Blonder Tongue Laboratories reports record first quarter sales and earnings.

OLD BRIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 1997--Blonder Tongue Laboratories Inc. (AMEX:BDR), a manufacturer of electronics and systems equipment for the franchised and private cable television industries, today reported record first quarter 1997 sales of $14,041,000, an increase of 21% over the comparable prior-year period. Net earnings and net earnings per share for the first quarter were $1,130,000 and 14 cents respectively, an increase of 92% and 100% over the $590,000 and 7 cents reported for the comparable prior-year period.

Commenting on the announcement, James A. Luksch, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer said, "Our first quarter performance results from an overall increase in demand for products in both the lodging and multiple dwelling unit segments, as the rebound of the private cable industry continues to gain strength. We also benefited from increased sales of our proprietary VideoMask(TM) interdiction equipment, which did not represent a significant component of our sales mix in the first quarter of last year. We are enthusiastic about our start this year and the outlook for our industry."

Blonder Tongue's products are used in the acquisition, conversion, distribution and protection of television signals. Its customers typically provide television services to apartments and condominiums, hotels, motels, schools, hospitals and prisons.

Consolidated Highlights of Operating Results
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
                                        3 Months Ended
                                            March 31,
                                       1997          1996

Net sales                            $ 14,041     $11,572
Gross profit                            4,745       3,957
Earnings from operations                1,972       1,149
Net earnings                            1,130         590
Net earnings per share                   0.14        0.07
Weighted average shares outstanding     8,310       8,266

Consolidated Summary Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)                       March 31, 1997   Dec. 31, 1996

Current assets                      $28,931           $27,292
Property, plant and equipment, net    7,056             7,161
Total assets                         37,669            36,165
Current liabilities                   5,844             4,277
Long-term liabilities                 5,073             6,312
Stockholders' equity                 26,752            25,576
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                              37,669            36,165

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The information set forth above includes "forward-looking" statements and accordingly, the cautionary statements contained in Blonder Tongue's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 1996 (See Item 1: Business, Item 3: Legal Proceedings and Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations), and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated herein by reference. Blonder Tongue's actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in Blonder Tongue's forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Blonder Tongue Laboratories Inc.

James A. Luksch, 908/679-4000