Amphenol Corp (APH) SEC Filing 10-K Annual report for the fiscal year ending Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Exhibit 99.1

World Headquarters

358 Hall Avenue

Wallingford, CT 06492

Telephone (203) 265-8900

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOURTH QUARTER 2019 RESULTS

REPORTED BY AMPHENOL CORPORATION

Wallingford, Connecticut.  January 22, 2020.  Amphenol Corporation (NYSE: APH) reported today GAAP diluted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) for the fourth quarter 2019 of $1.03 compared to $1.09 for the comparable 2018 period.  GAAP diluted EPS for the fourth quarter 2019 included an excess tax benefit of approximately $17 million ($0.05 per share) related to stock options exercised during the quarter.  In the fourth quarter 2018, GAAP Diluted EPS included (i) a benefit of approximately $15 million ($0.04 per share) resulting from the finalization of the provisional income tax charge recorded in the fourth quarter 2017 related to the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) and (ii) an excess tax benefit of $6 million ($0.02 per share) related to stock options exercised, partially offset by (iii) acquisition-related transaction costs of $9 million ($0.02 per share). Excluding the effect of these items, Adjusted Diluted EPS

Sales for the fourth quarter 2019 were $2.151 billion compared to $2.225 billion for the comparable 2018 period. Currency translation had the effect of decreasing sales by approximately $14 million in the fourth quarter 2019 compared to the 2018 period.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, GAAP Diluted EPS was $3.75, compared to $3.85 in 2018.  GAAP Diluted EPS in 2019 included (i) an excess tax benefit of $38 million ($0.12 per share) related to stock options exercised during the period, partially offset by (ii) acquisition-related costs of approximately $25 million ($0.07 per share) and (iii) refinancing-related costs associated with the early extinguishment of debt during the period of $14 million ($0.04 per share).  In the comparable 2018 period, GAAP Diluted EPS included (i) the previously mentioned benefit resulting from the finalization of the provisional income tax charge related to the Tax Act and (ii) an excess tax benefit of $20 million ($0.06 per share) related to stock options exercised during the period, partially offset by (iii) the previously mentioned acquisition-related transaction costs.  Excluding the effect of these items, Adjusted Diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $3.74 and $3.77, respectively.

Sales for the year ended December 31, 2019 were a record $8.225 billion, which compared to $8.202 billion for the 2018 period.  Currency translation had the effect of decreasing sales by approximately $126 million in 2019 compared to 2018.

Amphenol President and Chief Executive Officer, R. Adam Norwitt, stated, “We are very pleased to close 2019 with both fourth quarter sales and Adjusted Diluted EPS exceeding the high end of our guidance, reaching $2.151 billion and $0.98, respectively.  Compared to the fourth quarter 2018, sales decreased 3% as a result of moderations in the communications-related markets, particularly the mobile devices and mobile networks markets, which were offset in part by strong growth in the military and commercial air markets together with contributions from the Company’s acquisition program.  For the full year 2019, sales were up slightly in U.S. dollars, driven by strong growth in the military and commercial air markets as well as contributions from the Company’s acquisition program.  This growth was largely offset by reductions in the communications-related markets, in particular the mobile devices market, together with the negative effect of currency translation.”

“We are very proud that the Company continues to execute well amidst an uncertain demand environment, with Adjusted Operating Margins reaching 20.0% for both the fourth quarter and full year 2019.” 

“Operating cash flow in the fourth quarter and full year 2019 was a very strong $424 million and $1.502 billion, respectively, another confirmation of the quality of the Company’s earnings.  The Company continues to deploy its financial strength in a variety of ways to increase shareholder value.  To that end, the Company purchased 0.4 million shares of its common stock during the fourth quarter for $43 million, bringing total share repurchases in 2019 to 6.5 million shares or $602 million.  The Company also paid dividends of $74 million during the fourth quarter, bringing total dividends paid in 2019 to $280 million, resulting in total capital returned to shareholders in 2019 of more than $880 million.”

“The Company continues to expand its growth opportunities through a deep commitment to developing enabling technologies for customers in all markets, an ongoing strategy of market and geographic diversification and an active and successful acquisition program.  We are particularly proud of the Company’s progress in our acquisition program in 2019, with nine new companies joining the Amphenol family.  These new family members broaden our product offering, expand our position across our diversified end markets and deepen our pool of talent.  As part of that program, we are excited to have closed on the acquisition of EXA Thermometrics India Private Limited (“EXA”) in January. Based in India and with annual sales of approximately $10 million, EXA designs and manufactures temperature sensors for the industrial market. While relatively small in scale, this acquisition bolsters our growing sensor offering and expands our low-cost capabilities for these important products, while bringing another strong management team into the Amphenol family.”

“As we look ahead, the overall demand environment continues to reflect a heightened level of uncertainty in the global economy.  Given this environment, and assuming current exchange rates, we expect first quarter 2020 sales in the range of $1.960 billion to $2.000 billion and Adjusted Diluted EPS in the range of $0.85 to $0.87.  For the full year 2020, we expect sales in the range of $8.240 billion to $8.400 billion, representing flat to 2% growth over 2019, and Adjusted Diluted EPS to be in the range of $3.76 to $3.84, representing 1% to 3% growth over 2019.

“While the current demand environment is still challenging, we remain confident in the platform of strength that has been created by the Company’s consistent and strong performance.  The electronics revolution continues to create exciting long-term growth opportunities for Amphenol across each of our diversified end markets, with customers driving their products and networks to achieve ever higher levels of performance.  We believe these opportunities will drive a long-term increase in demand for our expanded range of high-technology interconnect, sensor and antenna products.  Our ongoing actions to leverage our competitive advantages and create sustained financial strength in all economic environments, as well as our initiatives to expand our high-technology product offerings, both organically and through our acquisition program, have created an excellent base for future performance.  I am confident in the ability of our outstanding, entrepreneurial management team to dynamically adjust to the always-changing environment, to continue to generate strong profitability and to further capitalize on the many opportunities to expand our market position.”

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter results at 1:00 PM (EST) Wednesday, January 22, 2020.  The toll-free dial-in number to participate in this call is 888-455-0949; International dial-in number is +1-773-799-3973; Passcode: LAMPO.  There will be a replay available until 11:59 PM (EST)  Saturday, February 22, 2020.  The replay numbers are toll free 866-513-1231; International toll number is +1-203-369-1974; Passcode: 7183.

A live broadcast as well as a replay can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at https://investors.amphenol.com.

Amphenol Corporation is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of electrical, electronic and fiber optic connectors, interconnect systems, antennas, sensors and sensor-based products and coaxial and high-speed specialty cable.  Amphenol designs, manufactures and assembles its products at facilities in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa and sells its products through its own global sales force, independent representatives and a global network of electronics distributors.  Amphenol has a diversified presence as a leader in high-growth areas of the interconnect market including: Automotive, Broadband Communications, Commercial Aerospace, Industrial, Information Technology and Data Communications, Military, Mobile Devices and Mobile Networks.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which relate to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements, which address the Company’s expected business and financial performance and financial condition, among other matters, may contain words such as: “anticipate,” “could,” “continue,” “expect,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “ongoing,” “project,” “seek,” “predict,” “target,” “will,” “intend,” “plan,” “optimistic,” “potential,” “guidance,” “may,” “should,” or “would” and other words and terms of similar meaning.  Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about expected earnings, revenues, growth, liquidity or other financial matters.  Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements, including regarding the first quarter and full year 2020 sales expectations and Adjusted Diluted EPS expectations, are based upon reasonable assumptions, the expectations may not be attained or there may be material deviation.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the following:  political, economic, military and other risks in countries outside of the United States; the impact of general economic conditions, geopolitical conditions and U.S. trade policies, legislation, trade disputes, treaties and tariffs, including those affecting China, on the Company’s business operations; risks associated with the improper conduct by any of our employees, customers, suppliers, distributors or any other business partners which could impair our business reputation and financial results and could result in our non-compliance with anti-corruption laws and regulations of the U.S. government and various foreign jurisdictions; changes in exchange rates of the various currencies in which the Company conducts business; the Company’s ability to obtain a consistent supply of materials, at stable pricing levels; the Company’s dependence on sales to the communications industry, which markets are dominated by large manufacturers and operators who regularly exert significant pressure on suppliers, including the Company; changes in defense expenditures in the military market, including the impact of reductions or changes in the defense budgets of U.S. and foreign governments;

the Company’s ability to compete successfully on the basis of technology innovation, product quality and performance, price, customer service and delivery time; the Company’s ability to continue to conceive, design, source and market new products and upon continuing market acceptance of its existing and future product lines; difficulties and unanticipated expenses in connection with purchasing and integrating newly acquired businesses, including the potential for the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets; events beyond the Company’s control that could lead to an inability to meet its financial covenants which could result in a default under the Company’s revolving credit facility; the Company’s ability to access the capital markets on favorable terms, including as a result of significant deterioration of general economic or capital market conditions, or as a result of a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating; changes in interest rates; government contracting risks that the Company may be subject to, including laws and regulations governing performance of U.S. government contracts and related risks associated with conducting business with the U.S. government; governmental export and import controls that certain of our products may be subject to, including export licensing, customs regulations, economic sanctions or other laws; cybersecurity threats or incidents that could arise on our information technology systems which could disrupt business operations and adversely impact our reputation and operating results and potentially lead to litigation and/or governmental investigations; changes in fiscal and tax policies, audits and examinations by taxing authorities, laws, regulations and guidance in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, including related interpretations of certain provisions of the Tax Act; any difficulties in protecting the Company’s intellectual property rights; and litigation, customer claims, product recalls, governmental investigations or environmental matters.

A further description of these uncertainties and other risks can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the Company’s other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  These or other uncertainties may cause the Company’s actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The financial statements included within this press release are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  This press release also contains certain non-GAAP financial information, including Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Margin, Adjusted Net Income attributable to Amphenol Corporation, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate and Adjusted Diluted EPS (collectively, “non-GAAP financial measures”), which are intended to supplement the reported GAAP results.  Management utilizes these non-GAAP financial measures as part of its internal reviews for purposes of monitoring, evaluating and forecasting the Company’s financial performance, communicating operating results to the Company’s Board of Directors and assessing related employee compensation measures.  Management believes that such non-GAAP financial measures may be helpful to investors in assessing the Company’s overall financial performance, trends and period-over-period comparative results.  Non-GAAP financial measures discussed within this press release exclude income and expenses that are not directly related to the Company’s operating performance during the periods presented.  Items excluded in the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures in any period may consist of, without limitation, acquisition-related expenses, refinancing-related costs and certain discrete tax items including but not limited to the excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation as well as the impact of significant changes in tax law.   Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included at the end of this press release.   However, such non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation, as a substitute for or superior to the related GAAP financial measures.  In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures are not necessarily the same or comparable to similar measures presented by other companies, as such measures may be calculated differently or may exclude different items.  The non-GAAP financial measures are defined within the “Supplemental Financial Information” table at the end of this press release and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP.