10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2006

AMPHENOL CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2006

Filed May 8, 2006For Securities:APH

Summary

Amphenol Corporation's first quarter 2006 report indicates robust top-line growth, with net sales increasing by approximately 39% year-over-year to $569.0 million. This growth was driven by a strong performance in its interconnect products and assemblies segment, which saw a 41% increase in sales, fueled by demand in communications, computer, military, aerospace, and industrial markets. The cable products segment also contributed with a 24% sales increase, primarily from broadband communications. The company successfully integrated the acquisition of Teradyne's backplane and connection systems business (TCS) in December 2005, which contributed positively to earnings per share despite a dilutive effect on margins. While overall gross profit margins saw a slight decrease, this was primarily attributed to the TCS acquisition's lower margin profile and increased material/freight costs in the cable segment. The company's financial position remains strong, with healthy operating cash flow and a well-managed debt structure, supported by a revolving credit facility that exceeds its current needs.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales surged by 39% to $569.0 million in Q1 2006 compared to Q1 2005, driven by broad market demand and strategic acquisitions.
  • 2Interconnect products and assemblies segment sales increased by 41%, reflecting strong performance across key end markets.
  • 3The acquisition of Teradyne's TCS business was successfully integrated, contributing positively to EPS despite a temporary margin dilution.
  • 4Operating income grew to $98.4 million, indicating effective operational management alongside top-line expansion.
  • 5The company demonstrated strong cash flow from operations, increasing to $55.9 million, supporting investments and debt reduction.
  • 6Amphenol maintained a strong liquidity position with $296.8 million in availability under its revolving credit facility.
  • 7Adoption of SFAS 123(R) impacted reported expenses, increasing stock-based compensation costs but providing more transparent accounting for equity awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Amphenol's significant sales growth was a combination of strong organic demand across its key end markets, including mobile communications, computer/data communications, military/aerospace, and industrial sectors, as well as the successful integration of acquired businesses, most notably the acquisition of Teradyne's TCS business completed in December 2005.

The TCS acquisition, completed in December 2005, contributed approximately $94 million in sales and added about $0.03 to diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of 2006. While it lowered the consolidated gross margin percentage due to its lower margin profile compared to Amphenol's average, the acquisition is seen as strategic and accretive to earnings.

Amphenol maintains a strong liquidity position, with $37.3 million in cash and short-term cash investments and $296.8 million in availability under its $1,000 million revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2006. The company expects to fund its ongoing operational and capital expenditure needs, product development, stock repurchases, dividends, and debt service through internally generated cash flow, its revolving credit facility, and its accounts receivable securitization program.

Amphenol adopted SFAS 123(R) on January 1, 2006, which requires the recognition of stock-based compensation expense based on fair value. This resulted in an increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses by $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2006, reducing income before income taxes by $1.8 million and net income by $1.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to the prior accounting method. Prior to 2006, stock-based compensation was largely expensed only upon vesting under APB Opinion 25, with fair value disclosures provided on a pro forma basis.