American Vanguard Corporation Announces 1996 Results; Company Declares $.06 Per Share Cash Dividend.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 1997--American Vanguard Corp. (Nasdaq National Market:AMGD) today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 1996. The Company also announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $.06 per share which will be distributed on March 31, 1997 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 1997. -0-

                        Quarter    Quarter        Year       Year
                         Ended      Ended         Ended      Ended
                       12/31/96   12/31/95      12/31/96    12/31/95

Net sales            $19,220,500 $20,587,100  $48,627,900  $55,402,100
Cost of sales          9,983,500   9,091,800   28,280,000   30,741,700

   Gross profit        9,237,000  11,495,300   20,347,900   24,660,400

Operating expenses     7,028,300   6,904,600   16,824,900   18,689,400

   Operating income    2,208,700   4,590,700    3,523,000    5,971,000

Interest expense - net  (230,900)   (183,600)    (911,600)    (928,000)

   Income before
    income taxes       1,977,800   4,407,100    2,611,400    5,043,000

Income tax expense      (738,900) (1,662,100)    (995,900)  (1,919,000)

   Net income       $  1,238,900  $2,745,000   $1,615,500   $3,124,000

Per share information: (1)
   Net income              $0.49       $1.09        $0.65        $1.23

Weighted average number
 of shares             2,510,946   2,527,736    2,472,883    2,546,471

(1) Earnings per share have been restated to reflect a 10% stock
dividend which was paid on March 15, 1996 to stockholders of record
as of February 29, 1996.

    Historically, a significant portion of the Company's sales occur
in the fourth quarter of the year and as anticipated, the fourth
quarter of 1996 followed this trend with sales of $19.2 million, or
approximately 40% of total 1996 sales.  As the Company indicated
earlier in the year, adverse conditions in the cotton market resulted
in lower sales in the Company's cotton protection product line.  In
addition to causing the decline in 1996 sales, lower cotton product
sales also effected the Company's product mix thereby reducing gross
margins.  Operating expenses for 1996 declined primarily due to a
decrease in costs incurred to generate scientific data related to the
Company's products and efforts to control costs and expenses
particularly in light of anticipated lower sales levels in 1996.
    Eric Wintemute, President and CEO, commented, "Following a
challenging year, we see significant opportunities for growth in
1997.  The acquisition of Zeneca's Vapam (Metam Sodium) places AMVAC
in a very strong position in the U.S.  soil fumigant business.  To
structure AMVAC to lead the Metam market, we have increased our sales
and product development staff with seasoned professionals.  This
dynamic team should allow expanded market share on all of AMVAC's
product lines.
    Mr. Wintemute continued, "With a goal of $80 million in sales
coupled with strong anticipated earnings in 1997, our Board of
Directors felt that a cash dividend was in order.  Payment of
dividends is a trend we hope to build upon and reward our
shareholders with in the years to come."
    The Company, from time to time, may discuss forward-looking
information.  Except for the historical information contained in this
release, all forward-looking information are estimates by the
Company's management and are subject to various risks and
uncertainties that may cause results to differ from management's
current expectations.  Such factors include weather conditions,
change in regulatory policy, and other risks as detailed from time to
time in the Company's SEC reports and filings.  Forward-looking
statements in this release represent the Company's judgment as of the
date of this release.  The Company disclaims, however, any intent or
obligation to update such statements.
    American Vanguard Corporation is a diversified specialty and
agricultural chemical company.  Its subsidiaries include AMVAC, which
develops and markets safe and effective products for agricultural and
commercial uses; GemChem, Inc., a national chemical distributor;
AMVAC Chemical UK Ltd., the Company's UK office; Quimica Amvac De
Mexico S.A.  de C.V., the Company's new Mexican office; and
Environmental Mediation, Inc., an environmental consulting firm.

CONTACT: Eric G. Wintemute

President and Chief Executive Officer

[phone]

or

AMGD'S INVESTOR RELATIONS FIRM:

The Equity Group Inc.

Tamara Ehlin

[phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]