Ametek - 10-Q quarterly report FY

 

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 610-647-2121

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ

     The number of shares of the issuer’s common stock outstanding as of the latest practicable date was: Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value, outstanding at October 31, 2006 was 70,574,779 shares.

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes. Financial statements for 2005 have been adjusted for the retrospective application of SFAS 123R (see Notes 2 and 9).

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes. Financial statements for 2005 have been adjusted for the retrospective application of SFAS 123R (see Notes 2 and 9).

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes. Financial statements for 2005 have been adjusted for the retrospective application of SFAS 123R (see Notes 2 and 9).

AMETEK, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2006

(Unaudited)

     The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited. The Company believes that all adjustments (which primarily consist of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position of the Company at September 30, 2006, and the consolidated results of its operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 and its cash flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 have been included. Quarterly results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” using the modified retrospective method. SFAS 123R requires the Company to expense the fair value of equity awards made under its share-based plans. That cost is now recognized in the financial statements over the requisite service period of the grants. The impact of adopting SFAS 123R is discussed in Note 9.

     Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 151, “Inventory Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4”. SFAS 151 amends the guidance in ARB No.43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Among other provisions, the new rule requires that such items be recognized as current-period charges. Adoption of SFAS 151 did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

     Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”. SFAS 154 establishes retrospective application as the required method for reporting voluntary changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable, in which case the changes should be applied to the earliest practicable date presented. SFAS 154 also requires that a correction of an error be reported as a prior period adjustment by restating prior period financial statements. The Company’s adoption of SFAS 123R as of January 1, 2006 was a required change in accounting principle as noted above, and the adoption of SFAS 154 did not have an effect because no voluntary changes in accounting principle or error corrections were made in the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

     In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48) “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109)” which becomes effective for the Company as of January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It prescribes the

AMETEK, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. This interpretation also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, accounting for related interest and penalties, financial statement classification and disclosure. The Company is continuing to evaluate the potential impact of adopting FIN 48.

     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. SFAS 157 establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 157 on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”. SFAS 158 requires the balance sheet recognition of the net over- or under-funded position of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability, with any unrecognized prior service costs, transition obligations or assets, and actuarial gains and losses reported net of income taxes as a component of other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. The provisions of SFAS 158 are effective for the Company as of December 31, 2006. Based on preliminary information available as of September 30, 2006, the Company estimates the impact of adopting SFAS 158 will not be material to its financial position as of December 31, 2006.

     The calculation of basic earnings per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 is based on the average number of common shares considered outstanding during the period. The calculation of diluted earnings per share for such periods reflects the effect of all potentially dilutive securities (primarily outstanding common stock options and restricted stock grants). The following table presents the number of shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share:

AMETEK, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

     The Company paid $124.1 million in cash for three new businesses and small technology lines in the first nine months of 2006, which includes direct transaction costs. The businesses acquired include Pulsar Technologies, Inc. (“Pulsar”) in February 2006, PennEngineering Motion Technologies, Inc. (“Pittman”) in May 2006 and Land Instruments International Limited (“Land Instruments”) in June 2006. Pulsar is a leading designer and manufacturer of specialized communications equipment for the electric utility market. Pulsar is part of the Company’s Electronic Instruments Group. Pittman is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly engineered motors. Pittman is part of the Company’s Electromechanical Group. Land Instruments is a global supplier of high-end analytical instrumentation. Land Instruments is part of the Company’s Electronic Instruments Group. The three businesses acquired have annualized sales of approximately $106 million.

     The acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method in accordance with SFAS No.141, “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, the operating results of the above acquisitions are included in the Company’s consolidated results from the dates of acquisition.

     The following table represents the tentative allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the above acquisitions based on estimated fair value:

     The amount allocated to goodwill is reflective of the benefits the Company expects to realize from the acquisitions as follows: The Pulsar acquisition broadens the Company’s product offerings in the electric utility market and complements the Company’s existing Power Instruments business. The Pittman acquisition is a strategic fit with the Company’s highly differentiated technical motor business and shares common markets, distribution channels and motor platforms. The Land Instruments acquisition broadens the Company’s high-end process and analytical instruments business through its wide range of infrared temperature measurement, combustion efficiency and emissions monitoring instruments.

     The Company is in the process of completing third party valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired. Adjustments to the allocation of purchase price will be recorded within the purchase price allocation period of up to twelve months subsequent to the period of acquisition. Therefore, the allocation of the purchase price is subject to revision.

     Had the above acquisitions been made at the beginning of 2006, net sales, net income and diluted earnings per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 would not have been materially different than the amounts reported.

AMETEK, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

     Had the 2006 acquisitions and the acquisition of SPECTRO, Solartron, and HCC, which were acquired in June, September, and October 2005, respectively, been made at the beginning of 2005, pro forma net sales, net income, and diluted earnings per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 would have been as follows:

     Pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisitions had been completed at the beginning of 2005.

     The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment from December 31, 2005 to September 30, 2006, were as follows:

     The components of inventory stated primarily at lower of last in, first out (LIFO), cost or market are:

AMETEK, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

     Comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders’ equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to stockholders.

     The following table presents comprehensive income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005:

* Represents the net gains and (losses) from non-derivative foreign-currency-denominated long-term debt. These debt instruments were designated as natural hedging instruments to offset foreign exchange gains or losses on the net investment in certain foreign operations.

     The Company has two reportable business segments, the Electronic Instruments Group and the Electromechanical Group. The Company aggregates its operating segments for segment reporting purposes primarily on the basis of product type, production process, distribution methods, and management organizations.

     At September 30, 2006, there were no significant changes in identifiable assets of reportable segments from the amounts disclosed at December 31, 2005, nor were there any changes in the basis of segmentation, or in the measurement of segment operating results. Operating information relating to the Company’s reportable segments for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 can be found in the table on page 17 in the Management Discussion & Analysis section of this Report.

     Under the terms of the Company’s stockholder approved share-based plans, incentive and non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards have been, and may be, issued to the Company’s officers, management-level employees and its Board of Directors. Employee and non-employee director stock options and restricted stock awards generally vest over a four-year service period. Options primarily have a maximum contractual term of 7 years. At September 30, 2006, 4.6 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the Company’s share-based plans, including 3.2 million stock options outstanding.

AMETEK, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

     The Company issues previously unissued shares when options are exercised and shares are issued from treasury stock upon the award of restricted stock. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for share-based compensation utilizing the intrinsic value method in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, (“APB 25”) and related Interpretations. Under APB 25, no compensation expense was required to be recognized for the Company’s stock options provided the option exercise price was established at least equal to the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant. Under APB 25, the Company was required to record compensation expense for the intrinsic value of its restricted stock awards. Prior to 2006, the Company provided share-based compensation cost for all stock option awards in pro forma disclosures in the footnotes to its consolidated financial statements.

     Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123R using the modified retrospective transition method. Among other things, SFAS 123R supersedes APB 25 and the intrinsic value method of accounting, and requires companies to measure and record compensation expense related to all stock awards by recognizing the unamortized grant date fair value of those awards over the service periods of those awards in the financial statements. For grants under any of the Company’s plans that are subject to graded vesting over a service period, the Company recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

     Under the modified retrospective method, compensation cost is recognized in the financial statements as if the recognition provisions of SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” had been applied to all share-based payments granted subsequent to the original effective date of SFAS 123 (January 1, 1995), and as such, operating results for periods prior to 2006 have been retrospectively adjusted utilizing the fair value of stock options originally determined for the purpose of providing the pro forma disclosures in those prior financial statements. As part of the adoption of SFAS 123R, and the application of the retrospective transition method, the Company recorded cumulative share-based compensation expense, net of taxes, of $25 million for the period January 1, 1995 through December 31, 2005, resulting in a $25 million reduction of retained earnings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2005. This adjustment, along with the creation of a net deferred income tax asset in the amount of $4 million, resulted in an offsetting increase in capital in excess of par value in the amount of $29 million in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2005. The deferred tax asset represents the portion of the cumulative expense related to stock options expected to result in a future tax deduction for the Company. Also, in accordance with FASB guidance on implementing SFAS 123R, as of December 31, 2005, the Company has established an initial pool of realized excess tax benefits (“APIC Pool”) totaling $22 million, which is included in capital in excess of par value in the accompanying balance sheet. The APIC Pool is related to prior stock option awards and is available to absorb potential deferred tax asset write-offs if the future realizations of the related deferred tax assets are less than the recorded values.

AMETEK, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

     Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company was required to record the total tax benefits associated with the tax deduction generated from the exercise, or disposition of stock options as an operating cash inflow in its statement of cash flows. These amounts totaled $4.1 million and $7.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. However, SFAS 123R requires that the tax deduction in excess of recognized compensation cost be recorded as a financing cash inflow and corresponding operating cash reduction in the same amount. As shown in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the first nine months of 2006, $3.2 million of tax benefits have been classified as a financing cash inflow and a corresponding amount as an operating cash reduction. The cash flow presentation for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, has been adjusted by $5.8 million to conform to the presentation required by SFAS 123R.

     The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair values of options granted during the periods indicated:

     Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company used historical exercise data to estimate the options’ expected term, which represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding. Management anticipates the future option holding periods to be similar to the historical option holding periods. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Compensation expense recognized for all share-based awards is net of estimated forfeitures. The Company’s estimated forfeiture rates are based on its historical experience.

AMETEK, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

     Total share-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS 123R for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was as follows:

     Pretax share-based compensation expense is included in either cost of sales, or selling, general and administrative expenses depending on where the recipient’s cash compensation is reported.

     A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for its option plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was as follows:

     The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $12.5 million and $21.5 million, respectively. The total fair value of the stock options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $5.3 million and $5.1 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options outstanding at September 30, 2006 was

AMETEK, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

$85.5 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options exercisable at September 30, 2006 was $36.6 million.

     The weighted average Black-Scholes fair value of stock options granted per share during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and year ended December 31, 2005 was $14.33 and $10.88, respectively.

     A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested options outstanding as of September 30, 2006 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is presented below:

     Expected future pretax compensation expense relating to the 1.4 million nonvested options outstanding as of September 30, 2006 is $11.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3 years.

     The accounting treatment for restricted stock awards by the Company is unchanged with the adoption of SFAS 123R. The fair value of restricted shares under the Company’s restricted stock arrangement is determined by the product of the number of shares granted and the grant date market price of the Company’s common stock. Upon the grant of restricted stock, the fair value of the restricted shares (unearned compensation) at the date of grant, is charged as a reduction of capital in excess of par value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, which is defined at the grant date. Restricted stock awards are also subject to accelerated vesting due to certain events, including doubling of the grant price of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business during any five consecutive trading days.

AMETEK, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

     A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock outstanding as of September 30, 2006 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is presented below:

     The total fair value of the restricted stock that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was not material. The weighted average fair value of restricted stock granted per share during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $37.58. Expected future pretax compensation expense related to the 1.0 million nonvested restricted shares outstanding as of September 30, 2006 is $23.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 4 years.

     The following table reports total net pension expense for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.

AMETEK, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2006
(Unaudited)

     During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company made a $10 million contribution to its U.S. defined benefit pension plans. For the full year 2006, the Company currently estimates that it will make employer contributions to its defined benefit pension plans of approximately $12 million, compared with contributions of $10.8 million for the full year 2005. The 2006 estimate is unchanged from the amount disclosed in the Company’s 2005 Form 10-K.

     The Company provides limited warranties in connection with the sale of its products. The warranty periods for products sold vary widely among the Company’s operations, but for the most part do not exceed one year. The Company calculates its warranty expense provision based on past warranty experience and adjustments are made periodically to reflect actual warranty expenses.

     Changes in the Company’s accrued product warranty obligation for the nine-months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

     Product warranty obligations are reported as current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

     On October 25, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a three-for-two split of the Company’s common stock. The stock split will result in the issuance of one additional share for every two shares owned as of the record date. The stock split is payable on November 27, 2006, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 13, 2006. Additionally, the Board of Directors approved a 50% increase in the quarterly cash dividend rate on the Company’s common stock to $0.09 per common share from $0.06 per common share on a pre-split basis. All share and per share information included in this report is presented on a pre-split basis. All financial reports issued following the November 13, 2006 record date will be prepared on a post-split basis.

     The following table sets forth sales and income by reportable segment, and consolidated operating income and income before income taxes:

     Operations for the third quarter of 2006 compared with the third quarter of 2005

     In the third quarter of 2006, the Company posted record sales, operating income, net income and diluted earnings per share. The Company also continued to benefit from strong internal growth in its Electronic Instruments (EIG) and Electromechanical (EMG) Groups as well as contributions from acquisitions completed since June 30, 2005. Operating income increased driven by the record sales and a continued focus on operational excellence initiatives. Based on current market conditions, the Company expects continued strength in most of its businesses in the fourth quarter of 2006.

     Net sales for the third quarter of 2006 were $464.2 million, an increase of $119.7 million, or 34.7%, compared with the third quarter of 2005 net sales of $344.5 million. The net sales increase in the third quarter of 2006 was driven by strong internal sales growth of 13%, excluding the positive effect of foreign currency translation, which approximated $7 million, or 2% of net sales. The Company’s differentiated businesses led the sales increase. The recent acquisitions accounted for the remainder of the net sales increase.

     International sales for the third quarter of 2006 were $219.8 million, or 47.4% of consolidated sales, an increase of $55.7 million or 33.9%, when compared with $164.1 million in the same quarter of 2005. The increase in international sales primarily results from the recent acquisitions of Solartron in September 2005 and Land Instruments in June 2006 as well as increased international sales from base businesses. Increased international sales came mainly from sales to Europe and Asia.

     Segment operating income for the third quarter of 2006 was $88.2 million, an increase of $23.9 million or 37.2% from $64.3 million in the third quarter of 2005. Segment operating income, as a percentage of sales, increased to 19.0% of sales in the third quarter of 2006 from 18.7% of sales in the third quarter of 2005. The increase in segment operating income and margins was due to the profit contribution from higher sales by the Company’s differentiated businesses, led by the acquisitions.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses were $56.2 million in the third quarter of 2006, an increase of $11.4 million or 25.3%, when compared with the third quarter of 2005. Selling expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 10.2% in the third quarter of 2006 compared with 11.0% of sales in the third quarter of 2005. The amount of selling expense increase was driven mainly by the recent business acquisitions. The Company’s acquisition strategy generally is to acquire differentiated businesses, which because of their distribution channels and higher marketing costs tend to have a higher content of selling expenses. Base business selling expenses in the third quarter of 2006 increased 6%, which is substantially lower than the Company’s 13% internal sales growth rate for the third quarter of 2006. The decrease in selling expenses as a percentage of sales was primarily in base businesses and was attributable to continued expense control.

     Corporate administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2006 increased to $8.4 million compared to $7.1 million in the third quarter of 2005. The increase in corporate administrative expenses was primarily the result of higher compensation related costs. Corporate administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 1.8% in the third quarter of 2006 compared with 2.1% of sales in the third quarter of 2005.

     Consolidated operating income totaled $79.8 million or 17.2% of sales for the third quarter of 2006, compared with $57.2 million, or 16.6% of sales for the same quarter of 2005, an increase of $22.6 million or 39.5%.

     Interest expense was $11.2 million in the third quarter of 2006, an increase of $3.6 million or 47.4%, compared with $7.6 million for the same quarter of 2005. The increase was primarily driven by higher average debt levels incurred to fund the 2005 and 2006 acquisitions.

     Other income, net, increased $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2006 to $17,000 compared with $1.4 million of other expense in the same period of 2005. The third quarter of 2005 included non-operating expenses related to an acquisition that the Company chose not to complete.

     The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2006 was 31.0% compared with 28.6% for the same quarter of 2005. The higher effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2006 is at a more normal rate for the Company. The lower 2005 tax rate was due to benefits from the realization of certain worldwide tax planning strategies and other adjustments.

     Net income for the third quarter of 2006 totaled $47.4 million, an increase of 37.8% from $34.4 million in the third quarter of 2005. Diluted earnings per share rose 36.7% to $0.67 per share, compared with $0.49 per share for the same quarter of 2005.

     Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) sales totaled $262.3 million in the third quarter of 2006, an increase of $56.8 million or 27.6% from $205.5 million in the same quarter of 2005. The sales increase was due to strength in the Group’s aerospace, power and process and analytical instruments businesses and the acquisitions of Solartron in September 2005 and Land Instruments in June 2006. Internal growth accounted for 13% of the sales increase, excluding the effect of foreign currency translation, which approximated $4.7 million or 2% of the Group’s net sales. The acquisitions accounted for the remainder of the increase.

     Operating income of EIG was $52.0 million for the third quarter of 2006, an increase of $9.4 million or 22.1% when compared with $42.6 million in the third quarter of 2005. The increase in operating income was the result of the higher sales previously mentioned. Group operating margins for the third quarter of 2006 decreased to 19.8%, from 20.7% of sales in the third quarter of 2005. The third quarter of 2005 operating income and margins included a $4.3 million gain from the sale of a facility. The increase in operating income was driven by the Group’s differentiated businesses.

     Electromechanical Group (EMG) sales totaled $201.9 million in the third quarter of 2006, an increase of $62.9 million or 45.3% from $139.0 million in the same quarter in 2005. The sales increase was due to strength in the Group’s differentiated businesses and the acquisitions of HCC in October 2005 and Pittman in May 2006. Strong internal growth, particularly in EMG’s differentiated businesses, accounted for 12% of the sales increase, excluding the effect of foreign currency translation, which approximated $2.2 million, or 1% of the Group’s net sales. The acquisitions accounted for the remainder of the increase.

     Operating income for EMG was $36.2 million in the third quarter of 2006, an increase of $14.4 million or 66.1% from $21.8 million in the third quarter of 2005. EMG’s increase in operating income was due primarily to the higher sales previously mentioned. Operating margins were 17.9% of sales in the third quarter of 2006, compared with 15.7% of sales in the third quarter of 2005 due to a higher profit yield on the sales contribution in the Group’s differentiated businesses.

     Net sales for the first nine months of 2006 were $1,338.6 million, an increase of $307.9 million or 29.9%, compared with net sales of $1,030.7 million reported for the same period of 2005. The net sales increase in the first nine months of 2006 was driven by strong internal sales growth of 9%, led primarily by the Company’s differentiated businesses. The recent acquisitions contributed the remainder of the net sales increase. Foreign currency translation effect on net sales for the first nine months of 2006 was nominal.

     For the first nine months of 2006 international sales were $637.5 million, or 47.6% of consolidated sales, compared with $466.8 million, or 45.3% of consolidated sales, for the comparable period of 2005, an increase of $170.7 million, or 36.6%. The increase in international sales results from the acquisitions of SPECTRO in June 2005, Solartron in September 2005 and Land Instruments in June 2006, as well as, increased international sales from base businesses. The increase in international sales came mainly from sales to Europe and Asia.

     Order input for the first nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $1,428.5 million, compared with $1,067.2 million for the same period of 2005, an increase of $361.3 million, or 33.9%. The increase in orders was driven by strong demand in base businesses as well as the acquisitions mentioned previously. As a result, the Company’s backlog of unfilled orders at September 30, 2006 was $530.6 million, compared with $440.7 million at December 31, 2005, an increase of $89.9 million or 20.4%.

     Segment operating income for the first nine months of 2006 was $255.1 million, an increase of $63.0 million, or 32.8% compared with $192.1 million for the same period of 2005. Segment operating income as a percentage of sales increased to 19.1% of sales in the first nine months of 2006 compared with 18.6% of sales for the same period of 2005. The increase in segment operating income resulted from strength in the differentiated businesses of each Group, which includes the profit contributions made by the acquisitions. The margin increase was primarily driven by EMG’s differentiated businesses.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses were $160.3 million for the first nine months of 2006, an increase of $36.2 million or 29.2%, when compared with $124.1 million in the same period of 2005. Selling expenses, as a percentage of sales, increased to 10.1% for the first nine months of 2006, compared with 9.9% for the same period of 2005. The selling expense increase and the corresponding increase in selling expenses as a percentage of sales were due primarily to the business acquisitions. The

Company’s acquisition strategy generally is to acquire differentiated businesses, which because of their distribution channels and higher marketing costs tend to have a higher content of selling expenses. Base business selling expenses increased approximately 6%; a rate lower than the 9% internal sales growth rate for the nine month period ended September 30, 2006.

     Corporate administrative expenses were $25.2 million for the first nine months of 2006, an increase of $3.6 million or 16.7% when compared with $21.6 million for the same period of 2005. The increase in Corporate administrative expenses was primarily a result of higher compensation costs, including equity-based compensation. For the first nine months of 2006, corporate administrative expenses were 1.9% of sales, a decline from the 2.1% of sales in the same period of 2005.

     Consolidated operating income was $229.7 million, an increase of $59.6 million or 35.0% when compared with $170.1 million for the same period of 2005. This represents an operating margin of 17.2% for the first nine months of 2006, compared with 16.5% for the same period of 2005.

     Interest expense was $31.6 million for the first nine months of 2006, an increase of $8.6 million or 37.4% when compared with $23.0 million in the same period of 2005. The increase was primarily driven by higher average debt levels incurred to fund the 2005 and 2006 acquisitions and higher average interest rates.

     Net income for the first nine months of 2006 was $134.1 million, or $1.89 per share on a diluted basis, compared with net income of $99.5 million, or $1.42 per diluted share for the same period of 2005.

     Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) net sales were $742.7 million for the first nine months of 2006, an increase of $164.9 million or 28.5% compared with $577.8 for the same period of 2005. The sales increase was due to internal growth in EIG’s process and analytical instruments, aerospace, and industrial businesses and by the acquisitions of SPECTRO, Solartron, Land Instruments, and Pulsar. Strong internal growth accounted for 10% of the 28.5% sales increase. The acquisitions accounted for the remainder of the sales increase. Foreign currency translation effect on net sales for the first nine months of 2006 was nominal.

     EIG’s operating income for the first nine months of 2006 totaled $150.1 million, an increase of $31.6 million or 26.7% when compared with $118.5 million in the first nine months of 2005. The increase in operating income was the result of the higher sales previously mentioned. Operating margins for the first nine months of 2006 were slightly lower, at 20.2% of sales, compared with 20.5% in the first nine months of 2005. The decrease in operating margins was due to the inclusion of a $4.3 million gain from the sale of a facility in the first nine months of 2005.

     Electromechanical Group (EMG) net sales totaled $595.9 million for the first nine months of 2006, an increase of $143.0 million or 31.6% compared with net sales of $452.9 million in the same period of 2005. The sales increase was due to strong internal growth driven by the Group’s differentiated businesses, which accounted for 9% of the 31.6% sales increase. The acquisitions accounted for the remainder of the increase. Foreign currency translation effect on net sales for the first nine months of 2006 was nominal.

     EMG’s operating income for the first nine months of 2006 was $104.9 million, an increase of $31.4 million or 42.7% when compared with $73.5 for the same period of 2005. The operating income increase was due to strength in many of the Group’s differentiated businesses including the HCC and Pittman acquisitions. Operating margins were 17.6% of sales for the first nine months of 2006, compared with 16.2% for the same period of 2005 due to a higher profit yield on the sales contribution in the Group’s differentiated businesses.

     Cash provided by operating activities totaled $160.6 million in the first nine months of 2006, compared with $110.3 million for the same period of 2005, an increase of $50.3 million, or 45.6%. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily the result of higher earnings and lower working capital requirements. In the first nine months of 2006 and 2005, the Company made contributions to its U.S. defined benefit pension plans totaling $10.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

     Cash used for investing activities totaled $140.4 million in the first nine months of 2006, compared with $186.7 million used in the same period of 2005. In the first nine months of 2006, the Company paid cash of $124.1 million for business and product line acquisitions compared with $175.2 million paid for acquisitions in the first nine months of 2005. Additions to property, plant and equipment in the first nine months of 2006 totaled $18.2 million, compared with $15.1 million in the first nine months of 2005.

     Cash used by financing activities in the first nine months of 2006 totaled $6.9 million, compared with cash provided of $81.3 million for the same period of 2005. In the first nine months of 2006, net total borrowings increased by $16.6 million, compared with a net increase of $77.1 million in the first nine months of 2005. At September 30, 2006, total debt outstanding was $673.4 million, compared with $631.4 million at December 31, 2005. The debt-to-capital ratio was 41.7%, compared with 43.8% at December 31, 2005. At September 30, 2006, the Company had $274.2 million available under its existing credit lines, which includes an “accordion feature” that permits the Company to request up to an additional $100 million in revolving credit commitments at any time during the life of the revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit facility was amended on October 6, 2006 to extend its expiration

date from June 2010 to October 2011. The amendment also lowered the Company’s cost of capital and provides the Company with increased financing flexibility to support its growth plans. The Company is in compliance with debt covenants as of September 30, 2006.

     Additional financing activities in the first nine months of 2006 used cash of $21.1 million for the repurchase of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to offset the dilutive effect of shares granted under the Company’s benefit plans. There were no repurchases of the Company’s common stock in the first nine months of 2005. As of September 30, 2006, $31.4 million was available, under the current Board authorization, for future share repurchases.

     As a result of the activities discussed above, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2006 totaled $51.1 million, compared with $35.5 million at December 31, 2005. The Company believes it has sufficient cash-generating capabilities and available credit facilities to enable it to meet its needs in the foreseeable future.

     Information contained in this discussion, other than historical information, is considered “forward-looking statements” and may be subject to change based on various important factors and uncertainties. Some, but not all, of the factors and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ significantly from those expected in any forward-looking statement are disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 under “Item 1A. Risk Factors”.

     The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that information, which is required to be disclosed, is accumulated and communicated to management in a timely manner. The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of the system of disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2006. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in all material respects as of September 30, 2006. Such evaluation did not identify any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

(c) Purchase of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers.

     The following table reflects purchases of AMETEK, Inc. common stock by the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2006:

     On March 12, 2003 the Company’s Board of Directors authorized repurchase of up to $50.0 million of its common stock to offset the dilutive effect of shares granted under the Company’s benefit plans. Such purchases may be affected from time to time in the open market or in private transactions, subject to market conditions and at management’s discretion. All purchases above were made in open-market transactions.

a) Exhibits:

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.