets, especially South America and Australia; and 
reliability issues with the segment’s GPS-based agriculture products.

Flow Controls fiscal 2007 operating income of $10.1 million was down $3.5 million, or 25.6%, from fiscal 2006 results due to lower 
sales volume on fixed costs, increased product warranty expense, and higher selling expenses. As a percentage of sales, gross profit 
declined to 32.1% versus 37.0% for fiscal 2006. Fiscal 2007 selling expenses were $4.5 million, up from the prior year’s $4.0 million 
by $503,000, or 12.6%. During fiscal 2007, Flow Controls concentrated its sales and marketing efforts on international markets. The 
benefits of cost controls put into place in the segment’s domestic selling group were offset by increased selling efforts in Canada  
and Europe.

Prospects

Management expects strong sales growth in the coming year, given the current strength of the agricultural market and Flow Controls 
sales order backlog heading into fiscal 2009. Management also expects international sales to increase, as past investments in reaching 
the Canadian, European, and South American markets continue to pay off. New product sales, specifically the Envizio PRO™ and 
Cruizer™, should contribute to the fiscal 2009 revenue growth. These products were introduced late in fiscal 2008 and fourth-quarter 
sales indicated strong customer acceptance. Fiscal 2009 sales growth for Flow Controls is targeted to exceed 20%. Operating income 
growth is expected to be tempered by reinvestment in product development, marketing, and manufacturing capacity.

Electronic Systems

Electronic Systems is a total-solutions provider of electronics manufacturing services, primarily to North American original  
equipment manufacturers.

Electronic Systems — Comparative Results of Operations

2008 
% 
sales 

% 
change 
  +  2.0 
–  3.8 
1.7  +  4.7 
–  4.6 

15.3 

17.0 

2007 
% 
sales 

8 .0 
 .7 
6 .4 

% 
change 
+7 .9 
+2 .9 
+24 .4  
+2 .7 

$66,278 
,95 
,0 
0,850 

2006
% 
sales 

7 .4 
 .6 
5 .9 

% 
change
+9 .5
+84 .4
+  7 .5
+98 .5

$56,29 
9,80 
885 
8,96 

Dollars in thousands 
Net sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Gross profit  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Selling expenses  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

$67,609 
11,502 
1,153 
10,349 

Fiscal 2008 versus Fiscal 2007

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

  Net Sales 
  (dollars in millions) 

Operating
Income
(dollars in millions)

$66.3 $67.6

$10.9

$10.3

$56.2

$8.9

In fiscal 2008, Electronic Systems surpassed the prior year’s record $66.3 million in net sales, 
reaching $67.6 million. This represented a $1.3 million, or 2.0%, sales improvement. Increased 
deliveries of secure communication and aviation electronics accounted for the sales growth, but 
were partially offset by a 19.7% decrease in hand-held bed control shipments.

  2006  2007  2008 

2006  2007  2008

Despite higher sales volume in fiscal 2008, Electronic Systems operating income of $10.3 million 
fell short of fiscal 2007, dropping $501,000, or 4.6%. As a percentage of sales, fiscal 2008 gross profit decreased from 18.0% a year 
ago to 17.0%. Unusually high profit margins realized on closeout orders placed by a former customer were not enough to offset the 
impact of lower sales of hand-held bed controls in fiscal 2008. Fourth quarter operating income declined 34.2% to $1.9 million from 
$2.9 million reported for the quarter ended January 31, 2007, reflecting lower-margin product sales on decreased sales volume.

Fiscal 2007 versus Fiscal 2006

Electronic Systems increased net sales 17.9%, or $10.1 million, over fiscal 2006 to reach $66.3 million. Most of the fiscal 2007 sales 
growth came from a high level of aviation electronics deliveries made to the segment’s largest customer.

Fiscal 2007 operating income reached $10.9 million, improving $1.9 million, or 21.7%, over fiscal 2006. Higher sales volume 
and better execution on existing contracts accounted for this improvement. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit in fiscal 2007 
increased to 18.0% versus 17.4% for fiscal 2006, reflecting the operational gains made during the year. Higher personnel costs in  
fiscal 2007 contributed to selling expenses rising 24.4% to $1.1 million.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    23

 
 
 
 
   
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS (continued)

Prospects

Management anticipates fiscal 2009 net sales to be down less than 10% when compared with fiscal 2008. The loss of approximately 
$7 million of business, resulting from a customer being acquired and moving its manufacturing to another supplier, will be difficult to 
replace. The slowdown in demand for hand-held bed controls is also expected to continue into fiscal 2009. These revenue downturns 
are expected to be partially offset by additional sales of secure communication and aviation electronics. Margins are expected to 
decrease due to unfavorable product mix and the impact of fixed costs on a lower revenue base. Electronic Systems operating income 
is expected to decline significantly in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, leading to lower full-year operating income.

Aerostar

The Aerostar segment manufactures military parachutes, protective wear, custom-shaped inflatable products, and high-altitude 
balloons for public and commercial research.

Aerostar — Comparative Results of Operations

2008 
% 
sales 

% 
change 
  +   17.9 
12.8  +   44.5 
4.1  –  14.5 
8.7  +113.0 

2007 
% 
sales 

0 .4 
5 .6 
4 .8 

% 
change 
–8 .6 
–49 .7 
–  9 .5 
–66 .9 

$4,654 
,529 
822 
707 

2006
% 
sales 

6 .9 
5 .0 
 .8 

% 
change
–6 .8
–33 .4
–  4 .9
–40 .9

$8,009 
3,04 
908 
2,33 

Dollars in thousands 
Net sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Gross profit  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Selling expenses  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

$17,274 
2,209 
703 
1,506 

Fiscal 2008 versus Fiscal 2007

Fiscal 2008 net sales of $17.3 million increased $2.6 million, or 17.9%, from fiscal 2007. Higher 
research balloon and parachute sales accounted for the growth. Fiscal 2008 research balloon sales 
activity included more international deliveries. In addition, shipments began under the segment’s 
$14 million MC-6 parachute contract in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, with $2.1 million of 
parachute revenue recorded in that quarter.

AEROSTAR

  Net Sales 
  (dollars in millions) 

Operating
Income
(dollars in millions)

$18.0

$17.3

$2.1

$14.7

$1.5

$0.7

  2006  2007  2008 

2006  2007  2008

Operating income more than doubled in fiscal 2008, hitting $1.5 million versus $707,000 one year earlier, with gross profit margins 
improving from last year’s 10.4% to 12.8%. Higher research balloon profits due to increased volume and improved results on the 
parachute contract contributed to operating income growth in fiscal 2008. Fiscal 2008 selling expenses of $703,000 declined $119,000, 
or 14.5%, compared with one year earlier. There were no expenses incurred during the current year for hot-air balloon selling efforts, 
reflecting the decision to exit this business in fiscal 2007.

Fiscal 2007 versus Fiscal 2006

Aerostar’s fiscal 2007 net sales of $14.7 million were $3.4 million, or 18.6%, lower than in fiscal 2006. Higher sales of commercial 
inflatable products during fiscal 2007 were offset by lower parachute product deliveries and a decline in research balloon revenue.

Fiscal 2007 operating income of $707,000 decreased $1.4 million from fiscal 2006. The lack of parachute business and a decrease in 
research balloon profits were the main factors in the operating income decline. Under-utilized plant capacity caused the fiscal 2007 
gross margin to drop 6.5 percentage points, decreasing to 10.4%. Selling expenses of $822,000 were down 9.5%, as cost controls were 
put into place at the beginning of fiscal 2007.

Prospects

Management expected fiscal 2008 to be a stronger turnaround year for Aerostar, but as government-related design issues delayed 
deliveries on the MC-6 parachute contract until the fourth quarter, fiscal 2008 operating results did not fulfill expectations. During 
fiscal 2008, Aerostar received an add-on to the MC-6 Army parachute contract for another $7.3 million, bringing the total parachute 
contract order to more than $14 million. Start-up costs under the contract were incurred during fiscal 2008, and as a result, Aerostar 
should be well-positioned to take advantage of full production during fiscal 2009. Shipments are expected to accelerate rapidly, 
with Aerostar in a position to more than redouble its operating income in the coming year. Fiscal 2009 sales are targeted to increase 
approximately 45%, due mainly to higher parachute revenues.

24    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

 
 
 
 
   
Expenses, Income Taxes and Other

Corporate expenses of $7.5 million increased $661,000, or 9.7%, from fiscal 2007 due primarily to higher personnel compensation 
expense. Fiscal 2008 corporate expense as a percentage of net sales was 3.2% versus 3.1% in the preceding year. Fiscal 2007 corporate 
expenses of $6.8 million declined 5.2% from fiscal 2006 as a result of lower corporate giving and management incentive costs. 
Fiscal 2009 corporate expenses are expected to increase approximately 8-10% due primarily to higher personnel compensation and 
professional service expense.

Raven had no outstanding debt at January 31, 2008, and no short-term borrowings were made during the fiscal year. Other income of 
$1.1 million in fiscal 2008 grew from $533,000 in fiscal 2007. The main component of other income is interest income,  
which rose in fiscal 2008 due to higher cash and short-term investment balances. Fiscal 2008’s 
effective income tax rate of 34.2% was lower than last year’s rate of 34.5% and fiscal 2006’s rate 
of 35.3%. An increase in the U.S. federal tax deduction for income attributable to manufacturing 
activities accounted for most of the decrease in the fiscal 2008 effective tax rate. The effective 
tax rate in fiscal 2009 is expected to remain consistent with fiscal 2008, assuming that the U.S. 
research and development tax credit is renewed. Absent the renewal, the rate is expected to rise to 
the 35% range.

NET OPERATING MARGIN
(percent)

17.6% 17.6%

18.2%

16.6%

15.2%

14.1%

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table summarizes cash provided by (used in) the company’s business activities for 
the past three fiscal years:

Dollars in thousands 
Operating activities .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Investing activities   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Financing activities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 

2008 
$27,151 
(4,433) 
(8,270) 

2007 
$26,33 
(8,664) 
(0,277) 

2006
$2,89
(,435)
(6,946)

2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008

Operating Activities and Cash Position

Cash flow from operations over the past three years of $74.7 million compared with net income of $77.5 million over the same 
period. Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2008 totaled $27.2 million, an $838,000 increase compared with operating 
cash inflows in fiscal 2007. The improvement in fiscal 2008 operating cash flows versus one year ago was due primarily to company 
earnings and increases in the accounts payable and accrued liabilities balances at year-end, partially offset by higher inventory and 
accounts receivable levels. Cash consumed to finance accounts receivable and inventory balances for the year ended January 31, 2008, 
was $13.6 million versus cash used of $2.4 million during fiscal 2007. Flow Controls growth accounted for most of the increase. 
Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2007 totaled $26.3 million, a $5.1 million increase from operating cash inflows 
of $21.2 million in fiscal 2006. Growth slowed during fiscal 2007 and the amount of incremental cash required for working capital 
requirements decreased. Cash used to finance inventory and accounts receivable balances in fiscal 2007 decreased $5.8 million as 
compared with fiscal 2006.

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $22.8 million at January 31, 2008, up $12.0 million from one year 
earlier. Higher cash balances reflect strong operating cash flows, lower capital spending, and a decrease in treasury stock purchases. 
During fiscal 2007, operating cash inflows were consumed by a high level of capital investment in Engineered Films for additional 
manufacturing equipment and facilities, and an increase in equity returned to the shareholders in the form of cash dividends and stock 
repurchases. Management expects that cash and short-term investments, combined with continued positive operating cash flows, will 
continue to be sufficient to fund day-to-day operations.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    25

 
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS (continued)

CASH FLOWS FROM 
OPERATIONS
(dollars in millions)

$27.2

$26.3

$21.2

$19.7

$18.9

$12.7

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2008 totaled $4.4 million versus $18.7 million in 
fiscal 2007. Fiscal 2008 capital expenditures of $6.6 million decreased $9.9 million from the 
prior year’s $16.5 million, when $13.3 million was invested in Engineered Films for additional 
manufacturing capacity and facilities. At the end of fiscal 2008, $2.5 million of short-term 
investments matured, were converted to cash, and are being reinvested in the first quarter of 
fiscal 2009. Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2007 totaled $18.7 million, up from 
$11.4 million in fiscal 2006. Besides the significant amount of capital expenditures made, fiscal 
2007 investing activities also included placing an additional $2.0 million of cash into short-term 
investments.

Financing Activities

2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008

Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2008 of $8.3 million decreased $2.0 million from  
the $10.3 million consumed in fiscal 2007. No short-term borrowings were required during  
fiscal 2008. The company’s main financing activities continue to be the payment of dividends and 

the repurchase of company stock. In fiscal 2008, Raven increased its quarterly dividend on a per-share basis for the 21st-consecutive 
year, with quarterly dividend payments of 11 cents per share increasing 22.2% from the prior year. Treasury share purchases totaled 
$592,000 during fiscal 2008 and were $3.6 million lower than the prior year. In fiscal 2008, 20,150 shares were purchased at an 
average share price of $29.42. Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2007 of $10.3 million grew $3.3 million from the  
$6.9 million used in fiscal 2006. The increase in cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2007 was due mainly to a 28.7% rise  
in dividend payments and $2.5 million more of treasury stock purchases.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

As of January 31, 2008, the company is obligated to make cash payments in connection with its non-cancelable operating leases 
for facilities and equipment and unconditional purchase obligations, primarily for raw materials, in the amounts listed below. The 
company has no off-balance sheet debt or other unrecorded obligations other than the items noted in the following table. In addition 
to the commitments noted there, standby letters of credit totaling $1.2 million have been issued, primarily to support self-insured 
workers compensation bonding requirements. In the event the bank chooses not to renew the company’s line of credit, the letters of 
credit would cease and alternative methods of support for the insurance obligations would be necessary, would be more expensive, 
and would require additional cash outlays. Management believes the chances of this are remote. A summary of the obligations and 
commitments at January 31, 2008, and for the next five years is shown below.

Dollars in thousands 
Contractual Obligations:
Line of credit(a)   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Operating leases  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Postretirement benefit obligation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Unconditional purchase obligations  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Uncertain tax positions(b) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Total 

$ 

  — 
427 
5,447 
38,38 
— 
$44,92 

Less than 
 year 

-3 
years 

3-5 
years 

$ 

  — 
73 
20 
38,38 
— 
$38,692 

$  — 
254 
464 
— 
— 
$78 

$  — 
— 
548 
— 
— 
$548 

More   
than 
5 years

$  —
—
4,234
—
—
$4,234

RETURN ON 
AVERAGE ASSETS
(percent)

24.9%

21.3%

22.5%

20.8%

18.2%

15.9%

(a) $8.0 million line bears interest at 5.00% as of January 31, 2008, and expires July 2008. The line of credit is reduced by outstanding letters  

of credit totaling $1.2 million.

(b) The total liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 at January 31, 2008, was $2.2 million. The company is not able to reasonably 

estimate the timing of future payments relating to non-current tax benefits.

2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008

26    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Requirements

Raven maintains an excellent financial condition and capacity for growth. Management continues to look for opportunities to expand 
its core businesses through acquisitions or internal growth. The company has the capacity to secure additional financing and will do 
so if the appropriate strategic opportunity presents itself. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2009 are expected to be in the $8 million 
range. The company intends to return approximately 30% of its earnings to shareholders in the form of quarterly dividends. Stock 
repurchases are anticipated to continue as a way to return additional cash to shareholders and increase balance sheet leverage. Cash 
generated from operations and the availability of cash under existing credit facilities should be sufficient to fund these initiatives.  
If stock repurchase or investment opportunities do not materialize and cash balances continue to build, management intends to pay  
a special dividend by the end of fiscal 2009.

Critical Accounting Policies and New Accounting Standards

Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are those that require the application of judgment when valuing assets and liabilities on the company’s 
balance sheet. These policies are discussed below, because a fluctuation in actual results versus expected results could materially affect 
operating results, and because the policies require significant judgments and estimates to be made. Accounting related to these policies 
is initially based on best estimates at the time of original entry in the accounting records. Adjustments are periodically recorded when 
the company’s actual experience differs from the expected experience underlying the estimates. These adjustments could be material 
if experience were to change significantly in a short period of time. The company does not enter into derivatives or other financial 
instruments for trading or speculative purposes. However, Raven has used derivative financial instruments to manage the economic 
impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on transactions that are denominated in currency other than its functional currency, 
which is the U.S. dollar. The use of these financial instruments had no material effect on the company’s financial condition, results of 
operations or cash flows.

Inventories

Raven’s most significant accounting judgment is determining inventory value at the lower of cost or market. The company estimates 
inventory valuation each quarter. Typically, when a product reaches the end of its lifecycle, inventory value declines slowly or the 
product has alternative uses. Management uses its manufacturing resources planning data to help determine if inventory is slow-
moving or has become obsolete due to an engineering change. The company closely reviews items that have balances in excess of the 
prior year’s requirements or that have been dropped from production requirements. Despite these reviews, technological or strategic 
decisions made by management or the company’s customers may result in unexpected excess material. In Electronic Systems, the 
company typically has recourse to customers for obsolete or excess material. When Electronic Systems customers authorize inventory 
purchases, especially with long lead-time items, they are required to take delivery of unused material or compensate the company 
accordingly. In every operating unit of the company, management must manage obsolete inventory risk. The accounting judgment 
ultimately made is an evaluation of the success that management will have in controlling inventory risk and mitigating the impact of 
obsolescence when it does occur.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    27

FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS (continued)

Warranty

Estimated warranty liability costs are based on historical warranty costs and average time 
elapsed between purchases and returns for each business segment. Warranty issues that are 
unusual in nature are accrued for individually.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Determining the level of the allowance for doubtful accounts requires management’s best 
estimate of the amount of probable credit losses based on historical writeoff experience by 
segment, and an estimate of the collectibility of any known problem accounts. Factors that 
are considered beyond historical experience include the length of time the receivables are 
outstanding, the current business climate, and the customer’s current financial condition.

Revenue Recognition

BOOK VALUE PER SHARE
(dollars)

$6.52

$5.45

$4.67

$3.68 $3.67

$3.21

2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008

The company recognizes and records revenue when products are shipped because there 
is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is determinable, collectibility is 
reasonably assured, and delivery has occurred. Estimated returns, sales allowances or warranty charges are recognized upon shipment 
of a product. The company sells directly to customers or distributors that incur the expense and commitment for any post-sale 
obligations beyond stated warranty terms.

Self-insurance Reserves

Raven purchases insurance with deductibles for product liability; general insurance, including aviation product liability; and workers’ 
compensation. Third-party insurance is carried for what is believed to be the major portion of potential exposure. The company has 
established accruals for potential uninsured claims, including estimated costs and legal fees. Management considers these accruals 
adequate, although a substantial change in the number and/or severity of claims would result in materially different amounts.

Goodwill and Long-lived Assets

Management periodically assesses goodwill and other long-lived assets for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired, using fair value measurement techniques. For goodwill, Raven performs 
impairment reviews annually by reporting units, which are the company’s reportable segments. The one exception is Aerostar’s high-
altitude research balloon operation, which is evaluated independently from Aerostar’s other operations. Estimates of fair value are 
primarily determined using discounted cash flows, market comparisons and recent transactions. These valuation methodologies use 
significant estimates and assumptions, which include projected future cash flows, including timing and the risks inherent in future cash 
flows, perpetual growth rates, and determination of appropriate market comparables.

Uncertain Tax Positions

Accounting for tax positions requires judgments, including estimating reserves for uncertainties associated with the interpretation  
of income tax laws and regulations, and the resolution of tax positions with tax authorities after discussions and negotiations.  
The ultimate outcome of these matters could result in material favorable or unfavorable adjustments to the consolidated  
financial statements.

28    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

 
New Accounting Standards

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurement. The standard 
provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 clarifies the principle that fair value should 
be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy 
that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Under the standard, fair value measurements would be separately 
disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. The statement is effective as of the beginning of the company’s 2009 fiscal year. 
The company does not expect the implementation of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations, 
financial condition or cash flows.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  
SFAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS No. 159 
is effective for the beginning of the company’s 2009 fiscal year. The company does not expect the provisions of SFAS No. 159 to  
have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) requires an entity to recognize the 
assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies, and contingent consideration at their fair value on the acquisition date. 
It also requires acquisition-related costs to be expensed as incurred, restructuring costs to generally be expensed in periods subsequent 
to the acquisition date, and changes in accounting for deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties 
after the measurement period to impact income tax expense. The adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) will change the company’s accounting 
treatment for business combinations on a prospective basis beginning February 1, 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. SFAS No. 160 
changes the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be characterized as non-controlling interests and classified as 
a component of equity. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 is effective on a prospective basis beginning February 1, 2009. The company 
does not expect the provisions of SFAS No. 160 to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition, 
or cash flows.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    29

MONTHLY CLOSING STOCK PRICE AND VOLUME

e
c
i
r
P

50

40

30

20

0

0

Feb07  Mar07  Apr07  May07  Jun07 

Jul07  Aug07  Sep07  Oct07  Nov07  Dec07 

Jan08

Shares Traded (in thousands) 

Closing Stock Price (in dollars)

QUARTERLY INFORMATION (Unaudited)

e
m
u
l
o
V

3000

500

0

Net 
Sales 

Gross 
Profit 

Operating 
Income 

Dollars in thousands 
except per-share data 
FISCAL 2008
First Quarter   .  .  .  .  .   $  58,103  $17,374  $12,838  $13,025  $  8,540  $0.47  $0.47  $30.84  $26.20  $0.11
0.11
Second Quarter  .  .  .  
0.11
Third Quarter  .  .  .  .  .  
Fourth Quarter  .  .  .  .  
0.11
Total Year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $233,957  $59,148  $41,145  $42,224  $27,802  $1.54  $1.53  $45.85  $26.20  $0.44

55,653 
61,842 
58,359 

13,407 
15,299 
13,068 

8,543 
10,940 
8,824 

8,857 
11,254 
9,088 

39.36 
45.85 
42.75 

28.39 
33.42 
27.57 

5,843 
7,398 
6,021 

0.32 
0.41 
0.33 

0.32 
0.41 
0.33 

Pretax 
Income 

Net 
Income 

High 

Net Income 
Per Share(a) 
Basic  Diluted 

Common Stock 
Market Price 
Low 

Cash 
Dividends
Per Share

FISCAL 2007
First Quarter  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  58,465 
50,38 
Second Quarter   .  .  .  .  
57,435 
Third Quarter  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Fourth Quarter  .  .  .  .  .  
5,248 
Total Year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $27,529 

FISCAL 2006
First Quarter  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  50,704 
45,304 
Second Quarter   .  .  .  .  
54,35 
Third Quarter  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Fourth Quarter  .  .  .  .  .  
54,385 
Total Year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $204,528 

$5,89 
2,83 
4,480 
2,328 
$54,882 

$,477 
7,872 
0,540 
8,43 
$38,302 

$,65 
7,937 
0,73 
8,570 
$38,835 

$  7,502 
5,27 
6,968 
5,844 
$25,44 

$5,6 
0,882 
4,23 
2,975 
$53,23 

$,36 
7,299 
0,568 
8,28 
$37,284 

$,098 
7,39 
0,635 
8,370 
$37,494 

$  7,57 
4,774 
6,869 
5,462 
$24,262 

$0 .4 
0 .28 
0 .39 
0 .32 
$ .4 

$0 .40 
0 .26 
0 .38 
0 .30 
$ .34 

$0 .4 
0 .28 
0 .38 
0 .32 
$ .39 

$0 .39 
0 .26 
0 .37 
0 .30 
$ .32 

$42 .6 
42 .70 
32 .64 
35 .35 
$42 .70 

$22 .28 
27 .78 
3 .99 
33 .5 
$33 .5 

$3 .22 
25 .89 
25 .89 
25 .46 
$25 .46 

$6 .54 
8 .68 
2 .75 
26 .75 
$6 .54 

$0 .09
0 .09
0 .09
0 .09
$0 .36

$0 .07
0 .07
0 .07
0 .07
$0 .28

(a) Net income per share is computed discretely by quarter and may not add to the full year.

30    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL  
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting 
as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting 
is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to 
the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions 
of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 
of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and 
expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and 
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect 
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management  has  assessed  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  in  relation  to  criteria  described  in  
Internal  Control  —  Integrated  Framework,  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  
Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment using those criteria, we concluded that, as of January 31, 2008, 
our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2008, has been audited by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which 
appears on page 43 of this Annual Report.

Ronald M. Moquist 
President & Chief Executive Officer 

Thomas Iacarella 
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

March 20, 2008

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

2008 

Dollars in thousands, except share data 
ASSETS
Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  21,272 
1,500 
    Short-term investments .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
36,538 
    Accounts receivable, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
36,529 
    Inventories, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
2,075 
    Deferred income taxes   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
2,955 
    Other current assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
100,869 
        Total current assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

35,743 
Property, plant and equipment, net .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
6,902 
Goodwill  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Other assets, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
4,347 
Total assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $147,861 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
    Accounts payable  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $    8,374 
12,804 
    Accrued liabilities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
930 
    Customer advances .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
22,108 
        Total current liabilities   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Other liabilities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Commitments and contingencies 
Shareholders’ equity  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Common shares, par value $ .00 per share 
    Authorized — 00,000,000 
    Outstanding — 2008: 8,20,53; 2007: 8,039,223 
    2006: 8,072,369
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $147,861 

118,275 

7,478 

As of January 3
2007 

2006

$    6,783 
4,000 
3,336 
28,07 
,76 
,268 
73,29 

36,264 
6,604 
3,677 
$9,764 

$    9,409
2,000
29,290
27,89
,746
,08
7,345

25,602
6,40
2,809
$06,57

$    6,093 
9,579 
792 
6,464 

$    8,79
,54
77
20,050

5,032 

,78

98,268 

84,389

$9,764 

$06,57

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

32    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Dollars in thousands, except per-share data 
Net sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $233,957 

2008 

For the years ended January 3
2007 
$27,529 

2006
$204,528

Cost of goods sold   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

174,809 

62,647 

5,297

    Gross profit .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

59,148 

54,882 

53,23

Selling, general and administrative expenses  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

18,003 

6,580 

5,947

    Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

41,145 

38,302 

37,284

Interest income and other, net   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(1,079) 

(533) 

(20)

    Income before income taxes  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

42,224 

38,835 

37,494

Income taxes .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

14,422 

3,394 

3,232

    Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  27,802 

$  25,44 

$  24,262

Net income per common share:
    — Basic   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $      1.54 
    — Diluted .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $      1.53 

$       .4 
$       .39 

$       .34
$       .32

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    33

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Paid-in 
Dollars in thousands, except per-share data 
capital 
Balance January 3, 2005  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  32,053  $  765 

$ Par 
common 
stock 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income
(loss) 

Retained 
earnings 

Treasury stock 

Shares 

Cost 
(4,053,386)  $  (4,700)  $   74,964  $ 

Total

  —  $    66,082

    Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Foreign currency translation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Total comprehensive income .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Cash dividends ($ .28 per share)  .  .  .  .  
    Purchase of stock  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Stock surrendered upon exercise  
        of stock options   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Employees’ stock options exercised  .  
    Share-based compensation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Tax benefit from exercise of  
        stock options   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Balance January 3, 2006  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

    Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Foreign currency translation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Total comprehensive income .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Adoption of SFAS No . 58,  
        net of tax   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Dividends ($ .36 per share)   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Purchase of stock  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Stock surrendered upon exercise  
        of stock options   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Employees’ stock options exercised  .  
    Share-based compensation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Tax benefit from exercise of  
        stock options   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Balance January 3, 2007  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

24,262 
— 

— 
(67,800) 

— 
(,689) 

(5,056) 
— 

(27) 
68 
— 

(689) 
40 
485 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
32,94 

430 
,40 

— 
(4,2,86) 

— 
(43,389) 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
94,70 

25,44 
— 

— 
3 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
3 

— 
(2) 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
 
— 

— 
— 
(46,247) 

— 
— 
(4,20) 

— 
(6,508) 
— 

(,885) 
— 
— 

(28) 
4 
— 

(854) 
78 
605 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
32,307 

470 
2,34 

— 
(4,267,433) 

— 
(47,590) 

— 
3,03 

— 
(,893) 

470
98,268

24,262
3
24,275
(5,056)
(,689)

(76)
578
485

430
84,389

25,44
(2)
25,420

(,885)
(6,507)
(4,20)

(882)
859
605

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

    Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Postretirement benefits, net of  
        $84 income tax .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Foreign currency translation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Total comprehensive income .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Adoption of FIN 48  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Dividends ($ .44 per share)   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Purchase of stock  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Stock surrendered upon exercise  
        of stock options   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Employees’ stock options exercised  .  
    Share-based compensation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Tax benefit from exercise of  
        stock options   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
479 
Balance January 31, 2008  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $32,408  $3,436 

(47) 
48 
— 

(,462) 
,70 
904 

— 
— 
— 

— 
4 
— 

— 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

34    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
(20,50) 

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
(592) 

— 
— 
— 

27,802 

— 

27,802

— 
— 

(76) 
(7,970) 
— 

— 
— 
— 

56 
3 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

56
3
28,089
(76)
(7,966)
(592)

(,509)
,38
904

479
(14,287,583)  $(48,182)  $132,219  $(1,606)  $118,275

— 

— 

— 

— 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended January 3
2006
2007 
2008 

Dollars in thousands 
Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $27,802 
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by  
        operating activities:
        Depreciation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
        Amortization of intangible assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
        Provision for losses on accounts receivable, net of recoveries   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
        Deferred income taxes  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
        Share-based compensation expense .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
        Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition  
            and disposition of businesses and assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
        Other operating activities, net   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Net cash provided by operating activities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 

6,944 
400 
91 
(779) 
904 

(8,187) 
(24) 
27,151 

$25,44 

$24,262

5,445 
440 
40 
(293) 
605 

4,684
467
78
(809)
485

(5,380) 
5 
26,33 

(8,086)
08
2,89

Cash flows from investing activities:
    Capital expenditures .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Purchase of short-term investments  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Sale of short-term investments  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Acquisition of business    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Sale of unconsolidated affiliate .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Other investing activities, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Net cash used in investing activities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 

Cash flows from financing activities:
    Proceeds from borrowing under line of credit .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Repayment of borrowing under line of credit  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Dividends paid   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Purchases of treasury stock   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Other financing activities, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
    Net cash used in financing activities .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 

(6,635) 
(3,100) 
5,600 
(269) 
— 
(29) 
(4,433) 

— 
— 
(7,966) 
(592) 
479 
(191) 
(8,270) 

(6,522) 
(6,000) 
4,000 
(203) 
— 
6 
(8,664) 

— 
— 
(6,507) 
(4,20) 
470 
(39) 
(0,277) 

(0,358)
(4,500)
5,500
(2,828)
650
0
(,435)

4,500
(4,500)
(5,056)
(,689)
—
(20)
(6,946)

    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 

41 

2 

(8)

14,489 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
6,783 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $21,272 

(2,626) 
9,409 
$  6,783 

2,790
6,69
$  9,409

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    35

 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND PRINCIPLES OF 
CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of 
Raven Industries, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the 
company). The company is an industrial manufacturer provid-
ing a variety of products to customers within the industrial, 
agricultural, construction and military/aerospace markets 
primarily in North America. The company operates three 
divisions (Flow Controls, Engineered Films and Electronic 
Systems) in addition to three wholly owned subsidiaries: 
Aerostar International, Inc. (Aerostar); Raven Industries 
Canada, Inc. (Raven Canada); and Raven Industries GmbH 
(Raven GmbH). All significant intercompany balances and 
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the company’s financial statements in 
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States of America requires management to make 
certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial 
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses 
during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from 
these estimates.

FOREIGN CURRENCY
The company’s subsidiaries that operate outside the United 
States use their local currency as the functional currency. The 
functional currency is translated into U.S. dollars for balance 
sheet accounts using the period-end exchange rates, and aver-
age exchange rates for the statement of income. Adjustments 
resulting from financial statement translations are included 
as cumulative translation adjustments in accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity. 
Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are recognized 
in the period incurred and are included in interest income and 
other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The company considers all highly liquid debt instruments  
with original maturities of three months or less to be  
cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalent balances are  
principally concentrated in checking, money market and 
sweep accounts with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo 
Brokerage Services, LLC.

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
The company has invested in certificates of deposit with rates 
ranging from 3.50% to 5.00%. The investments have varying 
maturity dates, all of which are less than 12 months from the 
balance sheet date.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE  
FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced  
amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful  

36    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

accounts is the company’s best estimate of the amount of 
probable credit losses based on historical writeoff experience 
by segment and an estimate of the collectibility of any known 
problem accounts.

INVENTORY VALUATION
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost 
determined on the first-in, first-out basis. Market value encom-
passes consideration of all business factors including price, 
contract terms and usefulness.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are 
depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using 
accelerated methods. The estimated useful lives used for 
computing depreciation are as follows:
Building and improvements   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Manufacturing equipment by segment
  Flow Controls  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
  Engineered Films .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
  Electronic Systems   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
  Aerostar   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Furniture, fixtures, office equipment and other  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 

3 -   5 years
5 - 2 years
3 -   5 years
3 -   5 years
3 -   7 years

5 - 39 years

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense in the year 
incurred and renewals and betterments are capitalized. The 
cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or 
disposed of are removed from the accounts, and the resulting 
gain or loss is reflected in operations.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets, primarily comprised of technologies 
acquired through acquisition, are recorded at cost and are 
presented net of accumulated amortization. Amortization is 
computed on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives 
ranging from 3 to 20 years. The straight-line method of  
amortization reflects an appropriate allocation of the cost of 
the intangible assets to earnings in each reporting period.

GOODWILL
The company recognizes the excess cost of an acquired entity 
over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed as goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment on 
an annual basis during the fourth quarter, and between annual 
tests whenever there is an impairment indicated. Impairment 
tests of goodwill are performed at the reporting unit level. Fair 
values are estimated based on discounted cash flows and are 
compared with the corresponding carrying value of the report-
ing unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the 
carrying amount, the amount of the impairment loss must be 
measured and then recognized to the extent the carrying value 
exceeds the implied fair value.

LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The company periodically assesses the recoverability of 
long-lived and intangible assets using fair value measurement 
techniques. An impairment loss is recognized when the carry-
ing amount of an asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted 

cash flows used in determining the fair value of the assets.  
The amount of the impairment loss to be recorded is calculated 
by the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. 
Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash 
flow analysis.

INSURANCE OBLIGATIONS
The company employs insurance policies covering work-
ers’ compensation and general liability costs. Liabilities 
are accrued related to claims filed and estimates for claims 
incurred but not reported. To the extent these obligations will 
be reimbursed by insurance, the expected insurance policy 
benefit is included as a component of other current assets.

CONTINGENCIES
The company is involved as a defendant in lawsuits, claims or 
disputes arising in the normal course of business. An estimate 
of the loss on these matters is charged to operations when it 
is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has 
been incurred, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably 
estimated. The settlement of such claims cannot be determined 
at this time; however, management believes that any liability 
resulting from these claims will be substantially mitigated 
by insurance coverage. Accordingly, management does not 
believe that the ultimate outcome of these matters will be 
significant to its results of operations, financial position or 
cash flows.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
The company recognizes revenue upon shipment of products 
because there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement,  
the sales price is determinable, collectibility is reason-
ably assured, and delivery has occurred. The company sells 
directly to customers or distributors who incur the expense 
and commitment for any post-sale obligations beyond stated 
warranty terms. Estimated returns, sales allowances or 
warranty charges are recognized upon shipment of a product. 
Shipping and handling costs are classified as a component of 
cost of goods sold.

WARRANTIES
Accruals necessary for product warranties are estimated 
based upon historical warranty costs and average time elapsed 
between purchases and returns for each division. Additional 
accruals are made for any significant, discrete warranty issues.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development expenditures of $4.4 million in 
fiscal 2008, $2.6 million in fiscal 2007, and $2.5 million in 
fiscal 2006 were charged to cost of goods sold in the year 
incurred. Expenditures are principally composed of labor and 
material costs.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
In fiscal 2003, the company began recording compensation 
expense related to its share-based compensation plans using 
the fair value method permitted by SFAS No. 123, Accounting 
for Stock-Based Compensation. On February 1, 2006, the 

company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. 
SFAS No. 123(R) requires that the cash retained as a result 
of the tax deductibility of employee share-based awards 
be presented as a component of cash flows from financing 
activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. In prior 
periods, the company reported these amounts as a component 
of cash flows from operating activities. The adoption of SFAS 
No. 123(R) has had no other effect on consolidated results of 
operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes reflect temporary differences between 
assets and liabilities reported on the company’s balance sheet 
and their tax bases. These differences are measured using 
enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the peri-
ods when the temporary differences will affect taxable income. 
Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to 
reflect realizable value, when necessary. Judgmental reserves 
are maintained for uncertain tax positions.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(FASB) issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurement. The 
standard provides guidance for using fair value to measure 
assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 clarifies the principle 
that fair value should be based on the assumptions market 
participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and 
establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the informa-
tion used to develop those assumptions. Under the standard, 
fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by 
level within the fair value hierarchy. The statement is  
effective as of the beginning of the company’s 2009 fiscal 
year. The company does not expect the implementation of  
SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on its consolidated 
results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair 
Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. 
SFAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure many 
financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. 
SFAS No. 159 is effective for the beginning of the company’s 
2009 fiscal year. The company does not expect the provisions 
of SFAS No. 159 to have a material impact on its consolidated 
results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), 
Business Combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) requires an entity 
to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contrac-
tual contingencies, and contingent consideration at their fair 
value on the acquisition date. It also requires acquisition-
related costs to be expensed as incurred, restructuring costs to 
generally be expensed in periods subsequent to the acquisition 
date, and changes in accounting for deferred tax asset valua-
tion allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties after 
the measurement period to impact income tax expense. The 
adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) will change the company’s 
accounting treatment for business combinations on a prospec-
tive basis beginning February 1, 2009.

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    37

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Note 3. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Dollars in thousands 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities,  
  net of effects from acquisition and  
  disposition of businesses and assets:

For the years ended January 3
2006
2007 
2008 

  Accounts receivable   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $ (5,216)  $ (2,097)  $ (3,82)
(4,356)
(03)
(2,688)
3,02
(39)
  $ (8,187)  $ (5,380)  $ (8,086)

Inventories  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Prepaid expenses and other assets .  .  .  .  
  Accounts payable  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Accrued and other liabilities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Customer advances .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(8,403) 
218 
2,437 
2,648 
129 

(262) 
(284) 
(,770) 
(,045) 
78 

Cash paid during the year for:

Income taxes   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $14,068 

$3,759 

$2,806

Note 4. Montgomery Industries Acquisition
On February 17, 2005, the company acquired substantially 
all of the assets of Montgomery Industries, Inc., a privately 
held Canadian corporation, for $2.7 million in cash plus the 
assumption of certain liabilities and a quarterly payment of  
6 percent on future sales of Montgomery products up to a 
maximum payment of $1.825 million. Montgomery developed 
and sold an automatic boom height control system under the 
name “Autoboom™” for agricultural sprayers designed to 
successfully maintain optimum boom height in uneven terrain 
without compromising the speed with which the sprayer can 
be operated. Of the purchase price, $289,000 was allocated 
to current assets; $82,000 was allocated to property, plant 
and equipment; $2.560 million was allocated to amortizable 
intangible assets (amortized over approximately seven years); 
$539,000 to current liabilities assumed; and $285,000 to  
goodwill, which is deductible for tax purposes.

For the years ended January 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, the 
earn-out on the sales of Montgomery products was $298,000, 
$203,000, and $183,000, respectively, which was recorded as 
an increase in goodwill.

The operation is a component of the Flow Controls segment. 
The results of operations for the acquired business have been 
included in the consolidated financial statements since the date 
of acquisition. Pro forma earnings are not presented due to the 
immateriality of the effect of the acquisition to the company’s 
consolidated operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, 
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial 
Statements. SFAS No. 160 changes the accounting and 
reporting for minority interests, which will be characterized 
as non-controlling interests and classified as a component 
of equity. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 is effective on a 
prospective basis beginning February 1, 2009. The company 
does not expect the provisions of SFAS No. 160 to have a 
material impact on its consolidated results of operations, finan-
cial condition, or cash flows.

Note 2. Selected Balance Sheet Information
Following are the components of selected balance sheet items:

As of January 3
2007 

2006

Dollars in thousands 
Accounts receivable, net:
Trade accounts   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $36,831 
(293) 
Allowance for doubtful accounts   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $36,538 

2008 

Inventories, net:
Finished goods   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  4,975 
3,631 
In process  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
27,923 
Materials .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $36,529 

Other current assets:
Insurance policy benefit   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  2,549 
406 
Prepaid expenses and other  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $  2,955 

Property, plant and equipment, net:
Land  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  1,227 
21,523 
Buildings and improvements .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
57,563 
Machinery and equipment   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(44,570) 
Accumulated depreciation   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $35,743 

Other assets, net:
Amortizable assets:
  Purchased technology .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  2,300 
1,172 
  Other intangibles   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(1,740) 
  Accumulated amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1,732 
2,540 
75 
  $  4,347 

Deferred income taxes   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Other, net   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Accrued liabilities:
Salaries and benefits .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  2,109 
2,415 
Vacation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1,184 
40(k) contributions  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
4,010 
Insurance obligations  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Income taxes .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
— 
490 
Profit sharing   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
684 
Warranty  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1,912 
Other .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $12,804 

Other liabilities:
Long-term debt  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $       — 
5,246 
Postretirement benefits .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
2,232 
Uncertain tax positions  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $  7,478 

38    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

$3,594 
(258) 
$3,336 

$29,547
(257)
$29,290

$  3,750 
2,62 
2,709 
$28,07 

$  3,504
3,652
20,663
$27,89

$     65 
67 
$  ,268 

$     747
334
$  ,08

$  ,227 
2,494 
52,552 
(39,009) 
$36,264 

$  ,084
6,662
43,256
(35,400)
$25,602

$  3,380 
,305 
(2,729) 
,956 
,607 
4 
$  3,677 

$  3,380
,265
(2,300)
2,345
38
46
$  2,809

$  ,722 
2,22 
,09 
,743 
265 
553 
397 
,578 
$  9,579 

$       — 
5,032 
— 
$  5,032 

$  2,67
2,9
,049
,632
808
,68
569
,642
$,54

$         9
,709
—
$  ,78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting 
segment are shown below:

Flow 
Dollars in thousands 
Controls 
Balance at January 3, 2005  .  .  .  .   $ 4,940 
  Goodwill acquired during  

Engineered  Electronic 
Systems 
$ 433 

Films 
$96 

Aerostar 
$ 464 

Total
$ 5,933

the year .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Acquisition earn-outs   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Balance at January 3, 2006  .  .  .  .  
  Acquisition earn-outs   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Balance at January 3, 2007  .  .  .  .  
  Acquisition earn-outs   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Balance at January 31, 2008 .  .   $5,909 

285  — 
83  — 
96 
203  — 
96 
298  — 
$96 

5,6 

5,408 

— 
— 
433 
— 
433 
— 
$433 

— 
— 
464 
— 
464 
— 
$464 

285
83
6,40
203
6,604
298
$6,902

Intangible Assets
Estimated future amortization expense based on the current 
carrying value of amortizable intangible assets for fiscal 
periods 2009 through 2013 is $398,000, $389,000, $357,000, 
$351,000, and $22,000, respectively. The company wrote-off 
$1.1 million of fully amortized intangible assets in fiscal 2008.

Note 6. Employee Retirement Benefits
The company has a 401(k) plan covering substantially all 
employees and contributed 3% of qualified payroll. The 
company’s contribution expense was $1,020,000, $935,000, 
and $892,000 for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

In addition, the company provides postretirement medical and 
other benefits to senior executive officers and senior managers. 
There are no assets held for the plans and any obligations are 
covered through the company’s operating cash and invest-
ments. The company accounts for these benefits in accordance 
with SFAS No. 106, Accounting for Postretirement Benefits 
Other Than Pensions. At January 31, 2007, the company 
adopted SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined 
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. This statement 
requires the company to fully recognize the liability for its 
postretirement benefits through changes in accumulated other 
comprehensive income.

The incremental effect of applying SFAS No. 158 on the 
following balance sheet items as of January 31, 2007, was  
as follows:

Impact of SFAS No . 58

Dollars in thousands 
Non-current deferred tax assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $       592 
8,749 
Total assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
2,32 
Other liabilities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Accumulated other comprehensive  

Before  Adjustment 

$ ,05 
,05 
2,900 

After
$    ,607
9,764
5,032

income (loss) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Total shareholders’ equity  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(8) 
00,53 

(,885) 
(,885) 

(,893)
98,268

The accumulated benefit obligation for these benefits is  
shown below:

Dollars in thousands 
2008 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $5,213 
90 
Service cost   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
307 
Interest cost  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Actuarial (gain) loss  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
(2) 
Total recognized in net and other  
395
  comprehensive income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
(161) 
Retiree benefits paid   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
5,447 
Benefit obligation at end of year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Less: unrecognized actuarial losses  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
— 
Ending liability balance  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $5,447 

For the years ended January 3
2007 
$4,928 
84 
278 
89 

2006
$2,722
80
259
2,04

(66) 
5,23 
— 
$5,23 

(47)
4,928
(3,045)
$,883

The liability and expense reflected in the balance sheet and 
income statement were as follows:

Dollars in thousands 
2008 
Beginning liability balance  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $5,213 
635 
Employer expense   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Other comprehensive income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(240) 
Total recognized in net and other  
395
  comprehensive income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
— 
Initial effect of adopting SFAS No . 58  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(161) 
Retiree benefits paid   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
5,447 
Ending liability balance  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Current portion   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(201) 
Long-term portion  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $5,246 

For the years ended January 3
2007 
$,883 
596 
— 

2006
$,447
583
—

2,900 
(66) 
5,23 
(8) 
$5,032 

—
(47)
,883
(74)
$,709

Assumptions used:
Discount rate  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Wage inflation rate   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

6.75% 
4.00% 

6 .00% 
4 .00% 

5 .75%
4 .00%

The discount rate is based on matching rates of return on high-
quality fixed-income investments with the timing and amount 
of expected benefit payments. No material fluctuations in 
retiree benefit payments are expected in future years.

The assumed health care cost trend rate for fiscal 2008 was 
10.38% as compared to 9.64% and 9.39% assumed for fiscal 
2007 and 2006. The impact of a one-percentage-point change 
in assumed health care rates would not be significant to the 
company’s income statement and would affect the ending 
liability balance by approximately $900,000. The rate to  
which the fiscal 2008 health care cost trend rate is assumed to 
decline is 5.25%, which is the ultimate trend rate. The fiscal 
year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate is expected to 
be fiscal 2028.

Note 7. Warranties
Changes in the warranty accrual were as follows:

Dollars in thousands 
2008 
Beginning balance   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $   397 
1,390 
Accrual for warranties .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(1,103) 
Settlements made (in cash or in kind) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Ending balance  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $   684 

As of January 3
2007 
$   569 
,37 
(,489) 
$   397 

2006
$   452
958
(84)
$   569

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Note 8. Income Taxes
The reconciliation of income tax computed at the federal  
statutory rate to the company’s effective income tax rate was  
as follows:

Dollars in thousands 
2008 
Tax at U .S . federal statutory rate   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   35.0% 
State and local income taxes,  
  net of U .S . federal benefit   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Tax benefit on qualified production activities .  .  .  .  .  .  
Tax credit for research activities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Other, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

1.5 
(2.1) 
(0.7) 
0.5 
  34.2% 

For the years ended 
January 3
2007 
35 .0% 

2006
35 .0%

 . 
( .0) 
(0 .5) 
(0 .) 
34 .5% 

 .
( .0)
(0 .)
0 .3
35 .3%

Significant components of the company’s income tax  
provision were as follows:

Dollars in thousands 
Income taxes:
Currently payable  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $15,201 
(779) 
Deferred   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $14,422 

$3,687 
(293) 
$3,394 

$4,04
(809)
$3,232

For the years ended January 3
2006
2007 
2008 

Deferred Tax Assets
Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary 
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabili-
ties for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used  
for income tax purposes. Significant components of the 
company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

As of January 3
2007 

2006

2008 

Dollars in thousands 
Current deferred tax assets:
  Accounts receivable   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $   105 
215 
781 
456 
518 
2,075 

Inventories  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
  Accrued vacation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Insurance obligations  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
  Other accrued liabilities   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 

Non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
  Postretirement and other employee benefits   .  . 
  Depreciation and amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
  Net operating loss carryforward(a)  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
  Uncertain tax positions  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
  Other .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 

1,836 
(478) 
123 
741 
318 
2,540 
Net deferred tax asset .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $4,615 

$     9 
22 
7 
357 
390 
,76 

,758 
(405) 
82 
— 
72 
,607 
$3,368 

$     88
220
680
282
476
,746

598
(439)
—
—
59
38
$2,064

(a) The company’s Canadian operation incurred a $317,000 net operating loss that if 
unused will begin to expire in 2017.

Uncertain Tax Positions
Effective February 1, 2007, the company adopted the 
provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for 
Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). Upon adoption of 
FIN 48 the company recorded a net $716,000 increase in the 
liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was recorded as 
a reduction to the February 1, 2007 beginning retained earn-
ings balance. As of the adoption date, the company had gross 
unrecognized tax benefits of $1.3 million ($1.6 million includ-

40    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

ing interest and penalties). The following table summarizes the 
activity related to the gross unrecognized tax benefits (exclud-
ing interest and penalties) for the year ended January 31, 2008:
Dollars in thousands
Balance as of February , 2007   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $,328
Increases related to current year tax positions  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
465
Balance as of January 3, 2008  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $,793

During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, there were no 
increases, decreases or settlements of uncertain tax posi-
tions related to prior years. The company does not expect any 
significant change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits 
in the next fiscal year.

The total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would 
affect the company’s effective tax rate were $1.2 million and 
$0.9 million as of January 31, 2008 and February 1, 2007, 
respectively.

The company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related 
to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. At January 
31, 2008 and February 1, 2007, accrued interest and penalties 
were $439,000 and $264,000, respectively.

The company files tax returns, including returns for its 
subsidiaries, with various federal, state, and local jurisdictions. 
Uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain 
subject to examination. The company’s fiscal 2004 through 
2007 U.S. tax returns remain subject to examination by federal 
tax authorities, and the company’s fiscal 2003 through 2007 
state and local tax returns remain subject to examination by 
state and local authorities.

Note 9. Financing Arrangements
The company has an uncollateralized credit agreement provid-
ing a line of credit of $8.0 million with a maturity date of July 
1, 2008, bearing interest at 1.00% under the prime rate. Letters 
of credit totaling $1.2 million have been issued under the 
line, primarily to support self-insured workers’ compensation 
bonding requirements. No borrowings were outstanding as of 
January 31, 2008, 2007 or 2006, and $6.8 million was avail-
able at January 31, 2008. The weighted-average interest rate 
for borrowing under the short-term credit line in fiscal 2006 
was 5.63%. There were no borrowings under the credit line in 
fiscal years 2008 or 2007.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. provides the company’s line of credit 
and holds the company’s cash and cash equivalents. One 
member of the company’s board of directors is also on the 
board of directors of Wells Fargo & Co., the parent company 
of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

The company leases certain vehicles, equipment and facili-
ties under operating leases. Total rent and lease expense was 
$268,000, $351,000, and $381,000 in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 
2006, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under 
non-cancelable operating leases for fiscal periods 2009 to 2011 
are $173,000, $139,000, and $115,000, respectively, with all 
leases scheduled to expire by fiscal 2011.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 10. Share-based Compensation
At January 31, 2008, the company had two share-based 
compensation plans, which are described below. The compen-
sation cost for these plans was $904,000, $605,000, and 
$485,000 in fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. The 
related income tax benefit recorded in the income statement 
was $154,000, $110,000, and $58,000 for fiscal 2008, 2007, 
and 2006, respectively. Compensation cost capitalized as 
part of inventory at January 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, was 
$54,000, $40,000 and $63,000, respectively.

2000 Stock Option and Compensation Plan
The company’s 2000 Stock Option and Compensation 
Plan, approved by the shareholders, is administered by the 
Personnel and Compensation Committee of the Board of 
Directors and allows for either incentive or non-qualified 
options with terms not to exceed 10 years. There are 438,125 
shares of the company’s common stock reserved for future 
option grants under the plan at January 31, 2008. Options are 
granted with exercise prices not less than market value at the 
date of grant. The stock options vest over a four-year period 
and expire after five years. Options contain retirement and 
change in control provisions that may accelerate the vesting 
period. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the 
date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. 
The company uses historical data to estimate option exercise 
and employee termination within the valuation model.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of 
grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the 
following weighted average assumptions by grant year.

For the years ended January 3
2006
2007 
2008 
4 .36%
4 .45% 
3.07% 
Risk-free interest rate  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
0 .90%
 .29% 
1.28% 
Expected dividend yield  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
39 .25%
38 .97% 
40.62% 
Expected volatility factor  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
4 .25
4 .25 
Expected option term (in years)  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
4.25 
$0 .90
$  9 .5 
Weighted average grant date fair value  .  .  .  .  .   $11.45 

Information regarding option activity for the year ended 
January 31, 2008 is as follows:

Weighted  Aggregate 
intrinsic 
average 
value 
exercise 
(in 000s) 
price 

Number 
of options 

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contractual 
term 
(years)

Outstanding at  
  beginning of year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Granted .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Exercised .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Forfeited  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Outstanding at  
  end of year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Options exercisable  
  at end of year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

447,050 
75,400 
(147,769) 
(1,650) 

$18.89
34.50
8.91
26.94

373,031 

$25.96 

$,926 

182,250 

$21.16 

$,652 

2 .80

 .78

The intrinsic value of a stock award is the amount by which 
the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise 
price of the award. The total intrinsic value of options exer-
cised was $3.5 million, $3.7 million and $3.6 million during 
the years ended January 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respec-
tively. As of January 31, 2008, the total compensation cost 
for non-vested awards not yet recognized in the company’s 
statements of income was $1.4 million, net of the effect of 
estimated forfeitures. This amount is expected to be recog-
nized over a weighted average period of 2.56 years.

Deferred Stock Compensation Plan for Directors
On May 23, 2006, the company’s stockholders approved the 
Deferred Stock Compensation Plan for Directors of Raven 
Industries, Inc. Under the plan, a stock unit is the right to 
receive one share of the company’s common stock as deferred 
compensation, to be distributed from an account established in 
the name of the non-employee director by the company. Stock 
units have the same value as a share of common stock but 
cannot be sold. Stock units are a component of the company’s 
equity. The plan reserves 50,000 common shares for the 
conversion of stock units into common stock after direc-
tors retire from the Board. The plan is administered by the 
Governance Committee of the Board of Directors.

Stock units granted under this plan vest immediately and are 
expensed at the date of grant. Stock units are also accumulated 
if a director elects to defer the annual retainer paid for board 
service. When dividends are paid on the company’s common 
shares, stock units are added to the directors’ balances and a 
corresponding amount is removed from retained earnings. The 
intrinsic value of a stock unit is the fair value of the underly-
ing shares.

Information regarding outstanding stock units for the year 
ended January 31, 2008, is as follows:

Outstanding at beginning of year   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Granted  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Deferred retainers   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Dividends  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Converted into common shares  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Outstanding at end of year   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

Number 
of units 
4,828 
3,846 
,099 
05 
— 
9,878 

Weighted 
average 
price
$28 .43
36 .40
36 .40
35 .79
—
$30 .02

Note 11. Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net 
income by the weighted-average common shares and stock 
units outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed 
by dividing net income by the weighted-average common 
and common equivalent shares outstanding (which includes 
the shares issuable upon exercise of employee stock options 
net of shares assumed purchased with the option proceeds) 
and stock units outstanding. Certain outstanding options were 
excluded from the diluted net income per-share calculations 
because their effect would have been anti-dilutive, as their 

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

exercise prices were greater than the average market price of 
the company’s common stock during those periods. For  
fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006, 90,338, 96,075, and 19,125 
options, respectively, were excluded from the diluted net 
income per-share calculation. Details of the computation are 
presented below.

For the years ended January 3
2007 

2008 

2006

Numerator:
  Net income (in thousands)  .  .  .  .  .  .   $     27,802 

$     25,44 

$     24,262

Denominator:
  Weighted average common  

shares outstanding   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   18,099,600 

8,082,606 

8,055,439

  Weighted average stock  

  units outstanding  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

8,580 

3,602 

—

  Denominator for  

  basic calculation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   18,108,180 

8,086,208 

8,055,439

  Weighted average common  

shares outstanding   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   18,099,600 

8,082,606 

8,055,439

  Weighted average stock  

  units outstanding  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Dilutive impact of stock options   .  

8,580 
95,883 

3,602 
86,705 

—
259,04

  Denominator for  

  diluted calculation  .  .  .  .  .  .   18,204,063 

8,272,93 

8,34,543

  Net income per share – basic  .  .  .  .   $         1.54 
  Net income per share – diluted  .  .   $         1.53 

$          .4 
$          .39 

$          .34
$          .32

Note 12. Business Segments and  
Major Customer Information
The company’s reportable segments are defined by their 
common technologies, production processes and invento-
ries. These segments reflect the organization of the company 
into the three Raven divisions, each with a Divisional Vice 
President, and its Aerostar subsidiary.

Engineered Films produces rugged reinforced plastic sheeting 
for industrial, construction, manufactured housing and agri-
culture applications. Flow Controls, including Raven Canada 
and Raven GmbH, provides electronic and Global Positioning 
System (GPS) products for the precision agriculture, marine 
navigation and other niche markets. Electronic Systems is a 
total-solutions provider of electronics manufacturing services. 
Aerostar manufactures military parachutes, protective wear, 
custom-shaped inflatable products and high-altitude balloons 
for government and commercial research.

The company measures the performance of its segments based 
on their operating income exclusive of administrative and 
general expenses. The accounting policies of the operating 
segments are the same as those described in Note 1, Summary 
of Significant Accounting Policies. Other income, interest 
expense and income taxes are not allocated to individual 
operating segments, and assets not identifiable to an individual 
segment are included as corporate assets. Segment information 
is reported consistent with the company’s management report-
ing structure as required by SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about 
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.

42    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

Business segment information is as follows:

For the years ended January 3
2007 
2008 

2006

$  66,278 
0,850 
25,75 
,357 
,086 

$  9,082 
23,440 
4,988 
3,266 
2,887 

$  45,55 
0, 
27,629 
577 
,42 

Dollars in thousands 
ENGINEERED FILMS DIVISION
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $  84,783 
17,655 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
43,688 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
4,012 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
4,046 
FLOW CONTROLS DIVISION
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $  64,291 
19,102 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
36,922 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
1,008 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
1,125 
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS DIVISION
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $  67,609 
10,349 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
25,865 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
1,077 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
1,237 
AEROSTAR
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $  17,274 
1,506 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
9,857 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
156 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
499 
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS TOTAL
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $233,957 
48,612 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
116,332 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
6,253 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
6,907 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
CORPORATE & OTHER(a)
Operating (loss) from  
  administrative expenses   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $   (7,467)  $   (6,806) 
6,8 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
50 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
395 
TOTAL COMPANY
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $233,957 
41,145 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
147,861 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
6,635 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
7,344 
(a) Assets are principally cash, investments, deferred taxes and notes receivable.

$27,529 
38,302 
9,764 
6,522 
5,885 

$  4,654 
707 
8,6 
82 
375 

$27,529 
45,08 
02,953 
6,02 
5,490 

31,529 
382 
437 

$  82,794
9,907
33,52
7,359
2,436

$  47,506
3,586
30,047
938
,085

$  56,29
8,96
20,9
,62
87

$  8,009
2,33
6,837
79
359

$204,528
44,542
90,587
0,088
4,75

$   (7,258)
5,570
270
400

$204,528
37,284
06,57
0,358
5,5

Sales to a customer of the Electronic Systems segment 
accounted for 11% and 10% of consolidated sales in fiscal 
2008 and 2007, respectively, and 14% of the company’s 
consolidated accounts receivable at January 31, 2008 and 
January 31, 2007. No customer accounted for more than 10% 
of the company’s consolidated sales or accounts receivable in 
fiscal 2006.

Sales to countries outside the United States, primarily to 
Canada, were as follows:

Dollars in thousands 
Flow Controls  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $10,100 
1,800 
Engineered Films  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Electronic Systems  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
6,900 
1,300 
Aerostar  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Total foreign sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $20,100 

For the years ended January 3
2006
2007 
2008 
$  6,700
$  7,00 
,300
2,000 
8,000
8,700 
800
900 
$6,800
$8,700 

Note 13. Quarterly Information (Unaudited)
The company’s quarterly information is presented on page 30.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To	the	Board	of	Directors	and	Shareholders	of	Raven	Industries,	Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, 
shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of Raven Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries at January 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their 
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2008 in conformity with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, 
in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2008 based on criteria 
established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for 
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control 
over financial reporting, appearing on page 31 of the 2008 Annual Report to Shareholders in Management’s Report on 
Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and 
on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in 
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards 
require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free 
of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material 
respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts 
and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial 
reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material 
weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the 
assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. 
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 31, 2007, the Company adopted the 
provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined 
Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. As described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, 
effective February 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for 
Uncertainty in Income Taxes.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies 
and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the 
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded 
as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, 
and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management 
and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of 
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial 
statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Minneapolis, Minnesota

March 20, 2008

RAVEN INDUSTRIES    43

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Anthony W. Bour
President & Chief Executive Officer,
Showplace Wood Products, Inc., 
Sioux Falls, SD 
Director since 1995

David A. Christensen                    
Former President &  
Chief Executive Officer,
Raven Industries, Inc.,  
Sioux Falls, SD  
Director since 1971

Thomas S. Everist
President,
The Everist Company,  
Sioux Falls, SD 
Director since 1996

Mark E. Griffin
President & Chief Executive Officer,
Lewis Drugs, Inc., 
Sioux Falls, SD 
Director since 1987

Conrad J. Hoigaard
Chairman of the Board,
Raven Industries, Inc.; 
Chairman of the Board,  
Hoigaard’s Inc., 
Minneapolis, MN 
Director since 1976

Kevin T. Kirby
President,
Kirby Investment Corporation, 
Sioux Falls, SD 
Director since 2007

Cynthia H. Milligan
Dean,
College of Business Administration,  
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 
Lincoln, NE 
Director since 2001

Ronald M. Moquist
President & Chief Executive Officer,
Raven Industries, Inc., 
Sioux Falls, SD 
Director since 1999

The Raven Board held four regular meetings in fiscal year 2008. 
In April 2007, it increased the quarterly dividend for the 21st-consecutive year.

Audit Committee

Thomas S. Everist, Chair  
Anthony W. Bour 
Kevin T. Kirby 
Cynthia H. Milligan

The Audit Committee held two meetings to review the 
activities and independence of Raven’s external auditors. 
It also reviewed the auditor’s findings regarding Raven’s 
financial reporting process, related internal and disclosure  
controls and compliance with applicable standards.

Personnel and  
Compensation Committee

David A. Christensen, Chair 
Mark E. Griffin 
Conrad J. Hoigaard

The Personnel and Compensation Committee held three 
meetings to review and approve executive compensation 
plans, policies and practices, and key succession plans. 

Governance Committee

Cynthia H. Milligan, Chair 
Anthony W. Bour  
David A. Christensen 
Thomas S. Everist 
Mark E. Griffin 
Conrad J. Hoigaard 
Kevin T. Kirby

The Governance Committee held two meetings to review 
corporate bylaws, corporate governance standards, 
and assess the Board’s effectiveness. This Committee is 
responsible for the Board nomination process. 

Raven Executive Team 

David R. Bair  

Division Vice President & General Manager–Electronic Systems Division, Age: 51, Service 9 years  

James D. Groninger 

Division Vice President & General Manager–Engineered Films Division, Age: 49, Service 21 years  

Thomas Iacarella 

Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Age: 54, Service 16 years 

Ronald M. Moquist  

President & Chief Executive Officer, Age: 62, Service 32 years  

Barbara K. Ohme 

Vice President–Administration, Age: 60, Service 20 years 

Daniel A. Rykhus 

Executive Vice President, General Manager–Flow Controls Division, Age: 43, Service 18 years 

Mark L. West 

President–Aerostar International, Inc., Age: 54, Service 26 years

44    2008 ANNUAL REPORT   

INVESTOR INFORMATION

Annual Meeting 
May 21, 2008, 9:00 a.m. 
Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center 
3200 W. Maple Avenue 
Sioux Falls, SD

Dividend Reinvestment Plan 
Raven Industries, Inc. sponsors a Dividend Reinvestment Plan 
so shareholders can purchase additional Raven common stock 
without paying any brokerage commission or fees. For more 
information on how you can take advantage of this plan, contact 
your broker, our stock transfer agent or write to our Investor 
Relations Department.

Dividend Policy 
Our policy is to return about 30% of the company’s earnings 
to shareholders as a dividend.  Each year our board of directors 
reviews Raven’s dividend. Fiscal 2008 represented the  
21st-consecutive year we raised our annual dividend:  
a 22% increase to 44 cents per share.

Raven Web Site 
www.ravenind.com

Stock Quotations 
Listed on the Nasdaq NGS Stock Market—RAVN

Total Return Index
Base Year = 100

Independent Registered Public 
Accounting Firm 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Minneapolis, MN

Stock Transfer Agent & Registrar 
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. 
161 N. Concord Exchange 
P.O. Box 64854 
South St. Paul, MN 55164-0854 
Phone: 1-800-468-9716

Form 10-K 
Upon written request, Raven Industries, Inc.’s Form 10-K for the 
fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, which has been filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission, is available free of charge.

Affirmative Action Plan 
Raven Industries, Inc. and Aerostar International, Inc. are Equal 
Employment Opportunity Employers with approved affirmative 
action plans.

Direct inquires to: 
Raven Industries, Inc. 
Attention: Investor Relations 
P.O. Box 5107 
Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5107 
Phone: 605-336-2750

500

400

300

200

100

0
Jan 2003 

Jan 2004 

Jan 2005 

Jan 2006 

Jan 2007 

Jan 2008

Raven Industries Inc

SP1500 Industrial Machinery

Russell 2000 Index

Delivering Long-term 
Shareholder Value

If an investor purchased $100 of 
Raven stock on January 31, 2003, 
held it for the next five years and 
reinvested the dividends, its value 
would have increased to $419.77. 
This was a significant premium  
over the same investment in the 
S&P 1500 Industrial Index, which 
would have been worth $227.10, 
or in the Russell 2000 Index, which 
would have grown to $203.82.

L
I

,

o
g
a
c
i
h
C

,

d
r
a
o
B
n
g
i
s
e
D
e
v
i
t
a
e
r
C

:

n
g
i
s
e
D

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended, including statements regarding the expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “anticipates,” “believes,” 
“expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the 
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are based on reasonable 
assumptions, there is no assurance these assumptions are correct or that these expectations will be achieved. Assumptions involve important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect 
results in the future. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to weather conditions, which could affect some of the company’s primary markets, such  
as agriculture and construction; or changes in competition, raw material availability, technology or relationships with the company’s largest customers — any of which could adversely 
affect any of the company’s product lines, as well as other risks described in Raven’s 10-K under Item 1A. This list is not exhaustive, and the company does not have an obligation to revise any 
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date these statements are made.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RAVEN

Raven Industries 
P.O. Box 5107 
Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5107

www.ravenind.com