LEGGETT & PLATT INC
10-Q, 2000-08-11
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE
Previous: LEE PHARMACEUTICALS, 10QSB, EX-27, 2000-08-11
Next: LEGGETT & PLATT INC, 10-Q, EX-12, 2000-08-11



                              Form 10-Q

                 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                       Washington, D.C. 20549

       (X)  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
               OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

            For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2000

                                 OR

       ( )  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
               OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

   for the transition period from ____________ to ________________

              For Quarter Ended              Commission File
                                                 Number
                June 30, 2000                    1-7845


                    LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED
       (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


               Missouri                            44-0324630
           (State or other           (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
           jurisdiction of
           incorporation or
            organization)


             No. 1 Leggett Road
             Carthage, Missouri                     64836
      (Address of principal executive             (Zip Code)
                  offices)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code     (417) 358-8131

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
and Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.

Yes  X        No

    Common stock outstanding as of August 1, 2000:    196,579,920

<PAGE>
                    PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
           LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Amounts in millions)                       June 30,       December 31,
                                              2000            1999
<S>                                         <C>            <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
  Cash and cash equivalents                 $   17.7       $   20.6
  Accounts and notes receivable                693.4          572.7
  Allowance for doubtful accounts              (14.0)         (13.3)
  Inventories                                  676.9          605.8
  Other current assets                          71.8           70.4
--------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total current assets                     1,445.8        1,256.2

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET               981.8          915.0

OTHER ASSETS
Excess cost of purchased companies over
  net assets acquired, less accumulated
  amortization of $77.5 in 2000 and $67.3
  in 1999                                      851.0          714.3
Other intangibles, less accumulated
  amortization of $35.1 in 2000 and $32.6
  in 1999                                       54.2           45.2
  Sundry                                        54.2           46.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total other assets                         959.4          806.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                $3,387.0       $2,977.5
====================================================================

CURRENT LIABILITIES
  Accounts and notes payable                 $ 183.1        $ 146.1
  Accrued expenses                             227.0          194.2
  Other current liabilities                     87.4           91.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total current liabilities                  497.5          431.5

LONG-TERM DEBT                               1,031.5          787.4
OTHER LIABILITIES                               43.4           43.9
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                           66.2           68.5
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Common stock                                   2.0            2.0
  Additional contributed capital               425.0          424.8
  Retained earnings                          1,388.7        1,278.1
  Accumulated other comprehensive income       (28.7)         (18.9)
  Treasury stock                               (38.6)         (39.8)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total shareholders' equity               1,748.4        1,646.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  $3,387.0       $2,977.5
====================================================================
</TABLE>
Items excluded are either not applicable or de minimis in amount and,
therefore, are not shown separately.

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

<PAGE>
           LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
            CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                             (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)

                              Six Months Ended       Three Months Ended
                                  June 30,                June 30,
                              2000        1999         2000       1999
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
Net Sales                   $2,139.2     $1,822.8     $1,095.6    $ 935.2
Cost of goods sold           1,579.2      1,337.0        807.1      681.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit                   560.0        485.8        288.5      253.4

Selling, distribution and
  administrative expenses      277.1        233.5        143.1      120.8

Other deductions (income),net   15.5         14.1          8.4        8.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Earnings before interest
   and income taxes            267.4        238.2        137.0      124.6

Interest expense                32.2         19.4         17.6       10.0
Interest income                  2.7          1.4          1.2        0.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before income taxes   237.9        220.2        120.6      115.1
Income taxes                    87.8         81.7         44.3       42.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET EARNINGS               $ 150.1      $ 138.5      $  76.3    $  72.4
==========================================================================
Earnings Per Share
  Basic                      $  0.75      $  0.70      $  0.38    $  0.37
  Diluted                    $  0.75      $  0.69      $  0.38    $  0.36

Cash Dividends Declared
  Per Share                  $  0.20      $  0.18      $  0.10    $  0.09

Average Shares Outstanding
  Basic                        198.9        198.6        199.0      198.1
  Diluted                      200.5        201.2        200.6      200.9
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

<PAGE>
           LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
           CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Amounts in millions)                            Six Months Ended
                                                     June 30,
                                                2000           1999
<S>                                             <C>           <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Earnings                                    $ 150.1       $ 138.5
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
cash provided by operating activities
  Depreciation                                     65.2          61.3
  Amortization                                     16.3          12.9
  Other                                             3.0           5.3
  Other changes, net of effects from
   purchase of companies
   (Increase) in accounts receivable, net         (56.6)        (33.5)
   (Increase) in inventories                      (27.9)         (6.7)
   (Increase) in other current assets              (3.3)         (0.2)
    Increase in current liabilities                41.5          37.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES        188.3         214.9

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 Additions to property, plant and equipment       (81.5)        (77.0)
 Purchases of companies, net of cash acquired    (203.4)       (105.1)
 Other                                            (16.2)          6.7
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES          (301.1)       (175.4)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Additions to debt                              392.0          45.8
   Payments on debt                              (203.1)        (43.4)
   Dividends paid                                 (57.0)        (51.0)
   Issuances of common stock                        2.3           1.8
   Purchases of common stock                      (25.4)        (63.1)
   Other                                            1.1           0.3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
 NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR)
   FINANCING ACTIVITIES                           109.9        (109.6)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
  EQUIVALENTS                                      (2.9)        (70.1)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - January 1,             20.6          83.5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - June 30,            $  17.7       $  13.4
=======================================================================
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

<PAGE>
           LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                             (Unaudited)

(Amounts in millions)

1.   STATEMENT

  In   the  opinion  of  management,  the  accompanying  consolidated
  condensed  financial  statements contain all adjustments  necessary
  for  a  fair  statement  of  results of  operations  and  financial
  positions   of  Leggett  &  Platt,  Incorporated  and  Consolidated
  Subsidiaries (the `Company').

2.   INVENTORIES

  Inventories,  about  50%  of which are valued  using  the  Last-in,
  First-out  (LIFO) cost method and the remainder using the First-In,
  First-Out (FIFO) cost method, comprised the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           June 30,       December 31,
                                             2000             1999
<S>                                         <C>            <C>
At First-In, First-Out (FIFO) cost
     Finished goods                          $ 345.3       $ 309.9
     Work in process                            71.2          63.2
     Raw materials and supplies                269.1         238.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               685.6         611.3
  Excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost            (8.7)         (5.5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             $ 676.9       $ 605.8
===================================================================
</TABLE>

3.   PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment comprised the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           June 30,      December 31,
                                             2000            1999
<S>                                         <C>           <C>
Property, plant and equipment, at cost      $1,765.1      $1,628.7
  Less accumulated depreciation                783.3         713.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            $  981.8      $  915.0
====================================================================
</TABLE>

4.   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

  In  accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standard
  No. 130, the Company has elected to report comprehensive income  in
  its  Statement  of Changes in Shareholders' Equity.   For  the  six
  months  ending  June  30, 2000 and 1999, comprehensive  income  was
  $140.3 and $139.5, respectively.

<PAGE>
           LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                             (Unaudited)
5.   EARNINGS PER SHARE

     Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Six Months Ended     Three Months Ended
                                    June 30,              June 30,
                                 2000      1999       2000       1999
<S>                            <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>
Basic
  Weighted average shares
   outstanding, including
   shares issuable for
   little or no cash              198.9      198.6      199.0     198.1
========================================================================
   Net earnings                 $ 150.1    $ 138.5    $  76.3   $  72.4
========================================================================
   Earnings per share - basic   $   .75    $   .70    $   .38   $   .37
========================================================================

Diluted
  Weighted average shares
  outstanding, including
  shares issuable for
  little or no cash               198.9      198.6      199.0     198.1

  Additional dilutive shares
  principally from the
  assumed exercise of
  outstanding stock options         1.6        2.6        1.6       2.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  200.5      201.2      200.6     200.9
========================================================================
  Net earnings                 $  150.1    $ 138.5    $  76.3   $  72.4
========================================================================
  Earnings per share-diluted   $    .75    $   .69    $   .38   $   .36
========================================================================
</TABLE>

6.   CONTINGENCIES

  The  Company  is  involved in various legal  proceedings  including
  matters  which involve claims against the Company under employment,
  intellectual property, environmental and other laws.

  When  it  appears  probable  in  management's  judgement  that  the
  Company  will  incur monetary damages or other costs in  connection
  with  claims  and  proceedings, and the  costs  can  be  reasonably
  estimated,  appropriate liabilities are recorded in  the  financial
  statements  and  charges are made against earnings.   No  claim  or
  proceeding has resulted in a material charge against earnings,  nor
  are  the  total  liabilities  recorded material  to  the  Company's
  financial  position.  While the results of any ultimate  resolution
  cannot  be  predicted,  management believes the  possibility  of  a
  material  adverse  effect on the Company's  consolidated  financial
  position,  results  of operations and cash flows  from  claims  and
  proceedings is remote.

<PAGE>
         LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                             (Unaudited)

7.   SEGMENT INFORMATION

  Reportable   segments  are  primarily  based  upon  the   Company's
  management  organizational structure.  This structure is  generally
  focused  on  broad  end-user markets for the Company's  diversified
  products.   Residential  Furnishings  derives  its  revenues   from
  components  for bedding, furniture and other furnishings,  as  well
  as  related consumer products.  Commercial Furnishings derives  its
  revenues  from  retail store fixtures, displays, storage,  material
  handling   systems,   components  for  office   and   institutional
  furnishings,  and  plastic components.  Aluminum Products  revenues
  are  derived from die castings, custom tooling, secondary machining
  and  coating, and smelting of aluminum ingot.  Industrial Materials
  derives  its  revenues  from  drawn  steel  wire,  specialty   wire
  products  and  welded  steel  tubing.  Specialized  Products  is  a
  combination of non-reportable segments which derive their  revenues
  from   machinery,   manufacturing  equipment,  automotive   seating
  suspensions,  control  cable  systems,  and  lumbar  supports   for
  automotive, office and residential applications.

  A  summary  of  segment results for the six months ended  June  30,
  2000  and  1999 and the quarters ended June 30, 2000 and  1999  are
  shown in the following tables:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Inter-
                                  External    Segment     Total
                                   Sales       Sales      Sales      EBIT
<S>                               <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>
Six Months ended June 30, 2000
   Residential Furnishings        $ 1,076.3   $  4.9   $ 1,081.2   $ 127.3
   Commercial Furnishings             462.8      3.7       466.5      53.2
   Aluminum Products                  301.6      8.3       309.9      29.8
   Industrial Materials               159.6    108.7       268.3      42.2
   Specialized Products               138.9     25.4       164.3      24.7
   Intersegment eliminations            -        -           -        (6.5)
   Change in LIFO reserve               -        -           -        (3.3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  $ 2,139.2   $151.0   $ 2,290.2   $ 267.4
============================================================================

Six Months ended June 30, 1999

   Residential Furnishings        $   950.7   $  5.0    $  955.7   $ 104.7
   Commercial Furnishings             340.4      1.6       342.0      57.2
   Aluminum Products                  282.5      8.5       291.0      27.8
   Industrial Materials               135.8    105.6       241.4      35.2
   Specialized Products               113.4     22.8       136.2      16.4
   Intersegment eliminations            -        -           -        (3.3)
   Change in LIFO reserve               -        -           -          .2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  $ 1,822.8   $143.5    $1,966.3   $ 238.2
============================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
          LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                             (Unaudited)

  7. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                            Inter-
                                External    Segment      Total
                                 Sales       Sales       Sales      EBIT
<S>                            <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
Quarter ended June 30, 2000
  Residential Furnishings      $  544.0    $  2.7      $  546.7   $  65.3
   Commercial Furnishings         253.0       2.0         255.0      29.6
   Aluminum Products              142.6       4.4         147.0      13.2
   Industrial Materials            82.8      53.5         136.3      22.0
   Specialized Products            73.2      12.8          86.0      12.6
   Intersegment eliminations        -         -             -        (3.8)
   Change in LIFO reserve           -         -             -        (1.9)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               $1,095.6    $ 75.4      $1,171.0   $ 137.0
===========================================================================

Quarter ended June 30, 1999
  Residential Furnishings      $  481.3    $  2.7      $  484.0   $  53.0
   Commercial Furnishings         180.4        .8         181.2      31.6
   Aluminum Products              144.9       4.3         149.2      15.7
   Industrial Materials            69.8      50.5         120.3      18.1
   Specialized Products            58.8      11.5          70.3       7.1
   Intersegment eliminations        -         -             -         (.9)
   Change in LIFO reserve           -         -             -          -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               $  935.2    $ 69.8      $1,005.0   $ 124.6
===========================================================================
</TABLE>

Asset  information for the Company's segments at June 30, 2000  and
December 31, 1999 is shown in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         June 30,      December 31,
                                           2000            1999
<S>                                     <C>              <C>
Assets
Residential Furnishings                 $ 1,186.1        $ 1,173.4
Commercial Furnishings                      871.9            721.4
Aluminum Products                           494.1            441.1
Industrial Materials                        236.8            204.8
Specialized Products                        348.1            216.8
Unallocated assets                          268.6            204.0
Adjustment to period-end
  vs. agerage assets                        (18.6)            16.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        $ 3,387.0        $ 2,977.5
====================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
ITEM 2. - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Capital Resources and Liquidity

      The  Company's financial position reflects management's capital
policy  guidelines.   These guidelines are intended  to  ensure  that
corporate  liquidity  is adequate to support the Company's  projected
growth  rate.  Also, liquidity is necessary to finance the  Company's
ongoing  operations  in periods of economic downturn.   In  a  normal
operating  environment,  management  intends  to  direct  capital  to
ongoing operations, strategic acquisitions and other investments that
provide opportunities for expansion and enhanced profitability.
      The  expansion  of capital resources - debt  and  equity  -  is
planned  to allow the Company to take advantage of favorable  capital
market  conditions,  rather than respond to short-term  needs.   Such
financial  flexibility is considered more important  than  short-term
maximization  of  earnings  per  share  through  excessive  leverage.
Therefore, management continuously provides for available  credit  in
excess  of  near-term  projected cash  needs  and  has  maintained  a
guideline  for long-term debt as a percentage of total capitalization
in a range of 30% to 40%.

Total Capitalization

      The following table shows the Company's total capitalization at
June  30,  2000  and December 31, 1999.  Also, the  table  shows  the
amount  of  unused committed credit available through  the  Company's
revolving  bank  credit agreements and the amount of  cash  and  cash
equivalents.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   (Dollar amounts in millions)       June 30,      December 31,
                                        2000            1999
<S>                                  <C>            <C>
Long-term debt outstanding:
   Scheduled maturities              $   991.5      $    642.7
      Average interest rates               6.7%            6.7%
      Average maturities in years          5.0             5.5
   Revolving credit/commercial paper      40.0           144.7
----------------------------------------------------------------
      Total long-term debt             1,031.5           787.4
   Deferred income taxes and other
    liabilities                          109.6           112.4
   Shareholders' equity                1,748.4         1,646.2
----------------------------------------------------------------
       Total capitalization           $2,889.5        $2,546.0
================================================================
Unused committed credit:
      Long-term                       $  187.5        $   52.8
      Short-term                         112.5            97.5
----------------------------------------------------------------
   Total unused committed credit      $  300.0        $  150.3
================================================================
   Cash and cash equivalents          $   17.7        $   20.6
================================================================
</TABLE>

      Cash provided by operating activities was $188.3 million in the
first six months of 2000, compared to $214.9 million in the first six
months   of  1999.   The  decrease  in  cash  provided  by  operating
activities principally reflects an increase in working capital levels
due  to  increases in accounts receivable and inventories,  partially
offset by increased earnings.

     Long-term debt outstanding increased to $1,031.5 million at June
30,  2000,  while the Company's net debt-to-total-capital  ratio  was
35.3%,  up  from  30.4% at the end of 1999.  As shown  in  the  table
above,  obligations having scheduled maturities are the base  "layer"
of  the  Company's debt capital.  At June 30, 2000, these obligations
consisted  primarily  of the Company's medium-term notes and

<PAGE>
tax-exempt industrial development bonds.  In November 1999,
the Company completed a $500 million shelf registration of debt.   In
February  2000,  $350 million of 7.65% five-year  notes  were  issued
under the shelf registration.  These notes were converted to variable
rate  notes  under an interest rate swap agreement.  The proceeds  of
the  offering were used to pay down commercial paper, and to fund the
Company's capital expenditures and acquisition activity.
     The  second  "layer" of the Company's debt capital  consists  of
revolving  bank  credit  agreements and commercial  paper  issuances.
Management  has negotiated bank credit agreements and  established  a
commercial  paper  program  to  continuously  support  the  Company's
projected  growth  and to maintain highly flexible  sources  of  debt
capital.   The majority of the credit under these arrangements  is  a
long-term  obligation.  If needed, however, the credit  is  available
for short-term borrowings and repayments.

Uses of Capital Resources

     The  Company's  internal  investments to  modernize  and  expand
manufacturing capacity were $81.5 million in the first six months  of
2000.  The Company invested $203.4 million (net of cash acquired)  to
acquire  thirteen  businesses  and issued  266,438  shares  or  share
equivalents  at  a  value  of  $5.3  million  for  acquisitions.   In
addition,   the   Company  assumed  $115.9  million  of   acquisition
companies' debt and other liabilities.
     The  Company repurchased approximately 1.4 million shares of its
common stock for $25.4 million in cash during the first six months of
2000.   These purchases were made primarily for employee stock  plans
and  to  replace shares issued in purchase acquisitions.  In February
2000, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management, at  its
discretion, to buy up to 2,000,000 shares of Leggett stock for use in
employee   benefit   plans.    The  authorization   is   continuously
replenished as shares acquired are reissued for these benefit  plans.
In  addition,  management is authorized, again at its discretion,  to
repurchase  any  shares  issued  in  acquisitions  accounted  for  as
purchases.
      Cash  dividends paid on the Company's common stock  were  $57.0
million  during  the  first six months of  2000.   As  a  percent  of
earnings per share (diluted), cash dividends declared per share  were
26.7% during the period.

Short-term Liquidity

     To  gain  additional flexibility in capital  management  and  to
improve  the return on shareholders' equity, the Company continuously
seeks  efficient use of working capital.  Working capital,  including
working capital from acquired companies, at June 30, 2000 was  $948.3
million,  up  from $824.7 million at year-end.  The higher  level  of
working  capital  resulted principally from the  working  capital  of
businesses acquired during the first six months of 2000.   There  was
no short-term bank debt outstanding at the end of either period.

Results of Operations

Discussion of Consolidated Results

      The  Company achieved record sales and earnings for the  second
quarter  of  2000. Sales increased to $1.1 billion  (up  17.2%),  and
earnings  per  diluted  share increased to  $.38  (up  5.6%)  -  both
compared with the second quarter of 1999.
      Results for the first half of 2000 also increased to new highs.
Sales were $2.1 billion (up 17.4%) and earnings were $.75 per diluted
share (up 8.7%) - both compared with the first half of last year.

<PAGE>
      This  performance reflects ongoing benefits from the  Company's
active  acquisition  program.  Approximately three-fourths  of  sales
growth  for the second quarter and first six months of 2000  resulted
from  acquisitions completed over the past year.  Same location sales
volume increased approximately 3% in the second quarter and 4% in the
first  six  months  of  2000, as many operations  achieved  excellent
improvements.   Commercial Furnishings accounted for almost  half  of
the  increase  in consolidated sales in the second quarter  of  2000,
while Residential Furnishings accounted for 40%.
      During  the second quarter of 2000, the Company acquired  seven
businesses with annualized sales of approximately $255 million.   The
newly  acquired  companies  have expanded annualized  volume  in  the
Company's  segments as follows: Specialized Products - $125  million;
Commercial Furnishings - $105 million; Residential Furnishings -  $15
million; Aluminum Products - $10 million.
     Earnings  growth  in  the second quarter of  2000  lagged  sales
growth, reflecting disappointing performance in some of the Company's
store fixture and display businesses and in aluminum operations.  Net
earnings were 7.0% of second quarter 2000 sales compared with 7.7% in
the  second  quarter  of  1999. Approximately half of the net  margin
decline is attributable to a single store fixtures operation that was
acquired by the Company approximately one year ago. Approximately 40%
of the margin  decrease  was due to an increase in interest  expense.
As a percent  of sales, interest expense (before tax) increased from
1.0% to  1.5%  this year. Long-term debt grew from $612 million  one
year ago, to $1.03 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2000.
     The Company expects sales and earnings improvements in its store
fixture  and  display operations as they move toward their  strongest
business in the third quarter.  See below for a further discussion of
the  effect  of  seasonality on the Company's  operations.   Interest
expense should continue to reflect the Company's higher debt levels.
      The  following table shows various measures of  earnings  as  a
percentage  of sales for the second quarter in both of the  last  two
years.  It also shows the effective income tax rate and the ratio  of
earnings to fixed charges.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Six Months Ended        Quarter Ended
                                   June 30,               June 30,
                                 2000      1999       2000        1999
<S>                            <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>
Gross profit margin            26.2%      26.7%     26.3%       26.7%
EBIT (earnings before
 interest and taxes) margin    12.5       13.1      12.5        13.3
Net profit margin               7.0        7.6       7.0         7.7
Effective income tax rate      36.9       37.1      36.7        37.1
Ratio of earnings
 to fixed charges               7.3x      10.2x      6.9x       10.3x
</TABLE>

Seasonality

       The  Company  does  not  experience  significant  seasonality,
however, quarter-to-quarter sales can vary to the total year by 1-2%.
Management  estimates  that  this  1-2% sales  impact  can  have,  at
current  average net margins and considering overhead absorption,  an
impact  on  quarter-to-quarter net earnings of  approximately  5-10%,
plus  or  minus.  The timing of acquisitions in any year can  distort
the  underlying  seasonality in certain of the Company's  businesses.
For  the Company's businesses in total, the second and third quarters
have  proportionately  greater sales,  while  the  first  and  fourth
quarters   are  lower.   Over  the  last  three  years,  this   small
seasonality has become somewhat more pronounced, with the  first  and
fourth quarters showing proportionately lower sales due to the growth
of the store fixtures business of Commercial Furnishings.

<PAGE>
      Residential  Furnishings and Commercial  Furnishings  typically
have  their  strongest  sales  in  the  second  and  third  quarters.
Commercial Furnishings particularly has heavy third quarter sales  of
its  store  fixture  products, with the  first  and  fourth  quarters
significantly  lower.   Aluminum Products sales  are  proportionately
greater in the first two calendar quarters due to gas barbecue  grill
castings.   Industrial Materials sales peak in the third  and  fourth
quarters  from  wire  products used for baling  cotton.   Specialized
Products has relatively little quarter-to-quarter variation in sales,
although the automotive business is somewhat heavier in the first two
quarters of the year, and somewhat lower in the third quarter, due to
model  changeovers  and  plant shutdowns in the  automobile  industry
during the summer.

Discussion of Segment Results

    A  description of the products included in each segment,  segment
sales,  segment EBIT and other segment data appear in Note 7  of  the
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Second Quarter Discussion

    Residential Furnishings sales increased 13.0%, with same location
growth  of 4.5%.  Numerous acquisitions accounted for the balance  of
sales  growth.   EBIT  increased 23.2%.  EBIT margin  increased  from
11.0% to 11.9%, reflecting acquisitions and improved efficiencies  in
operations  producing furniture components.  These improvements  were
partially  offset  by increasing costs in bedding  operations,  where
steel rod and wire are the predominant raw materials.  Prices for rod
began   increasing   in  the  first  quarter,  driving   up   overall
manufacturing costs. The Company has completed the process of passing
these  higher  costs  through  to customers  to  compensate  for  the
increased cost of raw materials.
    Commercial Furnishings sales increased 40.7%, due almost entirely
to  numerous  acquisitions.  Same location volume was up fractionally
as  increased  sales of components for office and contract  furniture
and  plastic  components  more  than  offset  lower  volume  in  some
operations  producing store fixtures, displays and storage  products.
EBIT  declined 6.3%, and EBIT margins moved from 17.4% last  year  to
11.6% this year as a result of additional operational problems  at  a
store  fixture  and design firm acquired at the end  of  last  year's
second   quarter.  This  operation  experienced  persistent  supplier
disruptions and higher costs.  The Company is taking steps to correct
these problems.  Another factor negatively  affecting margins  during
the period is the seasonal nature of the  fixtures business discussed
previously.
    The  Company expects annual margins in the Commercial Furnishings
segment  to  be  lower  than last year, due to the  changing  mix  of
businesses  within  the  segment.  As the Company  acquires  fixtures
businesses, though they are profitable ventures, segment margins  are
expected  to  be  lower than in previous years,  but  still  somewhat
higher  than  the  corporate average, as  the  Company  continues  to
implement its strategy of becoming a "one stop" supplier.
      Aluminum Products sales declined 1.5%, and EBIT declined 15.9%.
EBIT  margin  decreased  from 10.5% last  year  to  9.0%  this  year,
reflecting  inefficiencies  at  some of  the  Company's  die  casting
facilities   during  the  quarter.  Abnormally   high   rejects   and
maintenance costs caused short-term margin depression at some plants.
The  Company  has  also experienced lower than  expected  demand  for
aluminum die castings, especially for gas barbecue grills, negatively
affecting overhead absorption.
      Industrial Materials sales increased 13.3%, with same  location
growth  of 6.7%. Acquisitions accounted for the balance of the  sales
growth.  EBIT  increased 21.5%, and EBIT margins were up  from  15.0%

<PAGE>
last  year  to  16.1% this year.  The majority of these  improvements
reflect  the  recovery of one of the Company's major  wire  producing
mills, which experienced extensive fire damage in 1998 and negatively
affected operations during 1999.
      Specialized Products sales increased 22.3%, with same  location
growth  of 4.5%. Acquisitions accounted for the balance of the  sales
growth.   EBIT increased 77.5%, and EBIT margin improved  from  10.1%
last  year  to  14.7%  this year, as both production  efficiency  and
volume  increased. Sales of specialized machinery have  been  strong,
resulting  in  margin improvement. In addition, one of the  Company's
automotive  seat  suspension  operations  completed  a  move  to  new
facilities, and is returning to more-typical efficiencies.

Six Month Discussion

    Residential Furnishings sales increased 13.1%, with same location
growth  of  4.4%. Numerous acquisitions accounted for the balance  of
the  growth. EBIT increased 21.6%.  EBIT margin increased from  11.0%
to   11.8%,   reflecting  acquisitions  and  improved   efficiencies,
primarily in operations producing furniture components.
    Commercial  Furnishings sales increased 36.4%,  due  to  numerous
acquisitions.   Same  location  sales  were  down  fractionally  from
stronger  than usual 1999 sales of store fixtures and displays.  EBIT
declined  7.0%, and EBIT margins moved from 16.7% last year to  11.4%
this year, primarily because a store fixture and design firm acquired
at  the  end  of  last  year's second quarter experienced  persistent
supplier  disruptions  and  higher  costs,  which  more  than  offset
improved  performance in operations producing components  for  office
and contract furniture and plastic components
     Aluminum Products sales increased 6.5% due to first quarter same
location  growth  and  improved  aluminum  market  conditions.   EBIT
increased 7.2% and EBIT margin remained at 9.6%, reflecting increased
first  quarter efficiencies on higher production and increased  sales
of dies and die castings for non-automotive applications.
      Industrial Materials sales increased 11.1%, with same  location
growth  of 4.8%. Acquisitions accounted for the balance of the  sales
growth.  EBIT  increased 19.9%, and EBIT margins were up  from  14.6%
last  year  to 15.7% this year, reflecting increased efficiencies  on
higher production and acquisitions
      Specialized Products sales increased 20.6%, with same  location
growth  of 6.2%. Acquisitions accounted for the balance of the  sales
growth.   EBIT increased 50.6%, and EBIT margin improved  from  12.0%
last  year  to  15.0%  this year, reflecting acquisitions,  increased
sales  of  specialized  machinery with higher margins,  and  improved
efficiencies.

Forward-Looking Statements

     This  report  and other public reports or statements  made  from
time  to  time by the Company or its management may contain "forward-
looking"  statements  concerning possible future events,  objectives,
strategies, trends or results.  Such statements are identified either
by  the  context  in which they appear or by use  of  words  such  as
"anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," or the like.
     Readers   are  cautioned  that  any  forward-looking   statement
reflects  only  the beliefs of the Company or its management  at  the
time the statement is made.  In addition, readers should keep in mind
that,  because all forward-looking statements deal with  the  future,
they  are subject to risks, uncertainties and developments that might
cause  actual  events  or  results to differ  materially  from  those
envisioned or reflected in any forward-looking statement.   Moreover,
the  Company does not have and does not undertake any duty to  update
or   revise  any  forward-looking  statement  to  reflect  events  or
circumstances  after the date on which the statement was  made.   For
all of these reasons, forward-looking statements should not be relied
upon as a prediction of actual future events, objectives, strategies,
trends or results.

<PAGE>
  It  is  not  possible  to anticipate and list  all  of  the  risks,
uncertainties and developments which may affect the future operations
or  performance of the Company, or which otherwise may  cause  actual
events   or   results  to  differ  from  forward-looking  statements.
However, some of these risks and uncertainties include the following:
general economic and market conditions and risks, such as the rate of
economic   growth   in  the  United  States,  inflation,   government
regulation,  interest  rates,  taxation,  and  the  like;  risks  and
uncertainties which could affect industries or markets in  which  the
Company participates, such as growth rates and opportunities in those
industries,  or  changes in demand for certain  products,  etc.;  and
factors  which could impact costs, including but not limited  to  the
availability and pricing of raw materials, the availability of  labor
and wage rates, and fuel and energy costs.

<PAGE>
ITEM 3.  DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

(Unaudited)
(Amounts in millions)

INTEREST RATE

The  Company  has debt obligations sensitive to changes in interest  rates.
In  the  first quarter of 2000, $350 of 7.65% fixed rate debt  maturing  in
February  2005 and, in the second quarter of 1999, $14 of 6.90% fixed  rate
debt  maturing in June 2004 was issued and converted to variable rate  debt
by  use  of  interest rate swap agreements.  These swap  agreements,  which
contain  the same payment dates as the original issues, are used  primarily
by  the Company to manage the fixed/variable interest rate mix of its  debt
portfolio.   The  effective swap rate for the second quarter  of  2000  was
6.89% for the $350 and 6.59% for the $14.  The difference in interest  paid
or  received as a result of swap agreements is recorded as an adjustment to
interest expense during the related debt period.  Substantially all of  the
Company's debt is denominated in United States dollars (U.S.$).   The  fair
value  of  fixed rate debt was less than its carrying value  by  $21.2  and
$11.2 at June 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999, respectively.  The fair value
of  fixed rate debt was calculated using the U.S. Treasury Bond rate as  of
June  30, 2000 for similar remaining maturities, plus an estimated "spread"
over  such  Treasury securities representing the Company's  interest  costs
under its medium-term note program. The fair value of variable rate debt is
not significantly different from its recorded amount.

EXCHANGE RATE

The Company has not typically hedged foreign currency exposures related  to
transactions denominated in other than its functional currencies,  although
such  transactions  have not been material in the past.   The  Company  may
occasionally hedge firm commitments for certain machinery purchases,  other
fixed  expenses  or  amounts  due  in foreign  currencies  related  to  its
acquisition  program.   The  decision  by  management  to  hedge  any  such
transactions  is  made  on  a case-by-case basis.  The  amount  of  forward
contracts outstanding at June 30, 2000 was not significant.

The  Company  views its investment in foreign subsidiaries as  a  long-term
commitment and does not hedge any translation exposures.  The investment in
a  foreign  subsidiary  may take the form of either  permanent  capital  or
notes.   The  Company's net investment in foreign subsidiaries  subject  to
translation exposure was $362.9 at June 30, 2000, as compared to $301.8  at
December  31, 1999.  The increase in translation exposure was due primarily
to the Company's acquisition activity in Canada, Western Europe and Mexico,
and other factors.

COMMODITY PRICE

The  Company  does not use derivative commodity instruments  to  hedge  its
exposures  to  changes in commodity prices.  The principal commodity  price
exposure  is aluminum, of which the Company had an estimated $67 (at  cost)
in  inventory at June 30, 2000.  The Company has purchasing procedures  and
arrangements  with  customers to mitigate its exposure  to  aluminum  price
changes.  No other commodity exposures are significant to the Company.

<PAGE>
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES

During  the second quarter of 2000 the Company issued 90,873 shares of  its
common  stock and equity securities convertible into 175,565 shares of  its
common   stock   in  transactions  which  qualified  for   exemption   from
registration under the Securities Act by virtue of Regulation D and Section
4(2) of the Securities Act. The common stock was issued on June 22, 2000 in
connection  with  the  acquisition  of  Southern  Bedding,  Inc.  from  its
shareholders.  The equity securities convertible into the Company's  common
stock  were  issued  on May 8, 2000 in connection with the  acquisition  of
Schukra Manufacturing, Inc., an Ontario corporation, from its shareholders.

ITEM 5. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The  Company  held  its  annual meeting of shareholders  on  May  3,  2000.
Matters  voted  upon were (1) election of directors, and  (2)  proposal  to
ratify  the  selection  of  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP  as  the  Company's
Independent Auditors for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2000.

The number of votes cast for, against or withheld, as well as abstentions,
with respect to each matter are set out below.

1.   Election of Directors
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        DIRECTOR                   FOR                     WITHHELD
<S>                            <C>                        <C>
Raymond F. Bentele             161,434,317                2,638,888
Ralph W. Clark                 160,363,718                3,709,487
Harry M. Cornell, Jr.          161,332,351                2,740,854
Robert Ted Enloe III           161,421,395                2,651,810
Richard T. Fisher              161,443,555                2,629,650
Bob L. Gaddy                   161,329,012                2,744,193
David S. Haffner               161,254,875                2,818,330
Thomas A. Hays                 161,413,035                2,660,170
Robert A. Jefferies, Jr.       161,444,158                2,629,047
Alexander M. Levine            161,323,361                2,749,844
Duane W. Potter                161,333,913                2,739,292
Maurice E. Purnell, Jr.        158,945,147                5,128,058
Alice L. Walton                147,250,553                16,822,652
Felix E. Wright                151,781,457                12,291,748
</TABLE>

2.   Ratification of Independent Auditors

          FOR                    AGAINST                   ABSTAIN

      163,456,380                147,557                   469,268


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 (A)  Exhibit 12 - Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

      Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule

 (B)  No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the quarter for which
      this report is filed.

<PAGE>
                                SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                        LEGGETT & PLATT, INCORPORATED

DATE: August 11, 2000                  By: /s/ FELIX E. WRIGHT
                                           ------------------------
                                             Felix E. Wright
                                             President and
                                             Chief Executive Officer


DATE: August 11, 2000                  By: /s/ MICHAEL A. GLAUBER
                                           -------------------------
                                             Michael A. Glauber
                                             Senior Vice President,
                                             Finance and Administration

<PAGE>
                               EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit                                                         Page

12    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges          19

27     Financial Data Schedule                                   20



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission