The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Strattec Security Corporation Reports Record Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

29 July 1999

Strattec Security Corporation Reports Record Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Year End Results
    MILWAUKEE, July 29 -- Strattec Security Corporation
today reported record operating results for the fiscal fourth
quarter and year ended June 27, 1999.
    Net sales for the three months ended June 27, 1999 were $56.5 million, an
increase of 21 percent compared to net sales of $46.8 million for the three
months ended June 28, 1998.  Net income was $5.1 million, compared to
$3.8 million in the prior year quarter.  Diluted earnings per share for the
three months ended June 27, 1999, were $.88 compared to $.65 in the prior year
quarter, an increase of 35 percent.
    For the year ended June 27, 1999, net sales were $202.6 million, an
increase of 8 percent compared to net sales of $186.8 million in the prior
year period.  Net income was $17.0 million compared to $13.5 million and
diluted earnings per share were $2.94 compared to $2.30, an increase of
28 percent.
    Sales to all three of STRATTEC's largest customers increased in the
current quarter compared to the prior year levels, with General Motors
Corporation increasing 19 percent, DaimlerChrysler Corporation increasing
20 percent and Ford Motor Company increasing 18 percent.  This sales growth
was primarily due to a combination of higher value mechanical and
electro-mechanical content, and increased production volumes.  In addition,
labor disruptions at General Motors Corporation during June, 1998 reduced
sales to this customer by an estimated $3 million during the prior year
quarter.
    Gross profit margins were 23.9 percent in the current quarter compared to
22.8 percent in the prior year quarter.  Operating expenses were $5.4 million
in the current quarter, compared to $4.9 million in the prior year quarter.
    During the June 1999 quarter 105,000 shares were repurchased under the
Company's stock repurchase program at a cost of approximately $3.0 million.
    Harold M. Stratton II, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer,
commented:  "Fiscal 1999 represents our sixth consecutive year of growth in
sales and profitability.  With the robust activity in the automotive sector,
we set a number of records during the year, including new daily, weekly and
monthly highs for both unit shipping and sales volume."
     Stratton continued, "Our positive results in fiscal year 1999 are
expected to continue into fiscal year 2000, unless the current strong demand
for vehicles slows down significantly, or vehicle production is curtailed due
to labor disruptions associated with the national labor contracts coming up
for negotiation between our customers and the UAW."
    STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION designs, develops, manufactures and markets
mechanical locks, electro-mechanical locks and related security products for
North American and select European automotive manufacturers.
    Forward looking statements in this release are subject to many
uncertainties in the Company's operations and business environment.  These
uncertainties include general economic conditions, in particular, relating to
the automotive industry, consumer demand for the Company's products and costs
of operations.  Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged
to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking
statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements made herein are
only made as of the date of this press release and the company undertakes no
obligation to publicly update such forward-looking  statements to reflect
subsequent events or circumstances.  In addition, such uncertainties and other
operational matters are discussed further in the Company's quarterly and
annual filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                          STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
                              Results of Operations
                                  (In Thousands)

                              Three Months Ended           Years Ended
                       June 27, 1999 June 28, 1998 June 27, 1999 June 28, 1998
                                 (Unaudited)

    Net Sales             $ 56,514      $ 46,795    $ 202,625    $ 186,805
    Cost of Goods Sold      42,989        36,108      155,821      146,865
    Gross Profit            13,525        10,687       46,804       39,940
    Engineering, Selling &
    Administrative Expenses  5,397         4,865       20,191       18,925
    Income from Operations   8,128         5,822       26,613       21,015
    Interest Income            347           198        1,132          351
    Interest Expense            --            --           --          (19)
    Other Income
     (Expense), Net           (165)           47         (239)          73
                             8,310         6,067       27,506       21,420
    Provision for
     Income Taxes            3,241         2,244       10,491        7,931

    Net Income              $5,069        $3,823      $17,015      $13,489

    Earnings Per Share:
    Basic                     $.91          $.67        $3.02        $2.36
    Diluted                   $.88          $.65        $2.94        $2.30

    Average Basic
     Shares Outstanding      5,591         5,717        5,639        5,708

    Average Diluted
     Shares Outstanding      5,737         5,891        5,791        5,863


                                Balance Sheet Data
                                  (In Thousands)

                                          June 27, 1999      June 28, 1998
    Cash and Cash Equivalents                   $28,600            $14,800
    Accounts Receivable, Net                     36,100             25,300
    Inventories                                  13,800             15,000
    Debt                                             --                 --
    Shareholders' Equity                         82,300             70,400

    SOURCE  Strattec Security Corporation