10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2003

AMETEK INC/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2003

Filed August 8, 2003For Securities:AME

Summary

AMETEK, Inc. (AME) reported solid performance for the six months ended June 30, 2003, demonstrating resilience amidst a challenging economic environment. Net sales increased by 2.5% to $544.4 million compared to the same period in 2002. This growth was primarily driven by strategic acquisitions, including Airtechnology Holdings Limited and Solidstate Controls, Inc., which contributed to increased sales in both the Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) and Electromechanical Group (EMG). While base businesses experienced a decline in sales, the acquired entities and favorable foreign currency translation effects helped offset these challenges. Profitability remained robust, with net income rising by 1.2% to $41.5 million for the six-month period, translating to diluted earnings per share of $1.24, up from $1.22 in the prior year. The company also managed its liquidity effectively, with cash provided by operating activities increasing by $19.6 million to $76.3 million. The company successfully integrated its acquisitions, which involved significant cash outflows for investing activities ($120.1 million), financed in part by new long-term borrowings. AMETEK's management expressed confidence in its liquidity and credit facilities to meet future needs.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 2.5% to $544.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, compared to $530.98 million in the prior year.
  • 2Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2003, rose by 1.2% to $41.5 million, with diluted EPS improving to $1.24 from $1.22.
  • 3The company completed two strategic acquisitions in the first quarter of 2003: Airtechnology Holdings Limited and Solidstate Controls, Inc., contributing to sales growth.
  • 4Cash provided by operating activities increased by $19.6 million to $76.3 million for the first six months of 2003.
  • 5Investments in acquisitions totaled $114.3 million in the first six months of 2003, a significant increase from the prior year.
  • 6International sales represented 40.8% of consolidated sales for the six months ended June 30, 2003, up from 34.3% in the comparable period of 2002, largely due to acquisitions.
  • 7The company's backlog of unfilled orders increased to $291.8 million at June 30, 2003, up from $240.9 million at December 31, 2002, primarily due to acquisitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The acquisitions of Airtechnology Holdings Limited and Solidstate Controls, Inc. in the first quarter of 2003 significantly contributed to AMETEK's net sales growth. These acquisitions bolstered both the Electronic Instruments Group and Electromechanical Group, and were a primary driver for the increase in international sales and the overall backlog of unfilled orders. While they led to substantial cash outflows for investing activities, they are viewed as strategic additions to expand the company's presence in key markets.

AMETEK demonstrated strong liquidity management. Cash provided by operating activities increased by $19.6 million to $76.3 million for the first six months of 2003. The company also secured additional long-term borrowings of $78.7 million to finance its acquisitions. Management is confident in its cash-generating capabilities and available credit facilities to meet its foreseeable financial needs.

The report indicates that the economic slowdown continued to impact many of AMETEK's businesses. Sales from the company's 'base businesses' (excluding the 2003 acquisitions) showed a decline of 4.9% in the second quarter and 4.0% for the first six months of 2003 compared to the prior year. Management is actively pursuing cost reduction initiatives and operational excellence programs, including moving manufacturing to lower-cost locales, to mitigate these impacts.

Favorable foreign currency translation effects had a positive impact on AMETEK's results. For the second quarter, it contributed approximately $7.3 million to the sales increase, with $1.8 million benefiting the EIG and $5.5 million the EMG. For the first six months, foreign currency translation impacts also contributed to sales growth, particularly within the EMG. These favorable movements helped offset some of the weakness in domestic markets.