American Vanguard Corporation announces 1996 first quarter results; Company Reports First Quarter Profits For First Time Since 1992.

LOS ANGELES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 1996--American Vanguard Corp. (Nasdaq National Market:AMGD) today reported increased sales and the Company's first profits for the period ended March 31st since 1992.

                                        QUARTER ENDED
                                     3/31/96      3/31/95
                                          (Unaudited)

Net sales                        $10,421,100   $10,134,300

Gross profits                      4,173,100     3,831,800

Operating income                     816,200       113,700

Interest expense - net              (258,700)     (242,600)

Income (loss) from operations
   before income taxes               557,500      (128,900)

Income taxes (expense) benefit      (223,000)       51,400

Net income (loss)                $   334,500    $  (77,500)

Per share information (1):
   Net income (loss)                    $.13         $(.03)
Weighted average number
 of shares                         2,522,079     2,556,032

(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.

Eric Wintemute, President and CEO of American Vanguard, commented, "We are very pleased to report higher sales and profitable results in the first quarter of 1996. The 1996 first quarter product mix coupled with lower operating costs favorably impacted our operating performance. Since our business is historically heavily weighted to the fourth quarter, we are particularly encouraged by our first quarter performance.

American Vanguard Corporation conducts its business through several subsidiaries including AMVAC Chemical Corp., a specialty chemical manufacturer that 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 Surrey, England-based office; and Environmental Mediation, Inc., an environmental consulting firm.

CONTACT: American Vanguard Corporation, Los Angeles

Eric G. Wintemute or James Barry, [phone]

or

AMGD'S INVESTOR RELATIONS FIRM

The Equity Group Inc., New York

Tamara Ehlin, [phone]