## Backlog 

The Company estimates that its backlog of unfilled orders was $293 million and $262 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Orders typically fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on customer demands and general business conditions. Unfilled orders may be cancelled prior to shipment of goods. It is expected that all or a substantial portion of the backlog will be filled within the next 12 months. Significant elements of the Company's business, such as sales to the cable television industry, distributors, the computer industry, and other commercial customers, generally have short lead times. Therefore, backlog may not be indicative of future demand. 

## Employees 

As of December 31, 2004, the Company had approximately 16,100 full-time employees worldwide. Of these employees, approximately 10,700 were hourly employees and the remainder were salaried. The Company had a one week strike in October 1995 at its Sidney, New York facility relating to the renewal of the labor contract at that facility with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. The Company has not had any other significant work stoppages in the past ten years. The Company believes that it has a good relationship with its unionized and non-unionized employees. 

## Other 

The Company's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports are available, without charge, on the Company's web site, www.amphenol.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the SEC. Copies are also available without charge, from Amphenol Corporation, Investor Relations, 358 Hall Avenue, Wallingford, CT 06492. 

## Cautionary Statements for Purposes of Forward Looking Information 

Statements made by the Company in written or oral form to various persons, including statements made in filings with the SEC, that are not strictly historical facts are "forward looking" statements. Such statements should be considered as subject to uncertainties that exist in the Company's operations and business environment. The following includes some, but not all, of the factors or uncertainties that could cause the Company to fail to conform with expectations and predictions: 

- A global economic slowdown in any one, or all, of the Company's market segments. 

- The effects of significant changes in monetary and fiscal policies in the U.S. and abroad including significant currency fluctuations and unforeseen inflationary pressures. 

- Substantial and unforeseen price pressure on the Company's products or significant cost increases that cannot be recovered through price increases or productivity improvements. 

- Increased difficulties in obtaining a consistent supply of basic materials like steel, aluminum, copper, bimetallic products, gold or plastic resins at stable pricing levels. 

- Unpredictable difficulties or delays in the development of new product programs. 

- Significant changes in interest rates or in the availability of financing for the Company or certain of its customers. 

- Rapid material escalation of the cost of regulatory compliance and litigation. 

- Unexpected government policies and regulations affecting the Company or its significant customers. 

- Unforeseen intergovernmental conflicts or actions, including but not limited to armed conflict and trade wars. 

- Difficulties and unanticipated expense of assimilating newly-acquired businesses. 

