10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

AMETEK INC/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2002

Filed November 12, 2002For Securities:AME

Summary

AMETEK, Inc. reported a solid third quarter and first nine months of 2002, demonstrating resilience in a challenging global economic environment. For the third quarter, net sales were effectively flat year-over-year at $257.0 million, while net income saw a significant increase of 20.6% to $21.4 million, resulting in diluted earnings per share (EPS) growth of 20.8% to $0.64. This performance was driven by a strong increase in the Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) and improved operating margins across both segments, aided by cost management initiatives and the non-amortization of goodwill following the adoption of SFAS No. 142. The first nine months of 2002 also showed positive trends, with net sales increasing by 0.8% to $788.0 million and net income growing by 14.1% to $62.4 million, leading to a diluted EPS of $1.86, up 14.1% from the prior year. The company highlighted effective working capital management, a reduction in inventory levels, and a significant increase in cash from operating activities. Despite a decline in order input, the company maintains a positive outlook on its liquidity and capital resources.

Key Highlights

  • 1Third-quarter net sales were flat at $257.0 million, but net income increased by 20.6% to $21.4 million, and diluted EPS grew by 20.8% to $0.64.
  • 2For the first nine months of 2002, net sales increased 0.8% to $788.0 million, while net income rose 14.1% to $62.4 million, with diluted EPS at $1.86.
  • 3The Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) saw a 6.4% increase in third-quarter sales, driven by acquisitions and strength in analytical and heavy-vehicle instruments.
  • 4The Electromechanical Group (EMG) experienced a 5.9% decline in third-quarter sales, primarily due to weakness in the floor care market, though operating income saw a slight increase.
  • 5Adoption of SFAS No. 142 led to the cessation of goodwill amortization, positively impacting reported net income and EPS.
  • 6Cash provided by operating activities significantly increased by 66.0% to $80.3 million for the first nine months of 2002, reflecting improved earnings and working capital management, including a 11.2% reduction in inventories.
  • 7The company's liquidity position is considered strong, with $18.3 million in cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2002, and an effective shelf registration statement for potential future financing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The improved profitability in the third quarter of 2002 was driven by several factors, including increased sales in the Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) due to acquisitions and specific market strengths, improved operating margins in both segments resulting from cost reduction initiatives, and the positive impact of adopting SFAS No. 142, which eliminated goodwill amortization. These factors contributed to a 20.6% increase in net income and a 20.8% rise in diluted EPS compared to the prior year.

The adoption of SFAS No. 142, effective January 1, 2002, eliminated the amortization of goodwill. This had a significant positive impact on reported net income and earnings per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, the add-back of goodwill amortization (net of tax) was approximately $7.5 million, boosting reported earnings per diluted share.

AMETEK demonstrated a strong increase in cash flow from operations, up 66% to $80.3 million for the first nine months of 2002, supported by effective working capital management and reduced inventory levels. The company ended the quarter with $18.3 million in cash and cash equivalents. Management believes the company has sufficient cash-generating capabilities and access to credit facilities to meet its future needs, further supported by an effective shelf registration statement for up to $300 million in financing.

The Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) is showing strength, with sales up 6.4% in Q3 2002, driven by acquisitions and robust demand in analytical instruments and the heavy-vehicle sector. In contrast, the Electromechanical Group (EMG) faced challenges, with sales down 5.9% in Q3 2002, primarily due to continued weakness in the floor care market. However, EMG managed to increase operating income through cost efficiencies.