<PAGE>   1
                       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 the quarterly period ended June 30, 2000


                         Commission file number 33-96190


                                AEARO CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                              --------------------


         Delaware                                         13-3840450
(State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                        Identification No.)

        5457 West 79th Street
        Indianapolis, Indiana                               46268
(Address of principal executive offices)                  (Zip Code)

                                 (317) 692-6666
              (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
                                             ---    ---



<PAGE>   2


                                AEARO CORPORATION

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                       FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD
                               ENDED JUNE 30, 2000


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF
        JUNE 30, 2000 (UNAUDITED) AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1999                    3-4

        CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
        (UNAUDITED) FOR THE THREE MONTH AND NINE MONTH PERIODS
        ENDED JUNE 30, 2000 AND 1999                                          5

        CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
        (UNAUDITED) FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2000 AND 1999          6

        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
        (UNAUDITED)                                                        7-11

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
        FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                     12-19


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
        DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK                                        20

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS                                                   21
ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES                                               21
ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES                                     21
ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY-HOLDERS                 21
ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION                                                   21
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K                                    21

SIGNATURE PAGE                                                               22

<PAGE>   3


                                     PART I

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                AEARO CORPORATION

                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS--ASSETS

                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)



                                                  JUNE 30,         SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                    2000               1999
                                                ----------         -------------
                                                (Unaudited)
CURRENT ASSETS:
   Cash and cash equivalents                      $ 3,780            $ 4,050
   Accounts receivable (net of reserve
   for doubtful accounts of $1,471
      and $1,296, respectively)                    45,792             43,801
   Inventories                                     35,003             33,286
   Deferred and prepaid expenses                    3,792              3,750
                                                ---------           --------

         Total current assets                      88,367             84,887
                                                ---------           --------

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET                 54,772             55,881

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET                            130,555            137,776

OTHER ASSETS                                        2,329              3,749
                                                ---------           --------


         Total assets                            $276,023           $282,293
                                                =========           ========





















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



                                       3

<PAGE>   4


                                AEARO CORPORATION

   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS--LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)



                                                      JUNE 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                       2000            1999
                                                     ---------     -------------
                                                    (Unaudited)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
   Current portion of long-term debt                  $ 18,630       $ 16,093
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities             38,340         40,528
   Accrued interest                                      6,549          3,400
   U.S. and foreign income taxes                         4,904          3,758
                                                      --------       --------

         Total current liabilities                      68,423         63,779
                                                      --------       --------

LONG-TERM DEBT                                         186,990        198,716

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                      628            825

OTHER LIABILITIES                                        2,523          2,499

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
   Preferred stock, $.01 par value-
   (Redemption value of $84,496 and $76,834,
    respectively)
     Authorized--200,000 shares
     Issued and outstanding--45,000 shares                  --             --
   Common stock, $.01 par value-
     Authorized--200,000 shares
     Issued and outstanding--102,175 and
     102,538, respectively                                   1              1
   Additional paid-in capital                           32,193         32,566
   Accumulated  deficit                                 (2,955)        (9,662)
   Cumulative foreign currency translation
     adjustments                                       (11,780)        (6,431)
                                                      --------       --------

         Total stockholders' equity                     17,459         16,474
                                                      --------       --------

         Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $276,023       $282,293
                                                      ========       ========









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




                                       4
<PAGE>   5


                                AEARO CORPORATION

                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND SHARE AMOUNTS)

                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                            FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED          FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                     JUNE 30,                           JUNE 30,
                                            --------------------------          -------------------------
                                             2000                1999            2000               1999
                                           -------             ------           -------            ------
<S>                                   <C>             <C>                 <C>               <C>


NET SALES                                 $ 80,158           $ 75,384          $229,782           $216,903

COST OF SALES                               42,254             40,363           122,333            117,816
                                          --------           --------          --------           --------

         Gross profit                       37,904             35,021           107,449             99,087

SELLING AND ADMINISTRATIVE                  24,388             21,956            71,346             65,381

RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL SERVICES              1,423              1,180             4,141              3,424

AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLES                  1,684              1,673             5,175              5,088

OTHER (INCOME) CHARGES, NET                   (319)                (7)             (728)               578
                                          --------           --------          --------           --------

      Operating income                      10,728             10,219            27,515             24,616

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET                        6,140              5,974            18,299             18,402
                                          --------           --------          --------           --------

      Income before provision for
       income taxes                          4,588              4,245             9,216              6,214

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                   1,095              1,041             2,509              2,152
                                          --------           --------          --------           --------

      Net income                             3,493              3,204             6,707              4,062

PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND ACCRUED             2,626              2,313             7,662              6,725
                                          --------           --------          --------           --------

      Net Income (Loss) applicable to
       Common Shareholders                $    867           $    891          $   (955)          $ (2,663)
                                          ========           ========          ========           ========


BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME
(LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE                   $   8.49           $   8.70          $   (9.35)         $ (25.99)
                                          ========           ========          =========          ========

BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE
 COMMON SHARES                             102,088            102,588            102,175           102,475
                                          ========           ========          =========          ========


</TABLE>



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




                                       5



<PAGE>   6



                                AEARO CORPORATION

                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                             FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                     JUNE 30,
                                                                                   --------------------------------------------
                                                                                           2000                     1999
                                                                                   -------------------       ------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>                       <C>


CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net income                                                                             $ 6,707                  $  4,062
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities-
     Depreciation                                                                         7,488                     7,119
     Amortization of intangible assets and deferred financing costs                       6,607                     6,625
     Deferred income taxes                                                                 (123)                      (41)
     Other, net                                                                              56                        253
     Changes in assets and liabilities-
       Accounts receivable                                                               (4,440)                     (450)
       Inventories                                                                       (1,232)                   (1,318)
       Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                                           2,174                     1,826
       Other, net                                                                         2,200                     1,587
                                                                                        -------                  --------

              Net cash provided by operating activities                                  19,437                    19,663
                                                                                        -------                  --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Additions to property, plant and equipment                                            (7,155)                   (5,040)
   Acquisition of Norhammer and Livax                                                    (3,970)                        -
   Proceeds provided by disposals of property, plant and equipment                           10                        22
                                                                                        -------                  --------

              Net cash used by investing activities                                     (11,115)                   (5,018)
                                                                                        -------                  --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Proceeds from (repayment of) revolving credit facility, net                            4,300                    (5,000)
   Repayment of term loans                                                              (10,635)                   (9,242)
   Repayment of external long-term debt                                                    (145)                   (1,350)
   (Repurchase) sale of common stock, net                                                  (286)                       50
   (Decrease) increase in shareholder notes, net                                            (87)                      112
                                                                                        -------                  --------

              Net cash used by financing activities                                      (6,853)                  (15,430)
                                                                                        -------                  --------

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH                                                  (1,739)                     (932)
                                                                                        -------                  --------

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                      (270)                   (1,717)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                            4,050                     6,737
                                                                                        -------                  --------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD                                                $ 3,780                  $  5,020
                                                                                        =======                  ========

CASH PAID FOR:
  Interest                                                                              $13,844                  $ 14,077
                                                                                        =======                  ========
   Income taxes                                                                         $ 1,709                  $  1,280
                                                                                        =======                  ========
</TABLE>




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



                                       6

<PAGE>   7


                                AEARO CORPORATION

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  JUNE 30, 2000
                                   (UNAUDITED)

(1)  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed
     consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to
     present fairly, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
     in the United States, the Company's financial position, results of
     operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Such
     adjustments consisted of only normal recurring items. These condensed
     consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures associated
     with annual financial statements and accordingly should be read in
     conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
     included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

     The Company's results are subject to seasonal fluctuations. Therefore, the
     results of operations for the interim periods shown in this report are not
     necessarily indicative of results for any future interim period or for the
     entire year.

(2)  FORMATION ACQUISITION AND FINANCING

     Aearo Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its direct wholly owned
     subsidiary, Aearo Company, a Delaware corporation (collectively referred to
     herein as "the Company") manufactures and sells products under the brand
     names: AOSafety(R), E-A-R(R), and Peltor(R). These products are sold
     through three reportable segments, which are Safety Products, Safety
     Prescription Eyewear and Specialty Composites. The Safety Products segment
     manufactures and sells hearing protection devices, non-prescription safety
     eyewear, face shields, reusable and disposable respirators, hard hats and
     first aid kits. The Safety Prescription Eyewear segment manufactures and
     sells prescription eyewear products that are designed to protect the eyes
     from the typical hazards encountered in the industrial work environment.
     The Company's Safety Prescription Eyewear segment purchases component parts
     (lenses and the majority of its frames) from various suppliers, grinds,
     shapes and applies coatings to the lenses in accordance with the customer's
     prescription, and then assembles the glasses using the customer's choice of
     frame. The Specialty Composites segment manufactures and sells a wide array
     of energy-absorbing materials that are incorporated into other
     manufacturers' products to control noise, vibration and shock.

     Aearo Corporation was formed by Vestar Equity Partners, L.P. (Vestar) in
     June 1995 to effect the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and
     liabilities of Cabot Safety Corporation and certain affiliates (the
     Predecessor) all of which were wholly owned by Cabot Corporation (Cabot),
     (the Formation Acquisition). The Formation Acquisition closed on July 11,
     1995, when Aearo Corporation acquired substantially all of the assets and
     certain liabilities of the Predecessor for cash, preferred stock and a
     42.5% common equity interest in Aearo Corporation. Aearo Corporation
     immediately contributed the acquired assets and liabilities to Aearo
     Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aearo Corporation, pursuant to an
     asset transfer agreement dated June 13, 1995. Aearo Corporation has no
     other material assets, liabilities or operations other than those that
     result from its ownership of the common stock of Aearo Company.

     The Formation Acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase transaction
     effective as of July 11, 1995, in accordance with Accounting Principles
     Board Opinion No. 16, Business Combinations, and EITF Issue No. 88-16,
     Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions, and accordingly, the consolidated
     financial statements for the periods subsequent to July 11, 1995 reflect
     the purchase price, including transaction costs, allocated to tangible and
     intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on a portion of
     their estimated fair



                                       7
<PAGE>   8



                                AEARO CORPORATION

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  JUNE 30, 2000
                                   (UNAUDITED)

     values as of July 11, 1995. The valuation of assets and liabilities
     acquired reflect carryover basis for the percentage ownership retained by
     Cabot.

(3)  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity
     with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires
     management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
     amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
     liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
     amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual
     results could differ from those estimates.

     Reclassifications. Certain amounts included in the prior years' financial
     statements may have been reclassified to conform to the current period
     presentation. The reclassifications have no impact on net income previously
     reported.

     Revenue Recognition. The Company generally recognizes revenue upon shipment
     of its products to customers.

     Foreign Currency Translation. Assets and liabilities of the Company's
     foreign operations are translated at period-end exchange rates. Revenues
     and expenses are translated at the approximate average monthly rate during
     the period. Translation gains and losses are reflected as a separate
     component of stockholders' equity. Foreign currency gains and losses
     arising from transactions by any of the Company's subsidiaries are
     reflected in net income.

     Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on
     the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and
     liabilities using enacted tax rates.

     Intangible Assets. Intangible assets consist primarily of the costs of
     goodwill, patents, and trademarks purchased in business acquisitions.
     Intangible assets are amortized on the straight-line basis over either 25
     years or an estimated useful life, whichever is shorter.

     Net Income (Loss) per Common Share. Basic net income (loss) per common
     share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common
     shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock
     outstanding during the year. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is
     calculated the same as basic except, if not antidilutive, stock options are
     included using the treasury stock method to the extent that average share
     trading price exceeds exercise price.

     Comprehensive Income. The Company's only item of comprehensive income
     relates to foreign currency translation adjustments, and is presented
     separately on the balance sheet as a component of stockholders' equity as
     required. If presented on the statements of operations, comprehensive
     income would be approximately $1.7 million, and approximately $1.4 million,
     less than the reported net income due to foreign currency translation
     adjustments for the three months ended June 30, 2000, and the three months
     ended June 30, 1999, respectively. For the nine month time periods as
     presented on the statement of operations, comprehensive income would be
     approximately $5.3 million, and $4.2 million, less than reported net income
     due to foreign currency translation adjustments for the nine months ended
     June 30, 2000, and 1999, respectively.



                                       8

<PAGE>   9


                                AEARO CORPORATION

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  JUNE 30, 2000
                                   (UNAUDITED)



     Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company
     is required to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for
     Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities no later than the first
     quarter of the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2000.

     SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that
     every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments
     embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an
     asset or a liability measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that
     changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings
     unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for
     qualifying hedges allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related
     results on the hedged item in the income statement, and requires that a
     company must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of
     transactions that receive hedge accounting.

     The Company has not yet quantified the impact of adopting SFAS No. 133 on
     the consolidated financial statements and has not determined the timing of
     or method of the adoption of SFAS No. 133. However, SFAS No. 133 could
     increase volatility in earnings and other comprehensive income.

(4)  INVENTORIES

     Inventories consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

                                            JUNE 30,          SEPTEMBER 30,
                                             2000                  1999
                                          -----------         -------------
                                          (unaudited)

Raw materials                               $ 9,019              $ 8,725
Work in process                               7,632                7,649
Finished goods                               18,352               16,912
                                            -------              -------
                                            $35,003              $33,286
                                            =======              =======

     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being
     determined using the first-in, first-out method.

(5)  DEBT

     The Company's debt structure includes $100.0 million of Senior Subordinated
     Notes (Notes) due 2005, as well as a senior bank facility comprised of (i)
     term loans denominated in U.S., Canadian, British, and German currencies
     (Term Loans) and (ii) a revolving credit facility with a maturity of May
     30, 2002 providing for up to $25.0 million (Revolving Credit Facility),
     (collectively the Senior Bank Facilities). Under the terms of both the
     Senior Bank Facilities and the Notes indenture, Aearo Company is required
     to comply with certain financial covenants and restrictions with which
     Aearo Company was in compliance at June 30, 2000. At June 30, 2000, the
     amounts outstanding on the term loans and the revolving credit facility
     were approximately $92.5 million and $10.2 million, respectively.



                                       9

<PAGE>   10


                                AEARO CORPORATION

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  JUNE 30, 2000
                                   (UNAUDITED)


(6)  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     Lease Commitments. The Company leases certain transportation vehicles,
     warehouse facilities, office space, and machinery and equipment under
     cancelable and noncancelable leases, most of which expire within 10 years
     and may be renewed by the Company.

     Contingencies. The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits and
     administrative proceedings which are being handled in the ordinary course
     of business. In the opinion of management of the Company, these suits and
     claims should not result in final judgments or settlements which, in the
     aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
     condition or results of operations.

(7)  ACQUISITIONS

     On October 28, 1999, the Company acquired Ontario based Norhammer Limited
     for approximately Canadian $5.5 million. The transaction was accounted for
     using the purchase method of accounting, and accordingly, the operating
     results of Norhammer have been included with those of the Company
     subsequent to October 28, 1999.

     On June 1, 2000, the Company acquired Norway based Livax A/S for
     approximately $0.3 million. The transaction was accounted for using the
     purchase method of accounting, and accordingly, the operating results of
     Livax have been included with those of the Company subsequent to June 1,
     2000.

(8)  SEGMENT REPORTING

     The Company manufactures and sells products under the brand names:
     AOSafety(R), E-A-R(R), and Peltor(R). These products are sold through three
     reportable segments, which are Safety Products, Safety Prescription Eyewear
     and Specialty Composites.

     NET SALES TO EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED                      NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                             JUNE 30,                                JUNE 30,
                                                     ------------------------                ------------------------

                                                     2000                1999                2000                1999
                                                     ----                ----                ----                ----
<S>                                              <C>               <C>                  <C>                <C>


         Safety Products                            $58,040             $55,665            $164,049            $158,355
         Safety Prescription Eyewear                 10,387               8,863              30,181              26,484
         Specialty Composites                        11,731              10,856              35,552              32,064
                                                    -------             -------            --------            --------
         TOTAL                                      $80,158             $75,384            $229,782            $216,903
                                                    =======             =======            ========            ========
</TABLE>


     Intersegment sales of the Specialty Composites segment to the Safety
     Products segment totaled $1.1 million and $1.2 million for the three months
     ended June 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Intersegment sales totaled $2.8
     million and $2.7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2000 and 1999,
     respectively. The intersegment sales value is determined at fully absorbed
     inventory cost at standard rates plus 25%.



                                       10



<PAGE>   11


                                AEARO CORPORATION

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  JUNE 30, 2000
                                   (UNAUDITED)


     EBITDA BY BUSINESS SEGMENT AND RECONCILIATION TO INCOME BEFORE PROVISION
     FOR INCOME TAXES (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            THREE MONTHS ENDED                     NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 JUNE 30,                               JUNE 30,
                                                         ------------------------               -----------------------
                                                         2000                1999               2000                1999
                                                         ----                ----               ----                ----
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>                 <C>                 <C>

       Safety Products                                  $13,618          $ 12,192             $35,042            $30,972
       Safety Prescription Eyewear                        1,113               844               3,041              2,769
       Specialty Composites                               1,237               550               3,409              2,162
       Reconciling items                                   (771)              636              (1,226)               969
                                                        -------          --------             -------            -------
       Total EBITDA                                      15,197            14,222              40,266             36,872

       Interest                                           6,140             5,974              18,299             18,402
       Depreciation                                       2,625             2,288               7,488              7,119
       Amortization                                       1,684             1,673               5,175              5,088
       Non-operating expense                                160                42                  88                 49
                                                        -------          --------             -------            -------
       INCOME BEFORE TAX PROVISION                      $ 4,588          $  4,245             $ 9,216            $ 6,214
                                                        =======          ========             =======            =======
</TABLE>


     EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation,
     amortization, and non-operating income or expense. Non-operating income or
     expense is further defined as extraordinary gains or losses, or gains or
     losses from sales of assets other than in the ordinary course of business.
     While the Company believes EBITDA is a useful indicator of its ability to
     service debt, EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for net
     income determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
     principles as an indicator of operating performance or as an alternative to
     cash flow as a measure of liquidity. Investors should be aware that EBITDA
     as presented above may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
     presented by other companies and comparisons could be misleading unless all
     companies and analysts calculate this measure in the same fashion.




                                       11

<PAGE>   12

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
        AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, including notes thereto,
appearing elsewhere in this Report. This Report contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company's actual results
could differ materially from those set forth in such forward-looking statements.
The factors that might cause such a difference include, among others, the
following: risks associated with indebtedness; risks related to acquisitions;
risks associated with the conversion to a new management information system;
high level of competition in the Company's markets; importance and costs of
product innovation; risks associated with international operations; product
liability exposure; unpredictability of patent protection and other intellectual
property issues; dependence on key personnel; the risk of adverse effect of
economic and regulatory conditions on sales; and risks associated with
environmental matters.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2000 COMPARED TO THREE
MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999

                                    UNAUDITED
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED             THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                             -------------------------       -------------------------     Change - Favorable
                                                                                                              (UNFAVORABLE)
                                             June 30,       Percent of       June 30,       Percent of     ------------------
                                               2000         Net Sales          1999         Net Sales       Amount      Percent
                                             --------       ----------       --------       ----------      ------      -------
<S>                                     <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>              <C>           <C>

Net Sales
   Safety Products                         $    58,040            72.4     $    55,665            73.8     $   2,375       4.3
   Safety Prescription Eyewear                  10,387            13.0           8,863            11.8         1,524      17.2
   Specialty Composites                         11,731            14.6          10,856            14.4           875       8.1
                                           -----------         -------     -----------         -------     ---------
     Total net sales                            80,158           100.0          75,384           100.0         4,774       6.3
Cost of Sales                                   42,254            52.7          40,363            53.5        (1,891)     (4.7)
                                           -----------         -------     -----------         -------     ----------
   Gross profit                                 37,904            47.3          35,021            46.5         2,883       8.2
Operating Expenses-
   Selling and administrative                   24,388            30.4          21,956            29.1        (2,432)    (11.1)
   Research and technical services               1,423             1.8           1,180             1.6          (243)    (20.6)
   Amortization of intangibles                   1,684             2.1           1,673             2.2           (11)     (0.7)
   Other (income) charges, net                    (319)           (0.4)             (7)            --            312         --
                                           ------------        --------    ------------         ------     ---------
     Operating income                           10,728            13.4          10,219            13.6           509       5.0
Interest expense, net                            6,140             7.7           5,974             7.9          (166)     (2.8)
                                           -----------         --------    -----------         -------     ----------
   Income before provision for income
   taxes                                         4,588             5.7           4,245             5.6           343       8.1
Provision for income
   taxes                                         1,095             1.4           1,041             1.4           (54)     (5.2)
                                           -----------         -------     -----------         -------     ----------
Net income                                       3,493             4.4           3,204             4.3           289       9.0
Preferred stock dividend accrued                 2,626             3.3           2,313             3.1          (313)    (13.5)
                                           -----------         -------     -----------         -------     ----------
Income applicable to common shareholders
                                           $       867            1.1      $       891             1.2     $     (24)     (2.7)
                                            ==========         ======       ==========         =======      =========
Income per common share                    $      8.49                     $      8.70                     $   (0.21)     (2.4)
                                            ==========                      ==========                      =========
EBITDA                                     $    15,197            19.0     $    14,222            18.9     $     975       6.9
                                           ===========         =======     ===========         =======     =========


</TABLE>


                                       12
<PAGE>   13


Net Sales. Net sales in the three months ended June 30, 2000 increased 6.3% to
$80.2 million from $75.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 1999. Safety
Products net sales in the three months ended June 30, 2000 increased 4.3% to
$58.0 million from $55.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 1999. This
increase was driven by growth in sales of the hearing, eyewear, head and
respiratory protection product lines. The success of product introductions led
by the Lexa(R) eyewear and E-A-Rsoft(TM) hearing protection lines drove the
strong volume growth which was offset somewhat by changes in foreign exchange.
The strength of the US dollar relative to European currencies had the impact of
reducing sales by approximately $2.1 million in the three months ended June 30,
2000, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 1999. The Safety
Prescription Eyewear segment net sales in the three months ended June 30, 2000
increased 17.2% to $10.4 million from $8.9 million in the three months ended
June 30, 1999. The Safety Prescription Eyewear segment net sales for the three
months ended June 30, 2000 included approximately $1.2 million of sales from
Safety Optical that was acquired in August 1999. Specialty Composites' net sales
in the three months ended June 30, 2000 increased 8.1% to $11.7 million from
$10.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 1999. The increase was
primarily driven by continued growth in the electronic segments of the precision
equipment market, including computer and personal communication system (PCS)
applications.

Gross Profit. Gross Profit in the three months ended June 30, 2000 increased
8.2% to $37.9 million from $35.0 million in the three months ended June 30,
1999. Gross Profit as a percentage of net sales in the three months ended June
30, 2000 was 47.3% as compared to 46.5% in the three months ended June 30, 1999.
This improvement in the Gross Profit percentage of net sales is primarily due to
increased productivity in the manufacturing plants which was strong enough to
offset the negative impact of changes in foreign exchange rates. The strong US
dollar relative to European currencies negatively affects gross profits as the
impact Europe's manufacturing costs are not proportional to the impact on net
sales due the majority of Europe's manufacturing costs occurring outside of the
European Monetary Union.

Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses in the
three months ended June 30, 2000 increased 11.1% to $24.4 million from $22.0
million in the three months ended June 30, 1999. Selling and administrative
expenses as a percentage of net sales in the three months ended June 30, 2000
was 30.4% as compared to 29.1% in the three months ended June 30, 1999. The
spending increase is primarily due to increased spending in selling and
marketing, professional services, and E-commerce. The increase in selling and
marketing is part of the Company 's campaign to build brand awareness and
loyalty by more strongly promoting its global brands.

Research and Technical Service Expenses. Research and technical service expenses
in the three months ended June 30, 2000 increased 20.6% to $1.4 million from
$1.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2000. The increase is attributed
to additional focus in the design and development of new products and
technologies.

Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization expense in the three months ended June
30, 2000 of $1.7 million was at the same level as the three months ended June
30, 1999. Amortization expense was affected by additional goodwill associated
with the recent acquisitions of Safety Optical and Norhammer that was mostly
offset by favorable changes in foreign currency translation.

Other (income) charges, net. Other (income) charges, net was income of $0.3
million for the three months ended June 30, 2000 as compared to a breakeven
position for the three months ended June 30, 1999. This change was primarily a
result of net foreign currency transaction gains in the three months ended June
30, 2000.

Operating Income. Operating income improved 5.0% to $10.7 million in the three
months ended June 30, 2000 from $10.2 million in the three months ended June 30,
1999. This improvement was due primarily to increases in sales, increased gross
profit as a percentage of sales, and the change in net foreign currency
transaction gains and losses, partially offset by increased spending in selling,
administrative, and technical services expenses. Operating



                                       13

<PAGE>   14


income as a percentage of net sales in the three months ended June 30, 2000 was
13.4% as compared to 13.6% in the three months ended June 30, 1999.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net in the three months ended June 30,
2000 increased 2.8% to $6.1 million from $6.0 million in the three months ended
June 30, 1999. The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in the
weighted average interest rates in effect for the three months ended June 30,
2000 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 1999, somewhat offset by a
reduction in average borrowings.

Provision For Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes in the three months
ended June 30, 2000 was $1.1 million compared to $1.0 million in the three
months ended June 30, 1999, reflecting an increased level of income before
provision for income taxes.

Net Income. Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2000 increased 9.0%
to $3.5 million from $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 1999.

EBITDA. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation,
amortization, and non-operating income or expense. Non-operating income or
expense is further defined as extraordinary gains or losses, or gains or losses
from sales of assets other than in the ordinary course of business. While the
Company believes EBITDA is a useful indicator of its ability to service debt,
EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for net income determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as an indicator of
operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of
liquidity. Investors should be aware that EBITDA as presented below may not be
comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies and
comparisons could be misleading unless all companies and analysts calculate this
measure in the same fashion.


                               EBITDA CALCULATION
                                    UNAUDITED
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Three Months Ended                          Change
                                                                 June 30,                       Favorable (Unfavorable)
                                                        ------------------------              -------------------------
                                                        2000                1999              AMOUNT            PERCENT
                                                        ----                ----              ------            -------
<S>                                                <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>
Operating Income                                      $10,728             $10,219             $509                5.0%
Add Backs:
     Depreciation                                       2,625               2,288              337               14.7%
     Amortization of Intangibles                        1,684               1,673               11                0.7%
     Non-operating expense, net                           160                  42              118                 --
                                                      -------             -------             ----

EBITDA                                                $15,197             $14,222             $975                6.9%
                                                      =======             =======             ====
</TABLE>


EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2000 was $15.2 million as compared to
$14.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 1999. This improvement was due
primarily to increased levels of sales, increased gross profit as a percentage
of sales, and foreign currency transaction gains, partially offset by increased
spending in selling, administrative and technical services expense. EBITDA as a
percentage of net sales in the three months ended June 30, 2000 was 19.0% as
compared to 18.9% in the three months ended June 30, 1999.



                                       14

<PAGE>   15


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2000 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS
ENDED JUNE 30, 1999

                                    UNAUDITED
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED              NINE MONTHS ENDED           Change - Favorable
                                             -------------------------       ------------------------         (UNFAVORABLE)
                                             June 30,       Percent of       June 30,       Percent of        -------------
                                               2000         Net Sales          1999         Net Sales       Amount      Percent
                                             --------       ----------       --------       ----------      ------      -------
<S>                                       <C>           <C>              <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>

Net Sales
   Safety Products                           $164,049             71.4        $158,355            73.0      $  5,694       3.6
   Safety Prescription Eyewear                  30,181            13.1          26,484            12.2         3,697      14.0
   Specialty Composites                         35,552            15.5          32,064            14.8         3,488      10.9
                                             ---------           -----        --------           -----      --------
     Total net sales                           229,782           100.0         216,903           100.0        12,879       5.9
Cost of Sales                                  122,333            53.2         117,816            54.3        (4,517)     (3.8)
                                             ---------           -----        --------           -----      --------
   Gross profit                                107,449            46.8          99,087            45.7         8,362       8.4
Operating Expenses-
   Selling and administrative                   71,346            31.0          65,381            30.1        (5,965)     (9.1)
   Research and technical services               4,141             1.8           3,424             1.6          (717)    (20.9)
   Amortization of intangibles                   5,175             2.3           5,088             2.3           (87)     (1.7)
   Other (income) charges, net                    (728)           (0.3)            578             0.3         1,306       -
                                             ---------           -----        --------           -----      --------
     Operating income                           27,515            12.0          24,616            11.3         2,899      11.8
Interest expense, net                           18,299             8.0          18,402             8.5           103       0.6
                                             ---------           -----        --------           -----      --------
  Income before provision
  for income  taxes                              9,216             4.0           6,214             2.9         3,002      48.3
Provision for income
   taxes                                         2,509             1.1           2,152             1.0          (357)    (16.6)
                                             ---------           -----        --------           -----      ---------
Net income                                       6,707             2.9           4,062             1.9         2,645      65.1
Preferred stock dividend accrued                 7,662             3.3           6,725             3.1          (937)    (13.9)
                                             ---------           -----        --------           -----      ---------
Loss applicable to common  shareholders
                                             $    (955)           (0.4)       $ (2,663)           (1.2)     $  1,708      64.1
                                             =========           =====        ========           =====      ========
Loss per common share                        $   (9.35)                       $ (25.99)                     $  16.64      64.0
                                             =========                        ========                      ========
EBITDA                                       $  40,266            17.5        $ 36,872            17.0      $  3,394       9.2
                                             =========           =====        ========           =====      ========
</TABLE>




Net Sales. Net sales in the nine months ended June 30, 2000 increased 5.9% to
$229.8 million from $216.9 million in the nine months ended June 30, 1999.
Safety Products net sales in the nine months ended June 30, 2000 increased 3.6%
to $164.0 million from $158.4 million in the nine months ended June 30, 1999.
This increase was driven by growth in sales of the hearing, eyewear and
respiratory protection product lines. The success of product introductions led
by the Lexa(R) eyewear and E-A-Rsoft(TM) hearing protection lines, as well as
growth of the Peltor(R) brand in Europe, drove the strong volume growth which
was offset somewhat by changes in foreign exchange. The strength of the US
dollar relative to European currencies had the impact of reducing sales by
approximately $5.6 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2000, as compared
to the nine months ended June 30, 1999. The Safety Prescription Eyewear segment
net sales in the nine months ended June 30, 2000 increased 14.0% to $30.2
million from $26.5 million in the nine months ended June 30, 1999. The Safety
Prescription Eyewear segment net sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2000
included approximately $3.5 million of sales from Safety Optical that was
acquired in August 1999. Specialty Composites' net sales in the nine months
ended June 30, 2000 increased 10.9% to $35.6 million from $32.1 million in the
nine months ended June 30, 1999. The increase was primarily driven by continued
growth in the electronic segments of the precision equipment market,


                                       15

<PAGE>   16


including computer and personal communication system (PCS) applications, as well
as growth in the transportation market.

Gross Profit. Gross Profit in the nine months ended June 30, 2000 increased 8.4%
to $107.4 million from $99.1 million in the nine months ended June 30, 1999.
Gross Profit as a percentage of net sales in the nine months ended June 30, 2000
was 46.8% as compared to 45.7% in the nine months ended June 30, 1999. This
significant improvement in the Gross Profit percentage of net sales is primarily
due to increased productivity in the manufacturing plants which was strong
enough to offset the negative impact of changes in foreign exchange rates. The
strong US dollar relative to European currencies negatively affects gross
profits as the impact on the majority of Europe's manufacturing costs are not
proportional to the impact on net sales due the majority of Europe's
manufacturing costs occurring outside of the European Monetary Union.

Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses in the
nine months ended June 30, 2000 increased 9.1% to $71.3 million from $65.4
million in the nine months ended June 30, 1999. Selling and administrative
expenses as a percentage of net sales in the nine months ended June 30, 2000
increased to 31.0% of net sales as compared to 30.1% of net sales in the nine
months ended June 30, 1999. The spending increase is primarily due to increased
spending in selling and marketing, professional services, and E-commerce. The
increase in selling and marketing is part of the Company 's campaign to build
brand awareness and loyalty by more strongly promoting its global brands.

Research and Technical Service Expenses. Research and technical service expenses
in the nine months ended June 30, 2000 increased 20.9% to $4.1 million from $3.4
million in the nine months ended June 30, 1999. The increase is attributed to
additional focus in the design and development of new products and technologies.

Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization expense in the nine months ended June
30, 2000 increased 1.7% to $5.2 million from $5.1 million in the nine months
ended June 30, 1999. Amortization expense was affected by additional goodwill
associated with the recent acquisitions of Safety Optical and Norhammer that was
mostly offset by favorable changes in foreign currency translation.

Other (income) charges, net. Other (income) charges, net was income of $0.7
million for the nine months ended June 30, 2000 as compared to an expense of
$0.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1999. This change was primarily
a result of net foreign currency transaction gains in the nine months ended June
30, 2000 as compared to net foreign currency transaction losses in the nine
months ended June 30, 1999.

Operating Income. Operating income improved 11.8% to $27.5 million in the nine
months ended June 30, 2000 from $24.6 million in the nine months ended June 30,
1999. This improvement was due primarily to increases in sales, productivity
improvements in the manufacturing plants and the change in net foreign currency
transaction gains and losses, partially offset by increased spending in selling,
administrative, and technical services expenses. Operating income as a
percentage of net sales in the nine months ended June 30, 2000 was 12.0% as
compared to 11.3% in the nine months ended June 30, 1999.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net in the nine months ended June 30,
2000 decreased 0.6% to $18.3 million from $18.4 million in the nine months ended
June 30, 1999. The reduction in interest expense was due to a reduction in
average borrowings offset somewhat by an increase in the weighted average
interest rates in effect for the nine months ended June 30, 2000 as compared to
the nine months ended June 30, 1999.

Provision For Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes in the nine months
ended June 30, 2000 was $2.5 million compared to $2.2 million in the nine months
ended June 30, 1999, reflecting an increased level of income before provision
for income taxes.



                                       16

<PAGE>   17

Net Income. Net income for the nine months ended June 30, 2000 increased 65.1%
to $6.7 million from $4.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1999.

EBITDA. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation,
amortization, and non-operating income or expense. Non-operating income or
expense is further defined as extraordinary gains or losses, or gains or losses
from sales of assets other than in the ordinary course of business. While the
Company believes EBITDA is a useful indicator of its ability to service debt,
EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for net income determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as an indicator of
operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of
liquidity. Investors should be aware that EBITDA as presented below may not be
comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies and
comparisons could be misleading unless all companies and analysts calculate this
measure in the same fashion.


                               EBITDA CALCULATION
                                    UNAUDITED
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Nine Months Ended                           Change
                                                                 June 30,                       Favorable (Unfavorable)
                                                         ------------------------              -------------------------
                                                         2000                1999              AMOUNT            PERCENT
                                                         ----                ----              ------            -------
<S>                                                <C>                <C>                <C>              <C>

Operating Income                                        $27,515            $24,616             $2,899              11.8%
Add Backs:
     Depreciation                                         7,488              7,119                369               5.2%
     Amortization of Intangibles                          5,175              5,088                 87               1.7%
     Non-operating expense, net                              88                 49                 39              79.6%
                                                        -------            -------             ------
EBITDA                                                  $40,266            $36,872             $3,394               9.2%
                                                        =======            =======             ======
</TABLE>


EBITDA for the nine months ended June 30, 2000 was $40.3 million as compared to
$36.9 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1999. This improvement was due
primarily to improvements in sales volume, gross profit, net foreign currency
transaction gains and losses, partially offset by increased spending in Selling,
Administrative, and Technical expenses. EBITDA as a percentage of net sales in
the nine months ended June 30, 2000 was 17.5% as compared to 17.0% in the nine
months ended June 30, 1999.

EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN EXCHANGE RATES

In general, the Company's results of operations are affected by changes in
exchange rates. Subject to market conditions, the Company prices its products in
Europe and Canada in local currency. While many of the Company's selling and
distribution costs are also denominated in these currencies, a large portion of
product costs are U.S. Dollar denominated. As a result, a decline in the value
of the U.S. Dollar relative to other currencies can have a favorable impact on
the profitability of the Company and an increase in the value of the U.S. Dollar
relative to these other currencies can have a negative effect on the
profitability of the Company. As a result of the acquisition of Peltor, the
Company's operations are also affected by changes in exchange rates relative to
the Swedish Krona. A decline in the value of the Krona relative to other
currencies can have a favorable impact on the profitability of the Company and
an increase in the value of the Krona relative to other currencies can have a
negative impact on the profitability of the Company. The Company utilizes
forward foreign currency contracts to mitigate the effects of changes in foreign
currency rates on profitability.




                                       17


<PAGE>   18


EFFECTS OF INFLATION

In recent years, inflation has been modest and has not had a material impact
upon the results of the Company's operations.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

The Company did not experience significant problems related to systems
recognizing date sensitive information as a result of the year 2000. The costs
associated with making its information systems year 2000 compliant were not
material.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's sources of funds have consisted primarily of operating cash flow
and debt financing. The Company's uses of those funds consist principally of
debt service, capital expenditures and acquisitions.

The Company's debt structure includes $100.0 million of Senior Subordinated
Notes (Notes) due 2005, as well as a senior bank facility comprised of (i) term
loans denominated in U.S., Canadian, British and German currencies (Term Loans)
and (ii) a revolving credit facility with a maturity of May 30, 2002 providing
for up to $25.0 million (Revolving Credit Facility), (collectively the Senior
Bank Facilities). Under the terms of both the Senior Bank Facilities and the
Notes indenture, Aearo Company is required to comply with certain financial
covenants and restrictions with which Aearo Company was in compliance at June
30, 2000. At June 30, 2000 the amounts outstanding on the Term Loans and the
Revolving Credit Facility were approximately $92.5 million and $10.2 million,
respectively.

Maturities under the Company's Term Loans are: $4.6 million for the remainder of
fiscal 2000, $19.5 million in fiscal 2001, $33.1 million in fiscal 2002, and
$35.3 million in fiscal 2003. Other than upon a change of control or as a result
of certain asset sales, or in the event that certain excess funds exist at the
end of a fiscal year, the Company will not be required to make any principal
payments in respect of the Notes until maturity. The Company is required to make
interest payments with respect to both the Senior Bank Facilities and the Notes.

The Company's net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months
ended June 30, 2000 totaled $19.4 million as compared to $19.7 million for the
nine months ended June 30, 1999. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease of
$2.9 million in the Company's net changes in assets and liabilities, partially
offset by a $2.6 million improvement in net income. The Company's net changes in
assets and liabilities were primarily driven by growth in receivables.

Net cash used by investing activities was $11.1 million for the nine months
ended June 30, 2000 as compared to $5.0 million for the nine months ended June
30, 1999. The increase in net cash used by investing activities is attributed to
the acquisition of Ontario based Norhammer Limited for $3.6 million, the
acquisition of Norway based Livax A/S for aproximately $0.3 million, and a
higher level of capital expenditures in the nine months ended June 30, 2000 as
compared to the nine months ended June 30, 1999.

Net cash used by financing activities for the nine months ended June 30, 2000
was $6.9 million compared with net cash used by financing activities for the
nine months ended June 30, 1999 of $15.4 million. The change in cash used by
financing activities of $8.6 million is primarily attributed to additional
borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $4.3 million for the nine
months ended June 30, 2000 compared to repayments of $5.0 million in the nine
months ended June 30, 1999, a decrease in the repayment of long term debt of
$1.2 million, and an increase of $1.4 million in the scheduled principal
repayments on the Term Loans. Scheduled principal


                                       18
<PAGE>   19

repayments on the Term Loans were $10.6 million and $9.2 million for the nine
months ended June 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

The Company has a substantial amount of indebtedness. The Company relies on
internally generated funds, and to the extent necessary, on borrowings under the
Revolving Credit Facility (subject to certain customary drawing conditions) to
meet its liquidity needs. The Company anticipates that operating cash flow will
be adequate to meet its operating and capital expenditure requirements for the
next several years, although there can be no assurances that existing levels of
sales and normalized profitability, and therefore cash flow, will be maintained
in the future. Levels of sales and profitability may be impacted by service
levels, continued new product development, worldwide economic conditions and
competitive pressures. In particular, the Company expects that profitability
over the remainder of fiscal 2000 will be adversely affected by the strength of
the U.S. Dollar relative to the Euro. In addition, the Company may make
additional acquisitions in the future and would rely on internally generated
funds and, to the extent necessary, on borrowings to finance such acquisitions.
It is also anticipated that over the next several years the level of debt
service and the requirements placed on the Company's Senior Bank Facilities will
require that the Company amend its credit agreement with its syndicate of
lenders, or otherwise change its capital structure.






                                       19


<PAGE>   20


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to market risks related to change in foreign currencies,
interest rates and commodity pricing. The Company uses derivatives to mitigate
the impact of changes in foreign currencies and interest rates.

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK

In general, the Company's results of operations are affected by changes in
exchange rates. Subject to market conditions, the Company prices its products in
Europe and Canada in local currency. While many of the Company's selling and
distribution costs are also denominated in these currencies, a large portion of
product costs are U.S. Dollar denominated. As a result, a decline in the value
of the U.S. Dollar relative to other currencies can have a favorable impact on
the profitability of the Company and an increase in the value of the U.S. Dollar
relative to these other currencies can have a negative effect on the
profitability of the Company. In particular, the Company expects that sales and
profitability over the remainder of fiscal year 2000 will be adversely affected
by the strength of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Euro. To mitigate the impacts
of changes in exchange rates the Company executes two hedging programs: one for
transaction exposures, and the other for the cash flows of the European
operations. The Company utilizes forward contracts for transaction exposures and
a combination of forward contracts, put options and zero premium collars for
cash flow exposures. During the three months ended June 30, 2000 there was no
significant impact on net income due to transaction hedges, while the cash flow
hedges created a gain of $0.5 million. In addition, the Company limits foreign
exchange impacts on the balance sheet with foreign denominated debt in Great
Britain Pound Sterling (GBP) and German Marks (DEM). The Company does not
consider the notional amount of outstanding hedge contracts at June 30, 2000 as
material. It is anticipated that the settlement of outstanding contracts will
not have a material impact on the profitability of the Company.

INTEREST RATES

The Company is exposed to market risk changes in interest rates through its
debt. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to reduce the impact of increased
interest rates in its floating rate debt. With the continuing increases in
interest rates since June of 1999 the Company unwound its zero premium collar on
February 28, 2000, rolling gains into a new interest rate swap that matches the
notional amounts of the credit agreement by loan currency. The new interest rate
swap will expire August 31, 2001. The Company is of the opinion that it is well
positioned to manage interest expense through August 2001 and have mitigated the
risks of continued interest rate hikes and the related profit impact from the
Company's Financial Statements through these efforts.

COMMODITY RISK

The Company is subject to market risks with respect to industry pricing in paper
and crude oil as it relates to various commodity items. Items with potential
impact are paperboard, packaging films, nylons, resins, propylene, ethylene,
plasticizer and freight. The Company manages pricing exposures on larger volume
commodities such as polycarbonate, polyols and polyvinyl chloride via price
negotiations utilizing alternative supplier competitive pricing. The Company
sources some products and parts from Far East sources where resource
availability, competition, and infrastructure stability has provided a favorable
purchasing environment. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments
to manage commodity risk.



                                       20


<PAGE>   21


                                     PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Various lawsuits and claims arise against the Company in the ordinary course of
its business. Most of these lawsuits and claims relate to the Company's safety
eyewear and respiratory product lines and primarily involve accidents and/or
exposures occurring after the Company's predecessor acquired the AOSafety
Division from American Optical Corporation in April 1990. The Company is
contingently liable with respect to numerous lawsuits involving respirators
manufactured by American Optical Corporation prior to the acquisition of the
AOSafety Division in April 1990. These lawsuits typically involve plaintiffs
alleging that they suffer from asbestosis or silicosis, and that such condition
results in part from respirators which were negligently designed or
manufactured. The defendants in these lawsuits are often numerous, and include,
in addition to respirator manufacturers, employers of the plaintiffs and
manufacturers of sand (used in sand blasting) and asbestos. Responsibility for
legal costs, as well as for settlements and judgments, is shared contractually
by the Company, American Optical Corporation and a prior owner of American
Optical Corporation. The Company and Cabot have entered into an arrangement
relating to certain respirator claims asserted after July 11, 1995 (the date of
the Company's formation) whereby, so long as the Company pays to Cabot an annual
fee of $400,000, which the Company has elected to pay, Cabot will retain
responsibility and liability for, and indemnify the Company against, certain
legal claims alleged to arise out of the use of respirators manufactured prior
to July 1995. The Company has the right to discontinue the payment of such
annual fee at any time, in which case the Company will assume responsibility for
and indemnify Cabot with respect to such claims.


ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
        None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
        None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY-HOLDERS
        None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
        None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
       (a) Exhibits

       27.1  --  Financial Data Schedule

       (b) Reports on Form 8-K

       None





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<PAGE>   22


                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: August 2, 2000                 AEARO CORPORATION

                                     /s/ Bryan J. Carey

                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Bryan J. Carey
                                      Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
                                       Officer, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary
                                        and Managing Director - Europe

                                     /s/ Jeffrey S. Kulka

                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Jeffrey S. Kulka
                                      Corporate Controller




                                       22


<PAGE>   23


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


EXHIBITS        DESCRIPTION
--------        -----------

  27.1*   --    Financial Data Schedule.


*Filed herewith.





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