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Raven Industries Inc.

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FY2009 Annual Report · Raven Industries Inc.
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INVEST IN
WHAT
YOU KNOW

RAVEN

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

www.ravenind.com

RAVEN

2009 ANNUAL REPORT  for the fiscal year ended January 31

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Protect the Core

Raven’s conservative approach to its operations has generated solid 

financial results for more than 50 years. Year-over-year profitable growth 

has always been our goal. In today’s environment, that is no longer the 

imperative. We have entered the most challenging economy in the company’s 

history and are taking the right actions for long-term viability:

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We will take advantage of the opportunities presented to us and 

create growth where we can. In the past year, this enabled us to 

achieve our ninth-consecutive year of record earnings per share and our 

22nd-consecutive increase in the annual dividend—plus a special dividend.

Inside this Report
Letter to Shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Business Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Operations Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Eleven-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

Dollars in thousands, except per-share data 

OPERATIONS

For the years  
ended January 31

2009 

2008 

Change

Net sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $279,913 

$233,957 

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

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

46,394 

30,770 

41,145 

27,802 

PER SHARE

Net income—diluted   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $      1.70 

$      1 .53 

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

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

PERFORMANCE

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

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

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

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

0.52(a) 

6.30 

16.6% 

11.0% 

21.1% 

26.0% 

0 .44

6 .52 

17 .6% 

11 .9% 

20 .8% 

28 .3% 

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

18,027 

18,130 

19 .6%

12 .8%

10 .7%

11 .1%

18 .2%

–3 .4%

–5 .7%

–7 .6%

1 .4%

–8 .1%

–0 .6%

(a) Excludes a special dividend of $1.25 per share that was paid during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

NET SALES
(dollars in millions)

EARNINGS PER SHARE
(diluted, in dollars)

SALES PER EMPLOYEE
(dollars in thousands)

$279.9

$234.0

$217.5

$204.5

$1.70

$1.53

$1.39

$1.32

$262

$252

$242

$246

$201

$181

$168.1

$142.7

$0.97

$0.75

2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009

2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009

2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009

Revenues rose 20% to a new high. This reflected 
much stronger sales at Applied Technology and 
Aerostar, and a slight increase for Engineered Films.  

The 11% increase in net income lifted earnings per 
share to its ninth-consecutive record year.

Sales per employee rose nearly 4% for the latest 
period, making this its 11th-consecutive record year.

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  1

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TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS, 
EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS

Raven posted its ninth-consecutive record year—as great success 
in our agricultural markets more than offset difficult conditions  
in other key markets. It was a year with two distinct parts. In the 
first three quarters, net income was up 20% over  the previous year, 
driven primarily by the stunning growth in our Applied Technology 
Division (previously known as the Flow Controls Division). Then 
there was the fourth quarter, when net income dropped 22% (after 
31-consecutive  quarters  of  year-over-year  record  earnings)  as 
demand for engineered films was down 28%. 

Good Results—Mixed Performance
We had good results this past year, but didn’t accomplish them in 
the way we planned. The Applied Technology Division had a great 
year and Aerostar did well. But our Engineered Films Division and 
Electronic Systems Division both had major earnings shortfalls.

•  Sales increased 20% to a record $280 million.

•  Net income grew 11% to a record $30.8 million, and earnings 

per share were up from $1.53 the previous year to $1.70.

•  A  total

 of

 $37.1  million  was

 returned  to  shareholders

 through  

stock repurchases and dividends.

•  The quarterly dividend  rose  18%:  our  22nd-consecutive 

annual
increase. A special one-time dividend of  $1.25 per  share was 
paid on November 14, 2008.

•  The  year  ended  with  no  debt

 and  $16.3  million  in  cash.

Adapting to a Changing World
The worldwide economy is in the worst shape I have experienced in
my 40 years in business. Consumers and businesses are deleveraging 
after 20 years of excess spending and consumption. We over-built, 
we over-bought, and we over-borrowed. What we have done is pull
trillions of dollars of future consumption into the present. Now the 
federal government is trying to stimulate the economy by leveraging
up and putting us into even more debt.

In  this  environment,  you  cannot  rely  on  the  same  old  playbook. 
Traditional  long-range  strategic  planning  becomes  meaningless. 
Anyone doing a three- or five-year strategic plan is wasting valuable 
corporate resources.

At Raven, our plan is based on the belief that no meaningful turn-
around will take place until at least mid-2010, and that it will be a 
long and slow recovery. Corporate and consumer balance sheets 
must be repaired and excess capacity must be excised before sustain-
able growth can occur.

Not all of our businesses are positioned for growth in this difficult 
environment, but together they provide Raven with the strength to 
 us a big advan-
remain financially strong and profitable. That gives

Ronald M. Moquist
President & 
Chief Executive Officer

2  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

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tage when one of our businesses with solid fundamentals is 
going through a down-cycle in a weak market. It also gives 
us staying power against single-product competitors.

Engineered Films Continues to 
Struggle
The  Engineered  Films  Division  (EFD)  produces  high-
performance  plastic  sheeting  for  construction,  oil  field, 
industrial,  agricultural  and  geomembrane  applications. 
It  was  another  difficult  year  for  EFD,  with  sales  up  5% 
but operating income down 38%. High raw material costs 
and  competitive  pricing  again  combined  to  drive  down 
profitability.

Oil  field  applications  and  construction  projects  each 
contribute 40% of sales volume, and both of these markets 
are  in  the  tank.  Oil  drilling  in  North  America  drops 
dramatically when oil prices go below $60 a barrel. As this 
letter is being written, prices are under that level. While 
residential construction was down all of last year, commer-
cial  construction  held  up  for the  first  nine  months.  Now 
both are suffering, with no relief in sight. We don’t foresee 
a pickup in either market, so sales and income in EFD will 
drop significantly in the coming year.

Our game plan for this business is to emphasize product 
differentiation, raw material cost controls and improved 
efficiencies. We have the capability to produce high-perfor-
mance, multi-layer films using our modern, state-of-the-art 
plastic  extruders. We  will  focus  on  creating  high  qual-
ity films at prices comparable to our competitor’s lower 
performing commodity films, giving customers better value 
at the same price.

30.1%

36.7%

RETURN ON EQUITY AND 
RETURN ON ASSETS
(percent)

We are the most financially sound company in the indus-
trial films marketplace, 
which should allow us to 
negotiate  better  prices 
and terms on raw mate-
rials. These commodities 
account  for  60-70%  of 
our films’ price, so this 
is a key consideration in 
driving  profit  margins.  
Our  extrusion  equip-
m e n t   i s   n e w,   h i g h l y 
efficient and productive, 
and can hold film thick-
nesses to tight tolerances, 
which  conserves  mate-
rial and again gives us a 
competitive advantage.

20.8% 21.1%

26.0%

24.9%

23.8%

26.9%

28.3%

18.2%

21.3%

22.5%

  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009

Return on Equity

Return on Assets

We are committed to investing in the 
right assets that provide a good return 
on our shareholders’ investment.

Applied Technology Builds  
on Success
The Applied Technology Division (ATD) had an amazing 
performance last year. Sales were up 60% and operating 
income  grew  77%. ATD provides  precision  solutions  for 
agriculture—such as GPS steering devices, planting and 
spraying controls and data collection—to reduce operating 
costs and improve yields.

Agriculture  has  been  one  of  the  few  bright  spots  in  the 
economy. Farm income was at an all-time high last year 
as commodity prices peaked. Prices are down from their 
mid-year highs, and input costs such as seed, chemicals and 
fertilizer are up—putting a squeeze on net income. Farm 
income will drop in 2009, but overall, growers are in good 
shape and the debt they are carrying is manageable.

ATD will drive growth in two ways. First, we will increase 
the distribution of our products and continue to expand 
internationally. Second, we will create new products that 
make  farming  more  productive.  Our  range  of  products 
gives us advantages over competitors, since we can offer 
total  solutions  and  not  just  single-purpose  devices.  Our 
strategy is to supplement our complete offering of products 
with a suite of advisory and information services, such as 
these being launched or currently in development:

•  Collecting and distributing critical input data

•  Providing recommendations  and  prescriptions  for  field 

operations

•  Supplying advanced hardware  and software to execute 

those recommendations

•  Helping growers build a database that over time can 

take variability out of operations

Demand for grain to feed people and cattle, and to produce 
fuel, should continue at a high level. The drive to improve 
crop yields and productivity world-wide is ongoing. We just 
finished a great year. Beating that performance will be a 
challenge.

Electronic Systems Had a Tough Year
Sales in our Electronic Systems Division (ESD) were down 
9%, and operating income dropped 43%. ESD is an elec-
tronics contract manufacturer specializing in low-volume, 
high-mix production requiring a high degree of engineer-
ing support and customer service. We build printed circuit 
boards  and  assemblies  for  a  small  base  of  Fortune  500 
companies. Sales focus on three markets:

•  Electronic bed controls

•  Printed circuit boards for avionics

•  Secure communication devices for government 

agencies

Sales for bed controls were down 52% and gross profits 
dropped by almost 75%. That comes after a large drop the 

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  3

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previous year, as this product is directly linked to residen-
tial construction and home remodeling. Bed control sales
will drop even further in the coming year as the housing 
market continues to suffer. 

The other two markets are good ones: avionics and secure 
communications. Avionics is our largest business, making 
up more than 50% of sales in ESD. Sales of printed circuit 
boards for avionics were up 33% for the year. This business 
has the potential to grow, unless Boeing and Airbus aircraft 
production  schedules are pushed out or cancelled in the 
coming year.

Sales of communication devices were down 36% as we lost 
a large customer last year. That situation has now stabi-
lized. Although it is relatively small at $16 million in annual
sales, our communications business should hold up well in a 
recession because of increased government spending.

ESD is becoming more competitive when total delivered 
cost  is  considered.  Quality  and  supply  chain  disruption 
issues  associated  with Asian  competitors  are   becoming 
especially acute. Customers are looking for best price, but 
they are also aware that a break in the supply chain can 
have disastrous consequences. The financial stability and 
reliability of suppliers will become increasingly important. 
That should benefit ESD.

Aerostar Continues to Improve
Our Aerostar  subsidiary  had  a  57%  sales  increase,  and 
operating  income  more  than  doubled. Aerostar’s  results 
were  right  on  target,  and  continuing  improvements  are 
expected in the year ahead.

We  are  an  important  supplier  of  parachutes,  specialty 
protective outerwear and aerostats for military, commercial 
and scientific markets. Aerostar is in a strong position to 
weather  the  recession. 
We  have  contracts  for 
parachutes and specialty 
outerwear, and our aero-
stat  orders  are   mainly 
a  military,  scientific  or 
NASA purchase.

REGULAR DIVIDENDS 
PER SHARE
excluding special dividends
(dollars)

$0.52

$0.44

Our  growth  plan  is  to 
develop  and  promote 
tethered  aerostats,  as 
they have wide-ranging 
applications for commu-
nications,  surveillance 
and  intelligence  work. 
We  go  into  the  year  in 
good  shape,  as  most  of 
our  projected  sales  are 
already booked.

$0.36

$0.28

$0.22

$0.17

2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009

Our policy is to return earnings to 
shareholders in the form of a dividend. 
As a result, our regular dividend has seen a 
25% five-year compound annual growth rate.

4  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

Invest in What You Know
When  I  joined  Raven  in  1975,  our  board  of  directors 
was  heavily  invested  financially  and  emotionally  in  the  
company’s success. One of our founding board members
counseled  management  to  invest  in  Raven,  because  that 
was the one business we really understood—and if it were 
a good business, we should own a part of it. That was good
advice,  so  I  made  my  first  purchase  of  Raven  stock  two 
months later. 

For 53 years, Raven has been a conservatively run, profit-
able operation. That will not change. Our philosophy has 
always been to deploy capital in our core businesses where 
we can get high returns. At Raven, we invest in what we 
know: where we understand the risks and rewards.

New Priorities
Raven  has  the  resources  to  come  out  of  this  recession  a 
strong survivor, but we have to re-calibrate our thinking 
and implement a new strategy. For the near term, growing 
the  business  at  previous  target  rates  is  no  longer  the 
imperative. This is our new strategy:

•  Protect the core

•  Generate and preserve cash

•  Invest

 in  quality

Protect the Core
This is not just about survival: it’s about protecting core
assets and core values. We will outperform the competition 
during the worst of the recession and thrive when we come 
out by taking these actions:

•  Get

 rid  of

 everything  that

 is

 non-core.

 This

 includes

customers, product lines, assets and jobs.

•  Defend core assets. Protect businesses that have 

performed well in the past but will struggle in this 
recessionary environment.

•  Protect core values and beliefs.

Generate and Preserve Cash
While  the  conservative  approach  to  our  business  won’t 
change, we will use these strategies to defend the balance 
sheet, reduce our risk profile and improve working capital 
turnover:

•  Turn non-core assets to cash

•  Improve inventory and accounts receivable turns

•  Extend accounts payable terms

•  Reduce capital investments

•  Cut expenses to the bone

•  Suspend  stock  buy-backs

At  the  same  time,  we  will  continue  to  pay  the  dividend,
because  returning  cash  to  shareholders  is  one  of  our 
“core” values.

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Invest in Quality
We will emphasize quality in everything we do:

•  Customers—They must be financially sound and  

prospective long-term partners.

•  Suppliers—They  must

 A  break  in  the  
supply chain can be more devastating than losing a 
customer.

 be  reliable.

•  Products—We  must

 eliminate  waste,

 scrap  and  

re-work.

•  R&D—Not

 all

 good  product

 development  projects  will  

make the cut. They must have high projected returns 
and relatively low risk.

Meeting the Challenges Ahead
This  coming  year  will  be  the  most  challenging  in  our 
history. Under these difficult conditions, we do not expect to 
top last year’s record earnings of $1.70 per share. What we 
can do, and have always done, is to optimize performance 
regardless of how the markets play out, and be ready to take 
advantage of opportunities.

From left to right:  
Daniel Rykhus, Executive Vice 
President; Ronald Moquist,  
President & Chief Executive 
Officer; Barbara Ohme, Vice 
President–Administration; Thomas 
Iacarella, Vice President & Chief 
Financial Officer

On April 1, 2009, Conrad Hoigaard will be stepping down 
as Raven’s chairman of the board, a position he has held 
since April 1980. I am deeply grateful for his 29 years of 
leadership  and  exemplary  service  as  chairman.  He  will 
remain a director.

Finally,  my  thanks  to  all  Raven  employees. Their  talent  
and dedication once again earned us  the honor of being 
named  by  Forbes  Magazine  as  “One  of  the  Best  Small 
Companies in America.” This is our third-consecutive year 
on the list, and our highest ranking: coming in at 45, after
previous years at 85 and 68. It is a privilege to lead such a 
great company.

Ronald M. Moquist 
Ronald M. Moquist 
President & CEO 
March 24, 2009

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  5

58585_Narrative.indd   5

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Business Profile

Raven is a diversified company that strives for an intergrated approach to drive success:  

•	 Significant share in a niche market, with additional opportunities for profitable expansion

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

•	 Strong cash generation that funds reinvestment and shareholder returns

•	 A high level of customer service, including consultative sales, materials management, strong quality control
	 and after-sales support

Operating Unit 

Products or Services 

Markets/Product Uses

Applied 
Technology 
(formerly Flow
Controls)

Engineered 
Films

Electronic  
Systems

Aerostar 
International

•	

•	
•	

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

•	
•	
•	

•	

•	

•	

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

•	

•	

•	

•	

String	reinforced	plastic	(polyethylene)	sheeting:	 
DURA-SKRIM®
Extruded	polyethylene	film	that	can	be	formulated	and	
tailored	to	a	customer’s	specifications:	RUFCO®
Silage	bunker	covers	that	protect	grain	and	animal	feed:	
FeedFresh™
Vapor	&	gas	retarders/barriers	to	prevent	moisture	and	
radon	from	migrating	through	concrete	slabs	or	walls:	
VaporBlock®

•	

•	

•	
•	

•	

Energy	and	geomembrane:	oilfield	pit	liners,	floating	
covers,	remediation	liners	and	covers,	landfill	caps	and	
interim	covers,	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

•	

•	

•	

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

•	

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

•	

•	

•	
•	

•	

•	
•	

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

•	
•	
•	
•	
•	

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

6  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

Sales by Operating Unit

Income by Operating Unit

Applied Technology

Engineered Films

Electronic Systems

Aerostar

Competitive Strengths 

Milestones

•	
•	
•	
•	

•	

Market leader for agricultural sprayer controls
Large installed base of sprayer controls 
Solid	brand	recognition	and	distribution	network
Wide range of precision agricultural products that 
control input costs
Excellent	after-sale	support	through	a	strong,	
centralized	service	system

•	
•	
•	

•	

Increased revenues 60% and operating income 77%
Strong	demand	for	Cruizer,	Envizio	Pro
Continued	overseas	expansion	led	international	sales	
to 17% of total revenues
Successfully scaled manufacturing and service 
operations to handle higher sales

•	

•	

•	
•	

•	

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  .001 to  .045 inches thick 
Superior target marketing
R&D	team	develops	customized	solutions	for	
customers 
ISO 9001:2000 certification

•	

•	

•	

Introduced the industry’s first reinforced silage covers 
to	prevent	oxygen	intrusion;	radon	barrier	films;	 
house	wrap	films
Added	horizontal	cast	line	extrusion	capabilities	to	
geomembrane production
Maintained market share in difficult environment

•	
•	

•	
•	

•	

Advanced	manufacturing	technology
Full-service	provider:	from	design	through	engineering,	
manufacturing and customer service
Close	partnership	with	customers	
IPC	certification	to	produce	lead-free	electronics	
assemblies
ISO 9001:2000 certification

•	

•	

•	

•	

Consolidated	two	facilities	into	one	while	improving	
efficiencies
Kaizen	events	led	to	improvements	in	all	processes,	
from order through delivery
Replaced	most	of	sales	lost	from	slowing	markets	and	
a	customer	that	was	acquired
Continued	to	generate	solid	cash	flow

•	
•	

•	

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 fabric and films

•	
•	

•	

•	

Reported record sales and operating profits
Won	U.S.	Army	contract	to	provide	series	of	small	
tethered aerostats as decoys in Iraq
Doubled production of parachutes and protective 
wear	for	military	personnel	
Revitalized	sales	of	high-altitude	scientific	research	
balloons	to	NASA

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY SALES
(dollars in millions)

$103.1

$64.3

$40.7

$35.1

$47.5 $45.5

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009

ENGINEERED FILMS SALES
(dollars in millions)

$91.1

$89.9

$85.3

$82.8

$58.7

$42.6

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS SALES
(dollars in millions)

$66.3 $68.0

$62.0

$56.2

$44.3 $47.0

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009

AEROSTAR SALES
(dollars in millions)

$20.7 $21.7

$27.2

$18.0

$17.3

$14.7

58585_Narrative.indd  7

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2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  7

 
 
 
 
RAVEN                             

“Investing in what we know means committing resources to 

the strategy that has been in place for five years. We leveraged 

earlier investments: in Starlink, which helped us develop a 

stronger steering product; in Montgomery Industries, which 

gave  us  AutoBoom  and  a  presence  in  Canada;  and  in  new 

applications  for  field  computers.  We  invested  in  capacity 

and  efficiency  to  keep  pace  with  growing  demand.  These 

actions—and  the  new  products  that  resulted—gave  us  a 

strong,  broad  precision  ag  offering  that  saves  money  for 

growers while providing the information they need.”

Matthew T. Burkhart 
General Manager— 
Applied Technology Division

APPLIED
T ECHNOLOGY
DIVISION

8  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Narrative.indd  8

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The Envizio Pro™ offers a complete package 
(equipment guidance, chemical control, 
and implement control) that is easy to 
incorporate into the cab of a sprayer—and 
for growers to use. 

A Phenomenal Year 

Ready for the Challenge

In the summer of 2008, agricultural market conditions in 
the U.S. and other geographies we serve were particularly 
strong. High prices for corn and rising costs for fuel, fertil-
izer and seed created ideal market conditions. Growers had 
more discretionary funds, and many wanted to invest these 
in precision agriculture products to reduce their input costs 
and help them better manage farming-related information. 
This helped us grow faster than the overall industry for a 
second year—and to achieve the goals we had set.

We continued to expand internationally.  Overseas 
markets contributed 17% of revenues, up from 16% last 
year and closer to our 25% goal. We ended the year with  
19  people  in  our  international  sales  and  service  staff,  a 
significant investment for  a company our size.

Progress  was  made  in  Canada,  where  we  are   develop-
ing  relationships  with  OEMs  and  expanding  our  dealer 
network. We added a new major distributor in Australia 
to help us more effectively reach growers there. In Western 
Europe, we capitalized on opportunities in the U.K., France 
and Germany, and saw strong double-digit growth from 
our relatively small distributor base. We are proceeding 
cautiously in South America and Eastern Europe, because 
local markets are less stable.

We  refined  our  product  line.  Our  engineering  staff 
improved  the  design  of  our  products,  so  they  are  easier  
to  install,  simpler  to  operate,  and  more  reliable. This 
process  will  bring  long-term  benefits  for   existing  and  
future offerings.

We also focused on enhancing existing products. One exam-
ple was adding VRA (variable rate application) technology 
to our popular Envizio Pro™ field computer. Growers now  
can control input costs by using lower amounts of fertilizer 
and pesticides in areas where these are less desirable, while 
maintaining levels where these can maximize yields.

In  addition  to  our  strong  financial  performance,  we
accelerated  implementation  of  our  strategy  to  increase 
visibility in the global precision agricultural marketplace. 
We will not match the unsustainably high levels of growth 
seen last year, and continued increases in revenue will be 
difficult to achieve. Current indications are  that corn, wheat 
and soybean prices will remain near the levels seen at the 
end  of  2008,  and  higher  input  costs  will  constrain  farm 
income. This means the progress we make on the following 
goals will be critical to our continued success.

First,  we  plan  to  establish  a   more  comprehensive 
U.S. grower distribution channel. This will happen as we 
develop additional dealer-direct links, which would mean at 
least 70 new dealer locations offering our products.

Our second goal is to improve international operations by 
continuing to build a stronger support system at our head-
quarters. We will invest in system engineers and product 
support engineering that allows us to “localize” products 
for different markets, and accelerates our pursuit of new 
joint development projects in overseas markets.

Thirdly, we expect to develop alliances with other precision 
agricultural providers to expand our market reach. These 
relationships will take us to the next level in three areas: 
1)  creating  distribution  channel  opportunities  to  reach 
more  growers,  2)  filling  technology  gaps  in  or  giving  us 
access to emerging technologies, and 3) collaborating on 
product development.

O n  F e b r u a r y   1 ,   2 0 0 9 ,   M a t t   B u r k h a r t   b e c a m e  
general  manager  of Applied Technology.  Dan  Rykhus  
assumed  additional  corporate  responsibilities,  with  
the  general  managers  of  Applied  Technology  and  
Electronic  Systems  reporting  to  him,  along  with  the 
information  technology  function. We   also  changed  the 
division’s  name  from  “Flow  Controls”  to  “Applied 
Technology.” This  reflects  the  broader  approach  we  are
taking to our market.  n

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  9

58585_Narrative_u2.indd  9

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RAVEN                             

“Investing in what we know means focusing on innovation. 

The progression of our business frequently involves providing 

a commodity film product to a customer, establishing trust, 

and then working closely with the customer to design films 

that offer greater benefits—from weight to strength to cost 

savings.  That  final  step  is  where  we  really  add  value  and 

introduce films that can bring long-term growth.”

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

E NGINEERED
F ILMS
DIVISION

10  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Narrative.indd  10

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VaporBlock® films prevent moisture 
from seeping from the ground to damage 
expensive coatings and  floor coverings,  
or the structural integrity of buildings  
under construction.

Innovation in a Difficult Year

For the first nine months, Engineered Films sales were rela-
tively strong. This was due in part to serving diverse end 
markets, where strength in one area could offset slowness in 
another. In the final quarter, the recession hit the markets 
where we had been performing well: particularly oil and 
gas exploration. As a result, while we were unable to close 
out the year as we would have liked, Engineered Films still
had some notable accomplishments.

We used new manufacturing processes to become 
more  innovative.  This  truly  distinguishes  us  from 
our competition. We have invested in new extrusion and 
conversion  technology,  providing  us  with  the  flexibility 
to go beyond just offering commodity films to customers. 
This  includes  giving  them  the  opportunity  to  work  with 
our engineers to design products to their specifications, and 
conducting trial runs of those films on our state-of-the-art 
manufacturing lines, so customers can see the processes and 
costs involved.

We  introduced  new  products.  Notable among these 
was our VaporBlock® Plus™ multilayer barrier film. When 
placed  under  concrete  slabs  in  commercial  and  residen-
tial construction, this material restricts the migration of  
naturally occurring gasses (such as methane and radon) 
50- to 200-times more effectively than other premium poly-
ethylene films.

Another important addition was FeedFresh™ silage covers. 
Because  of  its  oxygen  barrier,  FeedFresh  reduces  the 
amount  of  spoilage  in  cattle  feed. This  saves  money  for 
farmers  while  increasing  the  amount  of  milk  that  dairy  
cows  can  produce,  or  improving  daily  weight  gains  for 
steers and heifers.

We have a number of other products in trials, and some 
are being evaluated as private label opportunities for our 
customers.  Potential  applications  for  our  higher  perfor-
mance products span a diverse set of markets, including 
environmental, agricultural and industrial.

Keeping Costs in Line  
with Opportunities

The film industry is looking for its end-use markets to find 
a floor in this soft economy. Once this happens, we believe 
there will be opportunities for growth.

In the meantime, we will build on the disciplines put in place 
during this past year. We will keep our capital expenditures 
low, fine-tuning prior investments so we can continue to 
meet  customers’  needs. We  will  expand  on  our  fourth-
quarter  workforce  reductions  by  carefully  controlling 
selling and other indirect expenses. 

We believe opportunities in the coming year will arise from 
two sources. First, customers will want to reduce their costs 
while still getting the performance they need from films. 
They will be attracted to our unique ability to formulate 
value-added products to their specifications—and within 
their budgets.

Second,  we  have  the  capacity  to  serve  new  markets.  By 
extending  the  lives  of  our  products  and  developing  new 
formulations to provide a better value to potential users of 
our films, we can reach additional customers.

While it will take some time to return to the levels of profit-
ability seen in past years, we remain committed to this goal. 
Watching our costs, working closely with customers, and 
having an innovative product line that will reach beyond 
current markets should help us achieve this.  n

58585_Narrative.indd  11

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RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  11

RAVEN                             

“During this past year, we were investing in what we know 

by  enhancing  operational  excellence.  We   completed  a 

facility  consolidation  that  improved  customer  service  and 

reduced  costs.  Kaizen  events  were  used  to  identify  ways  

to  strengthen  our  processes.  These  efforts  allowed  us  to  

continue generating cash to fuel Raven’s growth. The results 

also  put  us  in  a  good  position  to  increase  the  Electronic 

Systems  Division’s  operating  profit  in  the  coming  year—

despite an uncertain economy.”

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

E LECTRONIC
S YSTEMS     
DIVISION

12 RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

What differentiates Electronic Systems from 
its competitors is the ability to produce short 
runs of a component—maybe only a handful 
a year—with high quality and reliability.

Improved Operations 

More Progress Expected on Goals

We set three goals for the past fiscal year: 1) to improve 
inventory  turns,  2)  to  strive  for  a  higher  on-time  deliv-
ery rate, and 3) to add a new customer. The combination 
of  two  very  weak  customer  end-user  markets,  and  the 
loss of a customer through acquisition, meant we did not 
make as much progress toward these  goals as  we would  
have liked. But important advances were made.

We  focused  on  markets  with  growth  potential. 
Industrial controls—from bed controls to security monitor-
ing equipment—were hit by issues in residential housing 
and commercial real estate. That led to a significant drop 
in  sales  to  this  area.  However,  we  were  able  to  increase 
revenues from aerospace/aviation. This reflected continued 
demand for fuel efficient planes for the airlines, and having 
our  products  incorporated  into  a  number  of  different 
defense aircraft and missile programs. Products also were 
shipped to our sister division, Applied Technology, for the 
first full fiscal year.

We increased our operating efficiency. A key action 
was the September consolidation of two Sioux Falls manu-
facturing  facilities  into  one,  which  eliminated  the  issues 
and  expenses  of  moving  products  between  the  two  of 
them. In addition, on-time delivery improved slightly, and 
we  increased  our  operating  efficiency  during  the  second 
half of the year. Despite having a lower margin product  
mix this year, these actions contributed to a stronger oper-
ating  margin  in  the  second  half  compared  with  the  first  
six months.

We conducted four Kaizen (process improvement) 
events in the third and fourth quarters. The first covered 
nearly  every  aspect  of  our  processes,  from  receiving  an 
order until the product is delivered. We identified more than  
20 opportunities to cut waste and improve our approach. 
Then  we  concentrated  on  the  engineering  change  order 
process, new product introductions, and schedule changes, 
and came up with 100 more areas to strengthen. These will 
become our focus in the new fiscal year.

We do not anticipate any improvement in the industrial 
controls  market  during  the  year,  and  we  hope  it  is  near 
the bottom. Most of our growth will come from aerospace/
aviation. While these are lower margin products for us, this 
year will see us producing more existing products rather 
than new ones, which should help profitability. As we hold 
more  Kaizen  events  and  streamline  our  processes,  our 
margins should improve.

With this in mind, we are working toward four goals for 
fiscal 2010. First, we plan to increase on-time delivery to 
above 90% by focusing on what causes late releases—from 
material availability, to maintaining schedule integrity, to 
strengthening communication between our customers and 
ourselves. Second, we expect to raise our productivity by 
more than 5% through holding at least one Kaizen event 
each month.

Third, we will continue to improve our inventory turns, 
which increased slightly in fiscal 2009. Tactics for achieving 
this include more discipline regarding customer schedule 
changes and better communication with vendors. Fourth, 
we are working hard to add a major customer. The process 
of integrating a new customer can take 12 to 18 months,  
so we would expect to begin seeing the benefits of this in 
fiscal 2011.

These goals reflect how we are investing our resources in 
Electronic Systems Division’s long-term future. We plan 
to achieve them—despite poor conditions in some end-use 
markets—while  cutting  capital  spending  by  about  50% 
from  fiscal  2009  levels. This  should  help  us  continue  to  
generate good amounts of cash for the year.  n

58585_Narrative.indd  13

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RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  13

RAVEN                             

“Here’s how we invested in what we know. One, we doubled 

our  production  of  military  parachutes  and  protective  

wear—while  automated  systems  meant  we  only  increased 

related  staff  by  20%.  Two,  we  created  closer  relationships 

with customers—and other companies that serve them—to 

cultivate  long-term  growth.  Both  actions  reflected  our 

philosophy of leveraging Aerostar’s foundation business in 

aerostats and sewn products.”

Mark L. West 
President— 
Aerostar International, Inc.

AEROSTAR
  INTERNATIONAL

14  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Narrative.indd  14

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This super-pressure balloon, produced 
by Aerostar and launched by NASA from 
Antarctica in December 2008, set a new 
record for the longest balloon flight:  
more than 50 days.

Delivering on Goals for the Year

Most  of Aerostar’s  revenues  come  from  government  
contracts, which are not as directly affected by the changes 
in the economy. This helped us meet nearly every goal we 
set for the year.

We  exceeded  our  revenue  goal  in  parachutes  and 
protective  wear,  as  shipments  of  both  products  ramped  
up  throughout  the  year.  Because  these  contracts  are  in 
their  second  year—past  the  period  for  prototypes  and 
approvals—their profitability reached our targeted levels, 
too. This  reflects  our  efficient  approach  to  high-speed 
manufacturing.

We  took  a  new  approach  to  building  the  large
tethered aerostat business.  The original goal was to 
follow our successful October 2007 flight by booking orders 
for the product. This did not happen. The military appreci-
ates the role aerostats can play in solving problems—such 
as better communication with troops in the field—but it 
does not usually buy aerostats directly.

As a result, the best way to generate business is by partner-
ing  with  large  defense  electronics  contractors  that  need 
our aerostats to carry their communication payloads. We 
spent the year meeting and forming relationships with these 
firms. Interest has been good, and we are quoting programs 
that we believe will generate sales in future years.

We met our revenue goal for this business by selling small 
tethered aerostats. We began shipments under a $1.8 million 
government contract for aerostats to be used as decoys in 
Iraq. We also made our first delivery in Spain as part of 
opening the European market for this product.

The high-altitude research balloon business saw 
its highest  sales in a decade.  This interest is being 
driven  by  scientists  who  want  longer  duration  flights  
to gather more information. We have worked with NASA 
for years to develop a new type: the super-pressure balloon. 

A successful flight of this product occurred in Antarctica  
in December, and we already are building one that is twice 
as large.

More progress is needed for high-altitude airships. 
While our June 2008 flight was not the unqualified success 
we had hoped for, the U.S. military saw the potential for this 
airship and is proceeding with the program. We learned a 
number of lessons from that launch, including new tech-
niques to deal with air turbulence, and are applying them to 
our next flight scheduled for this fall.

Creating Opportunities 

While the new presidential administration will subject mili-
tary spending to greater scrutiny, the products we provide 
have two advantages. First,  they are connected with the 
safety of our troops, such as parachutes. Second, they are 
small programs so may be less likely to face cuts.

We enter the year with most of our expected revenues in 
place. Our biggest challenge will be creating opportunities 
to generate the rest.

The stage has been set for parachutes. The MC-6 program, 
which involved 20,000 parachutes, will conclude at the end 
of this year. We have qualified for the follow-on contract: 
the 52,000-parachute T-11 program. Because many of its
components are the same as the MC-6’s, we believe Aerostar
has an edge in gaining this business.

For tethered aerostats, we will continue cultivating relation-
ships with defense contractors that should lead to future 
orders. Our current-year goal for high-altitude balloons 
and  airships  is  to  ensure  their  key  flights  go  smoothly. 
Should this happen, we believe demand for these products 
could accelerate quickly over the next few years, provid-
ing a significant driver for Aerostar’s revenue and profit 
growth for years to come.  n

58585_Narrative.indd  15

3/27/09  6:16:48 PM

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  15

For the years ended January 31
2008 

2007

ELEVEN-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

2009 

Dollars in thousands except per-share data 
OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR
Net sales
  Ongoing operations   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $279,913 
  Sold businesses(a)   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
— 
279,913 
  Total  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
67,881 
Gross profit  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Operating income
46,394 
  Ongoing operations   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Sold businesses(a)   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
— 
46,394 
  Total  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Income before income taxes  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
46,901 
Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  30,770 
Net income as % of sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
11.0% 
26.0% 
Net income as % of beginning equity  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Cash dividends  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  31,884(b) 
FINANCIAL POSITION
Current assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  98,073 
23,322 
Current liabilities .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Working capital .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  74,751 
Current ratio  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
4.21 
Property, plant and equipment  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  35,880 
144,415 
Total assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Long-term debt, less current portion .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
— 
Shareholders’ equity  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $113,556 
Long-term debt / total capitalization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Inventory turnover (CGS / year-end inventory)   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
Operating activities .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  39,037 
(7,000) 
Investing activities   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(36,969) 
Financing activities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(5,005) 
COMMON STOCK DATA
Net income per share–basic  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $      1.71 
1.70 
Net income per share–diluted .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1.77(b) 
Cash dividends per share   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Book value per share   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
6.30 
Stock price range during year
  High   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $    47.82 
  Low .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
20.60 
  Close .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $    21.81 
18,027 
Shares and stock units outstanding, year-end (in thousands)  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
8,268 
Number of shareholders, year-end   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
OTHER DATA
12.83 
Price / earnings ratio  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Average number of employees  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1,070 
Sales per employee  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $       262 
Backlog  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  80,361 

0.0% 
5.9 

$233,957 
— 
233,957 
59,148 

41,145 
— 
41,145 
42,224 
$  27,802 

$217,529
—
217,529
54,882

38,302
—
38,302
38,835
$  25,441

11 .9% 
28 .3% 

11 .7%
30 .1%

$    7,966 

$    6,507

$100,869 
22,108 
$  78,761 
4 .56 
$  35,743 
147,861 
— 
$118,275 

$  73,219
16,464
$  56,755
4 .45
$  36,264
119,764
—
$  98,268

0 .0% 
4 .8 

0 .0%
5 .8

$  27,151 
(4,433) 
(8,270) 
14,489 

$      1 .54 
1 .53 
0 .44 
6 .52 

$    45 .85 
26 .20 
$    30 .02 
18,130 
8,700 

19 .6 
930 
$       252 
$  66,628 

$  26,313
(18,664)
(10,277)
(2,626)

$      1 .41
1 .39
0 .36
5 .45

$    42 .70
25 .46
$    28 .43
18,044
8,992

20 .5
884
$       246
$  44,237

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.

16  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Financials.indd   16

3/27/09   6:29:31 PM

 
 
2006 

2005 

2004 

2003 

2002 

2001 

2000 

1999

 $204,528 
— 
  204,528 
  53,231 

  37,284 
— 
  37,284 
  37,494 
 $  24,262 

11 .9% 
36 .7% 

 $    5,056 

 $  71,345 
  20,050 
 $  51,295 
3 .56 
 $  25,602 
  106,157 
9 
 $  84,389 

$168,086 
— 
168,086 
43,200 

27,862 
— 
27,862 
27,955 
$  17,891 

$142,727 
— 
142,727 
33,759 

21,981 
(355) 
21,626 
21,716 
$  13,836 

$119,589 
1,314 
120,903 
27,515 

16,861 
204 
17,065 
17,254 
$  11,185 

$112,018 
6,497 
118,515 
23,851 

13,788 
(613) 
13,175 
13,565 
$    8,847 

10 .6% 
26 .9% 
$  15,298(c) 

9 .7% 
23 .8% 

9 .3% 
21 .5% 

7 .5% 
18 .4% 

$    3,075 

$    2,563 

$    2,371 

$  61,592 
20,950 
$  40,642 
2 .94 
$  19,964 
88,509 
— 
$  66,082 

$  55,710 
11,895 
$  43,815 
4 .68 
$  15,950 
79,508 
57 
$  66,471 

$  49,351 
13,167 
$  36,184 
3 .75 
$  16,455 
72,816 
151 
$  58,236 

$  45,308 
13,810 
$  31,498 
3 .28 
$  14,059 
67,836 
280 
$  52,032 

$113,360 
19,498 
132,858 
21,123 

7,417(d) 
3,331(e) 
10,748 
10,924 
$    6,411(d)(e) 
4 .8% 
11 .8% 

$    2,399 

$  51,817 
13,935 
$  37,882 
3 .72 
$  11,647 
65,656 
2,013 
$  47,989 

$107,862 
42,523 
150,385 
24,217 

7,971 
2,606(f) 
10,577 
10,503 
$    6,762(f) 
4 .5% 
10 .9% 

$    2,895 

$  55,371 
14,702 
$  40,669 
3 .77 
$  15,068 
74,047 
3,024 
$  54,519 

$108,408
46,798
155,206
24,441

8,220
1,453
9,673
9,649
$    6,182

4 .0%
10 .0%

$    2,944

$  60,279
15,128
$  45,151
3 .98
$  19,563
83,657
4,572
$  62,293

0 .0% 
5 .4 

0 .0% 
5 .4 

0 .1% 
6 .5 

0 .3% 
4 .4 

0 .5% 
5 .0 

4 .0% 
5 .9 

5 .3% 
5 .2 

6 .8%
4 .9

 $  21,189 
   (11,435) 
 (6,946) 
2,790 

 $      1 .34 
1 .32 
0 .28 
4 .67 

 $    33 .15 
16 .54 
 $    31 .60 
  18,072 
9,263 

23 .9 
845 
 $       242 
 $  43,619 

$  18,871 
(7,631) 
(19,063) 
(7,823) 

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

$    26 .94 
13 .08 
$    18 .38 
17,999 
6,269 

18 .9 
835 
$       201 
$  43,646 

$  19,732 
(4,352) 
(6,155) 
9,225 

$  12,735 
(9,166) 
(5,830) 
(2,261) 

$  18,496 
(13,152) 
(8,539) 
(3,195) 

$    9,441 
9,752 
(14,227) 
4,966 

$  10,375 
6,323 
(16,326) 
372 

$      0 .77 
0 .75 
0 .17 
3 .68 

$    15 .23 
7 .56 
$    14 .11 
18,041 
3,560 

18 .8 
787 
$       181 
$  47,120 

$      0 .61 
0 .60 
0 .14 
3 .21 

$      9 .20 
4 .38 
$      7 .91 
18,133 
2,781 

13 .2 
784 
$       154 
$  42,826 

$      0 .48 
0 .47 
0 .13 
2 .82 

$      5 .88 
3 .02 
$      5 .64 
18,424 
2,387 

12 .1 
858 
$       138 
$  33,834 

$      0 .31 
0 .31 
0 .12 
2 .53 

$      3 .48 
1 .88 
$      3 .04 
18,956 
2,460 

9 .8 
1,082 
$       123 
$  38,239 

$      0 .26 
0 .26 
0 .11 
2 .32 

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

9 .2 
1,369 
$       110 
$  44,935 

$    8,326
(3,127)
(2,714)
2,485

$      0 .22
0 .22
0 .10
2 .21

$      3 .79
2 .54
$      2 .67
28,164
3,014

12 .4
1,507
$       103
$  47,431

(b) Includes a special dividend of $1.25 per share that was paid in fiscal 2009.

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

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

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

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

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  17

58585_Financials.indd   17

3/27/09   6:29:31 PM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS SEGMENTS

For the years ended January 31

2004

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

4,492 
17,382 
1,201 
880 

8,916 
20,191 
1,612 
871 

19,907 
33,512 
7,359 
2,436 

17,739 
43,688 
4,012 
4,046 

10,850 
25,175 
1,357 
1,086 

15,739 
25,181 
3,960 
1,403 

10,365 
25,865 
1,077 
1,237 

23,440 
41,988 
13,266 
2,887 

13,586 
30,047 
938 
1,085 

10,111 
27,629 
577 
1,142 

19,102 
36,938 
1,008 
1,125 

10,516(b)
23,701 
1,372 
876 

Dollars in thousands 
APPLIED TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $103,098  $  64,291  $  45,515  $  47,506  $  40,726  $  35,059
8,254
33,884 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
19,304
48,881 
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
341
2,674 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1,004
1,383 
ENGINEERED FILMS DIVISION
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  89,858  $  85,316  $  91,082  $  82,794  $  58,657  $  42,636
10,563
10,919 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
15,941
35,862 
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
712
3,120 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1,611
4,303 
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS DIVISION
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  61,983  $  67,987  $  66,278  $  56,219  $  47,049  $  44,307
5,797
5,926 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
14,975
26,847 
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
841
1,399 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
850
1,159 
AEROSTAR
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  27,186  $  17,290  $  14,654  $  18,009  $  21,654  $  20,725
4,219 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
8,744 
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
383 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
444 
INTERSEGMENT ELIMINATIONS
Sales
  Engineered Films Division  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $      (210)  $     (533)  $         —  $         —  $         —  $         —
—
(1,977) 
  Electronic Systems Division .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
—
(25) 
  Aerostar   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
—
(52) 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
—
(152) 
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS TOTAL
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $279,913  $233,957  $217,529  $204,528  $168,086  $142,727
54,896 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
120,182
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
7,576 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
7,289 
CORPORATE & OTHER
Operating (loss) from administrative expenses  .  .  .  .  .  .   $   (8,502)  $   (7,467)  $   (6,806)  $   (7,258)  $   (6,494)  $   (6,080)
Assets(a)  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
21,532
24,233 
306
425 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
244
469 
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
TOTAL COMPANY
Sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $279,913  $233,957  $217,529  $204,528  $168,086  $142,727
46,394 
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
144,415 
Assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
8,001 
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
7,758 
Depreciation & amortization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

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

27,862(b) 
88,509 
7,541 
3,841 

38,302 
119,764 
16,522 
5,885 

37,284 
106,157 
10,358 
5,151 

41,145 
147,861 
6,635 
7,344 

45,108 
102,953
16,012 
5,490 

48,612 
116,332
6,253 
6,907 

44,542 
90,587
10,088 
4,751 

1,506 
9,941 
156 
499 

3,609 
7,492 
542 
389 

2,133 
6,837 
179 
359 

707 
8,161 
812 
375 

(378) 
(16) 
(100) 
(100) 

14,753 
466 
293 

31,529 
382 
437 

16,811 
510 
395 

15,570 
270 
400 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

27,706(c)
57,976
3,024
3,901

21,626(c)
79,508
3,330
4,145

3,092(c)
7,756
1,130
436

(a) Assets are principally cash, investments, deferred taxes and other receivables.

(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.

18  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Financials.indd   18

3/27/09   6:29:31 PM

FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is designed to enhance overall 
financial disclosure by providing management’s analysis of the key drivers of year-over-year changes in key financial statement 
elements, business segment results, and the impact of accounting principles on the company’s financial statements.

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the company’s January 31, 2009 financial statements and the accompanying notes.

The MD&A is organized as follows:

 ●
 ●
 ●
 ●
 ●
 ●
 ●

Executive Summary
Results of Operations—Segment Analysis
Outlook
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
Critical Accounting Estimates
New Accounting Standards

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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

Management uses a number of metrics to assess the company’s performance:

 ●
 ●
 ●
 ●

Segment net sales, gross margin, and operating income
Consolidated net sales, gross margin, operating income, net income, and earnings per share
Capital expenditures
Return on sales, assets, and equity

The following discussion highlights the consolidated operating results. Segment operating results are more fully explained in the 
Results of Operations—Segment Analysis section.

2009 

% 
change 

2008 

% 
change 

2007

Financial highlights for fiscal years ended January 31,

Dollars in thousands except per-share data 
Results of Operations
Net sales  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Gross margins  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Diluted earnings per share   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  

$279,913 

24.3% 

$  46,394 
$  30,770 
$      1.70 

20% 

13% 
11% 
11% 

Free Cash Flow and Payments to Shareholders
Cash flow from operations  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Capital expenditures  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Free cash flow  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  

Cash dividends  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Common stock repurchases   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Cash returned to shareholders   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  

$  39,037 
(8,001) 
$  31,036 

$  31,884 
5,180 
$  37,064 

Performance Measures
Return on net sales (net income / net sales)  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Return on average assets (net income / average assets) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Return on beginning equity (net income / beginning equity)   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  

11.0% 
21.1% 
26.0% 

$233,957 

8% 

$217,529

25 .3% 

$  41,145 
$  27,802 
$      1 .53 

7% 
9% 
10% 

$  27,151 
(6,635) 
$  20,516 

$    7,966 
592 
$    8,558 

11 .9% 
20 .8% 
28 .3% 

25 .2%

$  38,302
$  25,441
$      1 .39

$  26,313
(16,522)
$    9,791

$    6,507
4,201
$  10,708

11 .7%
22 .5%
30 .1%

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  19

58585_Financials.indd   19

3/27/09   6:29:31 PM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS (continued)

Results of Operations

The company posted record sales, operating income, net income, diluted earnings per share, and operating cash flow for fiscal 2009. 
The results were fueled by a strong agricultural market and new product introductions in the Applied Technology segment and, to a 
lesser extent, shipments under government contracts at Aerostar. The 20% increase in net sales is the result of year-over-year sales 
growth in Applied Technology (60%), Aerostar (57%), and Engineered Films (5%). The 13% rise in operating income is primarily the 
result of sales growth and positive operating leverage generated by Applied Technology. The increase in operating income fell short of 
the growth in sales as a result of negative operating leverage at Electronic Systems as sales volume slipped in the latest year due to the 
loss of a customer and the weak economy. In addition, Engineered Films margins contracted as competitive pricing pressures created 
by the slowdown in construction activity prevented the pass-through of increased plastic resin costs.

After three very strong quarters in fiscal 2009, the fourth quarter was significantly affected by the weakening economy and related 
declines in commodity prices. Fourth quarter sales of $59.9 million were up 3%, and net income was 22% lower than the fourth 
quarter of fiscal 2008. The collapse of construction and oil and gas drilling markets at Engineered Films pushed that segment into an 
operating loss. Weaker agricultural commodity prices reduced the growth rate in Applied Technology.

Fiscal 2008 consolidated net sales increased 8% to $234.0 million from $217.5 million in fiscal 2007. The agricultural market was 
improving during the year, and the resulting 41% increase in Applied Technology sales boosted profitability. Shipments of U.S. Army 
parachutes helped Aerostar’s turnaround from a relatively weak fiscal 2007 performance. A very strong fiscal 2007 at Engineered 
Films resulted from disaster film shipments that did not repeat in fiscal 2008. The company reported year-over-year improvements in 
operating income, net income, diluted earnings per share, and operating cash flow.

Free Cash Flow and Payments to Shareholders

The company continues to generate strong free cash flow as a result of solid earnings, excellent cash flow from operations, and modest 
capital expenditures. During fiscal 2009, $37.1 million was returned to shareholders through stock repurchases, quarterly dividends 
and a special dividend of $22.5 million paid in November 2008.

Performance Measures

The company continues to generate solid returns on net sales, average assets and beginning equity, which are important gauges of 
Raven’s ability to efficiently produce profits. The return on sales dropped from 11.9% in fiscal 2008 to 11.0% in fiscal 2009, primarily 
as a result of pricing pressures at Engineered Films.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—SEGMENT ANALYSIS

Applied Technology

Applied Technology provides electronic and Global Positioning System (GPS) products designed to reduce operating costs and 
improve yields for the agriculture market.

Financial highlights for fiscal years ended January 31,

Dollars in thousands 
Applied Technology
  Net sales .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
  Gross margins .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
  Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  

2009 

$103,098 

40.2% 

$  33,884 

% 
change 

60% 

77% 

2008 

$64,291 

37 .9% 

$19,102 

% 
change 

41% 

89% 

2007

$45,515

32 .1%

$10,111

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY

  Net Sales 
  (dollars in millions) 
$103.1

Operating
Income
(dollars in millions)
$33.9

Fiscal 2009 net sales of $103.1 million increased $38.8 million (60%) and operating income of 
$33.9 million increased $14.8 million (77%) over fiscal 2008.

Fiscal 2009 fourth quarter net sales of $19.6 million increased $3.0 million (18%) and operating 
income of $5.3 million increased $752,000 (17%) over fourth quarter fiscal 2008 levels.

$64.3

$45.5

$19.1

$10.1

  2007  2008  2009 

2007  2008  2009

20  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Financials.indd  20

3/27/09  6:29:32 PM

 
 
   
Several factors contributed to the strong fourth quarter and fiscal 2009 results:

 ●

Healthy global farm fundamentals.
highs; however, agricultural market fundamentals remained strong and continued to influence growers’ capital investment 
decisions, increasing demand for Applied Technology precision agriculture equipment.

 Commodity prices were strong through the first nine months of the year but fell from their 

 ●

Investments in select global markets.
fiscal 2008—during a period of 60% overall sales growth.

 International sales increased to 17% of segment sales in fiscal 2009 compared with 16% in 

 ●

Increased acceptance of precision agriculture.
(standard, precision, steering, and Autoboom™) reflecting strong customer demand for flagship sprayer products as well 
as newer products such as the Cruizer™, a simple and affordable guidance system targeted at new entrants to the precision 
agriculture market.

 Double-digit year-over-year sales growth was achieved for all product categories 

 ●

Positive operating leverage.
 Gross margins of 40.2% in fiscal 2009 compared favorably to fiscal 2008 gross margins of 37.9%. 
Fiscal 2009 selling expense was $7.5 million, or 7.3% of net sales, compared with fiscal 2008 selling expense of $5.3 million, 
or 8.2% of net sales. These improvements reflect positive operating leverage generated through increased sales volume.

Fiscal 2008 net sales of $64.3 million increased $18.8 million (41%) and operating income of $19.1 million rose $9.0 million (89%) 
over fiscal 2007.

Fiscal 2008 results were primarily attributable to the following:

 ●

Healthy global farm fundamentals.
and other feed grains.

 Worldwide agricultural conditions were strong as a result of record prices for corn, soybeans 

 ●

Investments in select global markets.
marketing expenditures in select global markets.

 Fiscal 2008 international sales increased 43% from fiscal 2007 as a result of sales and 

 ●

Increased acceptance of precision agriculture.
by strong demand for anhydrous ammonia control systems.

 Standard sprayer control system deliveries were solid throughout the period, led 

 ●

Positive operating leverage.
Fiscal 2008 selling expenses were $5.3 million or 8.2% of net sales compared with fiscal 2007 selling expenses of $4.5 million 
or 9.9% of net sales. These improvements reflect positive operating leverage generated through increased sales volume.

 Gross margins of 37.9% in fiscal 2008 compared favorably to fiscal 2007 gross margins of 32.1%. 

Engineered Films

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

Financial highlights for fiscal years ended January 31,

Dollars in thousands 
Engineered Films

Net sales .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Gross margins .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

2009 

$89,858

16.1% 

% 
change 

2008 

% 
change 

2007

5% 

$85,316 

(6%) 

$91,082

24 .8% 

29 .4%

$10,919

(38%) 

$17,739 

(24%) 

$23,440

ENGINEERED FILMS

  Net Sales 
  (dollars in millions) 

$91.1

$89.9

$85.3

Operating
Income
(dollars in millions)
$23.4

Fiscal 2009 net sales of $89.9 million increased $4.5 million (5%) while operating income of  
$10.9 million decreased $6.8 million (38%) versus fiscal 2008.

$17.7

$10.9

2007  2008  2009 

2007  2008  2009

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  21

 
 
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS (continued)

Fiscal 2009 results were primarily due to the following:

 ●

 Sales increased as a result of higher volume coupled with a modest increase in selling prices. Strong sales of 

Sales volume.
pit and pond lining films to the oil and gas market and higher agriculture sales were partially offset by a decline in sales to the 
manufactured housing market.

 ●

 Depressed margins reflected volatile material costs, increased price competition, and poor economic 

Margin contraction.
conditions. Competitive pricing pressures, especially in the construction market, hindered the ability to pass on higher resin 
costs. This meant production costs outpaced increases in selling prices. Gross margins decreased from 24.8% in fiscal 2008 to 
16.1% in fiscal 2009.

 ●

Selling expenses.

 Fiscal 2009 selling expenses of $3.5 million were relatively flat year-over-year.

Fiscal 2009 fourth quarter net sales of $14.5 million decreased $5.7 million (28%) from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. In addition, 
the segment posted a fourth quarter fiscal 2009 operating loss of $178,000 compared with operating income of $3.4 million in the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Fiscal 2009 fourth quarter results were affected by the following;

 ●

 Dysfunctional credit markets and plunging asset values resulted in weak economic activity in the fourth 

Global recession.
quarter of fiscal 2009. As a result of the reduction in economic activity, energy prices plunged, leading to the decline in the oil 
and gas exploration market. Similarly, as the flow of credit slowed and economic uncertainty rose, the commercial construction 
markets suffered. Consequently, the two largest markets for Engineered Films were both depressed in the quarter.

 ●

Sales volume.
levels due to the factors mentioned above.

 Fourth quarter 2009 sales to the energy and construction markets fell nearly 30% below fourth quarter fiscal 2008 

 ●

Margin contraction.
materials purchased prior to the precipitous drop in commodity prices.

 Lower sales volume resulted in negative operating leverage, and margins were depressed by high-cost raw 

Fiscal 2008 net sales of $85.3 million decreased $5.8 million (6%) and operating income of $17.7 million was down $5.7 million 
(24%) from fiscal 2007.

Fiscal 2008 results were driven by the following:

 ●

 Strong sales of pit and pond lining films to the oil and gas market were led by increased drilling activity, 

Sales volume.
reflecting high oil and gas prices. Increased shipments of vapor retarders resulted from higher market share and industry growth. 
These increases were offset by a $9.9 million decrease in disaster film shipments due to a benign hurricane season. Sales 
declined to the manufactured housing market due to the economic challenges faced by that industry.

 ●

Margin contraction.
pricing pressures prevented the pass-through of increased resin costs in the form of higher selling prices.

 Selling prices decreased approximately 3% from fiscal 2007 despite higher raw material costs. Competitive 

 ●

Overhead.
and second quarters of fiscal 2008 negatively affected fiscal 2008 gross margins compared with one year earlier.

 Increased depreciation and start-up costs associated with new extruders that were placed into service during the first 

 ●

Selling expenses.
costs offset by increased product development expense.

 Fiscal 2008 selling expenses of $3.4 million were unchanged from fiscal 2007, reflecting lower personnel 

22  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Financials.indd   22

3/27/09   6:29:32 PM

Electronic Systems

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

Financial highlights for fiscal years ended January 31,

Dollars in thousands 
Electronic Systems
  Net sales .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Gross margins .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

2009 

% 
change 

2008 

% 
change 

$61,983 

(9%) 

$67,987 

3% 

11.3% 

16 .9% 

2007

$66,278

18 .0%

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

  Net Sales 
  (dollars in millions) 

$66.3 $68.0

$62.0

Operating
Income
(dollars in millions)
$10.9

$10.4

$  5,926 

(43%) 

$10,365 

(4%) 

$10,850

$5.9

Fiscal 2009 net sales of $62.0 million decreased $6.0 million (9%) and operating income of  
$5.9 million declined $4.4 million (43%) from fiscal 2008.

Fiscal 2009 fourth quarter net sales of $16.1 million were off $450,000 (3%) and operating income 
of $2.2 million increased $299,000 (15%) from fourth quarter fiscal 2008.

The fiscal 2009 fourth quarter and full-year comparative results reflected the following:

  2007  2008  2009 

2007  2008  2009

 ●

Hand-held bed control shipments have been negatively affected by lower consumer spending 
Slower consumer spending. 
on non-essential home-related products, indicating the influence of financial uncertainty on consumer sentiment and a soft 
construction market.

 ●

Loss of a customer.
non-repeat close-out order.

 Prior year results included $7 million of sales to a former customer (which was acquired) and a profitable 

 ●

Increased sales of aviation electronics.
earlier.

 Strong sales of avionics partially offset the negative impact of the factors mentioned 

 ●

Negative operating leverage.
favorable product mix. Third and fourth quarter operating expenses were reduced by consolidating manufacturing space, which 
led to improved gross margins in the second half of the year.

 Gross margins suffered as a result of negative operating leverage on lower sales and a less 

 ●

Selling expenses.

 Selling expenses of $1.1 million (1.7% of sales) were consistent with the prior year.

Fiscal 2008 net sales of $68.0 million increased $1.7 million (3%) and operating income of $10.4 million decreased $485,000 (4%) 
versus fiscal 2007.

Fiscal 2008 comparative results were primarily due to the following:

 ●

Slower consumer spending.
home-related products.

 Hand-held bed control shipments decreased as a result of lower consumer spending on non-essential 

 ●

Increased sales of aviation electronics.
spending.

 Strong sales of avionics partially offset the negative impact of slower consumer 

 ●

Product mix.

 Gross profit margins were negatively affected by a less favorable product mix.

 ●

Selling expense.

 Selling expenses of $1.2 million (1.7% of sales) were consistent with the prior year.

58585_Financials.indd  23

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RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  23

 
 
   
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS (continued)

Aerostar

Aerostar manufactures military parachutes, protective wear, custom-shaped inflatable products, and high-altitude aerostats for 
government and commercial research.

Financial highlights for fiscal years ended January 31,

Dollars in thousands  

Aerostar
  Net sales .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Gross margins .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  Operating income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

2009 

% 
change 

2008 

% 
change 

$27,186 

57% 

$17,290 

18% 

18.7% 

12 .8% 

$  4,219 

180% 

$  1,506 

113% 

2007

$14,654

10 .4%

$     707

AEROSTAR

  Net Sales 
  (dollars in millions) 
$27.2

Operating
Income
(dollars in millions)
$4.2

Fiscal 2009 net sales of $27.2 million increased $9.9 million (57%) and operating income of  
$4.2 million rose $2.7 million (180%) over fiscal 2008.

Fourth quarter fiscal 2009 net sales of $10.2 million and operating income of $1.8 million 
compared favorably with fourth quarter fiscal 2008 net sales of $5.6 million and operating income 
of $689,000.

$17.3

$14.7

$1.5

$0.7

Fiscal 2009 fourth quarter and full-year comparative results were primarily attributable to  
the following:

  2007  2008  2009 

2007  2008  2009

 ●

 Shipments of protective wear and MC-6 parachutes increased year-over-year. Deliveries under the  
Government contracts.
$20.7 million MC-6 Army parachute and $6.5 million protective wear contract began in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.  
Fourth quarter 2009 parachute sales included nearly $3 million of deliveries that were delayed from the prior quarter.

 ●

Positive operating leverage.
2008, bolstered by increased MC-6 Army parachute and protective wear shipments.

 Gross margins of 18.7% in fiscal 2009 compared favorably with gross margins of 12.8% in fiscal 

 ●

Selling expenses.
2008, reflecting the benefits of a higher sales volume.

 Fiscal 2009 selling expenses of $860,000 were 3.2% of net sales compared with 4.1% of net sales in fiscal 

Fiscal 2008 net sales of $17.3 million increased $2.6 million (18%) and fiscal 2008 operating income grew $799,000 (113%) over 
fiscal 2007.

Fiscal 2008 comparative results were primarily attributable to the following:

 ●

Government contracts.

 Regular shipments of protective wear and MC-6 parachutes began in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

 ●

Positive operating leverage.
2007. This reflected increased MC-6 Army parachute and protective wear shipments and higher research balloon profits.

 Gross margins of 12.8% in fiscal 2008 compared favorably with gross margins of 10.4% in fiscal 

 ●

Selling expenses.
of net sales in fiscal 2007, showing the benefits of increased sales volume.

 Fiscal 2008 selling expenses were 4.1% of net sales compared with 5.6% 

Corporate Expenses (administrative expenses, income taxes, and interest income and other, net)

NET OPERATING MARGIN
(percent)

18.2%

17.6%17.6%

16.6%

16.6%

Dollars in thousands 
Administrative expenses  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Administrative expenses as a % of sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Interest income and other, net   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Effective tax rate .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 

2009 

$8,502 

3.0% 

$   507 

34.4% 

2008 

$7,467 

3 .2% 

$1,079 

34 .2% 

2007

$6,806

3 .1%

$   533

34 .5%

15.2%

Administrative expenses increased 14% in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008, as a result of 
higher compensation and professional service expense. Administrative expenses rose 10% in fiscal 
2008 compared with fiscal 2007, and were primarily driven by higher compensation expense.

24  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009

58585_Financials.indd  24

3/27/09  6:29:34 PM

 
 
   
 
Fiscal 2009 “interest income and other, net” declined 53% from fiscal 2008, primarily as a result of lower interest income due to a 
decrease in interest rates. Fiscal 2008 “interest income and other, net” increased over 2007 as a result of higher average cash, cash 
equivalent, and short-term investment balances.

The effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 was 34.4%, versus 34.2% for fiscal 2008 and 34.5% for fiscal 2007. The fiscal 2009 and 2008 
tax rates were favorably affected by an increase in the U.S. federal tax deduction from income attributable to manufacturing activities, 
partially offset by higher state and local taxes.

OUTLOOK

Management anticipates a challenging and uncertain year in fiscal 2010. Sales and earnings are expected to fall short of the record 
levels achieved in fiscal 2009.

The company’s outlook includes a continued downturn for the economy in fiscal 2010, and it factors in a long and slow recovery. 
Management intends to focus on optimizing performance regardless of the economic situation, and being ready to take advantage  
of opportunities as they present themselves. For the near term, this means growing the business at previous target rates is no longer  
the imperative.

To preserve the resources that could be depleted by a recession, management plans to implement a new three-part strategy. First: 
protect the core. This means getting rid of everything that is non-core (from assets to product lines), defending core assets (such as 
businesses that have performed well in the past but will struggle in a recession), protecting core values and beliefs, and continuing to 
pay dividends to shareholders. Second: generate and preserve cash. This includes controlling the balance sheet and improving working 
capital turnover through tactics such as increasing inventory turns and cutting expenses. Third: continue to invest in quality initiatives 
when it comes to customers, suppliers, products and R&D.

Applied Technology

Applied Technology will seek to capitalize on previous investments in product development and domestic and international expansion. 
It plans to accomplish this by leveraging its position as a total precision solutions provider (GPS steering devices, planting and 
spraying controls and data collection) and by capitalizing on increased acceptance of precision agriculture as an essential means of 
softening the impact of volatile input costs.

Engineered Films

Engineered Films was severely affected by the freefall in fiscal 2009 fourth quarter business activity, reflecting the global recession, 
plunging oil prices and a drop in construction activity. This business depends on increased penetration of existing markets and 
the introduction of innovative products. The segment continues to market new products such as FeedFresh™ sileage covers and 
VaporBlock Plus™ radon barriers. Ultimately, Engineered Films is dependent on the reversal of the severe economic contraction, 
particularly in the oil and gas drilling and construction markets.

Electronic Systems

Sales of printed circuit board assemblies for the aviation industry and secure communication devices for government agencies are 
expected to be more recession-resistant than consumer bed control sales.

Aerostar

Continued shipments under the MC-6 Army parachute contract, and sales of high-altitude airships and aerostats are expected to be 
relatively secure from the current recession.

58585_Financials.indd   25

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RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  25

FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS (continued)

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Position

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $16.3 million at January 31, 2009, a $6.5 million decrease from
$22.8 million on the same date in 2008. Management expects that current cash, combined with continued positive operating cash
flows and the company’s short-term line of credit, will be sufficient to fund day-to-day operations. Raven’s uncollateralized credit
agreement provides an $8.0 million line of credit. The credit line is expected to be renewed during fiscal 2010, as the maturity date
on the current line of credit is July 1, 2009. Management anticipates that its capital spending in fiscal 2010 will not exceed $6 million.
The company’s cash needs are seasonal, with working capital demands strongest in the first quarter.

Operating Activities

Fiscal 2009 cash provided by operating activities was $39.0 million, an increase of $11.9 million from $27.2 million in fiscal 2008.
The improvement in fiscal 2009 operating cash flows versus one year earlier was due primarily to company earnings, improved
inventory levels and a higher accounts payable balance. Inventory declined to $36.0 million in fiscal 2009 from $36.5 million in
fiscal 2008. Lower Engineered Films inventories were partially offset by higher levels at Applied Technology. Accounts payable at
January 31, 2009, of $9.4 million was up 13% from one year ago, reflecting more favorable payment terms. Partially offsetting these
cash flow improvements was cash consumed to finance higher accounts receivable. Accounts receivable rose from $36.5 million in
fiscal 2008 to $40.3 million at January 31, 2009, with Applied Technology sales growth and seasonal payment terms offered to the
agricultural market accounting for the majority of the increase. Fiscal 2009 bad debt expense of $629,000 was up $538,000 from the
prior year. This reflected specific customer receivable writeoffs, as well as additional reserves for increased international exposure.

Fiscal 2008 cash provided by operating activities was $27.2 million, an $838,000 increase compared with operating cash inflows in
fiscal 2007. The fiscal 2008 improvement 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. As of January 31, 2008, accounts
receivable and inventory balances increased by $5.2 million and $8.5 million, respectively, in support of Applied Technology growth.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $7.0 million in fiscal 2009, $4.4 million in fiscal 2008, and
$18.7 million in 2007. The change between fiscal 2009 and 2008 was primarily due to higher
capital expenditures to support the increased manufacturing requirements of Applied Technology.
The change between fiscal 2008 and 2007 was mostly due to a fluctuation in capital investment.
Fiscal 2008 capital expenditures of $6.6 million decreased from the prior year’s $16.5 million,
when $13.3 million was invested in Engineered Films manufacturing capacity and facilities. As
part of the company’s strategy to preserve cash, capital expenditures are expected to be less than
$6 million in fiscal 2010, and that will be closely monitored.

CASH FLOWS FROM
OPERATIONS
(dollars in millions)

$39.0

$26.3 $27.2

$21.2

$19.7 $18.9

2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009

26  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Financials.indd  26

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Financing Activities

Cash consumed by financing activities was $37.0 million in fiscal 2009, $8.3 million in fiscal 2008, and $10.3 million in fiscal 2007. 
The change between fiscal 2009 and 2008 was the result of an increase in dividends and stock repurchases. The fiscal 2009 quarterly 
dividend of 13 cents per share increased from 11 cents per share one year earlier. In addition to the quarterly dividend, a special 
dividend of $1.25 per share was paid during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The special dividend was in response to the company’s 
strong cash position and commitment to return excess cash to shareholders. The change between fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 was due 
to a reduction in repurchases of the company’s stock, partially offset by an increase in the quarterly dividend. Repurchases of the 
company’s common stock totaled $5.2 million (161,100 shares) in fiscal 2009, $592,000 (20,150 shares) in fiscal 2008, and  
$4.2 million (146,247 shares) in fiscal 2007. The company has suspended repurchases of common stock, which, along with lower 
expected capital investments, is expected to help protect quarterly dividend payments throughout fiscal 2010. 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

As of January 31, 2009, 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 $1.3 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, 2009, and for the next five years is shown below.

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

Total 

$ 

  — 
462 
4,840 
39,034 
— 
$44,336 

Less than 
1 year 

1-3 
years 

3-5 
years 

$ 

  — 
264 
203 
39,034 
— 
$39,501 

$  — 
198 
479 
— 
— 
$677 

$  — 
— 
546 
— 
— 
$546 

More
than 
5 years

$  —
—
3,612
—
—
$3,612

RETURN ON
AVERAGE ASSETS
(percent)

24.9%

21.3%

22.5%

20.8%21.1%

18.2%

(a) $8.0 million line bears interest at 2.25% as of January 31, 2009, and expires July 2009. The line of credit is reduced by outstanding letters of 

credit totaling $1.3 million.

(b) The total liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 at January 31, 2009, was $2.9 million. The company is not able to reasonably 

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

2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009

58585_Financials.indd  27

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RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  27

 
 
 
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS (continued)

CRITICAL ACCOU TING

N

ESTIMATES

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 Raven operating unit, 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.

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.

BOOK VALUE PER SHARE
(dollars)

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.

$5.45

$4.67

$3.68 $3.67

$6.52

$6.30

Revenue Recognition

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

2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009

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.

28  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Financials.indd  28

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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.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

At the beginning of fiscal 2009, the company adopted 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 are separately disclosed by level 
within the fair value hierarchy. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on the company’s consolidated results of 
operations, financial condition or cash flows.

At the beginning of fiscal 2009, the company adopted 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. 
The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on the company’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition 
or cash flows.

At the beginning of fiscal 2009, the company adopted SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations, which changes the accounting 
for business acquisitions. 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 affect 
income tax expense. SFAS No. 141(R) had no immediate impact upon adoption by the company, but will affect business combinations 
closing after February 1, 2009.

In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments 
and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about (a) how 
and why derivative instruments are used, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and (c) how 
derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 
161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The company 
does not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will have a material effect on its consolidated results of operations, financial 
condition or cash flows.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets, which amends the list of 
factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized 
intangible assets under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The new guidance applies to (1) intangible assets 
that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets, and (2) intangible assets acquired in both business combinations and 
asset acquisitions. Under FSP No. FAS 142-3, entities estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset must consider 
their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, must consider 
assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension. FSP No. FAS 142-3 is effective as of the beginning of 
the company’s 2010 fiscal year. The company does not anticipate that the adoption of FSP No. 142-3 will have a material effect on its 
consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  29

MONTHLY CLOSING STOCK PRICE AND VOLUME

e
c
i
r
P

50

40

30

20

10

0

Feb08  Mar08  Apr08  May08  Jun08 

Jul08  Aug08  Sep08  Oct08  Nov08  Dec08 

Jan09

Shares Traded (in thousands) 

Closing Stock Price (in dollars)

QUARTERLY INFORMATION (Unaudited)

e
m
u
l
o
V

3000

1500

0

Net 
Sales 

Gross 
Profit 

Operating 
Income 

Dollars in thousands 
except per-share data 
FISCAL 2009
First Quarter  . . . . .  $  75,166  $22,015  $16,641  $16,759  $10,882  $0.60  $0.60  $32.80  $25.94  $0.13
0.13
10,488 
Second Quarter . . . 
0.13
12,548 
Third Quarter . . . . . 
1.38(b)
Fourth Quarter . . . . 
7,106 
Total Year . . . . . . . .  $279,913  $67,881  $46,394  $46,901  $30,770  $1.71  $1.70  $47.82  $20.60  $1.77

69,278 
75,538 
59,931 

10,312 
12,371 
7,070 

15,786 
18,001 
12,079 

39.50 
47.82 
33.24 

29.46 
25.79 
20.60 

6,815 
8,385 
4,688 

0.38 
0.46 
0.26 

0.38 
0.47 
0.26 

Net 
Income 

Pretax 
Income 

High 

Net Income 
Per Share(a) 
Basic  Diluted 

Common Stock 
Market Price 
Low 

Cash 
Dividends
Per Share

FISCAL 2008
First Quarter  .  .  .  .  .  . .   $  58,103 
55,653 
Second Quarter   .  .  . .  
61,842 
Third Quarter  .  .  .  .  . .  
58,359 
Fourth Quarter  .  .  .  . .  
Total Year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .   $233,957 

FISCAL 2007
First Quarter  .  .  .  .  .  . .   $  58,465 
50,381 
Second Quarter   .  .  . .  
57,435 
Third Quarter  .  .  .  .  . .  
Fourth Quarter  .  .  .  . .  
51,248 
Total Year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .   $217,529 

$17,374 
13,407 
15,299 
13,068 
$59,148 

$12,838 
8,543 
10,940 
8,824 
$41,145 

$13,025 
8,857 
11,254 
9,088 
$42,224 

$  8,540 
5,843 
7,398 
6,021 
$27,802 

$15,891 
12,183 
14,480 
12,328 
$54,882 

$11,477 
7,872 
10,540 
8,413 
$38,302 

$11,615 
7,937 
10,713 
8,570 
$38,835 

$  7,502 
5,127 
6,968 
5,844 
$25,441 

$0 .47 
0 .32 
0 .41 
0 .33 
$1 .54 

$0 .41 
0 .28 
0 .39 
0 .32 
$1 .41 

$0 .47 
0 .32 
0 .41 
0 .33 
$1 .53 

$0 .41 
0 .28 
0 .38 
0 .32 
$1 .39 

$30 .84 
39 .36 
45 .85 
42 .75 
$45 .85 

$42 .16 
42 .70 
32 .64 
35 .35 
$42 .70 

$26 .20 
28 .39 
33 .42 
27 .57 
$26 .20 

$31 .22 
25 .89 
25 .89 
25 .46 
$25 .46 

$0 .11
0 .11
0 .11
0 .11
$0 .44

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

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

(b) A special dividend of $1.25 per share was paid during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

30  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Financials.indd  30

3/27/09  6:29:36 PM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2009, 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 
Ronald M. Moquist
President & Chief Executive Officer 

Thomas Iacarella 
Thomas Iacarella
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

March 24, 2009

58585_Financials.indd   31

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RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  31

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Dollars in thousands, except per-share data
ASSETS
Current assets

2009

As of January 31
2008

2007

Cash and cash equivalents  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Short-term investments .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Accounts receivable, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Inventories, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Deferred income taxes  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Other current assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Total current assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .

Property, plant and equipment, net .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Goodwill  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Other assets, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Total assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .

$ 16,267
—
40,278
35,977
2,542
3,009
98,073

35,880
7,450
3,012
$144,415

$ 21,272
1,500
36,538
36,529
2,075
2,955
100,869

35,743
6,902
4,347
$147,861

$

6,783
4,000
31,336
28,071
1,761
1,268
73,219

36,264
6,604
3,677
$119,764

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
    Accounts payable  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .   $    9,433 
13,281 
    Accrued liabilities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
608 
    Customer advances .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
23,322 
        Total current liabilities   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  

Other liabilities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Commitments and contingencies 
Shareholders’ equity  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
    Common shares, par value $1 .00 per share
    Authorized—100,000,000
    Outstanding—2009: 18,012,251; 2008: 18,120,513
    2007: 18,039,223
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .   $144,415 

113,556 

7,537 

$    8,374 
12,804 
930 
22,108 

$    6,093
9,579
792
16,464

7,478 

5,032

118,275 

98,268

$147,861 

$119,764

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

32  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Financials.indd   32

3/27/09   6:29:37 PM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

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

For the years ended January 31
2008
$233,957

2009
$279,913

2007
$217,529

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

212,032

174,809

162,647

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

67,881

59,148

54,882

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

21,487

18,003

16,580

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

46,394

41,145

38,302

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

(507)

(1,079)

(533)

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

46,901

42,224

38,835

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

16,131

14,422

13,394

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

$ 30,770

$ 27,802

$ 25,441

Net income per common share:
    — Basic   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .   $      1.71 
    — Diluted .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .   $      1.70 

$      1 .54 
$      1 .53 

$      1 .41
$      1 .39

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

58585_Financials.indd   33

3/27/09   6:29:37 PM

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  33

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Paid-in 
Dollars in thousands, except per-share data 
capital 
Balance January 31, 2006  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  32,194  $ 1,401 

$1 Par 
common 
stock 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income
(loss) 

Retained 
earnings 

Treasury stock 

Shares 

Cost 
(14,121,186)  $  (43,389)  $   94,170  $ 

Total

  13  $    84,389

    Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Foreign currency translation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Total comprehensive income .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Adoption of SFAS No .158,  
        net of $1,015 income tax  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Dividends ($ .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 31, 2007  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

    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   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Balance January 31, 2008  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
1 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

25,441 
— 

— 
(21) 

— 
— 
(146,247) 

— 
— 
(4,201) 

— 
(6,508) 
— 

(1,885) 
— 
— 

(28) 
141 
— 

(854) 
718 
605 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

25,441
(21)
25,420

(1,885)
(6,507)
(4,201)

(882)
859
605

— 
32,307 

470 
2,341 

— 
(14,267,433) 

— 
(47,590) 

— 
113,103 

— 
(1,893) 

470
98,268

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
4 
— 

(47) 
148 
— 

(1,462) 
1,170 
904 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
(20,150) 

— 
— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
(592) 

— 
— 
— 

27,802 

— 

27,802

— 
— 

(716) 
(7,970) 
— 

— 
— 
— 

156 
131 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

156
131
28,089
(716)
(7,966)
(592)

(1,509)
1,318
904

— 
32,408 

479 
3,436 

— 
(14,287,583) 

— 
(48,182) 

— 
132,219 

— 
(1,606) 

479
118,275

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

    Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Postretirement benefits,  
        net of $375 income tax .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Foreign currency translation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Total comprehensive income .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Dividends ($ .52 per share)   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Dividends (special–$1 .25 per share)  .  
    Purchase of stock  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Stock surrendered upon exercise  
        of stock options   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Employees’ stock options exercised  .  
    Share-based compensation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
    Tax benefit from exercise  
128 
        of stock options   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Balance January 31, 2009  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $32,461  $4,531 

(34) 
83 
4 

(1,258) 
1,176 
1,024 

— 
— 
— 

7 
18 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

30,770 

— 

30,770

— 
— 

698 
(246) 

— 
— 
(161,100) 

— 
— 
(5,180) 

(9,381) 
(22,528) 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

698
(246)
31,222
(9,374)
(22,510)
(5,180)

(1,292)
1,259
1,028

128
(14,448,683)  $(53,362)  $131,080  $(1,154)  $113,556

— 

— 

— 

— 

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

34  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Financials.indd   34

3/27/09   6:29:37 PM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the years ended January 31
2007
2008
2009

$30,770

$27,802

$25,441

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Dollars in thousands
Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
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  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Other operating activities, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Net cash provided by operating activities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Purchases of short-term investments  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Sales of short-term investments  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Other investing activities, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Net cash used in investing activities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .

7,345
413
629
216
1,028
(1,346)
(18)
39,037

(8,001)
(2,100)
3,600
(499)
(7,000)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Dividends paid  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Purchases of treasury stock  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Other financing activities, net  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Net cash used in financing activities .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .

(31,884)
(5,180)
128
(33)
(36,969)

6,944
400
91
(779)
904
(8,187)
(24)
27,151

(6,635)
(3,100)
5,600
(298)
(4,433)

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

5,445
440
40
(293)
605
(5,380)
15
26,313

(16,522)
(6,000)
4,000
(142)
(18,664)

(6,507)
(4,201)
470
(39)
(10,277)

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

(73)

41

2

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .

(5,005)
21,272
$16,267

14,489
6,783
$21,272

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

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

58585_Financials.indd   35

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RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  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 subsidiar-
ies (the company or Raven). The company is an industrial 
manufacturer providing a variety of products to customers 
within the industrial, agricultural, construction and military/
aerospace markets primarily in North America. Raven oper-
ates three divisions (Applied Technology [formerly known as 
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
Preparing 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. These affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial state-
ments 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 the local currency as their 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 
foreign currency 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 or fewer months to be cash 
equivalents. Cash and cash equivalent balances are principally 
concentrated in checking, money market and sweep accounts 
with Wells Fargo Bank, Wells Fargo Brokerage Services, 
LLC., and Merrill Lynch & Co. (Bank of America).

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

36  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

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

15 - 39 years

Applied Technology  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
  Engineered Films .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .
  Electronic Systems   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
  Aerostar   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Furniture, fixtures, office equipment and other  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 

3 -   5 years
5 - 12 years
3 -   5 years
3 -   5 years
3 -   7 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
Raven recognizes goodwill as the excess cost of an acquired 
entity over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed. 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 
reporting 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. An impairment loss is recognized 
when the carrying 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.

58585_Financials.indd   36

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INSURANCE OBLIGATIONS
Raven employs insurance policies to cover workers’ compen-
sation 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 esti-
mate 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 reason-
ably estimated. While the settlement of any claims cannot be 
determined at this time, management believes that any liability 
resulting from these claims will be substantially covered by 
insurance. Accordingly, management does not believe that 
the ultimate outcome of these matters will have a significant 
impact on its results of operations, financial position or  
cash flows.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
Raven recognizes revenue when products are shipped because 
there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales  
price is determinable, collectability is reasonably 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 
on 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 expense (principally, labor and 
material costs) was $5.8 million, $4.4 million and $2.6 million 
for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The company records compensation expense related to its 
share-based compensation plans using the fair value method.

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  
periods when the temporary differences will affect taxable 
income. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allow-
ance to reflect realizable value, when necessary. Accruals are 
maintained for uncertain tax positions.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
At the beginning of fiscal 2009, the company adopted 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 are 
separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. 
The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact 
on the company’s consolidated results of operations, financial 
condition or cash flows.

At the beginning of fiscal 2009, the company adopted 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. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did 
not have a material impact on the company’s consolidated 
results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
At the beginning of fiscal 2009, the company adopted SFAS 
No. 141(R), Business Combinations, which changes the 
accounting for business acquisitions. SFAS No. 141(R) 
requires an entity to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities 
assumed, contractual contingencies, and contingent consider-
ation at their fair value on the acquisition date. It also requires 
acquisition-related costs to be expensed as incurred, restruc-
turing 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 affect income 
tax expense. SFAS No. 141(R) had no immediate impact upon 
adoption by the company, but will affect business combina-
tions closing after February 1, 2009.

In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(FASB) issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities–an amendment of FASB 
Statement No. 133. SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclo-
sures about (a) how and why derivative instruments are used, 
(b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are 
accounted for and (c) how derivative instruments and related 
hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial 
performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for 
financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods 
beginning after November 15, 2008. The company does not 
anticipate that the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will have a mate-
rial effect on its consolidated results of operations, financial 
condition or cash flows.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 142-3, 
Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets, which 
amends the list of factors an entity should consider in devel-
oping renewal or extension assumptions used in determining 
the useful life of recognized intangible assets under SFAS No. 
142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The new guidance 

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  37

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Note 3. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

For the years ended January 31
2007
2008 
2009 

Dollars in thousands 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $ (4,603)  $ (5,216)  $ (2,097)
(262)
Inventories   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(284)
Prepaid expenses and other assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(1,770)
Accounts payable  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(1,045)
Accrued and other liabilities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
78
Customer advances   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $ (1,346)  $ (8,187)  $ (5,380)

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

447 
(35) 
963 
2,194 
(312) 

Cash paid during the year for

Income taxes .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $15,072 

$14,068 

$13,759

Note 4. Goodwill and Other Intangibles

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

Applied 
Technology 
$ 5,408 

Dollars in thousands 
Balance at January 31, 2006  .  .  .  .
Acquisition earn-outs  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Balance at January 31, 2007  .  .  .  .  
Acquisition earn-outs  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Balance at January 31, 2008  .  .  .  .  
Acquisition earn-outs  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Balance at January 31, 2009 .  .   $6,457 

Engineered  Electronic 
Systems 
$ 433 
— 
433 
— 
433 
— 
$433

Films 
$ 96 
203  — 
96 
298  — 
96 
548  — 
$96 

5,611 

5,909 

Aerostar 
$ 464 
— 
464 
— 
464 
— 
$464

Total
$ 6,401
203
6,604
298
6,902
548
$7,450

Intangible Assets
Estimated future amortization expense based on the current 
carrying value of amortizable intangible assets for fiscal 
periods 2010 through 2014 is $441,000, $414,000, $383,000, 
$30,000, and $24,000, respectively.

Note 5. Employee Retirement Benefits
The company has a 401(k) plan covering substantially all 
employees and contributed 3% of qualified payroll. Raven’s 
contribution expense was $1,158,000, $1,020,000, and 
$935,000 for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, 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 operating cash and invest-
ments. Raven 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 (loss).

applies to (1) intangible assets that are acquired individually or 
with a group of other assets and (2) intangible assets acquired 
in both business combinations and asset acquisitions. Under 
FSP No. FAS 142-3, entities estimating the useful life of a 
recognized intangible asset must consider their historical expe-
rience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the 
absence of historical experience, must consider assumptions 
that market participants would use about renewal or exten-
sion. FSP No. FAS 142-3 is effective as of the beginning of the 
company’s 2010 fiscal year. The company does not anticipate 
that the adoption of FSP No. 142-3 will have a material effect 
on its consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

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

As of January 31
2008 

2007

Dollars in thousands 
Accounts receivable, net:
Trade accounts   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $40,891 
(613) 
Allowance for doubtful accounts   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $40,278 

2009 

Inventories, net:
Finished goods   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  6,062 
3,258 
In process  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
26,657 
Materials .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $35,977 

Other current assets:
Insurance policy benefit   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  2,119 
890 
Prepaid expenses and other  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $  3,009 

Property, plant and equipment, net:
Land  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  1,227 
22,593 
Buildings and improvements .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
62,504 
Machinery and equipment   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(50,444) 
Accumulated depreciation   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $35,880 

Other assets, net:
Amortizable assets:
  Purchased technology .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  2,300 
1,314 
  Other intangibles   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(2,143) 
  Accumulated amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1,471 
1,482 
59 
  $  3,012 

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

Accrued liabilities:
Salaries and benefits   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  1,891 
2,581 
Vacation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1,333 
401(k) contributions  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
3,615 
Insurance obligations  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
436 
Profit sharing   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1,004 
Warranty    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1,266 
Taxes–accrued and withheld   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
1,155 
Other   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $13,281 

Other liabilities:
Postretirement benefits   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $  4,637 
2,900 
Uncertain tax positions    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $  7,537 

38  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

$36,831 
(293) 
$36,538 

$31,594
(258)
$31,336

$  4,975 
3,631 
27,923 
$36,529 

$  3,750
2,612
21,709
$28,071

$  2,549 
406 
$  2,955 

$     651
617
$  1,268

$  1,227 
21,523 
57,563 
(44,570) 
$35,743 

$  1,227
21,494
52,552
(39,009)
$36,264

$  2,300 
1,172 
(1,740) 
1,732 
2,540 
75 
$  4,347 

$  3,380
1,305
(2,729)
1,956
1,607
114
$  3,677

$  2,109 
2,415 
1,184 
4,010 
490 
684 
1,061 
851 
$12,804 

$  1,722
2,212
1,109
1,743
553
397
1,227
616
$  9,579

$  5,246 
2,232 
$  7,478 

$  5,032
—
$  5,032

58585_Financials.indd   38

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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 . 158

Dollars in thousands 
Non-current deferred tax assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $       592 
118,749 
Total assets  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
2,132 
Other liabilities  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Accumulated other comprehensive  

Before  Adjustment 

$ 1,015 
1,015 
2,900 

After
$    1,607
119,764
5,032

Note 6. Warranties
Changes in the warranty accrual were as follows:

Dollars in thousands 
2009 
Beginning balance   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $   684 
2,760 
Accrual for warranties .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Settlements made (in cash or in kind) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
(2,440) 
Ending balance  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $1,004 

As of January 31
2008 
$   397 
1,390 
(1,103) 
$   684 

2007
$   569
1,317
(1,489)
$   397

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

(8) 
100,153 

(1,885) 
(1,885) 

(1,893)
98,268

The accumulated benefit obligation for these benefits is  
shown below:

Note 7. 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 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Service cost   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Interest cost  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Actuarial (gain) loss  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Total recognized in net and other  
  comprehensive income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Retiree benefits paid   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Benefit obligation at end of year  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 

For the years ended January 31
2008 
$5,213 
90 
307 
(2) 

2009 
$5,447 
67 
361 
(847) 

2007
$4,928
84
278
89

(419) 
(188) 
$4,840 

395
(161) 
$5,447 

(166)
$5,213

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

For the years ended 
January 31
2008 
35 .0% 

2009 
35.0% 

2007
35 .0%

1.5 
(2.0) 
(0.7) 
0.7 
  34.4% 

1 .5 
(2 .1) 
(0 .7) 
0 .5 
34 .2% 

1 .1
(1 .0)
(0 .5)
(0 .1)
34 .5%

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

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

Dollars in thousands 
Beginning liability balance  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Employer expense   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Other comprehensive income  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Total recognized in net and other  
  comprehensive income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Initial effect of adopting SFAS No . 158  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Retiree benefits paid   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Ending liability balance  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Current portion   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Long-term portion  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  

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

For the years ended January 31
2008 
$5,213 
635 
(240) 

2009 
$5,447 
654 
(1,073) 

2007
$1,883
596
—

(419) 
— 
(188) 
4,840 
(203) 
$4,637 

395
— 
(161) 
5,447 
(201) 
$5,246 

2,900
(166)
5,213
(181)
$5,032

7.00% 
3.00% 

6 .75% 
4 .00% 

6 .00%
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 2009 was 
8.97% compared with 10.38% and 9.64% for fiscal 2008 
and 2007. 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 $700,000. The rate to  
which the fiscal 2009 health care cost trend rate is assumed to 
decline is 5.50%, which is the ultimate trend rate. The fiscal 
year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate is expected to 
be fiscal 2029.

Dollars in thousands 
Income taxes:
Currently payable  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $15,915 
216 
Deferred   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
  $16,131 

$15,201 
(779) 
$14,422 

$13,687
(293)
$13,394

For the years ended January 31
2007
2008 
2009 

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:

Dollars in thousands 
Current deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Inventories   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Accrued vacation   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Insurance obligations  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Warranty obligations .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Other accrued liabilities   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 

Non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Postretirement benefits .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Depreciation and amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Uncertain tax positions  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Other .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 

Net deferred tax asset .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 

As of January 31
2008 

2009 

2007

$   211 
408 
840 
489 
352 
242 
2,542 

$   105 
271 
781 
456 
225 
237 
2,075 

1,623 
(1,556) 
969 
446 
1,482 
$4,024 

1,836 
(478) 
741 
441 
2,540 
$4,615 

$     91
240
711
357
139
223
1,761

1,758
(405)
—
254
1,607
$3,368

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  39

58585_Financials.indd   39

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Uncertain Tax Positions
Effective February 1, 2007, Raven adopted the provisions 
of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty 
in Income Taxes (FIN 48). Upon its adoption, the company 
reported a net $716,000 increase in the liability for unrecog-
nized tax benefits, which was recorded as a reduction to  
the February 1, 2007 beginning retained earnings balance.  
At the adoption date, the company had gross unrecognized  
tax benefits of $1.3 million ($1.6 million including interest  
and penalties). The following table summarizes the activity 
related to the gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding  
interest and penalties):

Dollars in thousands 

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year   .  .  .  .  
Increases in tax positions related to the current year  .  .  .  .  .  
Decreases as a result of a lapse in applicable  

For the years  
ended January 31
2008
2009 

$1,793 
539 

$1,328
465

statute of limitations .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

(63) 
$2,269 

—
$1,793

During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, the only change 
to uncertain tax positions related to prior years resulted from 
the lapse of a statute of limitations. 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 $1.5 million and 
$1.2 million as of January 31, 2009 and January 31, 2008, 
respectively.

Raven recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to 
unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. At January 
31, 2009 and January 31, 2008, accrued interest and penalties 
were $631,000 and $439,000, respectively.

The company files tax returns, including returns for its 
subsidiaries, with various federal, state, and local jurisdic-
tions. Uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that 
remain subject to examination. As of January 31, 2009, 
federal tax returns filed in the U.S., Canada and Switzerland 
for fiscal years ended January 31, 2006 - 2008 remain subject 
to examination by federal tax authorities. In state and local 
jurisdictions, tax returns for fiscal years ended January 31, 
2003 - 2008 remain subject to examination by state and local 
tax authorities.

Note 8. Financing Arrangements
Raven has an uncollateralized credit agreement providing a 
line of credit of $8.0 million with a maturity date of July 1, 
2009, bearing interest at 1.00% under the prime rate. Letters 
of credit totaling $1.3 million have been issued under the 
line, primarily to support self-insured workers’ compensa-
tion bonding requirements. No borrowings were outstanding 
as of January 31, 2009, 2008 or 2007, and $6.7 million was 
available at January 31, 2009. There have been no borrowings 
under the credit line in the last three fiscal years.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. provides Raven’s line of credit and 
holds the majority of its 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 
$353,000, $268,000, and $351,000 in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 
2007, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under 
non-cancelable operating leases for fiscal periods 2010 to 2012 
are $264,000, $176,000, and $22,000, respectively, with all 
leases scheduled to expire during fiscal 2012.

Note 9. Share-based Compensation
At January 31, 2009, Raven had two share-based compensa-
tion plans, which are described below. The compensation 
cost for these plans was $1,028,000, $904,000, and $605,000 
in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. The related 
income tax benefit recorded in the income statement was 
$153,000, $154,000, and $110,000 for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 
2007, respectively. Compensation cost capitalized as part of 
inventory at January 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $60,000, 
$54,000 and $40,000, respectively.

2000 Stock Option and Compensation Plan
The 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 stock awards and incentive or non-qualified options with 
terms not to exceed 10 years. Included in the fiscal 2009 
compensation cost was $135,000 of expense recognized as 
a result of a stock award of 5,500 shares. There are 339,225 
shares of the company’s common stock reserved for future 
stock awards and stock option grants under the plan at January 
31, 2009. 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.

40  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

58585_Financials.indd   40

3/27/09   6:29:38 PM

 
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:

Risk-free interest rate  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Expected dividend yield  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Expected volatility factor  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Expected option term (in years)  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  

For the years ended January 31
2007
2008 
2009 
4 .45%
3 .07% 
1.64% 
1 .29%
2.12% 
1 .28% 
38 .97%
40 .62% 
46.32% 
4 .25
4 .25 
4.25 

Weighted average grant date fair value  .  .  .  .  .   $  8.08 

$11 .45 

$  9 .51

Option activity for the year ended January 31, 2009, was  
as follows:

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.

Outstanding stock units for the year ended January 31, 2009, 
were 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  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Deferred retainers   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Dividends  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Converted into common shares  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  
Outstanding at end of year   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  

Number 
of units 
9,878 
3,820 
546 
864 
— 
15,107 

Weighted 
average 
price
$30 .02
36 .65
36 .65
28 .92
—
$21 .81

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

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

373,031 
95,800 
(83,456) 
(2,400) 

$25.96
24.51
15.09
31.26

382,975  

$27.93 

$      — 

174,388 

$27.39 

$      — 

2 .93

1 .82

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  
exercised was $1.9 million, $3.5 million and $3.7 million 
during the years ended January 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, 
respectively. As of January 31, 2009, the total compensa-
tion 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 
recognized over a weighted average period of 2.57 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 
by the company in the name of the non-employee director.  
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 
directors retire from the board. The plan is administered by the 
Governance Committee of the board of directors.

Note 10. 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 
exercise prices were greater than the average market price  
of the company’s common stock during those periods. For 
fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, 167,942, 90,338, and 96,075 
options, respectively, were excluded from the diluted net 
income per-share calculation. Details of the computation are 
presented below:

For the years ended January 31
2008 

2009 

2007

Numerator:
Net income (in thousands)  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $     30,770 
Denominator:
Weighted average common  

$     27,802 

$     25,441

shares outstanding   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   18,031,020 

18,099,600 

18,082,606

Weighted average stock  
  units outstanding  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Denominator for  
  basic calculation   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   18,044,471 

13,451 

8,580 

3,602

18,108,180 

18,086,208

Weighted average common  

shares outstanding   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   18,031,020 

18,099,600 

18,082,606

Weighted average stock  
  units outstanding  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Dilutive impact of stock options  .  .  .  .  
Denominator for  
  diluted calculation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   18,080,242 

13,451 
35,771 

8,580 
95,883 

3,602
186,705

18,204,063 

18,272,913

Net income per share–basic  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $         1.71 
Net income per share–diluted  .  .  .  .  .   $         1.70 

$         1 .54 
$         1 .53 

$         1 .41
$         1 .39

RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  41

58585_Financials.indd   41

3/27/09   6:29:38 PM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Note 11. Business Segments and  
Major Customer Information
The company’s reportable segments are defined by their 
common technologies, production processes and inven- 
tories. These segments reflect Raven’s organization into  
three Raven divisions and the Aerostar subsidiary.  
Raven Canada and Raven GmbH are included in the  
Applied Technology Division.

Applied Technology provides electronic and Global 
Positioning System (GPS) products designed to reduce 
operating costs and improve yields for the agriculture market. 
Engineered Films produces rugged reinforced plastic sheet-
ing for industrial, construction, geomembrane and agriculture 
applications. Electronic Systems provides electronics manu-
facturing services to avionics, secure communication and other 
markets. Aerostar manufactures military parachutes, protective 
wear, custom-shaped inflatable products and high-altitude 
aerostats for government and commercial research.

The company measures the performance of its segments 
based on their operating income excluding 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.
At the beginning of fiscal 2009, Raven revised the disclo-
sure of each segments’ sales and operating income to reflect 
increased intersegment activity. Transactions between operat-
ing segments are now eliminated in a separate caption entitled 
“intersegment eliminations” to arrive at consolidated sales, 
operating income, and assets.

Business segment information is as follows:

For the years ended January 31
2008
2009

2007

Dollars in thousands
APPLIED TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $103,098 
33,884 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
48,881 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
2,674 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
1,383 
ENGINEERED FILMS DIVISION
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $  89,858 
10,919 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
35,862 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
3,120 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
4,303 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 

$  64,291 
19,102 
36,938 
1,008 
1,125 

$  85,316 
17,739 
43,688 
4,012 
4,046 

$  45,515
10,111
27,629
577
1,142

$  91,082
23,440
41,988
13,266
2,887

$  61,983 
5,926 
26,847 
1,399 
1,159 

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS DIVISION
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
AEROSTAR
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $  27,186 
4,219 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
8,744 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
383 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
444 
INTERSEGMENT ELIMINATIONS
Sales
  Engineered Films Division   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
  Electronic Systems Division  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
  Aerostar  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS TOTAL
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $279,913 
54,896 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
120,182 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
7,576 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
7,289 
CORPORATE & OTHER(a)
Operating (loss) from  

administrative expenses   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
TOTAL COMPANY
Sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $279,913 
46,394 
Operating income   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
144,415 
Assets   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 
8,001 
Capital expenditures   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 
7,758 
Depreciation & amortization  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . . 

24,233 
425 
469 

$  67,987 
10,365 
25,865 
1,077 
1,237 

$  17,290 
1,506 
9,941 
156 
499 

$233,957 
48,612 
116,332 
6,253 
6,907 

$233,957 
41,145 
147,861 
6,635 
7,344 

$  66,278
10,850
25,175
1,357
1,086

$  14,654
707
8,161
812
375

$         —
—
—
—
—

$217,529
45,108
102,953
16,012
5,490

$   (6,806)
16,811
510
395

$217,529
38,302
119,764
16,522
5,885

$       (210)  $      (533) 
(378) 
(16) 
(100) 
(100) 

(1,977) 
(25) 
(52) 
(152) 

$   (8,502)  $   (7,467) 
31,529 
382 
437 

(a) Assets are principally cash, investments, deferred taxes and other receivables.

Sales to a customer of the Electronic Systems segment 
accounted for 13%, 11%, and 10% of consolidated sales in 
fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively, and 18%, 14% and 
14%, of consolidated accounts receivable at the end of fiscal 
2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

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

Dollars in thousands 
Applied Technology   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $17,705 
1,949 
Engineered Films  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
557 
Electronic Systems  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
Aerostar  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  
966 
  Total foreign sales   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   $21,177 

For the years ended January 31
2007
2008 
2009 
$7,081
$10,104 
2,060
1,803 
8,718
6,852 
868
1,310 
$18,727
$20,069 

Note 12.  Quarterly Information (Unaudited)
The company’s quarterly information is presented on page 30.

42  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

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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, 2009, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their 
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2009 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, 2009 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 2009 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 5 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 7 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 24, 2009

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RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT  43

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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
Chair-elect
Raven Industries, Inc. 
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

Daniel A. Rykhus
Executive Vice President
Raven Industries, Inc. 
Sioux Falls, SD 
Director since 2008

The Raven Board held four regular meetings in fiscal year 2009. 
In March 2008, it increased the quarterly dividend for the 22nd-consecutive year  
and approved a special dividend in August.

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 two 
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: 52, Service 10 years 

Matthew T. Burkhart

General Manager–Applied Technology Division, Age: 33, Service 1 year

James D. Groninger

Thomas Iacarella

Division Vice President & General Manager–Engineered Films Division, Age: 50, Service 22 years

Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Age: 55, Service 17 years

Ronald M. Moquist 

President & Chief Executive Officer, Age: 63, Service 33 years

Barbara K. Ohme

Daniel A. Rykhus

Mark L. West

Vice President–Administration, Age: 61, Service 21 years

Executive Vice President, Age: 44, Service 19 years

President–Aerostar International, Inc., Age: 55, Service 27 years

44  RAVEN 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

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INVESTOR INFORMATION

Annual Meeting
May 21, 2009, 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 a substantial portion of earnings to 
shareholders through regular dividends. Each year our board of 
directors reviews Raven’s dividend and will increase it when 
the new level is sustainable. Fiscal 2009 represented the 22nd-
consecutive year we raised our annual dividend.

Raven Web Site
www.ravenind.com

Stock Quotations
Listed on the Nasdaq NGS Stock Market—RAVN

Total Return Index
Base Year = 100

250

200

150

100

50

0
Jan 2004 

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, 2009, 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.

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

Providing a Positive Return

If an investor purchased $100 of 
Raven stock on January 31, 2004, 
held it for the next five years and 
reinvested the dividends, its value 
would have increased to $178.47. 
This 12% cumulative growth rate 
represents a gain compared with 
the S&P 1500 Industrial Index’s 
$96.77 and the Russell 2000’s 
$81.48.

Jan 2005 

Jan 2006 

Jan 2007 

Jan 2008

Jan 2009

Raven Industries Inc

SP1500 Industrial Machinery

Russell 2000 Index

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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 and commodity prices, which could affect sales and profitability in some 
of the company’s primary markets, such as agriculture, construction, and oil and gas well drilling; 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

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