MILWAUKEE, Jan. 17-- Directors of A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS) (AMEX: SMCA) today declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $.12 per share on Common Stock and Class A Common Stock. The dividend is payable on February 15 to shareholders of record January 31, 2000. SOURCE A.O. Smith Corporation

CONTACT: Media, Edward O'Connor, 414-359-4100, or Analysts-Investors, Craig Watson, 414-359-4009, both for A. O. Smith Corporation/