UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-Q
               Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
                    of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For Quarter Ended    June 30, 1996

Commission File Number    0-10436


                           L. B. Foster Company
          (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         Delaware                        25-1324733        
   (State of Incorporation)         (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

     415 Holiday Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania          15220 
      (Address of principal executive offices)          (Zip Code)

                               (412) 928-3417                   
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


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

                       Yes    X                   No         

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the
registrant's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

        Class				                          Outstanding at July 24, 1996

Class A Common Stock, Par Value $.01             9,952,738 Shares   

                      L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                      INDEX

PART I. Financial Information					                                  	Page

	Item 1.	 Financial Statements:

       			Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	  	                    	2

        		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income                 		3

        		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows              	4							

         	Notes to Condensed Consolidated	Financial Statements 					   	5

	Item 2. 	Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         	Financial Condition and Results of Operations                	8


PART II. Other Information

	Item 4.	 Results of Votes of Security Holders		                      	12

	Item 6. 	Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K		 	                        	12


Signature										                                                   	14

                         PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                      L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES  
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
                                 (In Thousands)

June 30, December 31, 1996 1995 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $1,537 $1,325 Accounts and notes receivable (Note 3): Trade 49,642 48,166 Other 249 111 49,891 48,277 Inventories (Note 4) 43,577 40,304 Current deferred tax assets 1,005 1,005 Other current assets 598 831 Property held for resale 2,961 985 Total current assets 99,569 92,727 Property, Plant & Equipment-At Cost 41,855 43,561 Less Accumulated Depreciation (20,677) (20,956) 21,178 22,605 Property Held for Resale 1,227 4,545 Deferred Tax Assets 952 2,018 Other Assets 3,024 2,528 TOTAL ASSETS $125,950 $124,423 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $1,287 1,266 Short-term borrowings (Note 5) 12,235 9,750 Accounts payable 17,633 18,065 Accrued payroll and employee benefits payable 2,606 2,682 Other current liabilities 1,523 3,105 Total current liabilities 35,284 34,868 Long-Term Debt 24,505 25,034 Other Long-Term Liabilities 1,453 1,348 Stockholders' Equity: Class A Common stock 102 102 Paid-in capital 35,208 35,148 Retained earnings 29,955 28,480 Treasury stock (577) (577) Total stockholders' equity 64,708 63,173 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $125,950 $124,423
See notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Three Months Six Months Ended Ended June 30, June 30, 1996 1995 1996 1995 Net Sales $64,758 $72,564 $113,061 $128,020 Costs and Expenses: Cost of Goods Sold 56,565 64,816 98,668 113,848 Selling and Administrative Expenses 5,610 5,741 11,013 10,962 Interest Expense 611 756 1,175 1,336 Other (Income) Expense (209) (256) (336) (252) 62,577 71,048 110,520 125,894 Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Method 2,181 1,516 2,541 2,126 Income Taxes 926 (208) 1,066 Income Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Method 1,255 1,724 1,475 2,126 Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Method (Note 2) (219) Net Income $1,255 $1,724 $1,475 $1,907 Earnings Per Common Share Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Method $0.13 $0.17 $0.15 $0.21 Earnings Per Common Share From Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Method (0.02) Earnings Per Common Share (Note 6) $0.13 $0.17 $0.15 $0.19 Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding 9,944 9,923 9,939 9,923 Cash Dividend per Common Share $ $ $ $
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 1995 Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Income $1,475 $1,907 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities: Deferred income taxes 1,066 Depreciation and amortization 1,608 1,578 Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment (413) (164) Cumulative effect of change in accounting method 219 Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities: Accounts receivable (1,614) (10,751) Inventories (3,273) (5,338) Property held for resale 1,342 Other current asset 233 (49) Other non-current assets (578) (128) Accounts payable-trade (432) 5,240 Accrued payroll and employee benefits (76) (503) Other current liabilities (1,582) (524) Other liabilities 105 91 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities (2,139) (8,422) Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 1,580 2,351 Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment (1,129) (2,724) Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities 451 (373) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Proceeds from issuance of revolving credit agreement borrowings 2,485 9,240 Exercise of stock options 60 Repayments of long-term debt (645) (366) Net Cash Used by Financing Activities 1,900 8,874 Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents 212 79 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 1,325 1,180 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $1,537 $1,259 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: Interest Paid $1,201 $1,444 Income Taxes Paid $241 $132
During 1996 and 1995, the Company financed the purchase of certain capital expenditures totaling $137,000 and $2,371,000, respectively, through the issuance of capital leases. See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. L. B. FOSTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all estimates and adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included, however, actual results could differ from those estimates. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 1996. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. 2. ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES The Company adopted the provisions of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1995. The cumulative effect as of January 1, 1995, of adopting Statement 121 decreased net income by $219,000, or $0.02 per share. In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. The Company will continue to record stock-based compensation under the provisions of APB 25, and will provide the disclosures and pro forma results mandated by SFAS 123, for year end reporting. 3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Credit is extended on an evaluation of the customer's financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Credit terms are consistent with industry standards and practices. Trade accounts receivable at June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 have been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,770,000 and $1,800,000, respectively. Bad debt expense was ($30,000) and $71,000 for the six month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. 4. INVENTORIES Inventories of the Company at June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
June 30, December 31, 1996 1995 Finished goods $ 31,658 $33,570 Work-in-process 12,116 6,687 Raw materials 2,864 2,659 Total inventories at current costs: 46,638 42,916 (Less): Current costs over LIFO stated values (2,461) (2,012) Reserve for decline in market value of inventories (600) (600) $43,577 $40,304
Inventories of the Company are generally valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market. Other inventories of the Company are valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must necessarily be based on management's estimates of expected year-end levels and costs. 5. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS During 1995, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan Agreement with its banks. The agreement increased the borrowing commitment to $45 million from $40 million, slightly reduced interest rates and extended the term of the agreement to July 1, 1999. Borrowings under the agreement are secured by accounts receivable and inventory. The agreement includes financial covenants requiring a minimum net worth, and minimum levels for the fixed charge coverage ratio, the leverage ratio and the current ratio. The agreement also restricts dividends, investments, capital expenditures, indebtedness and sales of certain assets. 6. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the average number of Class A common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during the quarterly periods ending June 30, 1996 and 1995 of approximately 9,944,000 and 9,923,000, respectively. Common stock equivalents are the net additional number of shares which would be issuable upon the exercise of the outstanding common stock warrants and common stock options, assuming that the Company used the proceeds to purchase additional shares at market value. Common stock equivalents had no material effect on the computation of earnings per share for the periods ending June 30, 1996 and 1995. 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and the Company's efforts to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on the Company's future earnings. While it is not possible to quantify with certainty the potential impact of actions regarding environmental matters, particularly any future remediation and other compliance efforts, in the opinion of management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, competitive position, or capital expenditures of the Company. The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position of the Company. At June 30, 1996, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $856,000. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 1996 1995 1996 1995 (Dollars in thousands) Net Sales: Rail Products $25,109 $30,263 $48,628 $51,393 Construction Products 23,663 25,482 39,681 44,697 Tubular Products 15,986 16,819 24,752 31,930 Total Net Sales 64,758 72,564 113,061 128,020 Gross Profit: Rail Products 3,549 3,623 7,063 6,373 Construction Products 3,294 2,713 5,371 4,839 Tubular Products 1,350 1,412 1,959 2,960 Total Gross Profit 8,193 7,748 14,393 14,172 Expenses: Selling and adminisitrative expenses 5,610 5,741 11,013 10,962 Interest expense 611 756 1,175 1,336 Other (income) expense (209) (265) (336) (252) Total Expenses 6,012 6,232 11,852 12,046 Income Before Income Taxes 2,181 1,516 2,541 2,126 Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 926 (208) 1,066 Income Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Method 1,255 1,724 1,475 2,126 Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Method (219) Net Income $1,255 $1,724 $1,475 $1,907
Second Quarter 1996 Results of Operations The net income for the 1996 second quarter was $1.3 million or $0.13 per share on net sales of $65 million. This compares to a 1995 second quarter net income of $1.7 million or $0.17 per share on net sales of $73 million. Rail products' net sales in the 1996 second quarter of $25.1 million decreased 17% from the comparable period last year due to unanticipated delays in the shipments of certain rail products. Despite a substantial increase in fabricated products' sales, construction products' second quarter net sales decreased 7%. The decline was primarily attributable to the continued reduced availability of piling products. Tubular products' net sales in the quarter were $16.0 million or a decrease of 5%. Increases in coated pipe activity and fosterweld sales were offset by the Company's withdrawal from the warehouse pipe market. Changes in net sales are primarily the result of changes in volume rather than changes in prices. The gross margin percentage for the total company in the 1996 second quarter increased to 13% from 11% in the 1995 second quarter. Rail products' gross margin percentage increased to 14% due to higher margins in all major product areas. Construction products' gross margin percentage increased to 14% due to higher margins on fabricated products and a reduction in the sale of lower margin piling products. The gross margin percentage for tubular products did not change from the prior year second quarter. Selling and administrative expenses decreased 2% in the 1996 second quarter from the same period last year. Operating income before taxes increased 44% to $2.2 million from $1.5 million. First Six Months of 1996 Results of Operations Net income for the first six months of 1996 was $1.5 million or $0.15 per share. This compares to a 1995 first six months net income of $1.9 million or $0.19 per share. The restated 1995 results included a charge of $0.2 million relating to the adoption of SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of". Rail products' net sales in the first half of 1996 declined 5% from the first half of 1995 due to decreased billings in all but new rail products. Construction products' net sales decreased 11% primarily due to the lack of availability of piling products. Tubular products' net sales decreased 23% which reflects the Company's withdrawal from the warehouse pipe market. Changes in net sales are primarily the result of changes in volume rather than changes in prices. The gross margin percentage for the Company was 13% in the first half of 1996 compared to 11% in the 1995 first half. Rail products' gross margin percentage increased to 15% due to higher margins in all major product areas. Construction products' gross profit margin increased to 14% from 11% as a result of higher margins on fabricated products and a reduction in the sale of lower margin piling products. The gross margin percentage for tubular products decreased to 8% due to lower margins on coated pipe products. Selling and administrative expenses for the first six months of 1996 were relatively unchanged from the first six months of 1995. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company's ability to generate internal cash flow ("liquidity") results from the sale of inventory and the collection of accounts receivable. During the first six months of 1996, the average turnover rate for inventory was relatively unchanged from the prior year. The turnover rate for accounts receivable during the first six months of 1996 was slightly higher than during the same period of the prior year. Working capital at June 30, 1996 was $64.3 million compared to $57.9 million at December 31, 1995. During the first six months of 1996, the Company had capital expenditures of $1.1 million. Capital expenditures in 1996 are not expected to exceed $3.0 million and are anticipated to be funded by cash flows from operations. Total revolving credit agreement borrowings at June 30, 1996 were $32.2 million or an increase of $2.4 million from the end of the prior year. At June 30, 1996, the Company had approximately $11.9 million in available unused borrowing commitment. Management believes its internal and external sources of funds are adequate to meet anticipated needs. Other Matters The Company owns stock in a privately held short-line railroad. The railroad's financial statements indicate a book value of approximately $2.7 million for the stock held by the Company. The market value of the stock is not readily determinable and, therefore, the investment is recorded in the Company's accounts at its historical cost of $0.2 million. The Company has been advised that the railroad intends eventually to sell this business. Although no assurances can be given as to timing or results of this sale, the Company believes that the potential sales price of the stock could significantly exceed $2.7 million. The Company had previously decided to divest its Fosterweld operations and is engaged in exclusive discussions with a potential buyer concerning the sale of these assets. Although the outcome of these discussions is uncertain, and various issues remain unresolved, management believes that this transaction should be completed in 1996 and the Company will recognize a gain on the sale. The amount of gain is uncertain at this time. The Company sold its facility at Windsor, New Jersey, which had fixed assets with a carrying value of $1.0 million. In February 1996, the Company leased its Navasota, Texas pipe coupling facility to a third party, with an option to purchase at $0.8 million. Outlook The Company's future operating results may be affected by a number of factors. The Company is dependent upon a number of major suppliers. If a supplier had operational problems or ceased making material available to the Company, operations could be adversely affected. The Company's operations are in part dependent on governmental funding of infrastructure projects. Significant changes in the level of government funding of these projects could have a favorable or unfavorable impact on the operating results of the Company. Additionally, governmental actions concerning taxation, tariffs, the environment or other matters could impact the operating results of the Company. The Company's operations results may also be affected by the weather. Although backlog is not necessarily indicative of future operating results, total Company backlog at June 30, 1996, was approximately $93 million or 14% higher than at December 31, 1995 and 15% lower than at June 30, 1995. The decline in the 1996 rail backlog reflects the partial shipment of the $23 million Port of Los Angeles modernization contracts. The following table provides the backlog by business segment.
Backlog June 30, December 31, 1996 1995 1995 (Dollars in thousands) Rail Products $46,035 $61,169 $43,879 Construction Products 30,068 28,072 28,239 Tubular Products 16,403 19,064 8,857 Total Backlog $92,506 $108,305 $80,975
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 4. RESULTS OF VOTES OF SECURITY HOLDERS At the Company's annual meeting on May 8, 1996, the following individuals were elected to the Board of Directors: For Withheld Name Election Authority L. B. Foster II 7,996,950 55,695 J. W. Puth 7,996,850 55,795 W. H. Rackoff 7,996,850 55,795 R. L. Shaw 7,996,850 55,795 J. W. Wilcock 7,996,786 55,859 Additionally, the shareholders voted to approve Ernst & Young as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. The following table sets forth the results of the vote for independent auditors: Against For Approval Approval Abstained 8,009,478 31,620 11,547 Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K a) EXHIBITS Unless marked by an asterisk, all exhibits are incorporated herein by reference: 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation as amended to date filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1987. 3.2 Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended to date, filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993. 4.1 Amended and Restated Loan Agreement by and among the Registrant and Mellon Bank, N.A., NBD Bank, and Corestates Bank, N.A. dated as of November 1, 1995 and filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. 10.15 Lease between the Registrant and Amax, Inc. for manufacturing facility at Parkersburg, West Virginia, dated as of October 19, 1978, filed as Exhibit 10.15 to Registration Statement No. 2-72051. 10.16 Lease between Registrant and Greentree Building Associates for Headquarters office, dated as of June 9, 1986, as amended to date, filed as Exhibit 10.16 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988. 10.16.1 Amendment dated June 19, 1990 to lease between Registrant and Greentree Building Associates, filed as Exhibit 10.16.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1990. 10.19 Lease between the Registrant and American Cast Iron Pipe Company for Pipe Coating Facility in Birmingham, Alabama dated December 11, 1991 and filed as Exhibit 10.19 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991. 10.33.2 Amended and Restated 1985 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated March 2, 1994 and filed as Exhibit 10.33.2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993. ** 10.45 Medical Reimbursement Plan filed as Exhibit 10.45 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992. ** 10.46 Leased Vehicle Plan as amended to date. Filed as Exhibit 10.46 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993. ** 10.49 Lease agreement between Newport Steel Corporation and L.B. Foster Company dated as of October 12, 1994 and filed as Exhibit 10.49 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994. 10.50 L. B. Foster Company 1996 Incentive Compensation Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.50 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. ** 10.51 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.51 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994. ** 19 Exhibits marked with an asterisk are filed herewith. ** Identified management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit. b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Registrant during the three month period ended June 30, 1996. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. L. B. FOSTER COMPANY (Registrant) Date: August 7, 1996 By /s/ Roger F. Nejes Roger F. Nejes Sr. Vice President- Finance and Administration & Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer of Registrant)
 

5 1000 6-MOS DEC-31-1996 JUN-30-1996 1537 0 49891 1770 46577 99569 61597 33270 125950 35284 24505 0 0 102 65159 125950 113061 113061 98668 98668 0 0 1175 2541 1066 1475 0 0 0 1475 .15 .15