Press Release

Carthage, MO — FORTUNE’s 1998 list of "America’s Most Admired Companies" released this week ranks Leggett & Platt in the top 6% of nearly 500 major corporations.

About 12,600 executives, outside directors and securities analysts received ballots from FORTUNE asking them to judge various companies in 55 industries. Companies were rated on innovativeness, quality of management, employee talent, quality of products/services, long-term investment value, financial soundness, social responsibility, and use of corporate assets. Numerical ratings in each of these categories were used to compile composite scores for each company. Leggett’s score was 7.67, which compares to top rated General Electric with a score of 8.18.

Carthage based Leggett is a leading manufacturer of engineered products with annual sales approaching $3 billion. Leggett’s engineered products include bedding and furniture components, plus related home, office and institutional furnishings; retail store fixtures, displays and other commercial products; aluminum die castings; and specialized materials and equipment for Leggett operations and other manufacturers. The company has facilities throughout North America and in several international locations. Leggett & Platt’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LEG.