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SMC Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End Results for 1999

10 February 2000

SMC Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End Results for 1999
    BEND, Ore., Feb. 10 -- SMC Corporation today
reported its results for the fourth quarter of 1999. For the three month
period ended December 31, 1999 net sales were $58.2 million. This is a
decrease from sales of $67.1 million reported in the quarter ending
December 31, 1998. However, when compared to sales in the third quarter of
1999 of $46.7 million, the fourth quarter 1999 sales increased by
$11.5 million. Net income in the quarter ending December 31, 1999 was $152,000
compared to $1.1 million recorded in the quarter ending December 31, 1998. Net
income in the fourth quarter of 1999 increased by $22,000 over third quarter
1999 results. Earnings per share for the quarter ending December 31, 1999
decreased to $.03 per share on 5.8 million shares outstanding from $.18 per
share on 6.2 million shares outstanding for the quarter ending
December 31, 1998.
    For the year ending December 31, 1999 net sales were $215.5 million down
slightly from 1998 revenues of $217.5 million. Net income for 1999 was
$241,000 down from $409,000 recorded in 1998. Earnings per share were $.04 in
1999 compared to $.06 per share recorded in 1998.
    Gross profit for the quarter ending December 31, 1999 declined
$1.2 million from the level recorded in the quarter ending December 31, 1998.
While the Company made significant improvements in its operations, this
reduction was primarily the result of lower sales volumes in the fourth
quarter comparisons. In the full year comparisons of 1999 and 1998 gross
profit declined by $467,000 as a result of lower sales volumes and higher
warranty costs.
    Selling, general and administrative costs for the three month period
ending December 31, 1999 increased to $4.7 million from $4.6 million recorded
in the three month period ending December 31, 1998. For the year ending
December 31, 1999, selling, general, and administrative costs increased by
$689,000 when compared to the year ending December 31, 1998. While the
administrative portion of these costs decreased $600,000, selling costs
increased by $1.3 million primarily due to increased promotional costs and
costs associated with the introduction of three new products.
    Operating income decreased to $715,000 in the quarter ending
December 31, 1999 from $2.2 million recorded in the quarter ending
December 31, 1998. When compared to the quarter ending October 2, 1999,
operating income increased to $715,000 from a loss of $489,000. For the year
ending December 31, 1999 operating income declined by $1.1 million from levels
recorded for the year ending December 31, 1998.
    Interest expense in both the quarterly and yearly comparisons increased as
the result of a higher utilization of the company's credit facilities. Other
expense (income) was impacted by the gain on the sale of certain company
assets earlier in the year.
    Commenting on the results, Michael R. Jacque, President and Chief
Operating Officer stated, "Unequivocally, 1999 was a dismal year financially,
especially considering the strong RV market. However, recent fundamental
changes in culture, methodology and attitude have positioned the company to
significantly improve its performance this year."
    Mr. Jacque continued, "We have initiated a company wide program to
simplify manufacturing and administrative processes that is enjoying dramatic
gains in productivity and quality. Further, a recent management restructuring
is now complete, and I feel very fortunate that our company has recruited
individuals recognized as the best in their respective fields to return SMC to
the path of growth and profitability."
    SMC Corporation is one of the largest high line motor coach manufacturers
in the United States. Information about SMC Corporation and its products can
be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.smc-corporation.com .
    Forward Looking Statements:  The statements in this report may be regarded
as forward looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results
to differ materially from these statements, including delays in full operation
of the production facility, a general slowdown in the economy or the RV market
specifically, or new products from competitors. Please also refer to the
Company's SEC reports, including, but not limited to its Form 10Q Quarterly
Report for the quarter ended October 2, 1999 and its Form 10K Annual Report
for the year ended December 31, 1998.

                               SMC CORPORATION
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                   $000's (except share and per share data)

                            Three Months Ended            Year to Date
                           12/31/98      12/31/99     12/31/98     12/31/99

    Net Sales               67,079        58,214      217,485       215,540
    Cost of Sales           59,667        51,966      195,405       193,927
    Gross Profit             7,412         6,248       22,080        21,613
    Sales, General, Adm      4,627         4,706       17,610        18,299
    Litigation and
     Settlement Costs          594           827        2,849         2,808
    Income from Operations   2,191           715        1,621           506
    Interest Expense           261           478          813         1,538
    Other Expenses (Inc)        36            34          127       (1,383)
    Income Before Taxes      1,894           203          681           351
    Provision for Taxes        757            51          272           110
    Net Income               1,137           152          409           241
    Net Income/share
     Basic                    0.18          0.03         0.06          0.04
    Net income/share
     Diluted                  0.18          0.03         0.06          0.04
    Weighted shares
     Basic               6,238.491     5,780,599    6,429,317     5,824,741
    Weighted shares      6,238,491     5,780,599    6,429,317     5,824,741

                               SMC CORPORATION
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 In Thousands

                                            12/31/98                12/31/99
    Assets
     Current                                 45,453                  59,704
     Property & Equipment                    20,551                  13,978
     Other                                    2,016                   1,987
      Total Assets                           68,020                  75,669

    Liabilities
     Current                                 36,492                  44,106
     Deferred Tax                               928                      --
     Long-term Debt                           7,391                   8,685
      Total Liabilities                      44,811                  52,791

    Shareholders' Equity                     23,209                  22,878
    Total Liability & Equity                 68,020                  75,669