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Briggs & Stratton Expects Lower Second Quarter Earnings

18 December 1997

Briggs & Stratton Expects Lower Second Quarter Earnings

    MILWAUKEE, Dec. 18 --Briggs & Stratton Corporation
stated today that earnings for its second quarter ending December
1997 are expected to be down from last year's second quarter on comparable
unit volume.  The projected decrease is due principally to the impact of the
strong U.S. dollar on revenue from sales into the European Union and a shift
in the mix of engines shipped in the second quarter.  The mix in this year's
second quarter is more heavily weighted toward lower horsepower, lower price
engines.  The Company believes the mix shift will reverse in the second half
of the year.
    Based on customer expectations, orders actually placed, and favorable
econometric forecasts, and assuming normal spring weather, the Company
continues to expect sales revenues and earnings to increase for the full
fiscal year.
    This release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those in the forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements
are based on the Company's current views and assumptions and involve risks and
uncertainties that include, among other things, the effects of weather on the
purchasing patterns of the Company's customers and end use purchasers of the
Company's engines; the seasonal nature of the Company's business; actions of
competitors; changes in laws and regulations, including accounting standards;
employee relations; customer demand; prices of purchased raw materials and
parts; domestic economic conditions, including housing starts and changes in
consumer disposable income; and foreign economic conditions, including
currency rate fluctuations.  Some or all of the factors are beyond the
Company's control.

SOURCE  Briggs & Stratton Corporation