
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 14, 1990                   TAG: 9003143064
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: A11   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                 LENGTH: Short

REYNOLDS' ANNUAL REPORT OFFERS MORE THAN CHARTS

Investors who get tired of looking at the endless charts and tables in corporate financial reports will find some relief in Reynolds Metals Co.'s annual review: coupons for the company's supermarket products.

For the equity holder who also pushes a grocery cart, the $6.2 billion Reynolds is offering savings up to $1.50 off its Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil - "the best available barrier to moisture and air," the company claims - and two new products.

Tucked between the listings of "shipments and net sales by year" and "equity, interest and other income" in the company's 1989 annual report released last week are three coupons for 50 cents each for the foil, Sure-Seal plastic storage bags and "Crystal Color" plastic wrap. The plastic wrap comes in clear, blue, green, yellow and rose.

The colors satisfy the desires of consumers "to enliven mundane work," the company said in a summary of its consumer products business, which had $723 million in sales last year, up from $591 million in 1988.

Reynolds apparently thinks the appeal to liven up household chores will work in the corporate investment marketplace as well. Last year, the company used an eye-catching hologram on the cover of its annual report.

"The hologram was a very big hit, especially with analysts and other financial people," Reynolds spokeswoman Lou Anne Nabhan said. "Reynolds has always been innovative in marketing and promotion, especially in the consumer packaging end of the business."

by CNB