Server: Microsoft-IIS/3.0 Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 02:59:45 GMT Content-Type: text/html Accept-Ranges: bytes Last-Modified: Wed, 17 Dec 1997 22:48:07 GMT Set-Cookie: EGSOFT_ID=128.2.206.74-4271492128.29166432; expires=Fri, 31-Dec-2010 00:00:00 GMT; path=/ Content-Length: 17647 Leggett & Platt Investor Information
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Investor Information

Leggett & Platt provides an exceptional long-term record for investors. Now beginning its fourth decade as a publicly owned company, Leggett has consistently produced strong sales, earnings per share and dividend growth. The long-term performance of Leggett stock has substantially exceeded the return on the S&P 500.

The company’s strategic plan is focused on creating value for shareholders. Key facts about Leggett’s performance and strategy are summarized below.

Financial Performance

10 Year Graph of Net Sales
10 Year Graph of Earnings Per Share

Sales and Earnings Per Share Records

Records set in year ended December 31, 1996 with:

  • sales of $2.47 billion
  • earnings per share of $1.85 before non-recurring costs

Sales and earnings per share both increased at compound annual growth rates of 14.9% for the last 10 years.

Record results for the first 9 months of 1997:

  • sales of $2.14 billion
  • earnings per share of $1.60

Compared to 1996, sales for the first nine months of this year were up 16% and earnings per share increased 17%.

*Excludes merger related costs for the acquisition of Pace Holdings, Inc. (Pace) of $26.6 million pre-tax and $16.4 million after tax, or $.18 per share and an extraordinary item from the refinancing of Pace debt of $12.5 million after tax, or $.14 per share.

Shareholder Dividends

Shareholder dividends have increased for 26 consecutive years and twice in 1997.

Current quarterly rate of $.14 per share indicates annual dividend of $.56 per share.

Since 1971, dividends have increased at a compound annual rate of 15.5%.

Consistent cash flow and a strong financial position allow for sustained dividend growth  in line with long-term growth in earnings per share.

10 Year Graph of Dividends Per Share

Recognition of Leggett’s Leadership

FORTUNE magazine ranked Leggett 48th, or in the top 11%, in the 1997 survey "America's Most Admired Companies".

Financial World magazine ranked Leggett 70th in "The Best 100 Growth Companies", a study they published in 1997.

Long-term Strategy

Management's strategy continues to emphasize both internal growth and acquisitions that create value for Leggett shareholders.

  • Internal initiatives to increase sales and efficiencies, hence earnings, emphasize marketing and investments that provide attractive returns.
  • Acquisitions often add new products, technologies and markets, or expand Leggett's presence in existing markets. Acquired businesses must fit with Leggett in marketing, manufacturing technology or materials...ideally in all three.
Link to News Releases

Refer to our News Releases section for a variety of information indexed by date and headline.

Link to Stock Quote

A delayed stock quote and other stock information is available here. Leggett stock is listed on the New York and Pacific Stock Exchanges.

Shareholder Services

Shareholder inquiries regarding account information should be addressed to the Registrar and Transfer Agent:

ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.P.
8500 Challenger Road
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
Phone 800/851-9677

Other inquiries, including requests for Annual and Quarterly Shareholder Reports, can be directed to
Leggett & Platt's Investor Relations Department:

No. 1 Leggett Road
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-8131

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Copyright 1997, Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
Your use of the information presented in this site is subject to the terms of our
legal statement.
For more information contact Corporate Headquarters

No. 1 Leggett Road
Carthage, Missouri 64836
417/358-8131

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