[Table of Contents]

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

X


Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004.

____

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number 1-7201

AVX CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

33-0379007

(State or other jurisdiction

(IRS Employer ID No.)

of incorporation or organization)

 
 

801 17th Avenue South, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(843) 448-9411

(Registrant's phone number)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes X

No ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes X

No ___

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class

 

Outstanding at August 5, 2004

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

 

173,662,129



AVX CORPORATION

INDEX

Page Number


PART I:

Financial Information:

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements:

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2004

3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004

4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004

5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

ITEM 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

17

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

25

ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

25

PART II:

Other Information:

ITEM 1.

Legal Proceedings

25

ITEM 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

26

ITEM 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

28

Signatures

29

Exhibits

 

 

 


[Table of Contents]

AVX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)

March 31,

June 30,

2004


2004


(unaudited)

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

534,730

$

569,189

Short-term investments in securities

30,000

-

Accounts receivable:

Trade

157,504

180,824

Affiliates

5,179

5,368

Inventories

293,869

330,874

Deferred income taxes

33,901

33,891

Prepaid and other

46,796


48,845


Total current assets

1,101,979

1,168,991

Long-term investments in securities

168,985

158,996

Property and equipment:

Land

21,209

21,175

Buildings and improvements

222,882

240,992

Machinery and equipment

1,130,722

1,151,948

Construction in progress

29,313


15,635


1,404,126

1,429,750

Accumulated depreciation

(1,116,124)


(1,145,286)


288,002

284,464

Goodwill, net

69,748

69,804

Other assets

39,163


39,233


Total Assets

$

1,667,877


$

1,721,488


Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Current liabilities:

Short-term bank debt

$

26

$

-

Accounts payable:

Trade

69,474

70,814

Affiliates

45,012

65,905

Income taxes payable

10,574

21,727

Accrued payroll and benefits

34,679

38,420

Accrued expenses

55,125


55,506


Total current liabilities

214,890

252,372

Other liabilities

66,443


63,370


Total Liabilities

281,333


315,742


Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

Stockholders' Equity:

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share:

-

-

Authorized, 20,000 shares; None issued and outstanding

Common stock, par value $.01 per share:

1,764

1,764

Authorized, 300,000 shares; issued 176,368 shares; outstanding, 173,648 and 173,660 shares at March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2004, respectively

Additional paid-in capital

342,811

340,346

Retained earnings

1,012,637

1,028,917

Accumulated other comprehensive income

64,617

69,852

Treasury stock, at cost, 2,720 and 2,708 shares at March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2004, respectively

(35,285)


(35,133)


Total Stockholders' Equity

1,386,544


1,405,746


Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$

1,667,877


$

1,721,488


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


[Table of Contents]

AVX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share data)

                                 
           

Three Months Ended June 30,

                     

2003


     

2004


 
                                 

Net sales

               

$

256,655

   

$

345,018

 

Cost of sales

252,646


288,836


 

Gross profit

                 

4,009

     

56,182

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

                 

21,067

     

25,461

 

Restructuring charges

                 

2,811


     

-


 
 

Profit (loss) from operations

                 

(19,869)

     

30,721

 

Other income (expense):

                             
 

Interest income

                 

3,432

     

2,277

 
 

Interest expense

                 

(119)

     

(80)

 
 

Other, net

                 

115


     

2,850


 

Income (loss) before income taxes

                 

(16,441)

     

35,768

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

                 

(500)


     

12,876


 

Net income (loss)

               

$

(15,941)


   

$

22,892


 
                                 

Income (loss) per share:

               

     

   
 

Basic

               

$

(0.09)

   

$

0.13

 
 

Diluted

               

$

(0.09)


   

$

0.13


 
                                 

Dividends declared per share

               

$

0.038


   

$

0.038


 
                                 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

                             
 

Basic

                 

173,701

     

173,655

 
 

Diluted

                 

173,701

     

174,345

 
                                 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


[Table of Contents]

AVX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

Three Months Ended June 30,

2003


2004


Operating Activities:

Net income (loss)

$

(15,941)

$

22,892

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
from operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

24,174

19,736

Deferred income taxes

(3,269)

1,377

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

-

(2,789)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

5,691

(10,607)

Inventories

(8,195)

(34,838)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

(16,174)

6,263

Income taxes payable

1,567

9,205

Other assets and liabilities

(5,622)


(4,980)


Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

(17,769)


6,259


Investing Activities:

Purchases of property and equipment

(8,095)

(12,570)

Purchase of investment securities

(78,987)

(20,000)

Redemption of investment securities

95,000

59,989

Purchase of KSS, net of cash acquired

-

3,085

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

-


3,863


Net cash provided by investing activities

7,918


34,367


Financing Activities:

Proceeds from issuance of debt

1,282

-

Repayment of debt

(1,455)

(26)

Dividends paid

(6,515)

(6,612)

Purchase of treasury stock

(1,377)

-

Exercise of stock options

47


100


Net cash used in financing activities

(8,018)


(6,538)


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

1,287


371


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(16,582)

34,459

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

504,866


534,730


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

488,284


$

569,189


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


[Table of Contents]

AVX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

1. Basis of Presentation:

The consolidated financial statements of AVX Corporation and subsidiaries ("AVX" or the "Company") include all accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for interim financial reporting. These consolidated financial statements are unaudited, and in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals, necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated balance sheets, operating results and cash flows for the periods presented. Operating results for the three months ended June 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005 due to cyclical and other factors. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:

The Company has identified the accounting policies and estimates that are critical to our business operations and understanding the Company's results of operations. Those policies and estimates can be found in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", of the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7, "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates", in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. Accordingly, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. During the three-month period ended June 30, 2004, there were no significant changes to any critical accounting policies, judgments involved in applying those policies or to the methodology used in determining estimates including those related to revenue recogniti on, bad debts, inventories, property and equipment, goodwill, restructuring costs, income taxes and contingencies.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123" ("SFAS 148"). As allowed by SFAS 148, the Company measures stock-based compensation expense using the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and its related interpretations. Accordingly, compensation expense for stock option grants is measured as the excess of the quoted market price of common stock at the grant date over the exercise price. The Company's policy is to grant stock options at fair value (market) on the date of grant.

6


As required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123"), the pro forma effect of stock-based compensation on net income and earnings (loss) per share for employee stock options granted have been estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to pro forma net income over the options' vesting period.

The following is the Company's pro forma information for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004:

   

Three Months

   

2003


 

2004


Net income (loss):

       

As reported

$

(15,941)

$

22,892

Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of taxes

 

(1,404)


 

(1,374)


Pro forma net income (loss)

$

(17,345)


$

21,518


         

Earnings (loss) per share:

       

Basic - as reported

$

(0.09)

$

0.13

Basic - pro forma

$

(0.10)

$

0.12

Diluted - as reported

$

(0.09)

$

0.13

Diluted - pro forma

$

(0.10)

$

0.12

The following are weighted-average assumptions used for options granted during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2004:

Three Months

2003


2004


Expected life in years

3.9

4.0

Risk free interest rate

1.4%

3.5%

Expected volatility

59.8%

55.7%

Dividend yield

1.3%

1.0%

2. Earnings (Loss) Per Share:

Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the sum of (a) the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period and (b) the dilutive effect of potential common stock equivalents during the period. Stock options are the only common stock equivalents currently used by the Company and are computed using the treasury stock method.

7


The table below represents the basic and diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock equivalents outstanding for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004:

 

Three Months

 
 

2003


2004


 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

173,700,945

173,655,110

Diluted weighted average shares and potential common stock equivalents outstanding

173,700,945

174,345,310

 

Common stock equivalents, not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the option's exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares, for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, were:

Three Months

2003


 

2004


1,656,959

796,440

Common stock equivalents, not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the effect would have been antidilutive, for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, were:

Three Months

2003


 

2004


310,569

-

3. Trade Accounts Receivable:

Trade accounts receivable consisted of:

March 31, 2004


June 30, 2004


Trade

$

187,452


$

211,633


Less Allowances:

Doubtful accounts

5,324

5,223

Ship from stock and debit and stock rotation

16,962

17,376

Price concessions

56

56

Sales returns and discounts

7,606


8,154


Total allowances

29,948


30,809


$

157,504


$

180,824


8


Charges related to allowances for doubtful accounts are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses. Charges related to sales returns, distributor adjustments and discounts are reported as deductions from revenue.

For the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, there were no charges for allowances for doubtful accounts. Applications to allowances for doubtful accounts were $(11) and $165 for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

Charges for distributor ship from stock and debit and stock rotation programs were approximately $10,786 and $9,489, and applications to such allowances were approximately $9,354 and $9,075 for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

Charges for distributor price concessions were approximately $646 and $(110), and applications to price concessions were approximately $1,177 and $(110) for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

The charges for sales returns and discounts were approximately $5,578 and $6,597, and applications to sales returns and discounts were approximately $7,455 and $6,057 for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

4. Inventories:

Inventories consisted of:

   

March 31,

 

June 30,

   

2004


 

2004


Finished goods

 

$

85,005

   

$

111,143

 

Work in process

   

93,941

     

89,290

 

Raw materials and supplies

   

114,923


     

130,441


 
   

$

293,869


   

$

330,874


 

5. Restructuring Charges:

Quarter ended June 30, 2003

The Company recorded $2,811 of restructuring charges during the three months ended June 30, 2003, for employee separations covering approximately 160 production, technical, administrative and support employees in all geographic regions.

9


Fiscal year ended March 31, 2004

The Company recorded $27,213 of restructuring charges for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. This total includes $357 of charges for programs initiated in fiscal year 2002 and $26,856 of charges for programs initiated in fiscal year 2004. The $26,856 of restructuring charges initiated in fiscal year 2004 were comprised of $16,795 for employee separation costs covering approximately 855 production, technical, administrative and support employees in all geographic regions, $5,756 for long-lived asset impairment write-downs of building and equipment at closed facilities in France and Taiwan to fair market value based on quoted market price, and $4,305 related primarily to current asset write-offs and other facility closure costs in France, Taiwan and Mexico. All asset impairment charges were related to the Passive Component reportable segment. As of June 30, 2004, approximately 819 of the related positions have been eliminated and $12,643 of the severance costs has been paid. The rema ining accrual of $4,152 includes $185 of long-term payments to be paid under an early retirement program, with the remainder expected to be paid within the next twelve months. As of June 30, 2004, approximately $2,902 of the facility closure costs remain to be paid with $1,146 to be paid in long-term commitments and the remainder expected to be paid within the next twelve months.

Activity related to these costs is as follows:

Long-lived

Other

Asset

Facility

Workforce

Impairment

Closure

Reductions


Write-down


Costs


Total


Restructuring Expense

$

16,795

$

5,756

$

4,305

$

26,856

Utilized

(6,410)


(5,756)


(739)


(12,905)


Balance at March 31, 2004

10,385

-

3,566

13,951

Utilized

(6,233)


-


(664)


(6,897)


Balance at June 30, 2004

$

4,152


$

-


$

2,902


$

7,054


Fiscal year ended March 31, 2002

The Company recorded $24,646 of restructuring charges during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002, comprised of $11,146 for employee separation costs covering approximately 6,110 production, technical, administrative and support employees in all geographic regions and $13,500 for facility closures primarily in the passive components segment. During the quarter ended September 30, 2003, the facility closures cost estimate was increased by $357. As of June 30, 2004, all related positions have been eliminated and $10,510 of the severance costs has been paid. The remaining accrual of $636 includes $256 of long-term payments to be paid under an early retirement program, with the remainder expected to be paid within the next twelve months. As of June 30, 2004, all of the facility closures costs have been paid.

10


Activity related to these costs is as follows:

Facility

Workforce

Closure

Reductions


Costs


Total


Restructuring Expense

$

11,146

$

13,500

$

24,646

Utilized

(4,720)


(10,401)


(15,121)


Balance at March 31, 2002

6,426

3,099

9,525

Utilized

(4,968)


(2,624)


(7,592)


Balance at March 31, 2003

1,458

475

1,933

Utilized

(748)

(735)

(1,483)

Changes in Estimate

-


357


357


Balance at March 31, 2004

710

97

807

Utilized

(74)


(97)


(171)


Balance at June 30, 2004

$

636


$

-


$

636


6. Commitments and Contingencies:

The Company has been named as a potentially responsible party in state and federal administrative proceedings seeking contribution for costs associated with the correction and remediation of environmental conditions at various waste disposal and operating sites. The Company also operates on sites that may have potential future environmental issues. Once it becomes probable that the Company will incur costs in connection with remediation of a site and such costs can be reasonably estimated, the Company establishes reserves or adjusts its reserve for its projected share of these costs. Management believes that, as of June 30, 2004, its reserves of approximately $2,254 are adequate with respect to these matters. Actual costs may vary from these estimated reserves, but such costs are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, the Company entered into a tantalum supply agreement for a portion of its anticipated tantalum usage. Under the agreement, quantities to be delivered were fixed for the next five years. Prices were fixed for the first two years and are subject to downward price adjustments based upon market conditions for the remaining three years. Downward price adjustments are contingent upon the grade, quantity and price of tantalum materials sold by the supplier to third parties. Accordingly, there is no guarantee as to the future realizability of any downward price adjustments and amounts currently received may not be indicative of amounts that may be received in the future. Downward price adjustments are recorded as reductions in the costs of the related inventory when received. The Company received $2,281 and $2,389 of downward price adjustments during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively. At June 30, 2004, future purc hase commitments under the tantalum supply agreement are approximately $58,101 during the balance of fiscal 2005 and $48,097 in fiscal 2006. During the quarter ended September 30, 2003, we recorded a materials charge in connection with the tantalum supply agreement. In connection with the materials charge, we have remaining accruals of $23,820 at June 30, 2004 for the write-down of future purchase commitments under the tantalum supply agreement. The remaining accrued net losses will be used as we satisfy our remaining purchase commitments under the tantalum supply agreement. At June 30, 2004, the Company had $70,681 million of tantalum raw materials inventory that we expect will be used in the normal course of production.

11


AVX filed a complaint on July 29, 2002, against Cabot Corporation ("Cabot") in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the "Federal Court") with respect to the existing supply agreement with Cabot for tantalum powder, ore and wire, alleging violations of a federal law known as the Robinson-Patman Act. Just before the dismissal of that case by stipulation on jurisdictional grounds on March 28, 2003, Cabot filed a court action in the Superior Court for Suffolk County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "State Court") on March 18, 2003, seeking a declaratory judgment to determine the rights and obligations of each party. AVX then filed a counterclaim against Cabot in the State Court on April 17, 2003, restating the affirmative claims asserted in the Federal Court action for money damages for unfair and deceptive trade practices by Cabot, breach of contract and other related matters. In particular, AVX asserts that in fiscal 2001 Cabot took advantage of a shortage of tantalum on the market to induce AVX to execute a long-term contract at inflated prices by threatening to breach the contract then in effect between the parties, and that Cabot made false or misleading assertions during the course of those dealings. AVX has also filed claims for breach of the long-term contract because of defective product and delayed deliveries. AVX seeks, pursuant to the action, injunctive relief, actual and treble damages in amounts to be determined at trial and attorney's fees. On June 18, 2004, the Superior Court judge dismissed that portion of the AVX state case that related to the allegations concerning the formation of the challenged contract. The allegations of breach of contract still survive.

On March 8, 2004, AVX filed a second action in Federal Court against Cabot alleging certain violations of the federal antitrust laws. The facts alleged in this action relate to the same contracts, but in this action AVX alleged Cabot engaged in conduct that violated federal anti-trust laws known as the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. AVX seeks, pursuant to this action, injunctive relief, actual and treble damages in amounts to be determined at trial and attorney's fees. Cabot has filed its initial motions to dismiss which are still pending. AVX is not subject to any loss contingency resulting from the claims against Cabot.

7. Comprehensive Income:

Comprehensive income represents total non-shareholder changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to shareholders. The specific components include net income (loss), pension liability adjustments, deferred gains and losses resulting from foreign currency translation adjustments and qualified foreign currency cash flow hedges.

Comprehensive income for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 includes the following components:

     

Three Months

     

2003


 

2004


Net income (loss)

$

(15,941)

$

22,892

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

       

Foreign currency translation adjustment

35,316

4,633

 

Foreign currency cash flow hedges

 

907


 

602


Comprehensive income

$

20,282


$

28,127


12


8. Segment and Geographic Information:

On April 1, 2004, the Company reorganized into a product line organization with six main product groups. Management has reported the results of operations to the Chief Operating Decision Maker, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, based upon a product line approach and determined the existence of the following operating segments: Ceramic, Advanced MLC, Tantalum, Kyocera Electronic Devices ("KED"), AVX Connector and TPC. The KED division includes the new KSS product group (certain sales and marketing subsidiaries acquired April 2, 2004 from Kinseki Ltd. of Japan ("KSS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of our majority stockholder, Kyocera Corporation), along with the Kyocera Developed Products ("KDP") group that was reported in the passive component group segment and the Kyocera Elco Connectors ("KEC") group that was reported in the connectors group segment. Managers of each product group are responsible for the sales, marketing, production, research and development, and profitability of th eir product group. Based on the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"), each of these business units are separate operating segments.

The Company's reportable segments are based on the types of products from which the Company generates revenues. The Company has three reportable segments: Passive Components, KED Resale and AVX Connectors. The operating segments of Ceramic, Advanced MLC, Tantalum and TPC have been aggregated into the Passive Component reportable segment in accordance with the aggregation criteria and quantitative thresholds in SFAS 131. The aggregation criteria consist of similar economic characteristics, products and services, production processes, customer classes and distribution channels. The Passive Components segment consists primarily of surface mount and leaded ceramic and tantalum capacitors, film and power capacitors and varistors. The KED Resale segment consists primarily of capacitors, oscillators, filters and connectors produced by Kyocera and resold by AVX. The AVX Connectors segment consists primarily of Elco automotive, telecom and memory connectors produced by AVX. Sales and operat ing results from these reportable segments are shown in the tables below. In addition, the Company has a corporate administration group consisting of finance and administrative activities and a separate Research and Development group.

The Company evaluates performance of its segments based upon sales and operating profit. There are no intersegment revenues. The Company allocates the costs of shared resources between segments based on each segment's usage of the shared resources. Cash, accounts receivable, investments in securities and certain other assets, which are centrally managed, are not readily allocable to operating segments. Prior year reportable segment information has been restated based on the above Company reorganization and new applicable segments. The tables below present information about reported segments for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004:

Three Months

2003


2004


Net sales:

Passive Components

$

188,768

$

223,721

KED Resale

55,485

105,060

AVX Connectors

12,402


16,237


Total

$

256,655


$

345,018


13


 

Three Months

2003


2004


Operating profit (loss):

Passive Components

$

(15,076)

$

30,797

KED Resale

3,798

6,995

AVX Connectors

605

2,277

Research & development

(3,623)

(2,876)

Corporate administration

(5,573)


(6,472)


Total

$

(19,869)


$

30,721


 

March 31, 2004


June 30,
2004


Assets:

Passive Components

$

559,538

$

594,349

KED Resale

20,006

25,217

AVX Connectors

24,737

25,964

Research & development

8,372

8,611

Cash, A/R and investments in securities

891,181

909,011

Goodwill

69,747

69,804

Corporate administration

94,296


88,532


Total

$

1,667,877


$

1,721,488


The following geographic data is based upon net sales generated by operations located within particular geographic areas for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004:

Three Months

2003


2004


Net sales:

Americas

$

91,761

$

110,465

Europe

70,885

89,299

Asia

94,009


145,254


Total

$

256,655


$

345,018


9. Pension Plans:

In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits" ("Revised SFAS 132"). Revised SFAS 132 retains the disclosures required by the original SFAS 132, which standardized the disclosure requirements for pensions and other postretirement benefits to the extent practicable and required additional information on changes in the benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets. Revised SFAS 132 requires disclosures in addition to those required by the original SFAS 132 about the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans. The Company has adopted the disclosure requirements required by the Revised SFAS 132, as reflected in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. The interim disclosures are presented below.

14


The following table shows the components of the net periodic pension cost for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 for the U.S. defined benefit plans:

Three Months

2003


2004


Service cost

$

81

$

91

Interest cost

 

406

 

404

Expected return on plan assets

 

(378)

 

(392)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

37


 

44


Net periodic pension cost

$

146


$

147


The following table shows the components of the net periodic pension cost for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 for the non-U.S. defined benefit plans:

Three Months

2003


2004


Service cost

$

371

$

282

Interest cost

 

1,241

 

1,302

Expected return on plan assets

 

(1,024)

 

(1,122)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

15

 

15

Recognized actuarial loss

 

372


 

323


Net periodic pension cost

$

975


$

800


10. Acquisition:

On April 2, 2004, the Company completed its acquisition of certain sales and marketing subsidiaries from Kinseki Ltd. of Japan, a wholly owned subsidiary of our majority stockholder, Kyocera Corporation. We now have the right to distribute crystal components previously sold by Kinseki in the Americas, Europe and parts of Asia. Annual sales of these products in these regions were approximately $80,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. The purchase was accounted for under the purchase accounting method in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations". The final purchase price of the KSS acquisition of $11,991 was based on $9,617 of purchased net assets and $2,374 of goodwill, which was recorded as a decrease in equity as required for entities under common control. The results of operations related to this acquisition are included in the accompanying financial statements beginning April 2, 2004.

15


11. Subsequent Event:

On July 20, 2004, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a $0.0375 dividend per share of common stock with respect to the quarter ended June 30, 2004. The dividend will be paid to stockholders of record on August 3, 2004 and will be disbursed on August 13, 2004.

16


[Table of Contents]

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains "forward-looking" information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding industry prospects and future results of operations or financial position, made in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking. The forward-looking information may include, among other information, statements concerning the Company's outlook for fiscal year 2005, overall volume and pricing trends, cost reduction strategies and their anticipated results, expectations for research and development, and capital expenditures. There may also be other statements of expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations and are inherently uncertain. The forward-looking information and state ments in this report are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the information or statements. Forward-looking statements should be read in context with, and with the understanding of, the various other disclosures concerning the Company and its business made elsewhere in this quarterly report as well as other public reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results or developments.

The Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this quarterly report to reflect new events or circumstances unless and to the extent required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, to the extent it may be applicable by the way of the incorporation of statements contained in this quarterly report by reference or otherwise, Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, each of which establishes a safe-harbor from private actions for forward-looking statements as defined in those statutes.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is based upon the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, bad debts, inventories, property and equipment, goodwill, restructuring costs, income taxes and contingencies. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.

17


The Company has identified the accounting policies and estimates that are critical to our business operations and understanding the Company's results of operations. Those policies and estimates can be found in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", of the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7, "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates", in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 and in Note 1, "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates", in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q. Accordingly, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. During the three-month period ended June 30, 2004, there were no significant changes to any critical accounting policies, judgments inv olved in applying those policies or to the methodology used in determining estimates including those related to revenue recognition, bad debts, inventories, property and equipment, goodwill, restructuring costs, income taxes and contingencies.

Business Overview

AVX is a leading worldwide manufacturer and supplier of a broad line of passive electronic components and related products. Virtually all types of electronic devices use our passive component products to store, filter or regulate electric energy. We also manufacture and supply high-quality electronic connectors and inter-connect systems for use in electronic products. In addition to AVX manufactured products, we also sell and distribute certain Kyocera manufactured electronic component and connector products to customers in certain territories outside Japan.

We have manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities located throughout the world which are divided into three main geographic regions: the Americas, Asia and Europe. On April 2, 2004, we completed our acquisition of certain sales and marketing subsidiaries from Kinseki Ltd. of Japan ("KSS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera. Effective April 1, 2004, we have reorganized into a product line organization with six main product groups. Management has reported the results of operations to the Chief Operating Decision Maker, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, based upon a product line approach and determined the existence of the following operating segments: Ceramic, Tantalum, Advanced MLC, Kyocera Electronic Devices ("KED") Resale, AVX Connectors and TPC. The KED Resale division includes the new KSS product group, along with the Kyocera Developed Products ("KDP") group that was previously reported in the passive group segment and the Kyocera Elco Connectors ("KEC") group that w as previously reported in the connectors segment. Accordingly, as a result of this reorganization, we have revised our segment reporting in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"). Effective April 1, 2004, we began reporting segment information in three reportable segments: Passive Components, KED Resale and AVX Connectors.

Our products are marketed worldwide and are primarily sold to original equipment manufacturers, independent electronic component distributors and contract equipment manufacturers through our own direct sales force and independent manufacturers' representatives.

18


Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

Net Sales

Net sales in the three months ended June 30, 2004 increased $88.3 million, or 34.4%, to $345.0 million compared to $256.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003.

The table below represents product group revenues from external customers for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2004.

     

Three Months

$(000's)

 

2003


   

2004


Ceramic Components

$

62,071

 

$

74,578

Tantalum Components

 

65,446

   

78,581

Advanced Components

 

61,251


   

70,562


Total Passive Components

 

188,768


   

223,721


             

KDP and KSS Resale

 

42,499

   

85,960

KEC Resale

 

12,986


   

19,100


Total KED Resale

 

55,485


   

105,060


             

AVX Connectors

 

12,402


   

16,237


 

Total Net Sales

$

256,655


 

$

345,018


Passive component sales increased $34.9 million, or 18.5%, to $223.7 million from $188.8 million. The sales increase in passive components was primarily due to an increase in customer orders resulting from a continuing recovery in the electronics business end markets and increased demand partly due to the continued complexity and increased functionality of electronic products. Compared to the same period last year, passive component unit volumes increased approximately 24%, reflecting the increased demand discussed above. This increase in volume was partially offset by an overall decline in average selling prices of approximately 5.0% resulting from changes in product mix and lower selling prices. The Company saw continued pricing pressure in the first half of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 on commodity related products resulting from the industry's production capacity exceeding demand. Advanced component sales include 34.5% and 27.9% of tantalum advanced component sales and 65. 5% and 72.1% of ceramic advanced component sales during the periods ended June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2004, respectively.

KED resale sales, excluding KEC resale connectors discussed below, increased $43.5 million, or 102.3%, to $86.0 million compared to $42.5 million during the same period last year. The increase is attributable to product mix and improved volumes resulting from the overall improvement in the electronics business end markets, in addition to approximately $24.3 million of sales of KSS crystal components from our April 2, 2004 acquisition, completed during the period ended June 30, 2004.

Compared to the same period last year total connector sales, including AVX manufactured and KEC resale connectors, increased $9.9 million, or 39.2%, to $35.3 million from $25.4 million. This increase was primarily attributable to product mix and increased volume due to sales from new customer programs and improved end market conditions.

19


The Company's sales to independent electronic distributors represented 42.6% of total sales for the period ended June 30, 2004, compared to 35.5% for the period ended June 30, 2003. This increase reflects more normalized distribution inventory replenishment and higher sales activity. The Company's sales to distributors involve specific ship and debit, price concession and stock rotation programs for which sales allowances are recorded as reductions in sales. Such allowance charges were $9.4 million, or 6.0% of gross sales to distributors, for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and $11.4 million, or 10.4% of gross sales to distributors, for the three months ended June 30, 2003. This reduction is reflective of the improved demand in the electronics business end markets, resulting in a more stable pricing environment. Applications under such programs for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 were approximately $9.0 million and $10.7 million, respectively.

Geographically, compared to the same period last year, sales as a percentage of total sales increased 5.5% in Asia and decreased 3.8% in the Americas and 1.7% in Europe reflecting the continuing shift of production capabilities by our customers to the Asian region. Compared to the same period last year, sales in the Americas, Asia and Europe increased 20.4%, 54.5% and 26.0%, respectively.

Gross Profit

Gross profit in the three months ended June 30, 2004 increased $52.2 million to $56.2 million compared to $4.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003. Cost of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2004 reflect improved manufacturing efficiencies as a result of increased volumes, lower manufacturing costs as a result of moving production into lower cost regions, lower material costs and lower depreciation expense of $4.3 million due to lower capital spending during the past two fiscal years. Labor cost increased $3.9 million as a result of higher headcount due to increased production. Overall material expense decreased $6.4 million as a result of lower material costs, in part due to the tantalum materials charge taken in fiscal 2004. Lower material costs were partially offset by increased material usage due to higher production volumes.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the three months ended June 30, 2004 were $25.5 million, or 7.4% of net sales, compared with $21.1 million, or 8.2% of net sales, in the three months ended June 30, 2003. Direct selling expenses increased $0.6 million primarily due to higher sales commissions paid to independent manufacturers' representatives and higher freight costs due to higher sales. Professional fees increased $1.0 million primarily due to the increased costs related to compliance and the implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Research, Development and Engineering Expenses

Research, development and engineering expenditures, which encompass the personnel and related expenses devoted to developing new and maintaining existing products, processes and technical innovations, were approximately $13.6 million and $10.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Research and development costs for the development of new products and processes are primarily classified in selling, general and administrative expenses, while engineering costs in connection with existing products and processes are primarily included in cost of sales.

20


$(000's)

Three Months Ended June 30,

2003


2004


Research and development expense:

Cost of sales

$

725

$

-

Selling, general and administrative expense

2,898


2,876


Total research and development expense

3,623

2,876

Engineering expense:

Cost of sales

6,068

10,382

Selling general and administrative expense

497


380


Total engineering expense

6,565


10,762


Total research, development and engineering expense

$

10,188


$

13,638


The decline in research and development expenses was partially due to the transfer from development to production of certain new products. The costs were incurred as we continue to enhance existing product lines, develop new products, convert to the use of base metals in the manufacture of ceramic capacitors and develop high capacitance capacitors. Increased engineering costs are due to improvements made on products transferred to production from research and development in addition to ongoing enhancements of existing products.

Restructuring

The operating results for the three months ended June 30, 2003 included restructuring charges of $2.8 million related to worldwide headcount reductions from employee separations covering approximately 160 production, technical, administrative and support employees.

Income from Operations

As a result of the above factors, the Company reported a profit from operations of $30.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to a loss from operations of $19.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003.

Other Income

Other income increased $1.6 million to $5.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $3.4 million in the prior fiscal year. The increase is due to a $2.8 million pre-tax and after-tax gain on the sale of a previously closed facility in Taiwan, offset by lower interest income resulting from lower interest rates on invested cash and securities.

Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rate for the period ended June 30, 2004 was 36.0% compared to a tax benefit of 3.0% for the same period last year. This increase is due to increased taxable income partially offset by tax benefits resulting from operating losses for certain European and Asian operations which were offset by valuation allowances. The Company provides allowances where there is a greater likelihood of not realizing the future tax benefits of net operating losses. The Company's effective tax benefit for the period ended June 30, 2003 was 3.0% as tax benefits for losses incurred in certain countries were offset by the nondeductability of operating losses for certain European and Far East operations. The tax benefit for the period ended June 30, 2003 included $0.5 million from the favorable resolution of certain prior year tax matters.

21


Net Income (Loss)

As a result of the factors discussed above, the net income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2004 was $22.9 million compared to a net loss of $15.9 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003. The increase in net income was a result of the factors set forth above.

Outlook

Near-Term:

The electronic component industry in which we operate is cyclical. In fiscal 2004, we saw a substantial improvement in the markets we serve and during the second half of the fiscal year, some pricing stabilization, improvement in manufacturing capacity utilization and a more normal balance in supply chain inventories. The continued uncertainty in the global economy and end market demand makes it difficult to predict near-term events. Near-term results for us will depend on growth in the economy and resulting expansion in the telecommunications, information technology hardware, automotive and other electronic markets. We expect a continued, but more modest, decline in average selling prices for certain commodity related products which is more typical over a longer period of time in our industry than the rapid average selling price declines experienced during the last two years resulting from the imbalance of the industry's manufacturing capacity and end market demand. As unit sales have increased during the last several quarters, the industry's manufacturing capacity utilization has steadily increased. This has helped stabilize selling prices. Additionally, in reaction to the slow down in demand during the prior fiscal years, the Company implemented global workforce reduction programs, manufacturing facility closures and other measures to reduce operating costs and rationalized our product offerings. The Company continues to evaluate its cost structure and manufacturing capabilities in conjunction with current demand and future expectations. Accordingly, the Company could record additional restructuring charges in the future resulting from further global workforce reductions and facility reorganizations as the Company continues to take strategic actions in response to changes in current or future business conditions.

As a result of our completion of our previously announced acquisition of certain sales and marketing subsidiaries from KSS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera, effective April 2, 2004, we have the right to distribute crystal components previously sold by Kinseki in the Americas, Europe and parts of Asia. Annual sales of these products in these regions were approximately $80.0 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. Sales of such products included in our results were approximately $24.3 million for the period ended June 30, 2004.

Effective April 1, 2004, we have reorganized into a product line organization with six main product groups: Ceramic, Tantalum, Advanced MLC, Kyocera Electronic Devices ("KED") Resale, AVX Connectors and TPC. The KED division contains the new KSS product group, along with the Kyocera Developed Products ("KDP") group that was previously reported in the passive group segment and the Kyocera Elco Connectors ("KEC") group that was previously reported in the connectors segment. Accordingly, as a result of this reorganization, we have revised our segment reporting in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"). Effective April 1, 2004, we began reporting segment information in three reportable segments: Passive Components, KED Resale and AVX Connectors.

22


Long-Term:

We continue to be optimistic that opportunities of long-term growth and profitability will continue in fiscal 2005 due to: (a) the continued increase as a long-term trend in worldwide demand for electronic devices which require our electronic components, (b) cost reductions and improvements in our production processes and (c) opportunities for growth in our advanced product line due to advances in component design.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's liquidity needs arise primarily from working capital requirements, dividend payments and capital expenditures. Historically, the Company has satisfied its liquidity requirements through funds from operations and investment income from cash and investments in securities. As of June 30, 2004, the Company had a current ratio of 4.63 to 1, $728.2 million of cash, cash equivalents and investments in securities, $1,405.7 million of stockholders' equity and no debt.

Net cash provided from operating activities was $6.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $17.8 million of cash used in operations in the three months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in cash flow from operations compared to the same period last year was primarily a result of the higher net income and changes in net working capital to support the higher level of activity during the three months ended June 30, 2004.

Purchases of property and equipment were $12.6 million in the three-month period ended June 30, 2004 compared to $8.1 million in the three-month period ended June 30, 2003. Expenditures for both periods were primarily in connection with the transfer of Passive Component manufacturing operations to lower cost regions, process improvements in Passive Component product lines and expansion of production of some advanced and connector product lines. This included the construction of a 500,000 square foot manufacturing facility in China that was started during fiscal 2002 and was substantially complete at the end of fiscal 2004. Production is being transferred to this facility over the next year. The carrying value for our equipment reflects the use of the accelerated double-declining balance method to compute depreciation expense for machinery and equipment. We continue to add additional capacity for advanced passive component and connector products and expect to incur capital expenditures of $45.0 million to $50.0 million in fiscal 2005. The actual amount of capital expenditures will depend upon the outlook for end market demand.

The majority of the Company's funding is internally generated through operations and investment income from cash and investments in securities. Since March 31, 2004, there have been no significant changes in the Company's contractual obligations or commitments for the acquisition or construction of plant and equipment or future minimum lease commitments under noncancellable operating leases. Based on the financial condition of the Company as of June 30, 2004, the Company believes that cash on hand and cash expected to be generated from operating activities and investment income from cash and investments in securities will be sufficient to satisfy the Company's anticipated financing needs for working capital, capital expenditures, environmental clean-up costs, research, development and engineering expenses, and any dividend payments or stock repurchases to be made during the year. While changes in customer demand have an impact on the Company's future cash requirements, changes in those requirements are mitigated by the Company's ability to adjust manufacturing capabilities to meet increases or decreases in customer demand. Additionally, the Company does not anticipate any significant changes in its ability to generate or meet its liquidity needs in the long-term.

23


Although the majority of our funding is internally generated, certain of our European subsidiaries have from time to time borrowed various European currencies under various bank agreements. At June 30, 2004, there were no balances under such agreements. These borrowings have been used primarily to fund regional working capital requirements.

From time to time we enter into delivery contracts with selected suppliers for certain precious metals used in our production processes. The delivery contracts represent routine purchase orders for delivery within three months and payment is due upon receipt. As of June 30, 2004, we did not have any of these delivery contracts outstanding.

AVX filed a complaint on July 29, 2002, against Cabot Corporation ("Cabot") in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the "Federal Court") with respect to the existing supply agreement with Cabot for tantalum powder, ore and wire, alleging violations of a federal law known as the Robinson-Patman Act. Just before the dismissal of that case by stipulation on jurisdictional grounds on March 28, 2003, Cabot filed a court action in the Superior Court for Suffolk County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "State Court") on March 18, 2003, seeking a declaratory judgment to determine the rights and obligations of each party. AVX then filed a counterclaim against Cabot in the State Court on April 17, 2003, restating the affirmative claims asserted in the Federal Court action for money damages for unfair and deceptive trade practices by Cabot, breach of contract and other related matters. In particular, AVX asserts that in fiscal 2001 Cabot took advantage of a shortage of tantalum on the market to induce AVX to execute a long-term contract at inflated prices by threatening to breach the contract then in effect between the parties, and that Cabot made false or misleading assertions during the course of those dealings. AVX has also filed claims for breach of the long-term contract because of defective product and delayed deliveries. AVX seeks, pursuant to the action, injunctive relief, actual and treble damages in amounts to be determined at trial and attorney's fees. On June 18, 2004, the Superior Court judge dismissed that portion of the AVX state case that related to the allegations concerning the formation of the challenged contract. The allegations of breach of contract still survive.

On March 8, 2004, AVX filed a second action in Federal Court against Cabot alleging certain violations of the federal antitrust laws. The facts alleged in this action relate to the same contracts, but in this action AVX alleged Cabot engaged in conduct that violated federal anti-trust laws known as the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. AVX seeks, pursuant to this action, injunctive relief, actual and treble damages in amounts to be determined at trial and attorney's fees. Cabot has filed its initial motions to dismiss which are still pending. AVX is not subject to any loss contingency resulting from the claims against Cabot.

We have been named as a potentially responsible party in state and federal administrative proceedings seeking contribution for costs associated with the correction and remediation of environmental conditions at various waste disposal and operating sites. We also operate on sites that may have potential future environmental issues. Once it becomes probable that we will incur costs in connection with remediation of a site and such costs can be reasonably estimated, we establish reserves or adjust our reserve for our projected share of these costs. Management believes that its reserves of approximately $2.3 million are adequate with respect to these matters. Actual costs may vary from these estimated reserves, but such costs are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

24


During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, the Company entered into a tantalum supply agreement for a portion of its anticipated tantalum usage. Under the agreement, quantities to be delivered were fixed for the next five years. Prices were fixed for the first two years and are subject to downward price adjustments based upon market conditions for the remaining three years. Downward price adjustments are contingent upon the grade, quantity and price of tantalum materials sold by the supplier to third parties. Accordingly, there is no guarantee as to the future realizability of any downward price adjustments and amounts currently received may not be indicative of amounts that may be received in the future. Downward price adjustments are recorded as reductions in the costs of the related inventory when received. The Company received $2.3 million and $2.4 million of downward price adjustments during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively. At June 30, 2004, future purchase commitments under the tantalum supply agreement are approximately $58.1 million during the balance of fiscal 2005 and $48.1 million in fiscal 2006. During the quarter ended September 30, 2003, we recorded a materials charge in connection with the tantalum supply agreement. In connection with the materials charge, we have remaining accruals of $23.8 million at June 30, 2004 for the write-down of future purchase commitments under the tantalum supply agreement. The remaining accrued net losses will be used as we satisfy our remaining purchase commitments under the tantalum supply agreement. At June 30, 2004, the Company had $70.7 million of tantalum raw materials inventory that we expect will be used in the normal course of production.

[Table of Contents]

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company's market risk exposure at June 30, 2004 is consistent with the types of market risk and amount of exposures, including foreign currency and materials risks, presented in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2004.

[Table of Contents]

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), AVX's management, under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer each concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.

There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the Company's last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II:

OTHER INFORMATION

[Table of Contents]

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

AVX filed a complaint on July 29, 2002, against Cabot Corporation ("Cabot") in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the "Federal Court") with respect to the existing supply agreement with Cabot for tantalum powder, ore and wire, alleging violations of a federal law known as the Robinson-Patman Act. Just before the dismissal of that case by stipulation on jurisdictional grounds on March 28, 2003, Cabot filed a court action in the Superior Court for Suffolk County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "State Court") on March 18, 2003, seeking a declaratory judgment to determine the rights and obligations of each party. AVX then filed a counterclaim against Cabot in the State Court on April 17, 2003, restating the affirmative claims asserted in the Federal Court action for money damages for unfair and deceptive trade practices by Cabot, breach of contract and other related matters. In particular, AVX asserts that in fiscal 2001 Cabot took advantage of a shortage of tantalum on the market to induce AVX to execute a long-term contract at inflated prices by threatening to breach the contract then in effect between the parties, and that Cabot made false or misleading assertions during the course of those dealings. AVX has also filed claims for breach of the long-term contract because of defective product and delayed deliveries. AVX seeks, pursuant to the action, injunctive relief, actual and treble damages in amounts to be determined at trial and attorney's fees. On June 18, 2004, the Superior Court judge dismissed that portion of the AVX state case that related to the allegations concerning the formation of the challenged contract. The allegations of breach of contract still survive.

25


On March 8, 2004, AVX filed a second action in Federal Court against Cabot alleging certain violations of the federal antitrust laws. The facts alleged in this action relate to the same contracts, but in this action AVX alleged Cabot engaged in conduct that violated federal anti-trust laws known as the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. AVX seeks, pursuant to this action, injunctive relief, actual and treble damages in amounts to be determined at trial and attorney's fees. Cabot has filed its initial motions to dismiss which are still pending. AVX is not subject to any loss contingency resulting from the claims against Cabot.

[Table of Contents]

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on July 20, 2004 for the purpose of electing five directors, approving the AVX Corporation 2004 Stock Option Plan, approving the AVX Corporation 2004 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan and ratifying the Management Incentive Plan. Proxies for the meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and there was no solicitation in opposition to management's solicitations.

Proposal 1:

Election of Class II director with term expiring at the Annual Meeting in July of 2006 was approved with the following vote:

   

Shares
Voted
"For"


 

Shares
"Withheld"


Class II

Joseph Stach

159,669,233

 

1,153,687

Election of Class I directors with terms expiring at the Annual Meeting in July of 2007 was approved with the following vote:

   

Shares
Voted
"For"


 

Shares
"Withheld"


Class I

Kazuo Inamori

143,431,113

 

17,391,807

Class I

Kensuke Itoh

142,933,683

 

17,889,237

Class I

Benedict P. Rosen

143,257,577

 

17,565,343

Class I

Richard Tressler

159,742,643

 

1,080,277

26


The following is a summary of directors who were not up for election and continue in office:

Class II

John S. Gilbertson

Class II

Rodney N. Lanthorne

Class III

Yasuo Nishiguchi

Class III

Masahiro Umemura

Class III

Yuzo Yamamura

Class III

Donald B. Christiansen

Proposal 2:

Proposal to approve the AVX Corporation 2004 Stock Option Plan was approved with the following vote:

Shares
Voted
"For"


 

Shares
Voted
"Against"


 

Shares
"Abstaining"


156,084,917

 

4,163,997

 

574,006

Proposal 3:

Proposal to approve the AVX Corporation 2004 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan was approved with the following vote:

Shares
Voted
"For"


 

Shares
Voted
"Against"


 

Shares
"Abstaining"


158,199,700

 

2,048,614

 

574,606

Proposal 4:

Proposal to ratify the Management Incentive Plan was approved with the following vote:

Shares
Voted
"For"


 

Shares
Voted
"Against"


 

Shares
"Abstaining"


158,922,906

 

1,322,432

 

577,582

27


[Table of Contents]

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits:

31.1

Certification of John S. Gilbertson, Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated August 9, 2004.

31.2

Certification of Kurt P. Cummings, Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated August 9, 2004.

32.1

Certification of John S. Gilbertson, Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated August 9, 2004.

32.2

Certification of Kurt P. Cummings, Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated August 9, 2004.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

(i)

The Company furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 9 - Regulation FD Disclosure, dated April 20, 2004, announcing the Company's plans to exit the ferrite component market in Europe and to close a related factory in Beaune, France.

(ii)

The Company furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 12 - Results of Operations and Financial Condition, dated May 14, 2004, announcing the Company's consolidated financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

(iii)

The Company furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 12 - Results of Operations and Financial Condition, dated June 14, 2004, announcing that the Company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

28


[Table of Contents]

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Date:    August 9, 2004

 

             AVX Corporation

   

By:

/s/ Kurt P. Cummings


 

Kurt P. Cummings

 

Vice President,

 

Chief Financial Officer,

 

Treasurer and Secretary

29