10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2003

AMETEK INC/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2003

Filed May 9, 2003For Securities:AME

Summary

AMETEK, Inc. reported modest revenue growth for the first quarter of 2003, with net sales reaching $267.5 million, a 1.5% increase over the prior year's $263.6 million. This growth was largely driven by strategic acquisitions, namely Airtechnology Holdings Limited and Solidstate Controls, Inc., which contributed significantly to the Electromechanical and Electronic Instruments segments, respectively. Despite overall flat net income of $19.7 million and stable diluted earnings per share of $0.59, the company demonstrated strong operational performance and effective working capital management, leading to a substantial increase in cash provided by operating activities to $25.9 million from $9.0 million in the prior year. The company also initiated a new $50 million share repurchase program, signaling confidence in its financial position and commitment to shareholder returns.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 1.5% to $267.5 million for Q1 2003, driven by acquisitions.
  • 2Net income remained flat at $19.7 million, with diluted EPS at $0.59 for both Q1 2003 and Q1 2002.
  • 3Two strategic acquisitions, Airtechnology and Solidstate Controls, were completed in early 2003, totaling approximately $114.3 million.
  • 4Operating income for the Electromechanical Group (EMG) increased by 6.0% due to acquisitions and cost initiatives.
  • 5Cash provided by operating activities significantly increased to $25.9 million from $9.0 million in the prior year, reflecting improved working capital management.
  • 6A new $50 million share repurchase program was authorized by the Board of Directors.
  • 7Goodwill increased by approximately $92.7 million due to acquisitions, reaching $484.7 million.

Frequently Asked Questions

AMETEK completed two acquisitions in the first quarter of 2003: Airtechnology Holdings Limited for approximately $79.8 million, which supplies motors, fans, and environmental control systems for aerospace and defense, and Solidstate Controls, Inc. for approximately $34.5 million, a supplier of uninterruptible power supply systems for process and power generation industries. These acquisitions were funded by borrowings and totaled approximately $114.3 million.

The acquisitions significantly contributed to net sales growth, particularly in the Electromechanical Group (EMG) and Electronic Instruments Group (EIG). While they boosted sales and orders, the integration and related expenses, along with some market softness in specific segments, contributed to net income remaining flat year-over-year. The acquisitions also led to a substantial increase in goodwill on the balance sheet.

The company reported a strong increase in cash provided by operating activities, rising to $25.9 million in Q1 2003 from $9.0 million in Q1 2002, driven by effective working capital management and lower tax payments. AMETEK believes it has sufficient cash-generating capabilities and available credit facilities to meet its foreseeable needs. The company also authorized a new $50 million share repurchase program, indicating confidence in its financial health.

The company experienced an increase in pension costs, general business insurance, and medical expenses totaling approximately $2 million in the first quarter of 2003 compared to the prior year. Management expects these higher costs to continue throughout 2003. These increases were partially offset by cost reduction initiatives and the profit contribution from acquisitions.