10-KPeriod: FY2003

AMPHENOL CORP /DE/ Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2003

Filed February 9, 2004For Securities:APH

Summary

Amphenol Corporation, a leading designer and manufacturer of electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors, reported solid financial performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. The company achieved net sales of $1.24 billion, representing a significant increase of 17% from the prior year, driven primarily by a strong rebound in its Interconnect Products and Assemblies segment. This segment benefited from increased demand across key markets including military/aerospace, mobile communications, industrial, automotive, and data communications. Profitability also saw substantial improvement, with net income rising 29% year-over-year to $104 million. This growth was supported by higher sales volumes, effective cost control measures, and a reduction in interest expenses following a successful refinancing of the company's debt facilities in the second quarter. Amphenol's strategic focus on customer needs, application-specific solutions, global presence, and cost management continues to position it favorably in the highly fragmented interconnect industry. The company anticipates continued growth in 2004, with industry analysts projecting a 6% expansion in the global interconnect market.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased 17% to $1.24 billion in 2003, driven by robust performance in Interconnect Products and Assemblies.
  • 2Net income grew 29% to $104 million, demonstrating improved profitability and operational efficiency.
  • 3The company successfully refinanced its senior credit facilities in Q2 2003, reducing interest expenses and extending debt maturity.
  • 4International sales represented 55% of total net sales, highlighting Amphenol's significant global footprint.
  • 5Backlog of unfilled orders increased to $262 million at year-end 2003, indicating strong future demand.
  • 6Research and development expenses increased to $26.4 million, reflecting continued investment in new product development.
  • 7Amphenol announced a 2-for-1 stock split, effective in March 2004, signaling confidence in future growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amphenol's primary end markets in 2003 were communication systems (49% of sales), industrial/automotive applications (26% of sales), and commercial and military aerospace applications (25% of sales).

In the second quarter of 2003, Amphenol completed a significant refinancing of its senior credit facilities. This involved issuing new debt, repaying existing credit facilities and senior subordinated notes, and resulted in lower interest rates and extended debt maturities, improving financial flexibility.

Amphenol's strategy focuses on understanding customer needs, developing application-specific interconnect solutions, maintaining a strong global presence, fostering an entrepreneurial management structure, controlling costs rigorously, and pursuing strategic acquisitions.

The filing mentions that Amphenol and Honeywell are jointly and severally liable as potentially responsible parties for several environmental cleanup sites. Costs for some of these sites are reimbursed by Honeywell under an agreement from the 1987 acquisition. Management believes that the costs associated with resolving these and other environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on the company's financial condition or results of operations.