10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

AMETEK INC/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2005

Filed November 8, 2005For Securities:AME

Summary

AMETEK, Inc. (AME) reported strong financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, with net sales increasing by 13.8% to $1.03 billion and net income growing by 26.2% to $102.6 million compared to the same period in 2004. Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.45 from $1.18. This growth was driven by a combination of organic expansion, with internal sales growth of 4.7% across its Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) and Electromechanical Group (EMG), and strategic acquisitions. The company successfully integrated two significant acquisitions in 2005: SPECTRO Beteiligungs GmbH and the Solartron Group, which contributed substantially to the sales increase, particularly within the EIG segment. The Electromechanical Group also showed solid performance with internal growth. AMETEK's financial position remains robust, supported by strong operating cash flow and ample credit facilities, positioning the company for continued growth and investment.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, increased by 13.8% to $1.03 billion, compared to $906.0 million in the prior year.
  • 2Net income for the nine months increased by 26.2% to $102.6 million, resulting in diluted EPS of $1.45, up from $1.18 in the prior year.
  • 3The company completed two significant acquisitions in 2005: SPECTRO and Solartron, which are being integrated into the Electronic Instruments Group (EIG).
  • 4Internal sales growth was 4.7% for the nine-month period, demonstrating the strength of AMETEK's core businesses.
  • 5Operating income increased by 23.4% to $174.5 million for the nine months, with operating margins improving to 16.9% from 15.6% in the prior year.
  • 6AMETEK's liquidity remains strong, with $40.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and $227.5 million in available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2005.
  • 7The company amended its revolving credit facility to extend its expiration date and enhance financial flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

AMETEK's revenue growth for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, was driven by a combination of factors. These included a 4.7% internal sales growth from its differentiated businesses across both the Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) and Electromechanical Group (EMG), and the strategic acquisitions of SPECTRO and Solartron, which significantly boosted sales, particularly within the EIG segment.

The acquisitions of SPECTRO and Solartron in 2005, along with earlier acquisitions like Hughes-Treitler and Taylor Hobson, have significantly contributed to sales growth and expanded the company's product offerings and market reach, especially within the EIG. This has led to an increase in goodwill on the balance sheet ($134.8 million net increase from 2005 acquisitions). While these acquisitions increased selling, general, and administrative expenses due to their nature, they also bolstered operating income and contributed to overall revenue growth. The company also took on additional debt to finance these acquisitions, with total debt rising to $514.4 million.

AMETEK maintains a strong liquidity position, evidenced by its $40.1 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2005. The company also has substantial access to credit, with $227.5 million available under its $300 million revolving bank credit facility, which was recently amended to extend its term and improve financial flexibility. This, combined with its strong operating cash flow of $116.1 million for the first nine months, indicates the company is well-positioned to meet its financial obligations and fund future growth initiatives.

Investors should note that AMETEK plans to adopt SFAS No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment," effective January 1, 2006. This new standard will require the expensing of the fair value of stock-based awards, which could impact reported net income. The company is still evaluating the full impact and adoption method. Additionally, the company is adopting SFAS No. 151 and SFAS No. 154 in early 2006, which relate to inventory costs and accounting changes respectively, but these are not expected to have a material impact.