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                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
                                   FORM 10-K
 
(Mark One)
/x/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
    OF 1934
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
                                       OR
/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
    ACT OF 1934
 
        FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                 TO
 
                        COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-13581
                            ------------------------
 
                           NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
           (Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
                        MICHIGAN                                                 38-3139487
            (State or other jurisdiction of                                   (I.R.S. Employer
             incorporation or organization)                                 Identification No.)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
         33 BLOOMFIELD HILLS PARKWAY, SUITE 155
               BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MICHIGAN                                          48304
        (Address of principal executive offices)                                 (Zip Code)
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE (248) 433-3093
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Title of each class                            Name of each exchange on which registered
<S>                                                       <C>
               COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE                                 AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
</TABLE>
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
 
                                      NONE
                            ------------------------
                                (Title of class)
                            ------------------------
 
     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 by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.  /x/
 
     The aggregate market value of the shares of common stock, no par value
('Common Stock') held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of February 20,
1998, was approximately $34.4 million based upon the average of the high and low
sales prices for the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange on such date.
 
     The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of
February 20, 1998 was 7,160,168.
 
                   DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: NONE.
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<PAGE>
                                     PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
 
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
 
     Noble International, Ltd. ('Noble') was incorporated on October 3, 1993 in
the State of Michigan. Since its formation in 1993, Noble has completed seven
acquisitions (the 'Acquisitions'). As used in this Annual Report (the 'Report'),
'Company' refers to Noble and its subsidiaries and their combined operations,
after consummation of all the Acquisitions.
 
     On January 1, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of Skandy Corp. ('Skandy') from Richard G. Skandalaris, the sole
shareholder of Skandy, in exchange for 133,686 shares of the Company's common
stock, no par value ('Common Stock') (the 'Skandy Acquisition'). Skandy is the
sales and marketing subsidiary of the Company.
 
     On March 1, 1997, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Utilase
Production Processing, Inc. ('UPP'), acquired certain assets of Utilase, Inc.
('Utilase') (the 'UPP Acquisition'). The UPP Acquisition purchase price was
$850,000, evidenced by a promissory note (secured by the assets acquired). UPP
provides the Company with both laser production welding and laser cutting
capabilities, which the Company provides to customers such as GM and Chrysler,
as well as to non-automotive customers.
 
     In July 1996, the Company acquired newly issued shares representing a 37.5%
minority interest in Noble Metal Products, Inc. ('NMP') (formerly DCT Component
Systems, Inc.) (the 'Initial NMP Acquisition') and, effective April 7, 1997, the
Company acquired an additional 7.5% interest in NMP from the former president of
NMP for an aggregate price of $1.00. The Company has also acquired the balance
of NMP's outstanding capital stock from NMP's other shareholders effective
November 24, 1997, for $1,000,000 in cash (the 'Final NMP Acquisition'). NMP
provides progressive die stamping and operates one of only a few stamping
facilities approved by Chrysler to provide extrusion stampings. Competitive
Technologies Investment Company ('CTIC'), was purchased by the Company, through
Noble Land Holdings, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary formed for the purpose of
the CTIC acquisition), concurrent with the consummation of the Final NMP
Acquisition for no additional consideration other than assumption of the debt
encumbering properties owned by CTIC aggregating approximately $4.4 million at
December 31, 1997.
 
     On November 24, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Utilase (the 'Utilase Acquisition'). The Utilase Acquisition purchase price was
$8.2 million in cash, and an aggregate of approximately $10.1 million in
principal amount of promissory notes. Utilase provides production and prototype
laser processing services.
 
     In November 1997, the Company completed an initial public offering of 3.3
million shares of Common Stock resulting in gross proceeds of $29.7 million (the
'Offering').
 
     In February 1998, the Company initiated a plan for the realignment of its
seven operating subsidiaries in order to provide greater integration of
operations. Noble formed Noble Metal Technologies, Inc. ('NMT') and Noble
Components & Systems, Inc. ('NCS') as wholly-owned subsidiaries and will
contribute the capital stock of its other subsidiaries to NMT and NCS. The
Company plans to conduct its metal processing and production operations through
UPP, Utilase and NMP, as wholly-owned subsidiaries of NMT. The Company plans to
conduct its component and systems business through Cass River Coatings, Inc. dba
Vassar Industries ('Vassar'), Monroe Engineering Products, Inc. ('Monroe'),
Prestolock International, Ltd. ('Prestolock') and Skandy, as wholly-owned
subsidiaries of NCS.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
 
     See Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included
elsewhere in this Report.
 
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
     The Company is a full service, independent supplier of automotive
components, component assemblies and value-added services to the automotive
industry. The Company's customers include original equipment manufacturers
('OEMs'), such as General Motors ('GM'), Chrysler Corporation ('Chrysler'), Ford
Motor Company ('Ford') and Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of America
('Mitsubishi'), and Tier I suppliers, such as Textron Automotive Company,
GM/Delphi and United Technologies, Inc. The Company is a Tier II supplier that
provides integrated manufacturing, design, planning, engineering and other
value-added services to the automotive market.
 
     The Company's operations include, among other things: (i) laser welding of
tailored blanks and laser welding and cutting of components; (ii) automotive
component manufacturing utilizing progressive die stamping; (iii) design,
engineering and assembly of automotive glovebox latches and other automotive
component systems; (iv) painting and coating of automotive and non-automotive
components; (v) other value-added services such as prototyping of automotive
components and die design and construction; and (vi) assembly, machining and
distribution of components used in machine tooling.
 
  PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
 
  Laser Welding and Cutting of Components
 
     The Company provides laser welding and cutting services for a variety of
automotive components. The process of laser welding involves the concentration
of a beam of light, producing energy densities of 16 to 20 million watts per
square inch, at the point where two metal pieces are to be joined. Laser welding
allows rapid weld speeds with low heat input, thus minimizing topical distortion
of the metal and resulting in ductile and formable welds that have mechanical
properties comparable to, or in some cases superior to, the metal being welded.
Laser welds provide improved visual aesthetics as well as less likelihood of the
rattling associated with multi-piece, spot-welded assemblies. The process of
laser cutting involves the same concentrated light-beam production of energy,
but uses a different wavelength and mode.
 
     Some of the laser processes performed by UPP for the Company include the
laser welding of latch strike plates for Chrysler's B-van doors and the welding
of covers onto fuel chargers as an aftermarket part. In addition, UPP also
provides laser cutting services for the reverse transmission bands on certain
Chrysler trucks and the hydroform rails for GM's Chevrolet Corvettes.
 
  Laser Welding of Tailored Blanks
 
     Utilase supplies laser welded tailored blanks to the automotive industry.
Laser welding of blanks offers significant advantages over other blank welding
technologies, including cost, weight and safety benefits. Utilase has developed
a technology and production process that permits it to produce laser welded
blanks more quickly and with higher quality and tolerance levels than its
competitors. In 1995, the UltraLight Steel Auto Body Consortium, a worldwide
industry association of steel producers, commissioned a study which concluded
that laser welded tailored blanks will play a significant role in car
manufacturing in the next decade as the automotive industry is further
challenged to produce lighter cars for better fuel economy, with enhanced safety
features and lower manufacturing costs. In addition, the study identified 18
potential applications for laser welding of tailored blanks per vehicle. An
additional 13 potential applications have been identified by Utilase.
 
     Conventional blanks are cut from a single steel coil and possess a uniform
thickness, strength, coating and alloy. In many cases, a particular product
requires a part to possess different characteristics in certain areas. When
conventional blanks are used, achieving these differences requires
reinforcements and additional processing or the use of material with the
required characteristic throughout the entire part. In
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
addition, when conventional blanks are used, blanks must be stamped separately
prior to being welded together. This results in increased design, assembly and
tooling costs, as well as increased waste associated with cutting irregularly
shaped parts for reinforcement from single sheets of steel.
 
     Tailored blanks are combinations of flat sheet metal of varying thickness,
strength, coating and/or alloy which, when welded together prior to stamping,
result in a product that possesses the desired characteristics in the
appropriate areas of the finished stampings. The use of tailored blanks in
automotive applications results in cost, weight and safety benefits. Use of
tailored blanks frequently decreases the number of dies required to produce the
finished product and eliminates the spot welds required to fasten reinforcements
to conventional blanks. Steel utilization is also improved as a result of the
ability to assemble smaller, irregular parts into a single tailored blank. In
addition, by permitting the use of varying weights of steel and eliminating the
need for reinforcements, tailored blanks can result in decreased vehicle weight
and improved gas mileage. For each reinforcement included in a sub-assembly
produced using conventional blanks, costs are incurred for design, development,
engineering, prototyping and die tryout. The use of tailored blanks eliminates
these costs and shortens the product development cycle.
 
     Tailored blanks improve dimensional accuracy by decreasing the number of
separate components, eliminating the need for reinforcements and decreasing
required assembly operations. This results in improved fit and finish, reduced
wind noise and a quieter ride. Because tailored blanks are stamped after
welding, the welds have higher reliability than spot welds made on conventional
blanks after stamping. Weld defects on tailored blanks, if any, are likely to
become apparent upon stamping, resulting in improved quality control. Tailored
blanks can also improve the crashworthiness ratings of automobiles since their
welds are stiffer and provide continuous load-carrying ability.
 
  Design and Engineering
 
     The development of new automobile models generally begins two to five years
prior to the marketing of such models to the public. The Company's engineering
staff typically works with OEM and Tier I engineers early in the development
phase to design components to meet OEM or Tier I specifications on new or
redesigned models. The Company presently offers engineering services for all its
products.
 
     The Company designs, engineers and assembles automobile glovebox latches
under the brand name Prestolock(Registered). The design and engineering of a new
Prestolock(Registered) latch begins two to three years prior to actual
production. After a new latch is designed, the Company produces prototype
latches and builds the required tooling for production parts. The Company then
contracts with manufacturers for the various component parts of the latch and
begins the assembly planning process.
 
     Prestolock's engineers are included in the planning and design phase by
both GM and Chrysler, and remain up to date with the new body platforms under
consideration by the OEMs and Tier I instrument panel suppliers. Automotive
glovebox latches are required to comply with certain safety standards and to be
engineered to fit securely into the glovebox.
 
  Stamping, Painting and Assembly
 
     The Company, through NMP, manufactures a variety of automotive components
utilizing progressive die stampings. Progressive die stamping is a process in
which steel is passed through a series of dies in a stamping press in order to
form the steel into three-dimensional parts. NMP's stamping presses range in
size from 75 tons to 800 tons, providing the flexibility to stamp flat-rolled
steel and steel blanks ranging in thickness from .028 inches to .25 inches.
NMP's products are sold primarily to both OEMs and Tier I suppliers. NMP's
stamping operations also include the production of parts through extrusion
stamping, a process that involves the forcing of steel through a die opening, by
restricting movement in other directions, in order to produce a product of
uniform cross-sectional shape. NMP operates one of only a few stamping
facilities approved by Chrysler to provide extrusion stampings.
 
     Through Vassar, the Company also provides painting and coating services to
OEMs and Tier I suppliers on automotive components consigned to the Company for
processing and re-delivery to the customer on a just-in-time basis. Since 1986,
Vassar has operated as a dedicated GM/Delphi supplier,
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
painting steering column component parts for GM/Delphi's Saginaw Steering
Division. As an extension of its relationship with GM/Delphi, the Company also
provides steering column sequencing and other assembly services.
 
     The Company also provides other value-added services such as prototyping
and mold design and construction. The Company also designs, engineers and
produces precision tools and dies for use in its own stamping operations.
 
  Distribution of Tooling Components
 
     The Company, through Monroe, distributes tooling components, including
adjustable handles, hand wheels, plastic knobs, levers, handles, hydraulic
clamps, drills, jigs and permanent magnets to non-automotive customers. The
Company's primary tooling component product line is Kipp(Registered) brand
standard and heavy duty adjustable handles, representing approximately one-half
of its tooling component sales. The Company also distributes Elesa(Registered)
brand high tensile plastic hand wheels, knobs, handles and levers, representing
approximately one-quarter of tooling component sales. Although most tooling
component products are sold off the shelf, the Company does perform some light
machining of parts for custom orders.
 
     The Company is the primary North American distributor for Kipp(Registered)
products and holds the U.S. patent rights to Kipp(Registered) adjustable
handles. The Company also holds non-exclusive rights to distribute
Elesa(Registered) products throughout North America.
 
  MARKETING
 
  Automotive Supply
 
     The Company's salesmen and project managers are involved in product
planning and spend a significant amount of time consulting with OEM engineers in
order to facilitate the integration of the Company's products into future
automotive models.
 
     Orders for tailored blanks are typically placed by OEMs directly with
producers of coiled steel. Further processing steps, such as blanking, are done
either by the steel producer or by an independent processor sub-contracted by
the steel producer. Project managers at Utilase work closely with OEMs during
the design phase to promote the specification of Utilase as the processor prior
to the placing of orders by OEMs with steel producers. Relationships with
domestic steel producers are also maintained in order to obtain sub-contracting
work for which no processor has been specified by an OEM.
 
  Tooling Components
 
     The Company's tooling component products are sold through catalogs as well
as through a network of regional distributors of Kipp(Registered) and
Elesa(Registered) products. There are approximately 78 wholesale distributors
located throughout the United States offering the Company's products. These
distributors sell to industrial manufacturing companies such as GM, Chrysler,
Caterpillar Inc. and Deere & Company. In addition, there are three distributors
of the Company's products in Canada and one in Mexico.
 
  RAW MATERIALS
 
     The raw materials required for the Company's operations include steel,
paint, plastic and gases such as carbon dioxide and argon. The Company obtains
its raw materials from a variety of suppliers. With the exception of Monroe's
purchase of tooling components from Kipp(Registered) and Elesa,(Registered) the
Company does not believe that it is dependent upon any of its suppliers despite
concentration of purchasing of certain materials from a few sources.
Approximately 65% of the paint used at Vassar is purchased from a single
supplier, although other suppliers of the same or similar materials are readily
available. The Company typically purchases its raw materials on a purchase order
basis as needed and has generally been able to obtain adequate supplies of raw
materials for its operations.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
  PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
 
     The Company holds the registered U.S. trademarks 'Presto(Registered)' and
'Prestolock(Registered)' used in connection with its glovebox latch business.
The Company also holds U.S. Patent No. 4,598,614 entitled 'Hand Lever Turning
Mechanism' which provides the Company with the exclusive right to distribute
certain Kipp(Registered) brand adjustable handles, which incorporate such
technology, in the United States. Utilase has proprietary technology and
equipment that constitute trade secrets which it has chosen not to register in
order to avoid public disclosure thereof.
 
  SEASONALITY
 
     The Company's business is largely dependent upon the automotive industry
which is highly cyclical and is dependent on consumer spending. In addition, the
automotive component supply industry is somewhat seasonal. Increased revenues
and operating income are generally experienced during the second calendar
quarter as a result of the automotive industry's spring selling season, the peak
sales and production period of the year. Decreased revenues and operating income
are generally experienced during July and December of each year as a result of
scheduled OEM plant shut downs for vacations and holidays, as well as
changeovers in production lines for the new model year.
 
  CUSTOMERS
 
     Sales to the automotive industry constitute a substantial portion of the
Company's net sales. The Company's remaining sales are primarily to the tooling
component industry. In 1997, sales to the automotive industry accounted for
approximately 72% of the consolidated net sales of the Company (91% of its pro
forma combined net sales giving effect to all of the Acquisitions) with GM,
Chrysler, Ford and Mitsubishi, including their respective Tier I suppliers,
accounting for substantially all of the Company's historical and pro forma net
sales to the automotive industry.
 
     Historically, the Company's primary customer for
Prestolock(Registered) latches has been GM, with the Company currently supplying
approximately 58% of GM's glovebox latch requirements. Beginning in 1997, the
Company also began supplying glovebox latches to Chrysler and management
anticipates, based upon Chrysler's current production estimates, that the
Company will supply approximately 42% of Chrysler's 1998 model year
requirements.
 
  COMPETITION
 
     Both the automotive component supply and tooling component industries are
highly competitive. Competition in the sale of all of the Company's products is
primarily based on engineering, product design, process capability, quality,
cost, delivery and responsiveness. Many of the Company's competitors are larger
and have greater financial and other resources than the Company. The Company
believes that its performance record places it in a strong competitive position.
In addition, with respect to certain of its products, some of the Company's
competitors, such as GM/Delphi, are divisions of its OEM customers.
 
  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
     The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations concerning
emissions to the air, discharges to waterways, and generation, handling,
storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials. The Company
is also subject to other Federal and state laws and regulations regarding health
and safety matters. Each of the Company's production facilities has permits and
licenses allowing and regulating air emissions and water discharges. The Company
believes that it is currently in compliance with applicable environmental and
health and safety laws and regulations.
 
  EMPLOYEES
 
     As of December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately 705 employees,
including 378 production employees, 21 engineering employees, 55 sales and
clerical employees and 96 management and administrative employees, as well as
approximately 77 leased production workers at Prestolock and
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
78 leased production workers at Utilase. All of the Company's operations are
non-union except for Vassar, whose production workers are represented by the
AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO workers have been out on strike since August 1, 1997,
however, production at Vassar has not been impacted due to the hiring of
replacement workers. There has been no other recent history of labor strikes or
unrest at any of the Company's facilities. The Company believes that its
relations with its employees are satisfactory.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
 
     All of the Company's current operations, with the exception of two assembly
plants, are conducted at facilities located in the greater Detroit area of
Michigan. The Company's existing facilities are adequate for current operations.
 
     The following is a summary of the location, ownership status, size and
function of each of the Company's facilities:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            OWNED      APPROXIMATE
                                                             OR           SIZE
FACILITY LOCATION                                          LEASED       (SQ.FT.)             PRIMARY USE
-------------------------------------------------------   ---------    -----------   ----------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>           <C>
Bloomfield Hills Pkwy, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan         Leased          10,145     Executive Offices,
                                                                                     Prestolock Sales and
                                                                                     Engineering
Enterprise Drive, Vassar, Michigan                        Owned           30,000     Painting and Assembly
Sherman Street, Vassar, Michigan                          Leased          14,600     Painting and Assembly
El Paso, Texas                                            Leased          24,200     Prestolock Assembly
34683 Centaur, Clinton Township, Michigan                 Owned            9,250     Warehouse
34660 Centaur, Clinton Township, Michigan                 Owned           54,470     Stamping
34706 Centaur, Clinton Township, Michigan                 Owned           12,692     Warehouse and Engineering
34728 Centaur, Clinton Township, Michigan                 Owned           13,675     Warehouse
34635 Nova, Mt. Clemens, Michigan                         Owned           12,200     Die Maintenance
Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan               Leased           1,417     Tooling Component Sales
Harbor Springs, Michigan                                  Owned            9,600     Tooling Component Warehouse
                                                                                     Distribution Facility
20201 Hoover Road, Detroit, Michigan                      Leased          11,110     Utilase Production Process
20101 Hoover Road, Detroit, Michigan                      Leased         210,000     Laser Welding and Tailored
                                                                                     Blanks
Brantford, Ontario, Canada                                Leased          89,330     Laser Welding and Tailored
                                                                                     Blanks
</TABLE>
 
------------------
(1) Purchased pursuant to a Land Contract dated April 30, 1996 from the former
    controlling shareholder of Monroe who is currently an affiliate of the
    Company, for an aggregate purchase price of $500,000 payable in monthly
    installments of interest only at the rate of 12% per annum with all
    outstanding principal and accrued interest due April 30, 1998.
 
(2) The Hoover Road facilities are leased from entities controlled by an
    affiliate of the Company.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
     On May 6, 1997, Utilase filed an action in United States District Court,
Eastern District of Michigan, against Olympic Steel, Inc. for breach of
contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, and tortious interference of
contract. Following the Utilase Acquisition, the former principal shareholder of
Utilase, which is controlled by James Bronce Henderson III, will continue to
have the right to control the actions of Utilase with respect to the litigation,
including decisions with respect to whether to bring actions against additional
parties, subject to the requirement of the Company's reasonable consent for any
settlement. Any cash or property recovered in connection with the litigation
will be divided equally with such former principal shareholder of Utilase and
the Company's portion will be deposited into a sinking fund to be applied
against payment of the Utilase promissory notes delivered by the Company in
connection with the Utilase Acquisition.
 
     Except for the foregoing, the Company is not a party to any legal
proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to its business, none of
which is material.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
 
     Not applicable.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
     The Company's Common Stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange
('AMEX') under the symbol NIL. The Common Stock commenced trading on AMEX on
November 19, 1997 as a result of the Company's initial public offering. Prior to
that date there was no public market for the Common Stock. The high and low
closing sale prices for the Common Stock during the period from November 19,
1997 to December 31, 1997, as reported on AMEX, were $9.25 and $6.75,
respectively.
 
     As of February 20, 1998 there were approximately 43 record holders and
approximately 1300 beneficial owners of the Company's Common Stock.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     The Company has not declared or paid any dividends on its Common Stock
since its incorporation. The Company currently intends to retain any earnings to
support its growth strategy and operation and does not anticipate paying cash
dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of future dividends, if any, will
be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors after taking into
account various factors, including the Company's financial condition, operating
results, current and anticipated cash needs and plans for expansion. In
addition, the payment of dividends by the Company on the Common Stock is
restricted by the Company's current bank loan agreements. Further, the
promissory notes delivered by the Company in connection with the acquisition of
Utilase requires the consent of the holders of 67% of the aggregate outstanding
principal amount thereof for the Company to declare or pay any dividends on the
Common Stock, other than in shares of capital stock.
 
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
     No securities of the Company that were not registered under the Securities
Act of 1933 have been issued or sold by the Company during the period covered by
this report, except for the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         DATE OF    NUMBER AND CLASS OF
NAME OR CLASS OF PERSON                   SALE             SHARES                     CONSIDERATION
--------------------------------------   -------    --------------------  --------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>                   <C>
Richard G. Skandalaris                    1/1/97    133,686 shares of     Issued pursuant to a Stock Exchange
                                                    Common Stock          Agreement between Noble and Skandy
Twenty-First Century Off-Shore Fund,     7/30/97    38,000 shares of      $3.8 million
Ltd.                                                Series A Preferred
                                                    Stock
Twenty-First Century Off-Shore Fund,     7/30/97    64,838 shares of      Issued in connection with concurrent
Ltd.                                                Common Stock          sale of Series A Preferred for no
                                                                          additional consideration
</TABLE>
 
     The Company believes that the foregoing transactions were exempt from the
registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2)
of such Act.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS OF OFFERING
 
     The Company's initial public offering of 3,300,000 shares of Common Stock
pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-27149) was
declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 18,
1997 (the 'Offering'). The Offering closed on November 24, 1997. The managing
underwriters of the Offering were BlueStone Capital Partners, L.P. and Rodman &
Renshaw, Inc. The 3,300,000 shares of Common Stock were offered and sold at a
price of $9.00 per share. The net proceeds received by the Company from the sale
of the 3,300,000 shares of Common Stock were $26,258,000 after deducting
underwriting discounts and offering expenses. The Company used the net proceeds
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        PERCENTAGE
                                                                                                          OF NET
USE OF NET PROCEEDS                                                                    DOLLAR AMOUNT     PROCEEDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------    ----------
<S>                                                                                    <C>              <C>
Reduction of financial institution debt(1)..........................................    $13,348,000         50.8%
Payments relating to Utilase Acquisition(2).........................................     10,450,000         39.8%
Payments relating to Final NMP Acquisition(3).......................................      1,960,000          7.5%
Payments relating to prior Acquisitions(4)..........................................        500,000          1.9%
                                                                                       -------------    ----------
     Total..........................................................................    $26,258,000        100.0%
                                                                                       -------------    ----------
                                                                                       -------------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
------------------
(1) Includes: (i) $4.0 million for the repayment in full of amounts outstanding
    under NMP's revolving line of credit facility with CIT Group/Credit Finance,
    Inc. ('CIT'); (ii) $2.89 million for the repayment in full of the Company's
    term loan with Comerica Bank ('Comerica'); (iii) $2.2 million for the
    repayment in full of NMP's term loan with CIT; and (iv) $4.26 million for
    the partial repayment of amounts outstanding under Utilase's equipment
    purchase credit facility with Comerica.
 
(2) Includes: (i) the $8.2 million cash portion of the Utilase stock purchase
    price; (ii) $1.4 million payable to various employees and shareholders of
    Utilase and its parent company, DCTI, in consideration of their covenants
    not to compete; and (iii) $850,000 for the final payment due to the former
    shareholders of Utilase in connection with the UPP Acquisition.
 
(3) Includes: (i) $1.0 million for the purchase of the 55% interest in NMP and
    (ii) $960,000 to repay NMP's loan from DCTI assumed by the Company in
    connection with the Final NMP Acquisition, which loan bears interest at the
    rate of 10% per annum and which matured on the consummation of the Final NMP
    Acquisition.
 
(4) Includes $500,000 payable in connection with the Monroe Acquisition.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
     The following selected historical financial data as of and for each of the
four fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 1997 is derived from the
audited financial statements of Noble and should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.'
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                             ------------------------------------------------
                                                               1994         1995         1996         1997
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                              (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS:
  Net sales...............................................   $   3,305    $   4,442    $  16,187    $  24,363
  Cost of goods sold......................................       2,261        2,911       10,587       16,777
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Gross profit............................................       1,044        1,531        5,600        7,586
  Selling, general and administrative expense.............         915        1,030        5,088        5,698
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Operating profit........................................         129          501          512        1,888
  Equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiary.............          --           --           95          126
  Interest income.........................................          --           --           (5)         (49)
  Interest expense........................................          24           24          555          755
  Sundry, net.............................................          (1)         (29)         (64)         (63)
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Earnings (loss) before income taxes and minority
     interest.............................................         106          506          (69)       1,119
  Minority interest.......................................          38           67           --           23
  Income tax expense......................................           8           30            7          379
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Net earnings (loss)                                        $      60    $     409    $     (76)   $     717
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Preferred dividend                                                --           --    $                  144
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Net earnings (loss) on common shares....................   $      60    $     409    $     (76)   $     573
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Net earnings (loss) per common share(1).................   $     .03    $     .10    $    (.02)   $     .13
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Weighted average common shares outstanding..............   1,535,170    2,807,390    3,820,390    4,285,134
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
  EBITDA(2)...............................................   $     121    $     566    $     999    $   2,830
  Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense.....................        5.0x        23.6x         1.8x         3.7x
  Cash flow from:
     Operating............................................   $    (214)         392          913          264
     Investing............................................        (429)        (203)         270      (12,519)
     Financing............................................         645         (191)        (713)      14,136
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Net cash flow...........................................   $       2    $      (2)   $     470    $   1,881
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                             ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Total assets............................................   $   1,189    $   1,785    $  11,533    $  67,101
  Working capital (deficiency)............................         295          349         (817)       5,564
  Total debt..............................................         213          218        8,675       28,264
  Shareholders' equity....................................         355          624          729       27,610
</TABLE>
 
------------------
(1) Net earnings (loss) per common share data for 1994 and 1995 have been
    presented to reflect the pro forma tax effects attributable to Prestolock
    being taxed under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code through December
    31, 1995.
 
(2) EBITDA represents income before income taxes, plus interest expense and
    depreciation and amortization expense. EBITDA is not presented as, and
    should not be considered, an alternative measure of operating results or
    cash flows from operations (as determined in accordance with generally
    accepted accounting principles), but is presented because it is a widely
    accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to incur and service
    debt. While commonly used, however, EBITDA is not identically calculated by
    companies presenting EBITDA and is, therefore, not necessarily an accurate
    means of comparison and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
    disclosed by the Company's competitors.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
 
     The information set forth in 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations' below includes 'forward looking
statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and
is subject to the safe harbor created by that section. Factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward looking
statements are set forth in 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.'
 
OVERVIEW
 
     The Company is a full service, independent supplier of automotive
components, component assemblies and value-added services to the automotive
industry. Pursuant to its strategic acquisition program, the Company has, since
its formation in 1993, completed seven acquisitions. The Company completed its
first acquisition in February 1994 by acquiring the assets of Prestolock. In
January 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding
shares of Vassar and Monroe. In July 1996, the Company acquired a minority
interest in NMP. In January 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
capital stock of Skandy. In March 1997, the Company, through UPP, acquired
certain assets of Utilase. Concurrently with the consummation of the Offering on
November 24, 1997, the Company also acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Utilase and the balance of the shares of NMP.
 
     Prestolock commenced operations in February 1994, and subsequently incurred
significant engineering and other start-up costs to improve its market position
as a provider of glovebox latches to the automotive industry. The historical
operating results which include these costs are not necessarily indicative of
future operating results. As a result of the acquisition of Vassar, in January
1996, the Company enhanced its relationship with GM/Delphi, which the Company
regards as a first step in realizing its strategy of providing multiple,
integrated services to its automotive customers. NMP has experienced continued
improvement in its operating results over the past three years. As a result of
changes in NMP and the affiliation with Skandy, UPP and Utilase, it is
anticipated that NMP's operating results in the future will vary from historical
operating results due to strengthened sales efforts and the ability to provide
assembled products using production laser welding processes. The results of UPP
and Utilase are also expected to be impacted by the addition of a dedicated
sales force. Management believes Utilase's growth has been limited by the funds
available for both working capital requirements and capital expenditures for
expanding capacity. The proceeds of the Offering, the increased availability
created under the Company's new $35 million revolving line of credit and the
cash generated from operations are expected to cause Utilase's future operating
results to differ from its historical operating results.
 
     The following analysis of the financial condition and results of operations
of the Company should be read in conjunction with 'Selected Financial Data' and
the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, of the
Company included elsewhere in this Report. Except for the historical information
contained herein, the discussion in this Report contains or may contain
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's
actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. Factors that
could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to,
those discussed herein and elsewhere in this Report. Historical results are not
necessarily indicative of trends in operating results for any future periods.
For example, labor interruptions at customers' plants during 1997 have resulted
in lost sales and earnings before income taxes for the Company of $1.5 million
and $0.5 million, respectively. In addition, a recent strike at Vassar has
resulted in an estimated $0.3 million in increased costs bringing the total
strike related reduction in earnings before income taxes to $0.8 million over
the 1997 fiscal year.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  Year Ended December 31, 1997 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1996
  (Pro Forma and Historical)
 
     The following table sets forth certain financial data for the Company both
on a pro forma basis (giving effect to the Acquisitions) and on a historical
basis. The pro forma information may not be indicative of actual results that
would have been achieved if the Acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of
the periods. See 'Pro Forma Financial Data' included as Exhibit 99.1 to this
Report and the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in
this Report.
 
                             RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                HISTORICAL
                                                                      PRO FORMA COMBINED        YEAR ENDED
                                                                          YEAR ENDED           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,       ------------------
                                                                             1997            1996       1997
                                                                      ------------------    -------    -------
<S>                                                                   <C>                   <C>        <C>
Net sales..........................................................        $ 61,632         $16,187    $24,363
Cost of goods sold.................................................          44,743          10,587     16,777
                                                                      ------------------    -------    -------
Gross profit.......................................................          16,889           5,600      7,586
Selling, general, and administrative expense.......................          11,225           5,088      5,698
                                                                      ------------------    -------    -------
Operating profit...................................................           5,664             512      1,888
Interest expense...................................................           1,333             555        755
Sundry, net........................................................            (376)            (64)       (14)
                                                                      ------------------    -------    -------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and minority interest..........           4,707             (69)     1,119
  Minority interest................................................              23              --         23
Income tax expense.................................................           1,592               7        379
                                                                      ------------------    -------    -------
Net earnings (loss)................................................        $  3,092         $   (76)   $   717
                                                                      ------------------    -------    -------
                                                                      ------------------    -------    -------
</TABLE>
 
     Net Sales.  The Company's pro forma combined net sales increased by $45.4
million, or 280.8%, to $61.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
$16.2 million on a historical basis for the year ended December 31, 1996. The
increase in sales is primarily a result of the acquisition of Utilase which
contributed sales of $17.4 million, or 107.4%, and the acquisition of NMP which
contributed sales of $24.8 million, or 153.1%.
 
     The Company's historical net sales increased by $8.2 million, or 50.5%, to
$24.4 million from $16.2 million. The increase in sales is due to the
acquisition of Utilase increasing sales $2.5 million, or 15.4%, the acquisition
of NMP increasing sales $2.5 million, or 15.4%, the acquisition of UPP
increasing sales $1.1 million, or 6.8%, and an increase in Prestolock's sales of
$1.2 million, or 7.4%, to $6.7 million from $5.5 million, which was primarily
attributable to new business for the GM and Chrysler glovebox latches.
 
     Cost of Goods Sold.  The Company's pro forma combined cost of goods sold
increased $34.2 million, or 322.6%, to $44.7 million for the year ended December
31, 1997 from $10.6 million on a historical basis for the year ended December
31, 1996. As a percent of net sales, pro forma combined cost of goods sold
increased to 72.6% from 65.4% of pro forma net sales primarily due to the
acquisition of NMP which had a cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales of
87.3% for the year ended December 31, 1997.
 
     The Company's historical cost of goods sold increased $6.2 million, or
58.5%, to $16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $10.6 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996. As a percent of net sales, cost of goods
sold increased to 68.9% from 65.4% of net sales primarily due to the acquisition
of NMP which had a cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales of 88.9% for the
year ended December 31, 1997.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
     Gross Profit.  As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company's pro
forma combined gross profit increased $11.3 million, or 201.8%, to $16.9 million
for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $5.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996.
 
     The Company's gross profit increased by $2.0 million, or 35.7%, to $7.6
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $5.6 million for the prior
year period.
 
     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Pro forma combined selling,
general and administrative expenses increased $6.1 million, or 119.6%, to $11.2
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $5.1 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996. For the period ended December 31, 1997, selling,
general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales was 18.2%, as
compared to 31.4% for the year ended December 31, 1996. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased due to the acquisition of Utilase by $3.9
million, or 87.2%, and due to the acquisition of NMP by $2.1 million, or 41.2%.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses of the Company increased by
$0.6 million, or 12.0%, for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the
year ended December 31, 1996, due to the acquisitions of Utilase and NMP.
 
     Operating Profit.  As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company's pro
forma combined operating profit increased by $5.2 million, or 1,040%, to $5.7
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $0.5 million for the prior
year.
 
     The Company's operating profit increased by $1.4 million, or 280.0%, to
$1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $0.5 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
 
     Interest Expense.  Pro forma combined interest expense increased $0.8
million, or 160.0%, to $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
$0.5 million for the year ending December 31, 1996. The increase was primarily
due to the acquisition of Utilase.
 
     The Company's interest expense increased $0.2 million, or 36.0%, to $0.8
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $0.6 million for the prior
year period, primarily due to the financing obtained to support increased sales
as well as the financing of the Utilase and NMP acquisitions.
 
     Net Earnings.  As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company's pro
forma combined net earnings increased by $3.2 million to $3.1 million for the
period ended December 31, 1997 from $(0.1) million for the period ended December
31, 1996, after providing for income tax.
 
     The Company's consolidated net earnings increased by $0.8 million to $0.7
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $(0.1) million for the year
ended December 31, 1996, primarily due to the acquisitions of Utilase, NMP and
UPP.
 
  Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
  1995 (Historical)
 
     Net Sales.  Net sales increased $11.8 million, or 264%, to $16.2 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $4.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995. The increase was primarily attributable to the acquisitions
of Monroe and Vassar and new business at Prestolock relating to glovebox latches
for GM. The acquisition of Monroe increased sales by $5.1 million, or 114.8%,
for the year ended December 31, 1996. The acquisition of Vassar increased sales
by $5.5 million, or 122.9%, for the year ended December 31, 1996. The Prestolock
sales increased the Company's net sales by $1.1 million, or 24.7%, to $5.5
million for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
     Cost of Goods Sold.  Cost of goods sold increased $7.7 million, or 263.7%,
to $10.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $2.9 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold
decreased to 65.4% for the year ended December 31, 1996 from 65.5% for the year
ended December 31, 1995. The increase in cost of goods sold was primarily
attributable to the acquisitions of Monroe and Vassar which increased the
Company's cost of goods sold by $2.0 million and $4.4 million, respectively, for
the year ended December 31, 1996, and the increased expenses at Prestolock
related to the Company's investment in developing future glovebox latches.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
     Gross Profit.  As a result of the foregoing factors, gross profit increased
$4.1 million, or 265.6%, to $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1996
from $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
     Selling General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased $4.1 million, or 393.8%, to $5.1 million for
the year ended December 31, 1996 from $1.0 million for the year ended December
31, 1995. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was
primarily attributable to: (i) the Monroe and Vassar acquisitions, which
increased such expenses by $1.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for the
year ended December 31, 1996; (ii) an increase of $1.1 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996, due to the establishment of Noble as a holding company
and a bonus to Robert J. Skandalaris; and (iii) an increase of $0.3 million, or
34.4%, at Prestolock due to increased commissions on net sales, increased
personnel and expenses incurred to move administration and engineering to
Michigan.
 
     Operating Profit.  As a result of the foregoing factors, operating profit
increased $10,849, or 2.2%, to $0.5 million for the year ended December 31,
1996.
 
     Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased $0.5 million, to $0.6 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $23,836 for the year ended December
31, 1995. This increase was primarily attributable to the financing of the
acquisitions of Monroe and Vassar. Included in the interest expense for 1996 is
imputed interest of $0.12 million on a related party note arising from the
acquisition of Monroe.
 
     Net Earnings (Loss).  As a result of the foregoing factors, net earnings
decreased $0.5 million to a net loss of $76,363 for the year ended December 31,
1996 from net earnings of $0.4 million for the prior year after providing for
the income tax effect.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company's cash requirements have historically been satisfied through a
combination of cash flow from operations, equipment financing, bank financing
and loans from shareholders. The Company's working capital needs and capital
equipment requirements have increased as a result of the growth of the Company
and are expected to continue to increase as a result of anticipated growth in
laser welded blanks, glovebox latch, and assembly operations. The anticipated
increase in required working capital and capital equipment requirements, are
expected to be met from the cash flow from operations, equipment financing and
revolving credit borrowings. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had working
capital of approximately $5.6 million.
 
     The Company generated cash flow from operations of $0.2 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997. Cash flow from operating activities in the period
was primarily the result of net earnings, depreciation and amortization offset
by changes in working capital necessary to support increased sales. The Company
used cash in investing activities of $(12.5) million for the year ended December
31, 1997. Cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31,
1997 was primarily the result of the purchase of NMP and Utilase and the
purchase of property, plant and equipment. The Company generated $14.2 million
in cash flow from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 1997. The
financing activities in the period were primarily the result of net repayments
of bank debt used to finance the Company's operations, long term debt incurred
for the purchase of Utilase, and the proceeds from the Offering.
 
     On December 30, 1997, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement with Comerica Bank which provides the Company with a $35 million
revolving line of credit facility (the 'New Comerica Line'). The New Comerica
Line has a term of three years, is secured by a first priority security interest
in the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries and provides for the issuance
of up to $1 million in standby or documentary letters of credit. The New
Comerica Line replaces the Company's and its subsidiaries' approximately $3.5
million of prior existing revolving credit facilities and approximately $3.7
million in original principal amount of term debt ($2.9 of which was still
outstanding at December 30, 1997). The Company paid an up front fee of 25 basis
points ($87,500) to Comerica in connection with the New Comerica Line.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
     The New Comerica Line may be utilized for general corporate purposes,
including working capital and acquisition financing. The New Comerica Line
provides the Company with borrowing options for advances under the facility of
either a 'Eurocurrency Rate' (Comerica's Eurodollar rate as adjusted for
reserves and other regulatory requirements) or a 'Base Rate' (the higher of
Comerica's prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 200 basis points), plus an
applicable margin (ranging from 0% to 2.25%) based upon the Company's ratio of
funded debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization expense). The New Comerica Line is subject to
customary financial and other covenants including, but not limited to,
limitations on payment of dividends, limitations on consolidations, mergers, and
sales of assets, and bank approval on acquisitions over $20 million.
 
     The Company has, on a pro forma combined basis, from time to time been in
violation of certain of its financial debt ratio covenants and covenants
relating to the issuance of preferred stock and the payment of preferred stock
dividends, requiring it to obtain waivers of default from its lenders. In
addition, the Company has from time to time had to negotiate extensions relating
to the payment of several of its debt obligations. As of the date of this
Report, however, the Company is in compliance with all of its debt covenants.
 
     The liquidity provided by the reduction of the Company's existing credit
facilities, combined with cash flow from operations is expected to be sufficient
to meet the Company's currently anticipated working capital and capital
expenditure needs for existing debt service and operations, for at least 12
months. There can be no assurance, however, that such funds will not be expended
prior thereto due to changes in economic conditions or other unforeseen
circumstances, requiring the Company to obtain additional financing prior to the
end of such 12-month period. In addition, the Company intends to pursue, as part
of its business strategy, future growth through opportunistic acquisitions of
assets or companies involved in the automotive component supply industry, which
acquisitions may involve the expenditure of significant funds. Depending upon
the nature, size and timing of future acquisitions, the Company may be required
to obtain additional debt or equity financing in connection with such future
acquisitions. There can be no assurance, however, that additional financing will
be available to the Company, when and if needed, on acceptable terms or at all.
 
INFLATION
 
     Inflation generally affects the Company by increasing the interest expense
of floating rate indebtedness and by increasing the cost of labor, equipment and
raw materials. The Company does not believe that inflation has had any material
effect on its business over the past three years.
 
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
 
     Not applicable.
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
        NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                       <C>
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants.....................................    17
Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1997 and 1996................................    18
Consolidated Statements of Operations--For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
  1995.................................................................................    20
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity--For the years ended December 31, 1997,
  1996 and 1995........................................................................    21
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
  1995.................................................................................    22
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................................    24
</TABLE>
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
Board of Directors
Noble International, Ltd.
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Noble
International, Ltd. (a Michigan corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31,
1997 and 1996 and the related consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above,
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Noble International, Ltd. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and
the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
 
Detroit, Michigan
February 12, 1998
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                    --------------------------
                                                                                       1996           1997
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                                 <C>            <C>
                                     ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents......................................................   $   471,412    $ 2,352,814
  Accounts receivable, trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,148
     and $168,932 at December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively....................     1,566,551     11,507,622
  Due from shareholder...........................................................        60,000             --
  Inventories....................................................................     2,285,361      5,276,420
  Prepaid expenses and other assets..............................................       177,012        290,832
  Deferred income taxes..........................................................            --        158,000
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
          Total current assets...................................................     4,560,336     19,585,688
 
Property, plant and equipment, net...............................................     1,848,759     20,891,089
 
Other assets:
  Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $272,007 and $645,307 at December
     31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.............................................     5,026,254     24,822,746
  Covenants not to compete, net of accumulated amortization of $16,667 at
     December 31, 1997...........................................................            --      1,383,333
  Sundry.........................................................................        97,164        418,305
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
                                                                                      5,123,418     26,624,384
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
                                                                                    $11,532,513    $67,101,161
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                    --------------------------
                                                                                       1996           1997
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                                 <C>            <C>
                             LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
  Note payable to bank...........................................................   $ 1,402,708    $        --
  Current maturities of long-term debt...........................................     1,059,021        717,285
  Current maturities of notes payable--related parties...........................       882,613      2,386,792
  Current maturities of capital lease obligations                                            --         74,891
  Accounts payable...............................................................     1,359,127      7,055,130
  Accrued liabilities............................................................       666,673      3,495,552
  Income taxes payable...........................................................         7,200        291,848
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
       Total current liabilities.................................................     5,377,342     14,021,498
 
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities.....................................     3,830,477     13,766,144
Notes payable--related parties, excluding current maturities.....................     1,500,000     10,286,281
Capital lease obligations, excluding current maturities..........................            --        183,150
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary..........................................        95,239             --
Deferred income taxes............................................................            --        384,000
Commitments and contingencies (Note I)...........................................            --             --
Preferred stock of subsidiary....................................................            --        850,000
 
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $100 par value, 10% cumulative, authorized 150,000 shares.....            --             --
  Common stock, no par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares, issued and
     outstanding 3,726,482 and 7,160,168 shares in 1996 and 1997, respectively...     1,036,634     27,344,242
  Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)........................................      (307,179)       265,846
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
                                                                                        729,455     27,610,088
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
                                                                                    $11,532,513    $67,101,161
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL LTD., AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    ----------------------------------------
                                                                       1995          1996           1997
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>            <C>
Net sales........................................................   $4,442,225    $16,186,811    $24,363,138
Cost of goods sold...............................................    2,910,696     10,587,175     16,776,942
       Gross profit..............................................    1,531,529      5,599,636      7,586,196
Selling, general and administrative expenses.....................    1,030,263      5,087,521      5,698,331
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
       Operating profit..........................................      501,266        512,115      1,887,865
Other income (expense):
  Equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiary....................           --        (95,239)      (125,884)
  Interest income................................................           --          4,632         48,852
  Interest expense...............................................      (23,836)      (555,058)      (754,800)
  Sundry, net....................................................       29,036         64,387         62,853
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                         5,200       (581,278)      (768,979)
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
       Earnings (loss) before income taxes and minority
          interest...............................................      506,466        (69,163)     1,118,886
Minority interest................................................       67,195             --         22,961
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes..............................      439,271        (69,163)     1,095,925
  Income tax expense.............................................       30,562          7,200        378,900
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
       Net earnings (loss).......................................      408,709        (76,363)       717,025
Preferred stock dividends........................................           --             --        144,000
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
Earnings (loss) on common shares.................................   $  408,709    $    76,363    $   573,025
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share...............                 $      (.02)   $       .13
                                                                                  -----------    -----------
                                                                                  -----------    -----------
Proforma earnings data:
  Earnings before income taxes as reported.......................   $  439,271
  Pro forma income tax expense...................................      169,000
                                                                    ----------
  Pro forma net earnings.........................................   $  270,271
                                                                    ----------
                                                                    ----------
  Pro forma net earnings per share...............................   $      .10
                                                                    ----------
                                                                    ----------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL LTD., AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  RETAINED
                                                                                  EARNINGS
                                                   PREFERRED       COMMON       (ACCUMULATED
                                                     STOCK          STOCK         DEFICIT)         TOTAL
                                                   ----------    -----------    ------------    -----------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>
Balance at January 1, 1995 (2,673,704 shares)...   $       --    $   341,909     $   12,817     $   354,726
Dividend payable to Prestolock shareholders.....           --             --       (139,067)       (139,067)
Net earnings....................................           --             --        408,709         408,709
                                                   ----------    -----------    ------------    -----------
Balance at December 31, 1995....................           --        341,909        282,459         624,368
Transfer of capital attributable to termination
  of Prestolock S-Corporation election..........           --        513,275       (513,275)             --
Net loss........................................           --             --        (76,363)        (76,363)
Issuance of 1,052,778 shares of common stock....           --        181,450             --         181,450
                                                   ----------    -----------    ------------    -----------
Balance at December 31, 1996....................           --      1,036,634       (307,179)        729,455
Issuance of 38,000 shares of preferred stock....    3,446,600             --             --       3,446,600
Issuance of 198,524 shares of common stock......           --        402,900             --         402,900
Issuance of 3,300,000 shares of common stock....           --     26,258,108             --      26,258,108
Dividends paid on preferred stock...............           --             --       (144,000)       (144,000)
Redemption of 38,000 shares of preferred
  stock.........................................   (3,446,600)            --             --      (3,446,600)
Redemption of 64,838 shares of common stock.....           --       (353,400)            --        (353,400)
Net earnings....................................           --             --        717,025         717,025
                                                   ----------    -----------    ------------    -----------
Balance at December 31, 1997....................   $       --    $27,344,242     $  265,846     $27,610,088
                                                   ----------    -----------    ------------    -----------
                                                   ----------    -----------    ------------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL LTD., AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    ----------------------------------------
                                                                       1995          1996           1997
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>            <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net earnings (loss)............................................   $  408,709    $   (76,363)   $   717,025
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by
     operations
       Loss on disposal of asset.................................           --          1,571             --
       Depreciation of property, plant and equipment.............      103,040        247,339        588,878
       Provision for doubtful accounts...........................        8,205             --        200,715
       Amortization of goodwill..................................           --        265,885        389,967
       Deferred income taxes.....................................           --             --         71,900
       Equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiary                          --         95,239        125,884
       Minority interest.........................................       67,195             --             --
       Stock issued in exchange for services.....................           --         32,000             --
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of
     acquisitions
       Increase in accounts receivable...........................     (208,401)       (63,963)      (565,177)
       (Increase) decrease in inventories........................     (220,874)       (14,760)        81,949
       Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses...................       26,379       (173,020)       (60,948)
       Decrease (increase) in other assets.......................        5,544             --        (88,833)
       Increase (decrease) in accounts payable...................      185,872        488,947     (1,818,435)
       Increase in income taxes payable..........................           --          7,200        284,648
       Increase in accrued liabilities...........................       16,170        102,427        235,512
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
            Net cash provided by operating activities............      391,839        912,502        163,085
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchase of property, plant and equipment......................     (202,451)      (362,801)    (1,867,803)
  Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired...............           --        632,947     (9,251,567)
  Payment for covenants not-to-compete...........................           --             --     (1,400,000)
                                                                    ----------    -----------    -----------
            Net cash (used in) provided by investing
               activities........................................     (202,451)       270,146    (12,519,370)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from notes payable--related parties...................           --      1,310,000             --
  Repayments of notes payable--related parties...................      (60,348)       (26,499)    (2,315,000)
  Capital lease payments.........................................      (49,600)            --         (6,873)
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock.........................           --             --     26,611,508
  Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock......................           --             --      3,446,600
  Redemption of preferred stock..................................           --             --     (3,446,600)
  Acquisition of common stock....................................           --             --       (353,400)
  Prestolock shares acquired by minority shareholders............       10,000             --             --
  Redemption of preferred stock of subsidiary....................           --             --        (75,000)
</TABLE>
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL LTD., AND SUBSIDIARIES
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS--(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      ----------------------------------------
                                                                        1995          1996            1997
                                                                      ---------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>            <C>
Cash flows From financing activities--(Continued)
  Dividends paid...................................................          --             --        (144,000)
  Distributions to shareholders of acquired entities...............     (62,009)    (1,282,859)             --
  Proceeds from long-term debt.....................................          --      4,213,151              --
  Payments on long-term debt.......................................     (20,348)    (6,164,034)    (11,764,018)
  Net proceeds from note payable to bank...........................      (9,081)     1,237,708       2,284,470
                                                                      ---------    -----------    ------------
            Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities....    (191,386)      (712,533)     14,237,687
                                                                      ---------    -----------    ------------
            Net (decrease) increase in cash........................      (1,998)       470,115       1,881,402
Cash at beginning of period........................................       3,295          1,297         471,412
                                                                      ---------    -----------    ------------
Cash at end of period..............................................   $   1,297    $   471,412    $  2,352,814
                                                                      ---------    -----------    ------------
                                                                      ---------    -----------    ------------
Supplemental cash flow disclosure
  Cash paid for:
     Interest......................................................   $  22,000    $    21,000    $    843,292
                                                                      ---------    -----------    ------------
                                                                      ---------    -----------    ------------
     Taxes.........................................................   $      --    $     8,000    $     30,000
                                                                      ---------    -----------    ------------
                                                                      ---------    -----------    ------------
Fair value of assets acquired, including goodwill..................                $ 6,207,434    $ 50,238,224
Liabilities assumed................................................                   (907,436)    (30,852,103)
Debt issued........................................................                 (6,221,719)    (10,134,554)
Cash paid..........................................................                    288,774              --
                                                                                   -----------    ------------
Net cash (acquired) paid...........................................                $  (632,947)   $  9,251,567
                                                                                   -----------    ------------
                                                                                   -----------    ------------
</TABLE>
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Financing Activity:
 
          During 1995, the Company entered into capital lease transactions for
     equipment aggregating $109,491.
 
          During 1996, the Company borrowed $500,000 under a land contract to
     purchase land and a building owned by a former shareholder of Monroe.
 
          During 1996, the Company financed the $6,350,000 acquisition price of
     a subsidiary, of which, through December 31, 1996, $5,850,000 had been
     paid.
 
          During 1996, notes payable--related party of $61,040 were retired by
     the issuance of 50,132 shares of the Company's common stock.
 
          During 1997, the Company acquired Skandy Corp. by issuance of 133,686
     shares of common stock valued at $49,500.
 
          During 1997, the Company financed the purchase of $883,293 of
     machinery and equipment by the issuance of notes payable.
 
          During 1997, the Company financed $10,134,554 of the $18,334,554
     acquisition price of Utilase.
 
          During 1997, the Company converted $596,551 of accounts payable to
     notes payable related party.
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE A-- BASIS OF PRESENTATION, NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
        ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
     The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year
ended December 31, 1996, include Noble International, Ltd and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries, Prestolock International, Ltd. ('Prestolock'); Monroe Engineering
Products, Inc. ('Monroe') and Cass River Coating, Inc. (dba Vassar Industries,
'Vassar'). ('Noble' or collectively the 'Company'). At December 31, 1997, and
for the year then ended, the consolidated financial statements also include
Skandy Corp. ('Skandy'), Utilase Production Process, Inc. ('UPP'), Noble Metal
Products, Inc. (formerly DCT Component Systems, Inc. 'NMP'), Utilase, Inc.
('Utilase') and Noble Land Holdings, Inc.
 
     The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1995 and for year
then ended include Noble and Prestolock. Prior to January 1, 1996, Noble and
Prestolock had a common controlling shareholder. Effective January 1, 1996,
Noble acquired Prestolock by issuing 2,673,704 shares of Noble common stock in
exchange for all of the issued and outstanding stock of Prestolock. This
transaction has been accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests
due to the common control.
 
     The effect of the Prestolock consolidation on net earnings and related per
share amounts for the year ended December 31, 1995 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1995
                                                                          --------
<S>                                                                       <C>
Increase in net earnings...............................................   $348,924
Increase in earnings per share.........................................   $    .12
</TABLE>
 
     The assets of Prestolock were recorded at their historical cost basis and
no goodwill was recorded.
 
     All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated
in consolidation.
 
  NATURE OF OPERATIONS
 
     Noble is a holding company which through its subsidiaries manufactures a
variety of components and provides design, engineering, painting, assembly and
other services primarily for the automotive industry. One of its subsidiaries is
a distributor of tooling components. (see Note L) The principal market for its
products is the United States.
 
  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in
the preparation of the accompanying financial statements follows.
 
  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
     For purposes of the statement of cash flows, all investments with a
maturity of less than three months are considered to be cash equivalents.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE A-- BASIS OF PRESENTATION, NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
        ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)
  INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or
market.
 
  UNBILLED CUSTOMER TOOLING
 
     The costs to manufacture and supply customer-owned tooling are recorded as
unbilled tooling costs when incurred. Amounts incurred are charged to cost of
sales and revenue is recognized when the tooling is shipped and billed to
customers.
 
  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided for
using the straight line and various accelerated methods over the estimated
useful lives of the assets which range from 5 to 39 years for buildings and
improvements and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Expenditures for
maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
 
  GOODWILL
 
     Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired
and is amortized over a 20 year period on the straight line method. On an
ongoing basis, management reviews the valuation and amortization of goodwill. As
part of the review, the Company estimates the value of and the estimated
undiscounted future net earnings expected to be generated by the related
subsidiary to determine that no impairment has occurred.
 
  INCOME TAXES
 
     Through December 31, 1995, Prestolock was taxed under Subchapter S of the
Internal Revenue Code. As a result, federal income taxes were payable personally
by the shareholders of Prestolock. Accordingly, the financial statements for
1995 do not provide for federal income taxes attributable to Prestolock's
earnings.
 
     The Company records the provision for federal and state income taxes
pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, 'Accounting for
Income Taxes.' ('Statement 109')
 
     Under the asset and liability method mandated by Statement 109, deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and the effect
of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. Under Statement 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes
the enactment date.
 
  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The Company's financial instruments include long-term debt. The carrying
value of the debt approximates its estimated fair value based upon rates and
terms available for loans with similar characteristics.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE A-- BASIS OF PRESENTATION, NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
        ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)
  MINORITY INTEREST
 
     Minority interest at 1995 represents the minority shareholders' interest in
Prestolock. Minority interest amounted to 12% at December 31, 1995. Dividends
paid on preferred stock issued by NMP in 1997 are reflected as minority
interest.
 
  USE OF ESTIMATES
 
     In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
 
  EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
     Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during each year. The 133,686 shares issued in January 1997
in connection with the Skandy transaction (Note I) have been deemed outstanding
for all periods presented for purposes of computing earnings per share. The
weighted average number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted
earnings per share during 1995, 1996 and 1997 was 2,807,390, 3,820,390,
4,285,134, respectively. The warrants issued to the Company's underwriters in
connection with its initial public offering (Note K) were not included in the
computation of diluted earnings per share for 1997 as the effect would be
antidilutive.
 
     During 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the 'FASB') issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ('SFAS') No. 128, 'Earnings Per
Share', which is effective for financial statements issued after December 15,
1997. The new standard eliminates primary and fully diluted earnings per share
and requires presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share together with
disclosure of how the per share amounts were computed. Basic earnings per share
excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common
shareholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period.
Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if
securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised and converted
into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared
in the earnings of the entity. The Company adopted this pronouncement at
December 31, 1997. All per share data in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements has been restated to reflect application of this new pronouncement.
 
  NEW PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
     In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, 'Reporting of Comprehensive
Income' ('SFAS 130'), which establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expense, gains, and losses)
in a full set of financial statements. This statement also requires that all
items that are required to be recognized under accounting standards as
components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is
displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. This statement
is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Earlier
application is permitted. Reclassification of financial statements for earlier
periods provided for comparative purposes is required. The Company does not
anticipate that adoption of SFAS 130 will have material effect on the
consolidated financial statements.
 
     In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, 'Disclosure about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information' ('SFAS 131'), which establishes standards
for the way that public business
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE A-- BASIS OF PRESENTATION, NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
        ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)
enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial
statements and requires that those enterprises report selected information about
operating segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders. This
statement also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and
services, geographic areas, and major customers. This statement requires the
reporting of financial and descriptive information about an enterprise's
reportable operating segments. This statement is effective for financial
statements for periods beginning after December 15, 1997. In the initial year of
adoption, comparative information for earlier years is to be restated. The
Company does not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS 131 will have a material
effect on the consolidated financial statements.
 
NOTE B--INVENTORIES
 
     The major components of inventories were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  ------------------------
                                                                     1996          1997
                                                                  ----------    ----------
<S>                                                               <C>           <C>
Raw materials and purchased parts..............................   $  434,776    $1,116,708
Work in process................................................        4,987       383,069
Finished goods.................................................    1,565,427     2,765,339
Unbilled customer tooling......................................      280,171     1,011,304
                                                                  ----------    ----------
                                                                  $2,285,361    $5,276,420
                                                                  ----------    ----------
                                                                  ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE C--PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 -------------------------
                                                                    1996          1997
                                                                 ----------    -----------
<S>                                                              <C>           <C>
Buildings and improvements....................................   $1,199,077    $ 5,556,196
Machinery and equipment.......................................      881,813     11,477,983
Furniture and fixtures........................................       93,445        798,984
                                                                 ----------    -----------
                                                                  2,174,335     17,833,163
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization................      379,376        962,858
                                                                 ----------    -----------
                                                                  1,794,959     16,870,305
Land..........................................................       53,800        753,800
Equipment in process..........................................           --      3,266,984
                                                                 ----------    -----------
                                                                 $1,848,759    $20,891,089
                                                                 ----------    -----------
                                                                 ----------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE D--LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     At December 31, 1996, the Company, had a secured line of credit facility
with a bank, which allowed it to borrow up to $3,000,000 subject to qualified
accounts receivable and inventory. At December 31, 1996 the outstanding balance
was $1,402,708 and availability was $2,163,000. Interest was payable monthly at
one percent over the bank's prime lending rate. The facility expired on April
30, 1997. Subsequent amendments to the agreement increased the borrowing base to
$3,500,000. At December 30, 1997, the Agreement was amended and the line of
credit was replaced with a revolving credit facility.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE D--LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT--(CONTINUED)
     Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                     -------------------------
                                                                                        1996          1997
                                                                                     ----------    -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>           <C>
Revolving credit facility dated December 30, 1997 with interest at prime less 1%
  or a Eurodollar based rate, elected by the Company at the time of each advance,
  (effective rate of 7.5% as December 31, 1997). The facility provides for
  borrowings up to $35,000,000. Interest is payable monthly on prime rate based
  advances and no less frequently than quarterly on Eurodollar rate based
  advances. The agreement contains covenants that require the Company to maintain
  certain financial ratios, limits the dollar value of annual capital expenditures
  and restricts the payment of dividends. The facility is collateralized by
  substantially all of the Company's assets and matures on December 31, 2000......   $       --    $11,810,997
Term note, payable in monthly installments of $78,125 commencing on January 1,
  1997, plus interest at 1.5% above the bank's prime lending rate. The note was
  collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and the issued and
  outstanding common stock of the company and the Company's subsidiaries. The note
  is due December 2000............................................................    3,750,000             --
Term note, payable in monthly installments, of $5,600, including interest at one
  percent above the bank's prime lending rate (effective rate of 8.5% at December
  31, 1997). The note is secured by real estate and is due September 2001.........      463,151        439,137
Unsecured term note, payable in monthly installments of $2,500 plus interest at a
  rate of 5%. The note is due September 2001......................................      141,750        111,750
Land contract, payable in monthly installments of $7,280, including interest at a
  rate of 8%. The note is secured by a building and is due September 2004.........      503,331        454,476
Term loans, payable in monthly installments of $15,000, including interest at a
  rate of 8%, increasing to $20,000 in August, 1998...............................           --        185,175
Unsecured term loan, calling for monthly interest payments at a rate of 12%,
  through July 1, 1998, thereafter principal payments of $6,879 plus interest at a
  rate of 8% through June 1, 2003.................................................           --        412,763
Term loans, payable in monthly installments of $31,542, including interest at a
  rate of 8.25%. The loans are collateralized by various property and equipment
  and are due in November, 2000...................................................           --        919,365
Other.............................................................................       31,266        149,941
                                                                                     ----------    -----------
                                                                                      4,889,498     14,483,604
Less current maturities...........................................................    1,059,021        717,285
                                                                                     ----------    -----------
                                                                                     $3,830,477    $13,766,319
                                                                                     ----------    -----------
                                                                                     ----------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE D--LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT--(CONTINUED)
     The aggregate maturities of long-term debt by year as of December 31, 1997
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                    <C>
1998................................................................   $   717,285
1999................................................................       546,003
2000................................................................    12,349,029
2001................................................................       518,703
2002................................................................       155,339
Thereafter..........................................................       197,245
                                                                       -----------
                                                                       $14,483,604
                                                                       -----------
                                                                       -----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE E--LEASES
 
     The Company leases buildings and equipment under operating leases with
unexpired terms ranging from a month to month basis to eight years. Rent expense
for all operating leases was approximately $69,900, $193,000 and $355,000 for
the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
     The future minimum lease payments under these operating leases are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       YEARS ENDED                            RELATED      NON-RELATED
                       DECEMBER 31,                            PARTY          PARTY         TOTAL
----------------------------------------------------------   ----------    -----------    ----------
<S>                                                          <C>           <C>            <C>
1998......................................................   $  391,372    $   278,667    $  670,039
1999......................................................      403,114        268,040       671,154
2000......................................................      415,207        257,412       672,619
2001......................................................      427,835        257,412       685,247
2002......................................................      144,404        278,236       422,640
Thereafter................................................           --        655,200       655,200
                                                             ----------    -----------    ----------
                                                             $1,781,932    $ 1,994,967    $3,776,899
                                                             ----------    -----------    ----------
                                                             ----------    -----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
     The Company has capital lease agreements for computer equipment and
machinery. At December 31, 1996 and 1997, property and equipment recorded under
capital lease includes $125,529 and $303,646, respectively and accumulated
depreciation includes $50,004 and $18,922, respectively.
 
     The future minimum lease payments under these capital leases are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                            AMOUNT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------   --------
<S>                                                                       <C>
1998...................................................................   $ 96,433
1999...................................................................     69,748
2000...................................................................     58,149
2001...................................................................     56,302
2002...................................................................     25,221
                                                                          --------
Total..................................................................    305,853
Less amount representing interest......................................    (47,812)
                                                                          --------
Present value of net minimum lease payments............................    258,041
Less amount representing current portion...............................    (74,891)
                                                                          --------
Non-current portion....................................................   $183,150
                                                                          --------
                                                                          --------
</TABLE>
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE F--INCOME TAXES
 
     Income taxes have been charged to operations as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  1995          1996          1997
                                                                 -------    ------------    --------
<S>                                                              <C>        <C>             <C>
Current:
  Federal.....................................................   $    --       $7,200       $307,000
  State and local.............................................    30,562           --             --
                                                                 -------    ------------    --------
                                                                  30,562        7,200        307,000
Deferred:
  Federal.....................................................        --           --         71,900
                                                                 -------    ------------    --------
                                                                 $30,562       $7,200       $378,900
                                                                 -------    ------------    --------
                                                                 -------    ------------    --------
</TABLE>
 
     A reconciliation of the actual federal income tax expense to the expected
amounts computed by applying the statutory tax rate percent to earnings or
losses before income taxes is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                1995           1996          1997
                                                              ---------    ------------    ---------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>             <C>
Expected federal income tax (benefit)......................   $ 149,350      $(23,500)     $ 373,000
Prestolock earnings not subject to tax.....................    (118,630)           --             --
Nondeductible items........................................          --        10,200         20,000
Utilization of net operating loss..........................     (20,900)           --             --
State taxes................................................     (10,391)           --             --
Increase in valuation allowance............................          --        15,000         43,000
Surtax exemption and other, net............................         571         5,500        (57,100)
                                                              ---------    ------------    ---------
Actual income tax expense..................................   $      --      $  7,200      $ 378,900
                                                              ---------    ------------    ---------
                                                              ---------    ------------    ---------
</TABLE>
 
     Deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1996 are not
significant. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to
significant deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1997 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       DEFERRED     DEFERRED TAX
                                                                      TAX ASSETS    LIABILITIES
                                                                      ----------    ------------
<S>                                                                   <C>           <C>
Depreciation and amortization......................................    $     --       $384,000
Accrued expenses not currently deductible..........................     158,000             --
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary............................      75,000             --
Net operating loss carryovers......................................     144,000             --
                                                                      ----------    ------------
                                                                        377,000        384,000
Less: valuation allowance..........................................    (219,000)            --
                                                                      ----------    ------------
                                                                       $158,000       $384,000
                                                                      ----------    ------------
                                                                      ----------    ------------
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately $423,000 in net
operating loss carryovers relating to NMP's net operating loss for the period
from January 1, 1997 to the date of acquisition. The use of these operating
losses is limited, in part to future taxable income, if any, generated by NMP
and maybe further limited to the amount that can be utilized on an annual basis.
These net operating loss carryovers expire in 2012.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE G--RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     Notes payable to related parties consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                     -------------------------
                                                                                        1996          1997
                                                                                     ----------    -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>           <C>
Land contract, payable to the former principal shareholder and an officer of
  Monroe, interest only payments due monthly at an annual interest rate of 12%.
  The contract is secured by real estate acquired in connection with the purchase
  of Monroe and is due May 1, 1998................................................   $  500,000    $   500,000
Term note, payable to the former principal shareholder of, and an officer of
  Monroe, with imputed interest at 8.5%. The note was secured by a personal
  guaranty of an officer of Noble and was due on earlier of the closing of a
  public offering of Noble's common stock or December 31, 1997....................      487,613             --
Unsecured demand notes, payable to a related party, interest only payments due
  monthly at an annual interest rate of 10%.......................................      390,000        390,000
Unsecured term note payable to the principal shareholder of Noble due in April
  2000 with interest at 7%. Amounts outstanding are subordinated to the bank
  financing discussed in Note D...................................................    1,000,000      1,000,000
Promissory note to DCT, Inc. payable in monthly installments of $35,901, including
  interest at 10%. The note matures on June 1, 1999...............................           --        596,551
Unsecured subordinated promissory notes payable to DCT, Inc. and an officer of
  Utilase due in November, 2001. Amounts outstanding are subordinated to bank
  financing and accrue interest at 6% per annum. If certain principal balances are
  not maintained, interest shall accrue at 4% over the prime rate not to exceed
  13%. The notes restrict the payment of dividends................................           --     10,186,522
Other.............................................................................        5,000             --
                                                                                     ----------    -----------
                                                                                      2,382,613     12,673,073
Less current maturities...........................................................      882,613      2,386,792
                                                                                     ----------    -----------
                                                                                     $1,500,000    $10,286,281
                                                                                     ----------    -----------
                                                                                     ----------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
     The aggregate maturities of notes payable to related parties as of December
31, 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                    <C>
1998................................................................   $ 2,386,792
1999................................................................     2,169,993
2000................................................................     4,358,477
2001................................................................     3,757,811
                                                                       -----------
                                                                       $12,673,073
                                                                       -----------
                                                                       -----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE H--SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
 
     For the year ended December 31, 1995, three customers accounted for 68%
(42%, 14% and 12%) of net sales.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE H--SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS--(CONTINUED)
     The Company had one customer which accounted for 37% and 25% of
consolidated net sales in 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
NOTE I--ACQUISITIONS
 
  NOBLE METAL PRODUCTS, INC.
 
     On July 1, 1996, the Company acquired 1,343 shares of common stock of NMP,
representing 37.5% of NMP's outstanding stock in exchange for $1. Effective
April 7, 1997 Noble acquired 269 shares for nominal consideration from the
president of NMP upon his severance thereby increasing Noble's ownership to 45%.
Condensed financial information of NMP as of December 31, 1996 and for the year
then ended, follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                    1996
                                                                                ------------
<S>                                                                             <C>
Balance Sheet Data
  Current Assets.............................................................   $ 7,188,030
  Current Liabilities........................................................   $ 8,892,215
  (Deficit)..................................................................   $(3,686,546)
 
Operating Data
  Net Sales..................................................................   $22,988,115
  Gross Profit...............................................................   $ 2,542,579
  Net loss...................................................................   $  (387,524)
</TABLE>
 
     Concurrent with the closing of the Company's initial public offering in
November, 1997, Noble acquired the remaining issued and outstanding shares of
NMP in exchange for $1,000,000.
 
     Simultaneously with the acquisition of the remaining NMP shares, the
Company acquired Competitive Technologies Investment Company (CTIC) an entity
controlled by the prior majority shareholder of NMP. CTIC owns the facilities
out of which NMP operates. As consideration for the purchase, the Company
assumed debt of approximately $4,400,000 underlying the properties.
 
     The acquisition of the NMP shares in 1996 and April 1997 was accounted for
under the equity method of accounting, and accordingly the Company's
proportionate share of NMP's results of operations for the period from July 1,
1996 through November 23, 1997 is reflected in the accompanying financial
statements as equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliate. Effective with the
purchase of the remaining shares, NMP's operations have been included in the
consolidated results of operations.
 
  MONROE ENGINEERING PRODUCTS, INC.
 
     Effective January 1, 1996, Noble acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Monroe Engineering Products, Inc. (Monroe) in exchange for $6,350,000 payable in
installments over 16 months. At December 31, 1996, $500,000 including imputed
interest was outstanding. This was paid during 1997. The Company also acquired
the real estate utilized by Monroe for $500,000 pursuant to the terms of a land
contract which requires monthly interest payments of $4,931 for two years ending
May 1, 1998 at which point the entire principal amount is due.
 
     Simultaneously with the acquisition, the Company entered into an Employment
and Deferred Compensation Agreement with one of the selling shareholders
providing for the employment of such
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE I--ACQUISITIONS--(CONTINUED)
person by the Company for 28 months and at an annual salary of $200,000 and
payments of $2,000 per month for a three year period commencing May 1, 1998.
 
     The acquisition of Monroe has been accounted for under the purchase method,
and accordingly the results of operations of Monroe from January 1, 1996 are
included in the accompanying financial statements.
 
  VASSAR INDUSTRIES
 
     Effective January 1, 1996, the Company acquired all of the common stock of
Vassar in exchange for $200,000.
 
     In addition, the Company entered into consulting agreements with the
selling shareholders of Vassar whereby the Company agreed to pay to such selling
shareholders $1,800,000 as follows: twenty-four monthly payments of $25,000
followed by sixty monthly installments of $20,000. Certain of these agreements
were amended as described below. The Company's obligations under the agreement
have been collateralized by the equipment and fixtures at Vassar.
 
     The shareholders of Vassar retain an option to repurchase 25% of the stock
of Vassar for $1 which expires when the Company's obligations under the
consulting agreements are discharged.
 
     During 1997, the Company and two of the selling shareholders representing
twenty percent of the commitment referred to above, amended their consulting
agreements. Pursuant to the terms of the amendment, these consultants received
an aggregate of $109,000. This payment satisfied the Company's obligations under
the amendment. In July, 1996, the Company satisfied its obligation pursuant to a
third consulting agreement by issuing 7,687 shares of its common stock. In March
1997, two of the selling shareholders sued the Company for payments allegedly
owed pursuant to their consulting agreements. The Company believes it was
entitled to cease payments under these agreements due to breaches of covenants
not to compete. During the year ended December 31, 1996, $120,000 was paid to
these consultants.
 
     The acquisition of Vassar has been accounted for as a purchase, and,
accordingly, the results of operations of Vassar from January 1, 1996 are
included in the accompanying financial statements.
 
     The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1995 is presented as if the Monroe and Vassar
acquisitions had been made at January 1, 1995. The unaudited pro forma
information is not necessarily indicative of either the results of operations
that would have occurred had the purchase been made at January 1, 1995 or the
future results of the combined operations.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                    <C>
Net sales...........................................................   $15,992,703
Net earnings........................................................   $ 1,078,744
Earnings per share, basic and diluted...............................   $       .40
</TABLE>
 
  SKANDY CORP.
 
     Effective January 1, 1997, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and
outstanding common shares of Skandy Corp. (Skandy) in exchange for 133,686
shares of the Company's stock. Skandy is a manufacturers representative firm and
was owned by a relative of the principal shareholder of the Company. The
acquisition of Skandy Corp. has been accounted for in a manner similar to a
pooling of interests. The 133,686 shares were valued at $49,500, which
approximated Skandy's net book value at the date of this acquisition.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE I--ACQUISITIONS--(CONTINUED)
  UTILASE, INC.
 
     Effective March 1, 1997, Utilase Production Process, Inc. a newly formed,
wholly-owned subsidiary (UPP) of Noble acquired certain of the operating assets
of Utilase, Inc. (Utilase) a wholly-owned subsidiary of DCT, Inc. DCT, Inc. is
controlled by the same principals who controlled NMP prior to the DCT
acquisition by the Company. The purchase price was $850,000 represented by a
non-interest bearing note, collateralized by the acquired assets. The note was
paid in November, 1997. UPP provides laser welding, cutting and heat treating of
metal products for the automotive industry. The debt and assets acquired were
recorded at approximately $814,000, the discounted value of the note at 8.50%.
 
     On April 7, 1997 the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement
whereby the Company agreed to acquire all of the outstanding stock of Utilase,
Inc. (see above). The stock purchase agreement provides for a purchase price of
$8,200,000 payable in cash from the proceeds of a public offering, and
$10,134,554 in subordinated promissory notes. Included in accrued liabilities at
December 31, 1997 is approximately $1,050,000 provided as due DCT, Inc. in
connection with the acquisition. Additionally, certain individuals received
payments of $1,400,000 in exchange for covenants not to compete. The Company
also agreed to issue 11,698 shares of its common stock annually for a period of
five years commencing in 1999, as partial consideration for one of these
covenants. This transaction closed concurrent with the closing of the Company's
initial public offering (Note K) on November 23, 1997. The accompanying
consolidated financial statements include the results of Utilase's operations
for the acquisition date through December 31, 1997.
 
     Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, the controlling
shareholder of DCT, Inc. and Utilase was, upon consummation of the Company's
initial public offering, appointed chairman of the Company's Board of Directors.
 
     The following unaudited consolidated results of operations for the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 is presented as if the NMP and Utilase
acquisitions and the Company's initial public offering had been made effective
January 1, 1996. The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily
indicative of either the results of operations that would have occurred had the
transactions been made at January 1, 1996 or the future results of combined
operations.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1996           1997
                                                                -----------    -----------
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>
Net sales....................................................   $48,480,000    $61,632,000
Net earnings.................................................   $ 1,220,000    $ 3,092,000
Earnings per share, basic and diluted........................   $       .16    $       .40
</TABLE>
 
NOTE J--PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Effective December 31, 1996, in connection with the retirement by NMP of a
$1,000,000 promissory note to a related party through the exchange of 10,000
shares of NMP's 10% cumulative mandatory redeemable preferred stock, the Company
entered into an exchange agreement with the holder of the NMP preferred.
Pursuant to the agreement, at any time subsequent to the completion of the
Company's initial public offering, the NMP preferred shares are convertible into
an equivalent number of preferred shares of the Company. The Company's preferred
shares will have similar rights and preferences as provided for by the NMP
shares. On April 1, 1997 the Company authorized 150,000 shares of preferred
stock.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE K--STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
     On April 1, 1997, the board of directors and shareholders of the Company
approved an increase in the number of authorized common shares to 20,000,000.
 
     On September 11, 1997, the Board of Directors approved a 334.213 to 1 stock
split. All share and per share data have been restated to reflect the stock
split.
 
     Effective July 30, 1997, Noble issued 38,000 shares of its Series A, 10%
cumulative preferred shares and 64,838 common shares to an off-shore investment
fund in exchange for $3,800,000. The investment manager of this fund is a
limited liability company of which Noble's chief executive officer is a manager.
The preferred stock was redeemable at the option of Noble at par value plus
accrued dividends. The proceeds from the issuance of the preferred and common
shares were allocated based on their estimated relative fair values at the date
of issuance. $3,446,600 and $353,400 was allocated to the preferred and common
shares, respectively. On December 22, 1997, the Company redeemed both the
preferred and common stock in exchange for $3,800,000. Dividends of $144,000
were paid on the preferred shares during the period from July 30, 1997 through
December 22, 1997.
 
     On November 23, 1997, the Company completed the public offering of
3,300,000 shares of its common stock at $9 per share, resulting in net proceeds
of $26,258,108. In connection with the public offering, the Company granted its
underwriters warrants to purchase at the underwriter's option, up to 330,000
shares of common stock at an exercise price of $10.80 per share or a cashless
exercise pursuant to a formula stipulated in the agreement which is based on the
increase in the market price of the Company's common shares beyond $10.80 per
share. The warrants become exercisable in November, 1998 and expire in November,
2002. In the event the warrants are exercised, the issuance of the common stock
will be considered an additional cost of the offering.
 
     Concurrent with the closing of its public offering, the Company adopted a
stock option plan (the 1997 Plan). The plan provides for the grant to employees,
officers, directors, consultants and independent contractors non-qualified stock
options as well as for the grant to employees of qualified stock options. The
plan has a ten year term. Under the 1997 plan, 700,000 shares of the Company's
common shares have been reserved for issuance.
 
     The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors, which has the authority, subject to certain limitations, to grant
options and to establish the terms and conditions for vesting and exercise
thereof. The exercise price of the incentive stock options granted will be no
less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The
exercise price of its non-qualified options is required to be no less than the
fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The terms of the
options will not exceed ten years from the date of grant. No options were
granted during 1997.
 
     The Company intends to account for the stock options plan under APB Opinion
No. 25, 'Accounting for Stock Issued To Employees.' The disclosures required by
SFAS No. 123, 'Accounting for Stock Based Compensation' will be provided.
 
NOTE L--INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
 
     In 1995, the Company's operations were restricted to automotive component
supply.
 
     Effective for the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company classifies its
operations into two industry segments: automotive component supply (Prestolock
and Vassar) and tooling component supply
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
                   NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
NOTE L--INDUSTRY SEGMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(Monroe). The Company's operations by business segment for the year ended
December 31, 1996 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    AUTOMOTIVE      TOOLING
                                                     COMPONENT     COMPONENT
                                                      SUPPLY         SUPPLY       CORPORATE     CONSOLIDATED
                                                    -----------    ----------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
Net sales........................................   $11,088,560    $5,098,251    $        --    $ 16,186,811
Operating profit (loss)..........................       175,306     1,469,624     (1,132,815)        512,115
Identifiable assets..............................     3,902,299     7,272,313        357,901      11,532,513
Depreciation and amortization....................       232,684       280,540             --         513,224
Capital expenditures.............................       362,801       500,000             --         862,801
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary..........       (95,239)           --             --         (95,239)
Equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiary......       (95,239)           --             --         (95,239)
</TABLE>
 
     For the year ended December 31, 1997, Automotive Component Supply relates
to NMP, Prestolock, Skandy, UPP, Utilase and Vassar, Tooling Component Supply
consists of Monroe and Corporate relates to Noble and Noble Land Holding, Inc.
The Company's operations by business segment for the year ended December 31,
1997 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    AUTOMOTIVE      TOOLING
                                                     COMPONENT     COMPONENT
                                                      SUPPLY         SUPPLY       CORPORATE     CONSOLIDATED
                                                    -----------    ----------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
Net sales........................................   $18,892,173    $5,352,302    $   118,663    $ 24,363,138
Operating profit (loss)..........................       962,369     1,793,925       (868,429)      1,887,865
Identifiable assets..............................    55,041,949     7,195,402      4,863,810      67,101,161
Depreciation and amortization....................       675,583       281,001         22,261         978,845
Capital expenditures.............................     2,506,205        12,750        162,141       2,681,096
Equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiary......      (125,884)           --             --              --
</TABLE>
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
     Not applicable.
 
                                    PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
 
     The following table sets forth the name and age of each director and
executive officer, the year he was first elected a director and his position(s)
with the Company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    DIRECTOR
NAME                                         AGE    SINCE      POSITIONS HELD
------------------------------------------   ---    --------   ------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>    <C>        <C>
James Bronce Henderson III................   46       1997     Chairman of the Board
Robert J. Skandalaris.....................   45       1993     Chief Executive Officer and Director
Lloyd P. Jones III........................   48       --       President
Christopher L. Morin......................   39       1997     Chief Operating Officer and Director
Richard J. Reason.........................   70       1997     Director
Timothy F. Healy..........................   45       1997     Director
Daniel J. McEnroe.........................   35       1997     Director
Anthony R. Tersigni.......................   48       1997     Director
Richard V. Balgenorth.....................   50       --       Chief Financial Officer and Vice
                                                                 President--Corporate Development
Michael C. Azar...........................   34       --       General Counsel, Vice President--
                                                                 Administration and Secretary
Richard G. Skandalaris....................   43       --       Vice President--Sales
Kenneth M. Pachla.........................   33       --       Vice President--Finance
</TABLE>
 
     JAMES BRONCE HENDERSON III joined the Company's Board of Directors as its
Chairman in November 1997. Mr. Henderson has served as the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of NMP, Inc., a privately held automotive supplier, since
1989. Mr. Henderson has served on the Chrysler CEO Round Table since July 1995
and is a past chairman of the Michigan/Japan Foundation. Mr. Henderson serves as
Chairman of the Board of Directors pursuant to an agreement entered into in
connection with the Company's 1997 acquisition of NMP.
 
     ROBERT J. SKANDALARIS, the Company's founder, currently serves as Chief
Executive Officer and Director. Prior to founding the Company in 1993, Mr.
Skandalaris was Vice Chairman and a shareholder of The Oxford Investment Group,
Inc., a Michigan-based merchant banking firm and served as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Acorn Asset Management, a privately held investment
advisory firm. Mr. Skandalaris began his career as a Certified Public Accountant
with the national accounting firm of Touche Ross & Co. Mr. Skandalaris also
serves as Manager of Twenty-First Century Advisors, LLC, an investment fund
manager, which acts as the investment manager of two funds, one of which,
Twenty-First Century Off-Shore Fund, Ltd. is publicly traded on the Irish Stock
Exchange.
 
     LLOYD P. JONES III joined the Company as President in February 1998. Prior
to joining the Company, Mr. Jones served as Executive Vice President of A.G.
Simpson, a Tier I automotive supplier. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Jones served as
Vice President of Sales for Masco Tech Stamping Technologies, Inc., a Tier I
automotive supplier of a broad range of products. Mr. Jones also served as
Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Magna International, Inc., a
multi-billion dollar Tier I supplier of a diverse line of automotive parts.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
     CHRISTOPHER L. MORIN joined the Company's Board of Directors in November
1997. Mr. Morin joined the Company as its Chief Operating Officer in June 1997.
From July 1994 to June 1997, Mr. Morin was the Chief Operating Officer of Talon
Automotive LLC, a privately held automotive supplier with over $200 million in
annual revenues. Prior to joining Talon Automotive LLC in 1994, Mr. Morin was
the Vice President of Operations for Irvin Automotive Products, an operating
division of Takata North America. Mr. Morin began his career as a production
supervisor and has held positions in materials, quality, sales and marketing and
operations.
 
     RICHARD J. REASON joined the Company's Board of Directors in November 1997.
In 1968, Mr. Reason founded Monroe, which was acquired by the Company in January
1996, and has served as President of Monroe since inception.
 
     TIMOTHY F. HEALY joined the Company's Board of Directors in November 1997.
Mr. Healy is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Irvin Automotive
Products, an operating division of Takata North America. Mr. Healy joined Irvin
Automotive Products in 1987, holding management positions in sales, marketing
and operations before being appointed President in January 1994. Prior to
joining Irvin Automotive Products, Mr. Healy held various sales and marketing
positions with Diversified General, now operating as Gen-Corp., and Indian Head
Industries.
 
     DANIEL J. MCENROE joined the Company's Board of Directors in November 1997.
Since 1995, Mr. McEnroe has been the Treasurer of Detroit Diesel Corporation.
Mr. McEnroe also serves as a member of the board of directors and as a
representative on the credit committee of Detroit Diesel Capital Corporation.
Prior to joining Detroit Diesel Corporation, Mr. McEnroe served as Assistant
Treasurer of Penske Corporation, a privately held holding company whose
operating entities include Detroit Diesel Corporation. Mr. McEnroe has been a
Certified Public Accountant since 1985 and a Chartered Financial Analyst since
1991.
 
     ANTHONY R. TERSIGNI, ED.D. joined the Company's Board of Directors in
November 1997. Dr. Tersigni is the President and Chief Executive Officer of St.
John Health System, an integrated health delivery system headquartered in
Detroit, Michigan. Prior to joining St. John Health System in 1985, Dr. Tersigni
was President and Chief Executive Officer of Oakland General Health Systems,
Inc., in Madison Heights, Michigan. Dr. Tersigni holds a doctorate in
Organizational Development.
 
     RICHARD V. BALGENORTH joined the Company in May 1996. Mr. Balgenorth also
served as a member of the Company's Board of Directors from December 1996 until
November 1997. From 1990 to 1996, Mr. Balgenorth was Vice President of the
Mergers and Acquisitions Group in NBD Bank's Capital Markets Division. Mr.
Balgenorth began his career as a Certified Public Accountant with the national
accounting firm of Arthur Andersen LLP.
 
     MICHAEL C. AZAR joined the Company in November 1996. Mr. Azar also served
as a member of the Company's Board of Directors from December 1996 until
November 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Azar was employed as General
Counsel to River Capital, Inc., an investment banking firm, from January through
November 1996. From 1988 to 1995, Mr. Azar practiced law with the firm of Mason,
Steinhardt, Jacobs and Perlman in Southfield, Michigan.
 
     RICHARD G. SKANDALARIS joined the Company in November 1997 and became Vice
President of Sales in March 1998. Mr. Skandalaris previously served as President
of Prestolock. Prior to joining Prestolock, Mr. Skandalaris served as President
of Skandy. Richard G. Skandalaris is the brother of Robert J. Skandalaris.
 
     KENNETH M. PACHLA joined the Company in March 1998 as Vice President of
Finance. In February 1997, Mr. Pachla joined Noble Metal Products, Inc.
(formerly DCT Component Systems, Inc.) where he served as Controller. Prior to
that, Mr. Pachla acted as the division controller of Lundington Distributors,
Inc., a wholesale distributor of magazines and books. Mr. Pachla has been a
Certified Public Accountant since 1986. Mr. Pachla began his career with the
national accounting firm of Ernst & Young.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
 
     During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, there were no meetings of
the Board of Directors; however, actions were taken with the unanimous written
consent of the directors. The Board of Directors does not have a standing
nominating committee. Nominating functions are performed by the entire Board of
Directors. James Bronce Henderson III, Daniel J. McEnroe and Anthony R.
Tersigni, all of whom are outside directors, serve on the Board's Audit
Committee. Timothy F. Healy, Daniel J. McEnroe and Anthony R. Tersigni all of
whom are outside directors, serve on the Board's Compensation Committee. Both
the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee were established in
connection with the Company's initial public offering of common stock in
November 1997 and held their first meetings in February 1998, and, therefore, no
committee meetings were held during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
 
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
 
     Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
the Company's officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10%
of a registered class of the Company's equity securities to file reports of
securities ownership and changes in such ownership with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'). Officers, directors and greater than 10%
beneficial owners are also required by rules promulgated by the SEC to furnish
the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
 
     Based solely upon a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the
Company, or written representations that no Form 5 filings were required, the
Company believes that during the period from November 18, 1997 (the inception of
Section 16(a) reporting obligations for the Company's officers, directors and
greater than 10% beneficial owners) through December 31, 1997, all Section 16(a)
filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10%
beneficial owners were complied with.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
SUMMARY CASH COMPENSATION TABLE
 
     The following table sets forth the total compensation earned by the Chief
Executive Officer and all other executive officers who earned in excess of
$100,000 per annum during any of the Company's last three fiscal years.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE(1)
                                                                 ------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 RESTRICTED
                                                                                                   STOCK
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                                      YEAR     SALARY      BONUS        AWARDS
--------------------------------------------------------------   ----    --------    --------    ----------
 
<S>                                                              <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>
Robert J. Skandalaris,                                           1997    $174,232          --            --
  Chief Executive Officer and Director........................   1996    $ 94,000    $960,000(2)         --
 
Richard V. Balgenorth, Chief Financial Officer................   1997    $137,500          --            --
 
Mark A. Davis, Former President, General Counsel and
  Director(3).................................................   1996    $112,400          --    $   32,000(4)
 
Richard G. Skandalaris, Vice President-Sales(5)...............   1997    $150,000          --
</TABLE>
 
------------------
(1) Does not include any value that might be attributable to job-related
    personal benefits, the annual value of which has not exceeded the lesser of
    10% of annual salary plus bonus or $50,000 for each executive officer.
 
                                              (Footnotes continued on next page)
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
(Footnotes continued from previous page)
(2) Mr. Skandalaris agreed to forego any bonus for the year ended December 31,
    1997. See '--Employment Agreement.'
 
(3) Mr. Davis served as an officer and director of the Company from July 1996 to
    October 1996. Prior thereto Mr. Davis was employed as an officer of
    Prestolock from January 1996 to July 1996. Compensation set forth in the
    table includes Mr. Davis' salaries at Prestolock and the Company.
 
(4) Represents the book value of shares of Common Stock issued to Mr. Davis on
    January 1, 1996. These shares were subsequently repurchased from Mr. Davis
    when he left the Company in October 1996 by Robert J. Skandalaris, as
    assignee of the Company's right to repurchase pursuant to Mr. Davis'
    Shareholder's Agreement with the Company.
 
(5) Represents Mr. Skandalaris' salary as President of Prestolock. Mr.
    Skandalaris became an executive officer of the Company in March 1998.
 
1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
     On November 24, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted,
subject to obtaining shareholder approval, the Noble International, Ltd. 1997
Stock Option Plan (the '1997 Plan'). The 1997 Plan provides for the grant to
employees, officers, directors, consultants and independent contractors of
non-qualified stock options as well as for the grant of stock options to
employees that qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ('Code'). Although the Company has approximately
700 employees technically eligible to participate in the 1997 Plan, it is
anticipated the stock options will be granted only to a limited number of
management level personnel. The 1997 Plan terminates on November 24, 2007. The
purpose of the 1997 Plan is to enable the Company to attract and retain
qualified persons as employees, officers and directors and others whose services
are required by the Company, and to motivate such persons by providing them with
an equity participation in the Company. The 1997 Plan reserved 700,000 shares of
the Company's Common Stock for issuance, subject to adjustment upon occurrence
of certain events affecting the capitalization of the Company.
 
     The 1997 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors (the 'Committee'), which has, subject to specified limitations, the
full authority to grant options and establish the terms and conditions for
vesting and exercise thereof. The exercise price of incentive stock options
granted under the 1997 Plan is required to be no less than the fair market value
of the Common Stock on the date of grant (110% in the case of a greater than 10%
shareholder). The exercise price of non-qualified stock options is required to
be no less than 85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of
grant. Options may be granted for terms of up to 10 years (5 years in the case
of incentive stock options granted to greater than 10% shareholders). No
optionee may be granted incentive stock options such that the fair market value
of the options which first become exercisable in any one calendar year exceeds
$100,000. If an optionee ceases to be employed by, or ceases to have a
relationship with the Company, such optionee's options expire six months after
termination of the employment or consulting relationship by reason of death, one
year after termination by reason of permanent disability, immediately upon
termination for cause and three months after termination for any other reason.
 
     In order to exercise an option granted under the 1997 Plan, the optionee
must pay the full exercise price of the shares being purchased. Payment may be
made either: (i) in cash; (ii) at the discretion of the Committee, by delivering
shares of Common Stock already owned by the optionee that have a fair market
value equal to the applicable exercise price; or (iii) in the form of such other
consideration as may be determined by the Committee and permitted by applicable
law.
 
     Subject to the foregoing, the Committee has broad discretion to describe
the terms and conditions applicable to options granted under the 1997 Plan. The
Committee may at any time discontinue granting options under the 1997 Plan or
otherwise suspend, amend or terminate the 1997 Plan and may, with the consent of
an optionee, make such modification of the terms and conditions of such
optionee's option as the Committee shall deem advisable. However, the Committee
has no authority to make any amendment
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
or modifications to the 1997 Plan or any outstanding option which would: (i)
increase the maximum number of shares which may be purchased pursuant to options
granted under the 1997 Plan, either in the aggregate or by an optionee, except
in connection with certain antidilution adjustments; (ii) change the designation
of the class of employees eligible to receive qualified options; (iii) extend
the term of the 1997 Plan or the maximum option period thereunder; (iv) decrease
the minimum qualified option price or permit reductions of the price at which
shares may be purchased for qualified options granted under the 1997 Plan,
except in connection with certain antidilution adjustments; or (v) cause
qualified stock options issued under the 1997 Plan to fail to meet the
requirements of incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code. Any such
amendment or modification shall be effective immediately, subject to shareholder
approval thereof within 12 months before or after the effective date. No option
may be granted during any suspension or after termination of the 1997 Plan.
 
     The 1997 Plan is designed to meet the requirements of an incentive stock
option plan as defined in Code Section 422. As a result, an optionee will
realize no taxable income, for federal income tax purposes, upon either the
grant of an incentive stock option under the 1997 Plan or its exercise, except
that the difference between the fair market value of the stock on the date of
exercise and the exercise price is included as income for purposes of
calculating Alternative Minimum Tax. If no disposition of the shares acquired
upon exercise is made by the optionee within two years from the date of grant or
within one year from the date the shares are transferred to the optionee, any
gain realized upon the subsequent sale of the shares will be taxable as a
capital gain. In such case, the Company will be entitled to no deduction for
federal income tax purposes in connection with either the grant or the exercise
of the option. If, however, the optionee disposes of the shares within either of
the periods mentioned above, the optionee will realize earned income in an
amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of
exercise (or the amount realized on disposition if less) over the exercise
price, and the Company will be allowed a deduction for a corresponding amount.
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
     Directors who are employees of the Company receive no compensation, as
such, for their service as members of the Board. Directors who are not employees
of the Company receive an attendance fee of $1,000 for each Board meeting or
committee meeting attended in person by that director and $250 for each
telephonic Board meeting or committee meeting in which such director
participated; however, fees for in-person meetings of the Board and committees
may not exceed $1,000 per day. All directors are reimbursed for expenses
incurred in connection with attendance at meetings. In addition, directors are
eligible to participate in the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
     The Company entered into an Employment Agreement (the 'Employment
Agreement') with Robert J. Skandalaris, its Chief Executive Officer, dated April
2, 1997. The Employment Agreement provides for an initial term of three years,
with an unlimited number of successive three-year renewals subject to the
election by either party not to renew the Employment Agreement. The Employment
Agreement provides for a base salary of $225,000 per annum commencing May 1,
1997 and continuing for the remainder of the term of employment. Mr. Skandalaris
is also entitled to an incentive bonus for each fiscal year in an amount to be
determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board (other than for 1997, for
which year Mr. Skandalaris agreed to forego any bonus) as well as to participate
in any executive bonus or other incentive compensation program adopted by the
Company. In the event Mr. Skandalaris' employment is terminated by the Company,
without cause, or by reason of his death or disability, or in the event the
Employment Agreement is not renewed, the Company is obligated to pay to Mr.
Skandalaris, as severance and/or liquidated damages, an amount equal to three
times his annual base salary at the time of termination plus any incentive bonus
due under the Employment Agreement. Prior to April 1, 1997, the Company did not
have an employment agreement with Mr. Skandalaris.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
 
  Compensation Philosophy
 
     The Compensation Committee, which was established in connection with the
Company's initial public offering of common stock in November 1997, is
responsible for developing and recommending the Company's executive compensation
policies to the Board of Directors. The executive compensation philosophy of the
Company is to (i) attract and retain qualified management to run the business
efficiently and guide the Company's growth in both existing and new markets,
(ii) establish a link between management compensation and the achievement of the
Company's annual and long-term performance goals, and (iii) recognize and reward
individual initiative and achievement.
 
  Base Salaries
 
     Base salaries for new management employees will be based primarily on the
responsibilities of the position and the experience of the individual, with
reference to the competitive marketplace for management talent, measured in
terms of executive compensation offered by comparable companies in related
businesses. Increases in base salaries will be based upon the performance of the
executive officers as compared to pre-established goals.
 
  Cash Bonuses
 
     Cash bonuses may be awarded to executive officers based in part on the
overall financial performance of the Company and in part on the performance of
the executive officer. The financial performance of the Company will be measured
by revenue and operating income growth and actual performance against budgeted
performance.
 
  Stock Options
 
     The Compensation Committee believes the 1997 Stock Option Plan aligns
management's long-term interests with shareholder interests, as the ultimate
compensation is based upon the Company's stock performance. The Compensation
Committee also believes the 1997 Stock Option Plan is a cost effective method of
providing key management with long-term compensation. The performance of the
executive officers will be measured against pre-established goals determined at
the beginning of the year.
 
                                          Sincerely,
                                          Timothy F. Healy
                                          Daniel J. McEnroe
                                          Anthony R. Tersigni
                                          COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
 
     The following graph demonstrates the cumulative total return, on an indexed
basis, to the shareholders of the Company's Common Stock in comparison with the
Russell 2000 Index and an industry index of ten publicly traded companies
operating primarily in Standard Industrial Classification 371 ('Industry
Index'). The Industry Index was selected because the companies included therein
are engaged in the manufacturing of automotive parts, accessories and equipment
with market capitalizations similar to that of the Company. The Industry Index
consists of: Walbro Corp., Autocam Corp., R & B, Inc., IMPCO Technologies, Inc.,
Defiance, Inc., Safety Components International, Inc., Newcor, Inc., Williams
Controls, Inc., Hilite Industries, Inc. and Secom General Corp. The graph
assumes $100 invested on November 19, 1997 (the date the Common Stock commenced
trading on AMEX) in the Common Stock, in the Russell 2000 Index and in the
Industry Index. The historical stock performance shown on the graph is not
necessarily indicative of future price performance.
 
                                 [INSERT GRAPH]
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           NOVEMBER 19, 1997    DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                                           -----------------    -----------------
<S>                                                                        <C>                  <C>
The Company.............................................................          100                  97.9
Russell 2000 Index......................................................          100                 101.5
Industry Index..........................................................          100                  96.0
</TABLE>
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
 
     The following table sets forth information, as of February 20, 1998, with
respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock by: (i) each
person known by the Company to own more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock;
(ii) each director and nominee for director; (iii) each officer of the Company
named in the Summary Compensation Table; and (iv) all officers and directors of
the Company as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, each shareholder listed
below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares
beneficially owned by such person.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          AMOUNT AND
                                                                                          NATURE OF
                                                                                          BENEFICIAL    PERCENT OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(1)                                                   OWNERSHIP       CLASS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------    ----------
<S>                                                                                       <C>           <C>
Robert J. Skandalaris(2)...............................................................   3,092,156        43.19%
Christopher L. Morin...................................................................          --           --
Richard V. Balgenorth..................................................................      83,554         1.17%
James Bronce Henderson III.............................................................     133,686         1.87%
Richard J. Reason......................................................................      10,000         0.14%
Timothy F. Healy.......................................................................          --           --
Daniel J. McEnroe......................................................................          --           --
Anthony R. Tersigni....................................................................          --           --
All Directors and Officers as a group (12 persons).....................................   3,593,452        50.19%
</TABLE>
 
------------------
(1) The address of each named person is 33 Bloomfield Hills Parkway, Suite 155,
    Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304.
 
(2) Includes 150,396 shares of Common Stock held by Robert J. Skandalaris as
    custodian for his three minor children; and 534,742 shares of Common Stock
    over which Mr. Skandalaris exercises voting power pursuant to certain Voting
    Agreements and Powers of Attorney. See 'Item 13. Certain Relationships and
    Related Transactions.'
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
 
  Monroe Acquisition
 
     Effective January 1, 1996, the Company acquired Monroe Engineering
Products, Inc. (the 'Monroe Acquisition') from Richard J. Reason, individually
and as trustee of a revocable trust, and from an irrevocable trust for the
benefit of Mr. Reason's children. Mr. Reason is a member of the Company's Board
of Directors and currently serves as the President and a director of Monroe. The
aggregate consideration was $6.85 million, including: (i) a stock purchase price
of $6.35 million, payable in installments over 16 months; and (ii) a real estate
purchase price of $500,000, payable pursuant to a Land Contract which provides
for monthly interest payments at the rate of 12% per annum and a principal
balloon payment on April 30, 1998. The obligations of the Company under the Land
Contract are guaranteed by Robert J. Skandalaris, the Company's Chief Executive
Officer. Concurrent with the Monroe Acquisition, Monroe entered into a 28-month
employment agreement with Mr. Reason, which provides for an annual salary of
$200,004, as well as deferred compensation payments of $2,000 per month, for a
three-year period commencing May 1, 1998.
 
  NMP Acquisition and Related Matters
 
     On July 1, 1996, the Company acquired newly issued shares representing a
37.5% interest in NMP for $1 and the option to acquire an additional 14.1% of
NMP's outstanding shares from NMP's other shareholders, including James Bronce
Henderson III, Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, for $1. On June 9,
1997, NMP assigned to the Company its rights under a Stock Redemption Agreement
between NMP and Peter Raab, a former officer and employee of NMP, pursuant to
which the Company
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
exercised its rights to acquire Mr. Raab's 7.5% interest in NMP for $1. Upon
consummation of the Offering, the Company acquired the remaining shares of NMP
for $1 million, repaid NMP's $960,000 loan from DCT, Inc. ('DCTI'), an entity
controlled by Mr. Henderson, and agreed that Mr. Henderson would serve as a
member of the Company's Board and its Chairman until December 31, 1999.
 
     Prior to the Final NMP Acquisition, NMP leased five facilities aggregating
approximately 102,287 square feet from CTIC, an entity controlled by Mr.
Henderson, at an aggregate rent of $47,000 per month. CTIC was acquired by the
Company, through Noble Land Holdings, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary formed for
the purpose of the CTIC acquisition), concurrent with the Final NMP Acquisition
for no additional consideration other than assumption of the debt encumbering
such properties aggregating approximately $4.4 million, which debt was paid from
the proceeds of the Public Offering and the Company's line of credit with
Comerica Bank. These facilities are encumbered by a mortgage securing the
Company's line of credit.
 
  Skandy Acquisition
 
     Effective January 1, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
capital stock of Skandy from Richard G. Skandalaris, the sole shareholder of
Skandy, in exchange for 133,686 shares of the Company's common stock. Richard G.
Skandalaris, who became the Company's Vice President of Sales in March 1998, is
the brother of Robert J. Skandalaris, the Company's President and Chief
Executive Officer.
 
  UPP Acquisition
 
     On March 1, 1997, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary UPP,
acquired certain assets of Utilase, then a majority-owned subsidiary of DCTI.
The purchase price was $850,000, payable by delivery of the Company's promissory
note (secured by the assets acquired). The $850,000 promissory note was paid
upon the consummation of the Offering.
 
     UPP leases 11,110 square feet of space in Detroit, Michigan from an entity
controlled by Mr. Henderson pursuant to a three-year lease expiring February 28,
2000, at an annual base rent of $38,885. The Company believes that such lease is
at least as favorable to the Company as could be obtained from an unaffiliated
third party.
 
  Utilase Acquisition
 
     On April 7, 1997, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with
Utilase and its shareholders (including DCTI), providing for the acquisition of
all of the outstanding capital stock of Utilase. The Utilase Acquisition was
consummated concurrently with the Offering. The Stock Purchase Agreement
provided for a purchase price of $8.2 million in cash and the delivery of
promissory notes in four series (the 'Utilase Notes') in the aggregate original
principal amount of $10.1 million. The Utilase Notes mature in series on the
anniversary of the closing of the Utilase Acquisition in 1998, 1999, 2000 and
2001. The first three series of Utilase Notes bear interest at the rate of 6%
per annum until maturity after which they become callable by the holder and bear
interest at the rate of 4% per annum over Comerica Bank's prime lending rate not
to exceed 13% per annum. The final series bears interest at the rate of 6.5% per
annum until maturity, increasing to 4% per annum over Comerica Bank's prime
lending rate not to exceed 13% per annum thereafter. The Utilase Notes require
consent of the holders of at least 67% of the aggregate outstanding principal
amount for the Company to (a) declare or pay any dividend or other distribution
on its shares (other than in shares of capital stock) or (b) redeem or set apart
funds for the purchase or redemption of any shares of its capital stock, except,
subject to certain limitations, pursuant to the Shareholders Agreements
discussed below. If the Company is in default, consent is also required for the
Company to (1) effect any sale, lease or other conveyance, other than as
security for a loan from a senior lender, of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company, (2) effect any consolidation or merger involving the
Company (except solely to, with or among the Company and its subsidiaries), (3)
effect any reclassification or other change of any stock or any recapitalization
of the Company, or (4) permit any subsidiary to issue or sell stock of such
subsidiary, except to the Company or any wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
The Utilase Notes are guaranteed by Utilase.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
     In connection with the Utilase Acquisition Mr. Henderson also received
$200,000 in exchange for his covenant not to compete with Utilase for the longer
of seven years from the closing of the Utilase Acquisition or two years from the
date he ceases to be a director of the Company. Mr. Henderson's covenant not to
compete terminates in the event of a default under the Utilase Notes which is
not cured within 60 days.
 
     Utilase leases an approximately 210,000 square foot facility in Detroit,
Michigan from an entity controlled by Mr. Henderson pursuant to a five-year
lease expiring April 30, 2002. Pursuant to the terms of the lease, Utilase is
acquiring occupancy of the larger building in stages, with one-half having been
acquired in August 1997 and the balance to be acquired in April 1998.
 
  Other Matters
 
     Certain shareholders of the Company have entered into voting agreements and
powers of attorney with the Company granting to Robert J. Skandalaris an
irrevocable proxy to vote their shares of Common Stock on all matters. These
voting agreements also bind after-acquired shares and shares transferred to
third parties. An aggregate of 534,742 shares, representing 7.5% of the
outstanding shares, are subject to such voting agreements. These shares are
owned by James D. Skandalaris, Richard G. Skandalaris, George J. Skandalaris,
Joseph J. Skandalaris and Robert J. Skandalaris as trustee for his minor
children. In July 1997, Shareholders Agreements were entered into between the
Company and certain employee-shareholders, including Richard V. Balgenorth and
Michael C. Azar, the Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel of the Company,
respectively, which provide the Company with the option to repurchase their
shares of Common Stock upon death or termination of employment, based upon a
book value formula.
 
     On January 15, 1996, the Company received a loan of $300,000 from James D.
Skandalaris, the father of Robert J. Skandalaris, evidenced by an unsecured
promissory note with interest at 10% per annum, payable monthly, with the
principal balance due upon demand. In addition, on March 1, 1994, James D.
Skandalaris made a loan of $90,000 to Prestolock, evidenced by an unsecured
demand note with interest only payments due monthly at a rate of 10% per annum.
Effective June 30, 1997, James D. Skandalaris entered into a letter agreement
with the Company and Prestolock providing that no demand for repayment of the
principal balance of either the January 15, 1996 or March 1, 1994 notes will be
made until after December 30, 1998.
 
     On April 30, 1996, Robert J. Skandalaris made a loan of $1 million to the
Company evidenced by an unsecured promissory note due on April 30, 2000, bearing
interest at the rate of 7% per annum with interest only payable monthly.
 
     Effective July 30, 1997, the Company issued 38,000 shares of its Series A
Preferred Stock, and 64,838 shares of Common Stock, to Twenty-First Century
Off-Shore Fund, Ltd., a Bahamian open-ended corporation ('Twenty-First
Century'), for $3.8 million. The investment manager of Twenty-First Century is a
limited liability company in which Robert J. Skandalaris is a member. On
December 22, 1997, the Company redeemed the Series A Preferred Stock and 64,838
shares of Common Stock from Twenty-First Century for an aggregate redemption
price of $3.8 million.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
 
     (a) Financial Statements [Filed under Item 8 above.]
 
  Financial Statement Schedules
 
     Not applicable.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBITS
--------
<C>        <S>
   .1* 2   Stock Purchase Agreement dated April 7, 1997 among the Company, Utilase, Inc., the Shareholders of
           Utilase, Inc.
  3.3      Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.
  4.2*     Forms of Series A Subordinated Promissory Notes.
  4.3*     Forms of Series B Subordinated Promissory Notes.
  4.4*     Forms of Series C Subordinated Promissory Notes.
  4.5*     Forms of Series D Subordinated Promissory Notes.
 10.8*     Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 1996 among the Company and Cass River Coatings, Inc., Gene
           Oldford, Kevin Redding, Chris Frampton, Jan Wojeichowski, Pat Patterson, and Jim Lamb.
 10.15*    Stock Option Agreement dated January 31, 1996 between Cass River Coatings, Inc. and Gene Oldford, Kevin
           Redding, Chris Frampton, Jan Wojeichowski, Pat Patterson, and Jim Lamb.
 10.18*    Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 1996 between the Company and Richard J. Reason, individually
           and as Trustee of his Revocable Living Trust dated April 9, 1979 and The Richard J. Reason Irrevocable
           Trust for the Benefit of Victoria Aldrich and Peter Reason dated October 12, 1992.
 10.19*    Promissory Note dated January 1, 1996 in the original principal amount of $2,231,000 delivered by the
           Company in favor of The Richard J. Reason Irrevocable Trust for the Benefit of Victoria Aldrich and Peter
           Reason dated October 12, 1992.
 10.20*    Promissory Note dated January 1, 1996 in the original principal amount of $4,119,000 delivered by the
           Company in favor of Richard J. Reason, Trustee of his Revocable Living Trust dated April 9, 1979.
 10.21*    Guaranty of Robert Skandalaris ($500,000) dated January 1, 1996 for the benefit of The Richard J. Reason
           Irrevocable Trust for the Benefit of Victoria Aldrich and Peter Reason dated October 12, 1992.
 10.22*    Land Contract dated April 30, 1996 between RichardnJ. Reason Agreement of Trust dated April 9, 1979 and
           Monroe Engineering Products, Inc.
 10.23*    Guaranty of Robert Skandalaris dated April 30, 1996 of Monroe Engineering Products, Inc.'s obligations
           under Land Contract.
 10.24*    Employment and Deferred Compensation Agreement dated January 1, 1996 between Monroe Engineering Products,
           Inc. and Richard Reason, as amended December 30, 1996.
 10.26*    Stock Purchase Agreement dated July 1, 1996, between DCT Component Systems, Inc., a Michigan corporation,
           James Bronce Henderson III, David C. Stone, the Company, and Peter Raab.
 10.27*    Stock Redemption Agreement dated July 1, 1996 between Peter Raab and DCT Components Systems, Inc.
 10.28*    Management Agreement dated July 1, 1996 between DCT Component Systems, Inc. and the Company.
 10.29*    Voting Agreement and Irrevocable Proxies dated July 1, 1996 by and among DCT Component Systems, Inc.,
           James Bronce Henderson III, and David C. Stone, and Robert Skandalaris as the representative of the
           Company.
 10.30*    Shareholder Agreement among the Company, James Bronce Henderson III, David C. Stone, Peter Raab and DCT
           Component Systems, Inc. dated July 1, 1996.
</TABLE>
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBITS
--------
 10.31*    Executive Bonus Pool for DCT Components Systems, Inc.
<C>        <S>
 10.32*    License Agreement dated July 1, 1996, by and between James Bronce Henderson III and John C. Fox as
           licensors, and DCT Component Systems, Inc., as licensee.
 10.36*    Line of Credit Promissory Note ($960,000) made by DCT Component Systems, Inc. in favor of DCT Companies,
           Inc.
 10.37*    Put Agreement dated December 31, 1996 by DCT Component Systems, Inc. in favor of RichardnJ. Reason as
           Trustee of the Richard J. Reason Revocable Living Trust dated April 9, 1979 and agreed to by the Company.
 10.38*    Conversion Agreement dated December 31, 1996 among DCT Component Systems, Inc., the Company and Holder.
 10.41*    Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 28, 1997 and effective March 1, 1997 between Utilase Production
           Process, Inc. and Utilase, Inc.
 10.42*    Promissory Note dated February 28, 1997 made by the Company and Utilase Production Process, Inc. in favor
           of Utilase, Inc. in the principal amount of $850,000.
 10.43*    Security Agreement dated February 28, 1997 among the Company and Utilase Production Process, Inc. and
           Utilase, Inc.
 10.44*    Escrow Agreement dated April 7, 1997 among the Company, Utilase, Inc., and Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss.
 10.45*    Form of Non-Compete Agreement between Utilase, Inc. and James Bronce Henderson III.
 10.46*    Form of Non-Compete Agreement between the Company and Jeffrey A. Moss.
 10.47*    Form of Non-Compete Agreement between Utilase, Inc. and DCT, Inc.
 10.48*    Employment Agreement dated April 7, 1997 between Utilase, Inc. and John K. Baysore.
 10.49*    Registration Rights Agreement dated April 7, 1997 among the Company, Utilase, Inc., James Bronce
           Henderson III and Jeffrey A. Moss.
 10.50*    Shareholders' Agreement dated April 7, 1997 among the Company, Utilase, Inc., Robert J. Skandalaris and
           James Bronce Henderson III.
 21.1      Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 27.1      Financial Data Schedule.
 99.1      Pro Forma Financial Data
</TABLE>
 
------------------
*  Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on
   Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-27149).
 
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
 
     Not applicable.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
 
Dated: March 4, 1998
 
                                          NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
 
                                          By: _____/s/ ROBERT J. SKANDALARIS____
                                                    Robert J. Skandalaris
                                                  Chief Executive Officer
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the persons on behalf of the registrant in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                SIGNATURE                                        TITLE                             DATE
------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------   --------------
 
<C>                                         <S>                                               <C>
        /s/ ROBERT J. SKANDALARIS           Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal    March 4, 1998
------------------------------------------  Executive Officer)
          Robert J. Skandalaris
 
        /s/ RICHARD V. BALGENORTH           Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial       March 4, 1998
------------------------------------------  and Accounting Officer)
          Richard V. Balgenorth
 
      /s/ JAMES BRONCE HENDERSON III        Chairman of the Board of Directors                 March 4, 1998
------------------------------------------
        James Bronce Henderson III
 
         /s/ CHRISTOPHER L. MORIN           Chief Operating Officer and Director               March 4, 1998
------------------------------------------
           Christopher L. Morin
 
          /s/ RICHARD J. REASON             Director                                           March 4, 1998
------------------------------------------
            Richard J. Reason
 
           /s/ TIMOTHY F. HEALY             Director                                           March 4, 1998
------------------------------------------
             Timothy F. Healy
 
          /s/ DANIEL J. MCENROE             Director                                           March 4, 1998
------------------------------------------
            Daniel J. McEnroe
 
         /s/ ANTHONY R. TERSIGNI            Director                                           March 4, 1998
------------------------------------------
           Anthony R. Tersigni
</TABLE>
 
                                       49