Coleman forecasts record second quarter.

WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 29, 1995--The Coleman Company said today its second quarter will be the best quarter in company history with double digit increases in both revenue and earnings.

Michael Hammes, chairman and chief executive officer said: "In contrast to a number of companies serving the outdoor or hardware/home center markets that have predicted a shortfall in the quarter compared to prior-year levels, our results will be positive.

"We started 1995 with an aggressive plan and we continue to measure ourselves against it. An abnormally wet and cold spring and a challenging retail environment adversely affected consumer demand for camping, outdoor recreation and hardware/home center product lines and will keep Coleman from meeting our highest expectations for the quarter.

"However, despite the bad weather and while we are about a month from reporting final results for the second quarter, we currently believe that revenues will grow from $258.1 million last year to more than $300 million this year, about a 16 percent increase.

"Earnings per share in the second quarter of 1994 were 91 cents before an extraordinary item of 3 cents. At the present time we estimate in 1995 they will be in a range of $1.01 to $1.05, growing by 11 to 15 percent."

The company said without the negatives caused by external factors it was pleased with results in most of its business units. Cited as examples were revenues outside North America which will report second quarter gains exceeding 30 percent and the significant favorable impact from Eastpak, the most recent acquisition. In addition, there appears to be increased retail demand for camping, outdoor recreation and hardware/home center lines even though major parts of the country remain under the influence of inhospitable weather.

Commenting on probable results for the year Mr. Hammes noted: "We continue to believe that 1995 will conclude most successfully. It seems reasonable that revenues for the year will increase about 20 percent from last year's $751.6 million. In 1994, earnings per share before the extraordinary item and special charges were $1.58. This year they should also post an increase in the area of 20 percent. These revenue and earnings results would set all time performance records," he concluded.

Coleman is traded as CLN on the New York Stock Exchange. It manufactures and distributes diversified product lines for camping, leisure time and hardware/home center markets throughout the United States, Canada and more than 100 other countries.

CONTACT: The Coleman Company, Wichita

Charles McIlwaine, 316/261-3418