10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2003

AMPHENOL CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2003

Filed November 14, 2003For Securities:APH

Summary

Amphenol Corporation (APH) reported strong top-line growth for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, with net sales increasing by 13% to $897.5 million compared to the same period in 2002. This growth was primarily driven by the interconnect products and assemblies segment, which saw a 17% increase in external sales, fueled by strong demand across various end markets including mobile communications, computer/data communications, industrial, automotive, and military/aerospace. The company also successfully completed a significant refinancing of its senior credit facilities in May 2003, which included a new bank agreement providing greater financial flexibility and extending debt maturities. Despite overall sales growth, the cable products segment experienced a 9% decrease in nine-month sales, mainly due to a slowdown in broadband communications network upgrades. However, the company's profitability remained robust, with net income increasing by 23% to $71.0 million for the nine-month period. This performance was supported by improved operating margins in the interconnect segment and effective cost management, despite an increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses. The company also incurred a one-time expense related to the debt extinguishment in the second quarter. Amphenol ended the period with a solid balance sheet, although cash and short-term investments saw a slight decrease, impacted by debt repayment and acquisitions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased 13% year-over-year to $897.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.
  • 2The interconnect products and assemblies segment was a key growth driver, with external sales up 17%.
  • 3Net income rose 23% to $71.0 million for the nine-month period, indicating strong profitability.
  • 4The company successfully refinanced its senior credit facilities in May 2003, improving its debt maturity profile.
  • 5A one-time expense of $10.4 million was recorded for debt extinguishment during the nine months.
  • 6Inventory levels increased slightly, while accounts receivable saw a significant rise due to higher sales volume.
  • 7The company continues to invest in acquisitions, with $34.5 million spent in the first nine months of 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by the interconnect products and assemblies segment, which benefited from increased demand in key markets like mobile communications, computer/data communications, industrial, automotive, and military/aerospace. Sales growth was observed across all major geographic regions, partly due to favorable currency translation and new acquisitions.

In May 2003, Amphenol completed a significant refinancing of its senior credit facilities. This involved redeeming all outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes and entering into a new, larger bank agreement with extended maturities and improved borrowing rates. This refinancing incurred a one-time expense of $10.4 million related to early debt extinguishment.

Profitability was strong, with net income increasing by 23% to $71.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, compared to the prior year. This was supported by increased sales volume and cost reduction efforts in the interconnect segment, despite higher material costs in the cable products segment and increased SG&A expenses.

Amphenol expects to fund its ongoing operational and capital expenditures, product development, and debt service requirements through internally generated cash flow and its revolving credit facility. The company has no present intention to pay cash dividends and may use cash for future acquisitions.