Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth net sales and income by reportable segment and on a consolidated basis:

For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, the Company posted record sales, operating income, operating margins, net income, diluted earnings per share, and backlog. We achieved these results from organic sales growth, contributions from the acquisitions of Navitar in September 2022, RTDS in October 2022, and Bison Gear & Engineering Corp. ("Bison") in March 2023, as well as our Operational Excellence initiatives. We continue to experience heightened levels of inflation in material costs, supply chain constraints, as well as continued uncertainty in the global economy. We expect material cost inflation to remain elevated throughout 2023, but anticipate pricing actions to mitigate this inflationary pressure. In response to supply chain pressures, we are maintaining elevated levels of inventory and seek alternative sources of supply, when necessary, to support sales and backlog growth. We continue to evaluate the extent to which these factors will impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations and will take additional actions as necessary throughout 2023 to mitigate this inflationary pressure. For 2023, our record backlog, the full year impact of the 2022 acquisitions, the 2023 acquisition of Bison, and continued focus on and implementation of our Operational Excellence initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on the remainder of our 2023 results.

Results of operations for the second quarter of 2023 compared with the second quarter of 2022

Net sales for the second quarter of 2023 were a record $1,646.1 million, an increase of $131.5 million or 8.7%, compared with net sales of $1,514.6 million for the second quarter of 2022. The increase in net sales for the second quarter of 2023 was due to a 5% increase in organic sales and a 4% increase from acquisitions.

Total international sales for the second quarter of 2023 were $786.2 million or 47.8% of net sales, an increase of $64.8 million or 9.0%, compared with international sales of $721.4 million or 47.6% of net sales for the second quarter of 2022. The increase in international sales was primarily driven by strong demand in Europe during the quarter as well as contributions from the 2022 acquisitions.

Orders for the second quarter of 2023 were $1,654.4 million, a increase of $9.9 million or 0.6%, compared with $1,644.5 million for the second quarter of 2022. The increase in orders for the second quarter of 2023 was due to a 2% increase from acquisitions and a 3% favorable effect of foreign currency translation, partially offset by an organic order decrease. As a result, the Company's backlog of unfilled orders at June 30, 2023 was a record $3,441.9 million, an increase of $223.3 million or 6.9% compared with $3,218.6 million at December 31, 2022.

Segment operating income for the second quarter of 2023 was $443.3 million, an increase of $53.8 million or 13.8%, compared with segment operating income of $389.5 million for the second quarter of 2022. Segment operating margins, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 26.9% for the second quarter of 2023, compared with 25.7% for the second quarter of

2022. Segment operating income and operating margins were positively impacted in 2023 by the increase in sales discussed above, as well as continued benefits from the Company's Operational Excellence initiatives.

Cost of sales for the second quarter of 2023 was $1,053.2 million or 64.0% of net sales, an increase of $65.0 million or 6.6%, compared with $988.2 million or 65.2% of net sales for the second quarter of 2022. The cost of sales increase was primarily due to the net sales increase discussed above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2023 were $174.1 million or 10.6% of net sales, an increase of $12.6 million or 7.8%, compared with $161.5 million or 10.7% of net sales for the second quarter of 2022. The selling expense increase is primarily due to the net sales increase discussed above. General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2023 were $24.5 million, compared with $24.6 million for the second quarter of 2022.

Consolidated operating income was a record $418.8 million or 25.4% of net sales for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of $53.9 million or 14.8%, compared with $364.8 million or 24.1% of net sales for the second quarter of 2022.

Other expense, net was $3.7 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared with $2.0 million of other income, net for the second quarter of 2022, a change of $5.7 million. The second quarter of 2023 includes lower pension income compared to the second quarter of 2022.

The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2023 was 18.2%, compared with 18.5% for the second quarter of 2022. The lower effective tax rate in the second quarter of 2023 primarily reflects improved utilization of foreign tax credits.

Net income for the second quarter of 2023 was a record $324.2 million, an increase of $41.8 million or 14.8%, compared with $282.4 million for the second quarter of 2022.

Diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2023 were a record $1.40, an increase of $0.18 or 14.8%, compared with $1.22 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2022.

Segment Results

EIG**’**s net sales totaled $1,134.6 million for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of $106.4 million or 10.3%, compared with $1,028.2 million for the second quarter of 2022. The net sales increase was due to an 8% increase in organic sales and a 3% increase from the 2022 acquisitions.

EIG’s operating income was $307.1 million for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of $42.0 million or 15.8%, compared with $265.1 million for the second quarter of 2022. EIG’s operating margins were 27.1% of net sales for the second quarter of 2023, compared with 25.8% for the second quarter of 2022. EIG's operating margins increased in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the second quarter of 2022 due to the sales increase discussed above as well as continued benefits from the Company's Operational Excellence initiatives.

EMG’s net sales totaled a record $511.5 million for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of $25.2 million or 5.2%, compared with $486.3 million for the second quarter of 2022. The net sales increase was due to a 5% increase from the 2023 acquisition.

EMG’s operating income was $136.2 million for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of $11.8 million or 9.5%, compared with $124.4 million for the second quarter of 2022. EMG’s operating margins were 26.6% of net sales for the second quarter of 2023, compared with 25.6% for the second quarter of 2022. EMG's operating margins increased in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the second quarter of 2022 due to the sales increase discussed above as well as continued benefits from the Company's Operational Excellence initiatives. EMG's operating margins in the second quarter of 2023 were negatively impacted by the dilutive impact of the 2023 acquisition. Excluding the dilutive impact of the 2023 acquisition, EMG's operating margins increased 180 basis points compared with the second quarter of 2022.

Results of operations for the first six months of 2023 compared with the first six months of 2022

Net sales for the first six months of 2023 were $3,243.2 million, an increase of $270.1 million or 9.1%, compared with net sales of $2,973.1 million for the first six months of 2022. The increase in net sales for the first six months of 2023 was due to a 7% organic sales increase and a 3% increase from acquisitions, partially offset by an unfavorable 1% effect of foreign currency translation.

Total international sales for the first six months of 2023 were $1,574.3 million or 48.5% of net sales, an increase of $108.6 million or 7.4%, compared with international sales of $1,465.7 million or 49.3% of net sales for the first six months of 2022. The increase in international sales was primarily driven by strong demand in Europe and Asia as well as contributions from the 2022 acquisitions.

Orders for the first six months of 2023 were $3,466.4 million, an increase of $119.0 million or 3.6%, compared with $3,347.4 million for the first six months of 2022. The increase in orders for the first six months of 2023 was due to a 4% increase from acquisitions and a 2% favorable effect of foreign currency translation, partially offset by an organic order decrease.

Segment operating income for the first six months of 2023 was $873.5 million, an increase of $111.0 million or 14.6%, compared with segment operating income of $762.5 million for the first six months of 2022. Segment operating margins, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 26.9% for the first six months of 2023, compared with 25.6% for the first six months of 2022. Segment operating income and operating margins were positively impacted in 2023 by the increase in sales discussed above, as well as continued benefits from the Company's Operational Excellence initiatives. In the first six months of 2022, segment operating income included a $7.1 million gain on the sale of a facility which increased operating margins by 20 basis points.

Cost of sales for the first six months of 2023 was $2,075.7 million or 64.0% of net sales, an increase of $138.7 million or 7.2%, compared with $1,937.0 million or 65.2% of net sales for the first six months of 2022. The cost of sales increase was primarily due to the net sales increase discussed above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first six months of 2023 were $343.2 million or 10.6% of net sales, an increase of $25.2 million or 7.9%, compared with $318.0 million or 10.7% of net sales for the first six months of 2022. Selling expenses increased primarily due to the net sales increase discussed above. General and administrative expenses for the first six months of 2023 were $49.2 million, compared with $44.4 million for the first six months of 2022. The general and administrative expenses in the first six months of 2023 include higher employee compensation costs compared to the first six months of 2022.

Consolidated operating income was $824.3 million or 25.4% of net sales for the first six months of 2023, an increase of $106.2 million or 14.8%, compared with $718.1 million or 24.2% of net sales for the first six months of 2022.

Other expense, net was $9.1 million for the first six months of 2023, compared with $4.5 million of other income, net for the first six months of 2022, a change of $13.6 million. The first six months of 2023 includes lower pension income compared to the first six months of 2022.

The effective tax rate for the first six months of 2023 was 18.8%, compared with 18.7% for the first six months of 2022.

Net income for the first six months of 2023 was $630.0 million, an increase of $75.2 million or 13.5%, compared with $554.8 million for the first six months of 2022.

Diluted earnings per share for the first six months of 2023 were $2.72, an increase of $0.33 or 13.8%, compared with $2.39 per diluted share for the first six months of 2022.

Segment Results

**EIG’**s net sales totaled $2,251.9 million for the first six months of 2023, an increase of $235.9 million or 11.7%, compared with $2,016.0 million for the first six months of 2022. The net sales increase was due to a 9% organic sales increase and a 3% increase from acquisitions, partially offset by an unfavorable 1% effect of foreign currency translation.

EIG’s operating income was $616.8 million for the first six months of 2023, an increase of $106.9 million or 21.0%, compared with $509.9 million for the first six months of 2022. EIG’s operating margins were 27.4% of net sales for the first six months of 2023, compared with 25.3% for the first six months of 2022. EIG operating margins increased in the first six months of 2023 compared to the first six months of 2022, due to the increase in net sales discussed above, as well as continued benefits from the Company's Operational Excellence initiatives.

EMG’s net sales totaled $991.3 million for the first six months of 2023, an increase of $34.2 million or 3.6%, compared with $957.1 million for the first six months of 2022. The net sales increase was due to a 1% organic sales increase and a 3% increase from acquisitions, partially offset by an unfavorable 1% effect of foreign currency translation.

EMG’s operating income was $256.7 million for the first six months of 2023, an increase of $4.1 million or 1.6%, compared with $252.6 million for the first six months of 2022. EMG’s operating margins were 25.9% of net sales for the first six months of 2023, compared with 26.4% for the first six months of 2022. EMG's operating margins were negatively impacted by the dilutive impact of the 2023 acquisition. For the first six months of 2022, EMG's operating income included a $7.1 million gain on the sale of a facility, which increased EMG operating margins by 70 basis points. Excluding the dilutive impact of the 2023 acquisition and the gain on the sale of a facility, EMG operating margins for the first six months of 2023 increased 120 basis points compared to the first six months of 2022.

Financial Condition

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $721.8 million for the first six months of 2023, an increase of $284.6 million or 65.1%, compared with $437.2 million for the first six months of 2022. The increase in cash provided by operating activities for the first six months of 2023 was primarily due to improved working capital management and higher net income.

Free cash flow (cash flow provided by operating activities less capital expenditures) was $673.9 million for the first six months of 2023, compared with $384.7 million for the first six months of 2022. EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) was $977.3 million for the first six months of 2023, compared with $877.2 million for the first six months of 2022. Free cash flow and EBITDA are presented because the Company is aware that they are measures used by third parties in evaluating the Company.

Cash used by investing activities totaled $150.0 million for the first six months of 2023, compared with cash used by investing activities of $41.0 million for the first six months of 2022. For the first six months of 2023, the Company paid $99.3 million, net of cash acquired, to purchase Bison. For the first six months of 2022, the Company received $11.8 million from the sale of a facility. Additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $47.8 million for the first six months of 2023, compared with $52.5 million for the first six months of 2022.

Cash used by financing activities totaled $317.1 million for the first six months of 2023, compared with cash used by financing activities of $370.4 million for the first six months of 2022. At June 30, 2023, total debt, net was $2,191.7 million, compared with $2,385.0 million at December 31, 2022. For the first six months of 2023, total borrowings decreased by $219.6 million compared with a $56.5 million increase for the first six months of 2022. At June 30, 2023, the Company had available borrowing capacity of $2,969.9 million under its revolving credit facility, including the $700 million accordion feature.

The debt-to-capital ratio was 21.3% at June 30, 2023, compared with 24.2% at December 31, 2022. The net debt-to-capital ratio (total debt, net less cash and cash equivalents divided by the sum of net debt and stockholders’ equity) was 16.4% at June 30, 2023, compared with 21.4% at December 31, 2022. The net debt-to-capital ratio is presented because the Company is aware that this measure is used by third parties in evaluating the Company.

Additional financing activities for the first six months of 2023 included cash dividends paid of $115.1 million, compared with $101.2 million for the first six months of 2022. Effective February 9, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 14% increase in the quarterly cash dividend on the Company’s common stock to $0.25 per common share from $0.22 per common share. The Company repurchased $6.5 million of its common stock for the first six months of 2023, compared with $331.4 million for the first six months of 2022. Proceeds from stock option exercises were $29.1 million for the first six months of 2023, compared with $17.8 million for the first six months of 2022.

As a result of all of the Company’s cash flow activities for the first six months of 2023, cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2023 totaled $605.6 million, compared with $345.4 million at December 31, 2022. At June 30, 2023, the Company had $457.2 million in cash outside the United States, compared with $334.1 million at December 31, 2022. The Company utilizes this cash to fund its international operations, as well as to acquire international businesses. The Company is in compliance with all covenants, including financial covenants, for all of its debt agreements. The Company believes it has sufficient cash-generating capabilities from domestic and unrestricted foreign sources, available credit facilities and access to long-term capital funds to enable it to meet its operating needs and contractual obligations in the foreseeable future.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s critical accounting policies are detailed in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Primary disclosure of the Company’s significant accounting policies is also included in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of its Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Forward-Looking Information

Information contained in this discussion, other than historical information, is considered “forward-looking statements” and is subject to various factors and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ significantly from expectations. These factors and uncertainties include risks related to the Company’s ability to consummate and successfully integrate future acquisitions; risks associated with international sales and operations, including supply chain disruptions; the Company’s ability to successfully develop new products, open new facilities or transfer product lines; the price and availability of raw materials; compliance with government regulations, including environmental regulations; changes in the competitive environment or the effects of competition in the Company’s markets; the ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources; and general economic conditions affecting the industries the Company serves. A detailed discussion of these and other factors that may affect the Company’s future results is contained in AMETEK’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K. AMETEK disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, unless required by the securities laws to do so.