AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020.

AMETEK's fourth quarter 2020 sales were $1.20 billion, an 8% decline compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Operating income in the quarter was $298.1 million, up slightly versus last year's fourth quarter and operating margins were a record 24.9%, up 210 basis points over the same period last year.

On a GAAP basis, fourth quarter earnings per diluted share were $0.95. Adjusted earnings in the quarter were $1.08 per diluted share, equal to the fourth quarter of 2019. Adjusted earnings adds back non-cash, after-tax, acquisition-related intangible amortization of $0.13 per diluted share. A reconciliation of reported GAAP results to adjusted results is included in the financial tables accompanying this release and on the AMETEK website.

"AMETEK completed a challenging year with an excellent fourth quarter," said David A. Zapico, AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We continued to see solid sequential sales and order improvements in the quarter despite the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we delivered record operating results and substantial margin expansion in the fourth quarter, with EBITDA margins a robust 30.1%."

"Additionally, our operational strength resulted in record levels of cash flow in the fourth quarter with operating cash flow up 13% to $386 million and free cash flow up 16% to $349 million representing 158% of net income, further strengthening our balance sheet and liquidity position," noted Mr. Zapico.

Electronic Instruments Group (EIG)

EIG sales in the fourth quarter were $819.4 million, down 7% from the fourth quarter of 2019. EIG's operating income in the quarter increased 3% to a record $236.0 million and operating income margins were a record 28.8%, up 270 basis points over the prior-year period.

"EIG delivered outstanding operating results in the fourth quarter," noted Mr. Zapico. "While year over year sales were down in line with expectations, we saw strong sequential sales improvement. Additionally, EIG's operational initiatives drove significant margin expansion and record operating margins."

Electromechanical Group (EMG)Sales for EMG in the fourth quarter were $379.5 million, down 11% from the same quarter in 2019. EMG's fourth quarter operating income was $79.8 million and operating income margins were 21.0%, up 110 basis points versus the same period last year.

"EMG also delivered strong operating results in the quarter," added Mr. Zapico. "As EMG's topline was negatively impacted by the divestiture of Reading Alloys and weaker demand due to the global pandemic, EMG drove impressive operating margin expansion through our cost and asset management initiatives."

2021 Outlook"This last year presented unprecedented challenges, both personally and professionally, for everyone at AMETEK. Our employees stepped up to these challenges and our businesses delivered results that consistently exceeded our expectations," continued Mr. Zapico.

"Our success in 2020 was a testament to the strength of the AMETEK Growth Model, our ability to navigate through difficult economic environments, and the tremendous efforts of our talented workforce. We remain committed to investing in our businesses and our people to drive long-term, sustainable growth," noted Mr. Zapico.

"While uncertainty remains, our diverse end markets, record backlog and solid order momentum provide a positive outlook for the year ahead. For 2021, we expect overall sales to be up mid-single digits on a percentage basis compared to 2020. Adjusted earnings per diluted share are expected to be in the range of $4.18 to $4.30, an increase of 6% to 9% over the comparable basis for 2020," he added.

"For the first quarter of 2021, overall sales are expected to be down low to mid-single digits compared to the same period last year. Adjusted earnings in the quarter are anticipated to be in the range of $0.97 to $1.02 per share," concluded Mr. Zapico.

About AMETEK

AMETEK is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with 2020 sales of more than $4.5 billion. The AMETEK Growth Model integrates the Four Growth Strategies - Operational Excellence, New Product Development, Global and Market Expansion, and Strategic Acquisitions - with a disciplined focus on cash generation and capital deployment. AMETEK's objective is double-digit percentage growth in earnings per share over the business cycle and a superior return on total capital. The common stock of AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500.