Ametek Inc. announced unaudited consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2012. For the quarter, the company reported net sales of $841.790 million against $762.751 million a year ago. Operating income was $189.954 million against $167.380 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $170.801 million against $146.979 million a year ago. Net income was $119.898 million or $0.49 per diluted share against $101.907 million or $0.42 per diluted share a year ago. Operating cash flow was $192 million for the quarter, up 25% respectively, compared with the same periods in 2011.

For the year, the company reported net sales of $3,334.213 million against $2,989.914 million a year ago. Operating income was $745.872 million against $635.941 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $662.475 million against $556.642 million a year ago. Net income was $459.132 million or $1.88 per diluted share against $384.464 million or $1.58 per diluted share a year ago. Operating cash flow was $611 million, up 25% respectively, compared with the same periods in 2011.

For the first quarter, the company expects sales are expected to be up approximately 10% from last year's first quarter. Earnings to be approximately $0.49 to $0.51 per diluted share in the first quarter, up 9% to 13% over last year's first quarter.

The company expects businesses overall to show solid growth in 2013, with organic growth stronger in the second half of the year. The higher margin, longer cycle, oil and gas, power, and aerospace businesses should show particular strength. AMETEK's strong portfolio of differentiated businesses, proven operational capabilities, continued investment in new product development and geographic expansion, and a continued focus on strategic acquisitions should enable to perform well in 2013. The company anticipates 2013 revenue to be up in the high single digits on a percentage basis from 2012, reflecting low to mid single digit core growth and contributions from recent acquisitions including Dunkermotoren and Micro-Poise. Earnings for 2013 are expected to be in the range of $2.07 to $2.12 per diluted share, up 10% to 13% over 2012, reflecting the leveraged impact of core growth, operational excellence initiatives, and the benefit of contributions from recent acquisitions. For 2013, the company expect tax rate to be between 30% and 31%. 2013 capital expenditures are expected to be about $65 million. 2013 depreciation and amortization is expected to be approximately $118 million.