UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

 

or

 

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

Commission file number 1-7201

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

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.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

   

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

 

 

---

 

AVX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 AVX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

---

 

AVX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

---

 

AVX  Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

---

 

AVX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 (in thousands)

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

---

 

AVX Corporation and Subsidiaries

 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements  (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

   1. Basis of Presentation:

 

The consolidated financial statements of AVX Corporation and its subsidiaries (“AVX” or the “Company”) include all accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. We have prepared the accompanying financial statements 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 statement of the consolidated balance sheets, operating results, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the periods presented. Operating results for the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015 due to changes in economic conditions 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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014.    

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:

We have identified the accounting policies and estimates that are critical to our business operations and understanding our results of operations. Those policies and estimates can be found in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”, in “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. Accordingly, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. During the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2014, there were no significant changes to any critical accounting policies or to the methodology used in determining estimates including those related to investment securities, revenue recognition, inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment, income taxes, and contingencies.

 

New Accounting Standards

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” This topic provides guidance on whether an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset or as a separate liability. This topic is for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption allowed.  Adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the determination or reporting of the Company’s financial results.

 

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, which changes the criteria for determining which disposals are required to be presented as discontinued operations. The changes require a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results when any of the following occurs: (i) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, (ii) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity is disposed of by sale, or (iii) the component of an entity or group of components of an entity is disposed of other than by sale. The amendments apply on a prospective basis to disposals of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The implementation of the amended accounting guidance on January 1, 2015 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This guidance modifies the financial reporting of revenue and how an entity will determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The guidance provides for a five-step approach in applying the standard: 1) identifying the contract with the customer, 2) identifying separate performance obligations in the contract, 3) determining the transaction price, 4) allocating the transaction price to separate performance obligations, and 5) recognizing the revenue when the performance obligation has been satisfied. The new guidance requires enhanced disclosures for the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is being recognized. The

---

 

guidance is effective for public companies for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. Early adoption is not permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.   

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40); Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” This update requires management of the Company to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. This update is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

 

We have reviewed other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to our business or that no material effect is expected on our consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption.

 

   2. Earnings Per Share:

 

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings 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 in our calculation and are computed using the treasury stock method. 

 

The table below represents the basic and diluted earnings per share and sets forth the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock equivalents:

 

 

(1) Common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact would have been antidilutive were 2,963 shares and 2,199 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014, respectively and 3,102  and 2,329 for the six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

 

---

 

   3. Trade Accounts Receivable:

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

   4. Fair Value:

Fair Value Hierarchy:

The fair value framework requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to value the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

 

 

 

During the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2014, there have been no transfers of assets or liabilities between levels within the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

(1) The market value of the assets held in the trust for the non-qualified deferred compensation program is included as an asset and as a liability as the trust’s assets are both assets of the Company and also a liability as they are available to general creditors in certain circumstances.

 

(2) Foreign currency derivatives in the form of forward contracts are included in prepaid and other and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives classified as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses on derivatives classified as cash flow hedges are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as revenues and costs of sales and gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded in other income. 

 

Valuation Techniques:

 

The following describes valuation techniques used to appropriately value our assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan and derivatives.

 

Assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan

 

Assets valued using Level 1 inputs in the table above represent assets from our non-qualified deferred compensation program. The funds in the non-qualified deferred compensation program are valued based on the number of shares in the funds using a price per share traded in an active market.

 

Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, among other factors, we evaluate general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and whether or not we expect to recover the security's entire amortized cost basis. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

 

---

 

Derivatives

 

We primarily use forward contracts, with maturities generally less than four months, designated as cash flow hedges to protect against the foreign currency exchange rate risks inherent in our forecasted transactions related to purchase commitments and sales, denominated in various currencies. We also use derivatives not designated as hedging instruments to hedge foreign currency balance sheet exposures. These derivatives are used to offset currency changes in the fair value of the hedged assets and liabilities. Fair values for all of our derivative financial instruments are valued by adjusting the market spot rate by forward points, based on the date of the contract. The spot rates and forward points used are an average rate from an actively traded market. At March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, all of our forward contracts are Level 2 measurements.

 

   5. Financial Instruments and Investments in Securities:

 

At March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, we classified investments in debt securities and time deposits as held-to-maturity securities.

 

Our long-term and short-term investment securities are accounted for as held-to-maturity securities and are carried at amortized cost. We have the ability and intent to hold these investments until maturity. All income generated from the held-to-maturity securities investments are recorded as interest income.

 

Investments in held-to-maturity securities, recorded at amortized cost, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

---

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of held-to-maturity investments at September 30, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown below. The estimated fair value of these investments are based on valuation inputs that include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker and dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities bids, offers, and reference data, which are Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations without call or prepayment penalties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   6. Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

   7. Stock-Based Compensation:

 

In April 2014, we granted 498 options to employees pursuant to the 2014 Stock Option Plan described in Note 11, “Stock Based Compensation”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. The weighted average grant date fair value per share and the weighted average exercise price per share for these options are $2.75 and $13.32, respectively.

 

In August 2014, we granted 15 options to employees pursuant to the 2014 Stock Option Plan described in Note 11, “Stock Based Compensation”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. The weighted average grant date fair value per share and the weighted average exercise price per share for these options are $2.72 and $13.40, respectively.

 

There were 40 stock options exercised during the six months ended September 30, 2014 with a total intrinsic value of $114.

 

   8. Commitments and Contingencies:

 

We have been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), state governmental agencies or other private parties as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) or equivalent state or local laws for clean-up and response costs associated with certain sites at which remediation is required with respect to prior contamination.  Because CERCLA or such state statutes authorize joint and several liability, the EPA or state regulatory authorities could seek to recover all clean-up costs from any one of the PRPs at a site despite the involvement of other PRPs.  At certain sites, financially responsible PRPs other than AVX also are, or have been, involved in site investigation and clean-up activities.  We believe that liability resulting from these sites will be apportioned between AVX and other PRPs.

 

To resolve our liability at the sites at which we have been named a PRP, we have entered into various administrative orders and consent decrees with federal and state regulatory agencies governing the timing and nature of investigation and remediation.  As is customary, the orders and decrees regarding sites where the PRPs are not themselves implementing the chosen remedy contain provisions allowing the EPA to reopen the agreement and seek additional amounts from settling PRPs in the event that certain contingencies occur, such as the discovery of significant new information about site conditions.

 

---

 

On October 10, 2012, the EPA, the United States, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and AVX announced that they had reached a financial settlement with respect to the EPA’s ongoing clean-up of the New Bedford Harbor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the “harbor”). Under the terms of the settlement, AVX was obligated to pay $366,250, plus interest computed from August 1, 2012, in three installments over a two-year period for use by the EPA and the Commonwealth to complete the clean-up of the harbor. On October 18, 2013, we paid the initial settlement installment of $133,350, plus accrued interest of $3,954.  On March 26, 2014, we prepaid a second settlement installment of $110,817, plus accrued interest of $822 on the remaining settlement amount through that date.  In accordance with the terms of the settlement, we are obligated to pay $122,083, plus interest, on September 21, 2015.  We have the option to prepay any portion of the remaining settlement balance at any time prior to the due date.

 

On June 3, 2010, AVX entered into an agreement with the EPA and the City of New Bedford, pursuant to which AVX is required to perform environmental remediation at a site referred to as the “Aerovox Site” (the “Site”), located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. AVX has substantially completed its obligations pursuant to such agreement with the EPA and the City of New Bedford with respect to the satisfaction of AVX’s federal law requirements. Agreements with the state regulatory authorities have yet to be concluded but are likely to include additional groundwater remediation. Based on our estimate of current and ongoing remediation costs, we have a remaining accrual of $11,101 at September 30, 2014, which represents our estimate of the potential liability related to the remaining performance of environmental remediation actions at the Site. The accrual represents the estimate of our cost to remediate; however, until all parties agree and remediation is complete, we cannot be certain there will be no additional cost.

 

We had reserves of approximately $135,336 and $136,566 at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, related to the various matters discussed above. These reserves are classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as $4,353 and $126,666 in accrued expenses at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, and $130,983 and $9,900 in other non-current liabilities at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The amount recorded for identified contingent liabilities is based on estimates. Amounts recorded are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect additional legal and technical information that becomes available. Also, uncertainties about the status of laws, regulations, regulatory actions, technology, and information related to individual sites make it difficult to develop an estimate of the reasonably possible aggregate environmental remediation exposure.  Accordingly, these costs could differ from our current estimates.

 

On November 27, 2007, a suit was filed in South Carolina State Court by individuals as a class action with respect to property adjacent to our Myrtle Beach, South Carolina factory claiming property values have been negatively impacted by alleged migration of certain pollutants from our property. During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, the parties agreed to seek Court modification of the definition of the plaintiff class. In the event such modification is allowed by the Court, the parties have also agreed to jointly recommend to the Court a settlement of the action.  Any settlement will be subject to Court review and approval.  Although the final amount of such settlement, if approved by the Court, depends on the number of participating class members, the maximum amount, if all class members participate, would be $1,200. Accordingly, based on our estimate of potential outcomes, we have $1,200 accrued with respect to this case as of September 30, 2014. We can give no assurance, however, that this action will be resolved on the terms indicated above.  If it is not so resolved, we intend to continue to defend vigorously the claims asserted.

 

On March 1, 2010, AVX was named as a third party defendant in a case filed in Massachusetts Superior Court captioned DaRosa v. City of New Bedford.  This case relates to a former disposal site in the City of New Bedford located at Parker Street. The City asserts that a predecessor company, Aerovox, among others, contributed to that site. We intend to defend vigorously the claims that have been asserted in this lawsuit. We are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss at this time. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of this case on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.

---

 

On October 16, 2014, a case was filed by the City of New Bedford against AVX in Massachusetts Superior Court by the City of New Bedford arising from contamination at the City’s New Bedford Railyard. AVX had previously received formal demand from the City in the amount of approximately $11,000 related to activities by a predecessor company, Aerovox. AVX believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to defend vigorously the case. We are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss at this time. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of this demand on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.

 

We also operate on other sites that may have potential future environmental issues as a result of activities at sites during AVX’s long history of manufacturing operations or prior to the start of operations by AVX. Even though we may have rights of indemnity for such environmental matters at certain sites, regulatory agencies in those jurisdictions may require us to address such 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 reserves for our projected share of these costs. A separate account receivable is recorded for any indemnified costs. Our environmental reserves are not discounted and do not reflect any possible future insurance recoveries, which are not expected to be significant, but do reflect a reasonable estimate of cost sharing at multiple party sites or indemnification of our liability by a third party

 

On April 25, 2013, AVX was named as a defendant in a patent infringement case filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware captioned Greatbatch, Inc. v AVX Corporation.  This case alleges that certain AVX products infringe on one or more of six Greatbatch patents. We intend to defend vigorously the claims that have been asserted in this lawsuit. We are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss at this time. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of this case on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, a subsidiary of AVX, American Technical Ceramics (“ATC), was named as a defendant in a patent infringement case filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware captioned Presidio Components, Inc. v. American Technical Ceramics Corp. This case alleges that certain products of ATC’s infringe on a Presidio patent. We intend to defend vigorously the claims that have been asserted in this lawsuit. We are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss at this time. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of this case on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, AVX was named as a co-defendant in a series of cases filed in the United States and Canada alleging violations of United States, Canadian, and state antitrust laws asserting that AVX and numerous other companies are participants in alleged price-fixing in the capacitor market. The cases in the United States have been consolidated into the Northern District of California. The Canadian cases have been filed in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and Vancouver. These cases are at the very initial stages. We intend to defend vigorously the claims that have been asserted in these lawsuits. In light of the foregoing, we are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of these cases on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.

 

We are involved in disputes, warranty, and legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. While we cannot predict the outcome of these disputes and proceedings, management believes, based upon a review with legal counsel, that none of these proceedings will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), or cash flows.

   

   9. Comprehensive Income (Loss):

 

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

---

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the following components: 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income include those that pertain to the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans and realized gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges. Please see Note 11 for additional information related to the amortization of prior service cost and the recognized actuarial losses, which amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statement of operations during the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2014.  Please see Note 12 for additional information related to realized gains and losses on derivative instruments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income during the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2014.

 

 

   10. Segment and Geographic Information:

We have three reportable segments: Passive Components, KED Resale, and Interconnect. The Passive Components segment consists primarily of surface mount and leaded ceramic capacitors, RF thick and thin film components, surface mount and leaded tantalum capacitors, surface mount and leaded film capacitors, ceramic and film power capacitors, super capacitors, EMI filters (bolt in and surface mount), thick and thin film packages of multiple passive integrated components, varistors, thermistors, inductors, and resistive products. The KED Resale segment consists primarily of ceramic capacitors, frequency control devices, SAW devices, sensor products, RF modules, actuators, acoustic devices, and connectors produced by Kyocera and resold by AVX. The Interconnect segment consists primarily of automotive, telecom, and memory connectors manufactured by AVX Interconnect. Sales and operating results from these reportable segments are shown in the tables below. In addition, we have a corporate administration group consisting of finance and administrative activities and a separate research and development group. 

 

We evaluate performance of our segments based upon sales and operating profit. There are no intersegment revenues. We allocate 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.

 

The tables below present information about reported segments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

The following geographic data is based upon net sales generated by operations located within particular geographic areas.  Substantially all of the sales in the Americas region were generated in the United States.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 11. Pension Plans:

 

Net periodic pension cost for our defined benefit plans consisted of the following for the three and six months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

Based on current actuarial computations, during the six months ended September 30, 2014, we made contributions of $2,119 to the international plans. We expect to make additional contributions of approximately $1,981 to the international plans over the remainder of fiscal 2015.  Based on current actuarial computations, we made a  contribution of $2,116 to the U.S. plans during the six months ended September  30, 2014. We do not anticipate making any additional contributions to the U.S. plans for the remainder of the fiscal year.

 

---

 

 12. Derivative Financial Instruments:

 

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the normal course of business.  We use derivative instruments (forward contracts) to hedge certain foreign currency exposures as part of our risk management strategy.  The objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with gains and losses on the forward contracts used to hedge them, thereby reducing volatility of earnings or protecting fair values of assets and liabilities.  We do not enter into any trading or speculative positions with regard to derivative instruments.

 

We primarily use forward contracts, with maturities less than four months, designated as cash flow hedges to protect against the foreign currency exchange rate risks inherent in our forecasted transactions related to purchase commitments and sales, denominated in various currencies.  These derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. 

 

The effectiveness of the cash flow hedges is determined by comparing the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedge contract with the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedged transaction, both of which are based on forward rates.  The effective portion of the gain or loss on these cash flow hedges is initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.  Once the hedged transaction is recognized, the gain or loss is recognized in our statement of operations.  At March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, the following forward contracts were entered into to hedge against the volatility of foreign currency exchange rates for certain forecasted sales and purchases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For these derivatives designated as hedging instruments, during the three and six months ended September 30, 2014, net pre-tax gains (losses) of $(1,424) and $(953), respectively, were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). In addition, during the three and six months ended September 30, 2014, net pre-tax gains (losses) of $(1,772) and $(1,431), respectively, were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales (for hedging purchases), and net pretax gains (losses) of $1,537 and $1,524,  respectively, were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into sales (for hedging sales) in the accompanying statement of operations.

 

---

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist primarily of forwards used to hedge foreign currency balance sheet exposures representing hedging instruments used to offset foreign currency changes in the fair values of the underlying assets and liabilities. The gains and losses on these foreign currency forward contracts are recognized in other income in the same period as the remeasurement gains and losses of the related foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and thus naturally offset these gains and losses. At March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, we had the following forward contracts that were entered into to hedge against these exposures.

 

 

 

 

 

For these derivatives not designated as hedging instruments during the three and six months ended September 30, 2014, losses of $(146)and $(906)  respectively, on hedging contracts were recognized in other income, which partially offset the approximately $(386) and $(186)  in exchange losses that were recognized in other income in the accompanying statement of operations.

 

At March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, we had outstanding foreign exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling $202,865 and $190,743, respectively, denominated primarily in euros, Czech korunas, British pounds, and Japanese yen.

 

   13. Subsequent Events:

 

On October  22, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a $0.105 dividend per share of common stock with respect to the quarter ended September 30, 2014.  The dividend will be paid to stockholders of record on November 7, 2014 and will be disbursed on November 21, 2014.

---

 

 

 

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 this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking.  The forward-looking information may include, among other information, statements concerning our outlook for fiscal year 2015, overall volume and pricing trends, cost reduction and acquisition strategies and their anticipated results, and 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 statements in this report are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the information or statements herein. 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 by the Company with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results or developments.

 

Any forward-looking statements by the Company are intended to speak only as of the date thereof. We do not intend 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 way of 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 our unaudited 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 investment securities, revenue recognition, inventories, property and equipment, goodwill, intangible assets, 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. 

 

We have 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 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”, in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014 and in Note 1, “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q. Accordingly, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. During the three and six month periods ended September 30, 2014, there were no significant changes to any critical accounting policies, judgments involved in applying those policies, or the methodology used in determining estimates with respect to those related to investment securities, revenue recognition, inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment, income taxes, and contingencies.

 

---

 

Business Overview

 

AVX is a leading worldwide manufacturer and supplier of a broad line of passive electronic components. 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 interconnect systems for use in electronic products. 

 

We have manufacturing, sales, and distribution facilities located throughout the world, which are divided into three main geographic regions: the Americas, Asia, and Europe. AVX is organized into five main product groups with three reportable segments: Passive Components, KED Resale, and Interconnect. The Passive Components segment consists primarily of surface mount and leaded ceramic capacitors, RF thick and thin film components, surface mount and leaded tantalum capacitors, surface mount and leaded film capacitors, ceramic and film power capacitors, super capacitors, EMI filters (bolt in and surface mount), thick and thin film packages of multiple passive integrated components, varistors, thermistors, inductors, and resistive products.  The KED Resale segment consists primarily of ceramic capacitors, frequency control devices, SAW devices, sensor products, RF modules, actuators, acoustic devices, and connectors produced by Kyocera and resold by AVX. The Interconnect segment consists of automotive, telecom, and memory connectors manufactured by AVX Interconnect and KCP Resale connector products. 

 

Our customers are multi-national original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, independent electronic component distributors, and electronic manufacturing service providers, or EMSs. We market our products through our own direct sales force and independent manufacturers’ representatives, based upon market characteristics and demands. We coordinate our sales, marketing, and manufacturing organizations by strategic customer account and globally by region.

 

We sell our products to customers in a broad array of industries, such as telecommunications, information technology hardware, automotive electronics, medical devices and instrumentation, industrial instrumentation, defense and aerospace electronic systems, and consumer electronics.

 

Results of Operations - Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2014

 

Our net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 was $44.6 million, or  $0.27 per share, compared to $28.8 million, or $0.17 per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2013.    

 

 

 

 

Net sales in the three months ended September 30, 2014 decreased $10.4 million, or 2.8%, to $365.4 million compared to $375.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2013. This decrease is principally a result of decreased volumes in our KDP and KCD Resale product markets that we serve, primarily attributable to lower sales in the cellular telecommunications market.  Operating profits improved in the three months ended September 30, 2014 to $60.1 million or 16.5% of net sales, compared to $41.4 million or 11.0% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2013. Higher profits are the result of our focus on the sale of value-added components, sales margin management, cost control, and manufacturing efficiencies. 

 

---

 

The table below represents product group revenues for the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and 2014.

 

 

 

 

Passive Component sales increased $2.0 million, or 0.9% to $241.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $239.1 million during the same quarter last year, as demand increased in many of the markets that we serve, particularly in the automotive and telecommunications equipment markets.  The sales increase in Passive Components, primarily Ceramic and Advanced Components, is attributable to higher demand in the automotive, computer, industrial and telecommunications equipment markets and an increase in overall demand for more sophisticated electronic components across global markets. This sales increase was partially offset by lower Tantalum product sales as a result of our customers’ focus on inventory management.

 

KDP and KCD Resale sales decreased $20.1 million, or 23.7%, to  $64.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $84.9 million during the same period last year. When compared to the same period last year, the decrease during the second fiscal quarter is primarily attributable to lower demand from our cellular device customers.

 

Total connector product sales, including AVX Interconnect manufactured and KCP Resale connectors, increased $7.7 million, or 14.8%, to $59.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $51.8 million during the same period last year. This increase is primarily attributable to stronger demand in the automotive sector reflective of the increased electronic content in today’s automobiles.

 

Our sales to independent electronic distributor customers represented 47.6% of total sales for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared to 40.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Overall,  distributor activity increased when compared to the same period last year. This increase is reflective of the distributors’ increased customer demand and inventory positions maintained by distributors. Our sales to distributor customers involve specific ship and debit and stock rotation programs for which sales allowances are recorded as reductions in sales. Such allowance charges were $9.4 million, or 5.4% of gross sales to distributor customers for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and $11.0 million, or 7.2% of gross sales to distributor customers, for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  This decrease in activity is reflective of the overall improved market conditions, primarily in the Americas, and resulting decreased pricing pressure and increased demand when compared to the same period last year. Applications under such programs for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $9.2 million and $11.1 million, respectively.

 

Geographically, compared to the same period last year, sales increased in Europe and America,  primarily reflecting the increase in automotive related sales in the European market.  Sales in Asia decreased compared to the same period last year primarily due to lower demand in the cellular market. Sales in the Asian, American and European markets represented 42.6% 29.7% and 27.7% of total sales, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2014. This compares to 47.9%,  28.0% and 24.2% of total sales for the Asian, American, and European regions in the same period last year, respectively. The movement of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies resulted in  an unfavorable impact on reported sales of approximately $(1.6) million when compared to the same quarter last year.

 

---

 

Gross profit in the three months ended September 30, 2014 was 24.0% of sales, or $87.8 million, compared to a gross profit margin of 19.0%, or $71.5 million, in the three months ended September 30, 2013. This overall increase is primarily attributable to continued increased sales of higher margin value-added components and interconnect devices, sales margin management,  lower manufacturing and overhead costs due to our focus on cost control and manufacturing efficiencies. During the current quarter, costs due to currency movement of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies were favorably impacted by approximately $3.8 million when compared to the same quarter last year.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2014 were $27.6 million, or 7.6% of net sales, compared to $30.2 million, or 8.0% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2013.  The overall decrease in these expenses is primarily due to lower selling expenses as a result of lower sales when compared to the same period last year and lower depreciation and intangible amortization.

 

Income from operations was $60.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $41.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2013. This increase was a result of the factors described above.

 

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was 26.5% compared to 31.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  The decrease in the effective tax rate is principally due to lower U.S. dividend income from our foreign subsidiaries and increased tax deductions related to domestic production activities when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.

 

As a result of the factors discussed above, net income for the three month period ended September 30, 2014 was $44.6 million compared to $28.8 million for the same three month period last year.

 

Results of Operations - Six Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2014

 

Our net income for the six months ended September 30, 2014 was $85.4 million, or  $0.51 per share, compared to $56.5 million, or $0.33 per share, for the six months ended September 30, 2013. 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales in the six months ended September 30, 2014 decreased $29.2 million, or 3.9%, to $716.0 million compared to $745.2 million in the six months ended September 30, 2013. This decrease is principally a result of decreased volumes in our KDP and KCD Resale markets that we serve, primarily attributable to lower sales in the cellular telecommunications market. Operating profits improved in the six months ended September 30, 2014 to $115.7 million or 16.2% of net sales, compared to $80.6 million or 10.8% of net sales, in the six months ended September 30, 2013. Higher profits are the result of our focus on the sale of more sophisticated value-added components, sales margin management, cost control, and manufacturing efficiencies. 

 

The table below represents product group revenues for the periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2014.

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passive Component sales increased $6.6 million, or 1.4% to $478.5 million in the six months ended September 30, 2014 from $471.9 million during the same period last year, as we saw increases in many of the markets that we serve, particularly in the automotive, computer, industrial and telecommunications equipment markets. The sales increase in Passive Components, in particular, Ceramic Components, reflects the overall improved demand for more sophisticated electronic components across global markets. The increase in sales reflects a higher volume of unit sales resulting from an increase in the sale of higher capacitance components compared to the same period last year. These higher sales volumes were partially offset by lower Tantalum sales as a result of our customers’ focus on inventory management during the six months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the six months ended September 30, 2013.

 

KDP and KCD Resale sales decreased $51.6 million, or 29.5%, to  $123.3 million in the six months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $174.9 million during the same period last year.  When compared to the same period last year, the decrease is primarily attributable to lower demand from our cellular device customers.

 

Total connector product sales, including AVX Interconnect manufactured and KCP Resale connectors, increased $15.8 million, or 16.0%, to $114.2 million in the six months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $98.4 million during the same period last year. This increase is primarily attributable to stronger demand in the automotive sector reflective of the increased electronic content in today’s automobiles.

 

Our sales to independent electronic distributor customers represented 46.9% of total sales for the six months ended September 30, 2014, compared to 39.6% for the six months ended September 30, 2013. Overall, distributor activity increased when compared to the same period last year. This increase is reflective of the distributors’ increased customer demand and inventory positions maintained by distributors. Our sales to distributor customers involve specific ship and debit and stock rotation programs for which sales allowances are recorded as reductions in sales.  Such allowance charges were $19.1 million, or 5.7% of gross sales to distributor customers for the six months ended September 30, 2014, and $21.2 million, or 7.2% of gross sales to distributor customers, for the six months ended September 30, 2013. This decrease in activity is reflective of the overall improved market conditions, primarily in the Americas, and resulting decreased pricing pressure and increased demand when compared to the same period last year. Applications under such programs for the six month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $18.1 million and $20.5 million, respectively.

 

Geographically, compared to the same period last year, sales increased in Europe and the Americas to 28.7% and 28.8%, respectively, primarily reflecting the increase in automotive related sales in the European market.  Sales in Asia decreased to 42.4% compared to the same period last year reflecting lower demand particularly in the cellular market. This compares to 47.5%, 27.7% and 24.8% of total sales for the Asian, American, and European regions in the same period last year, respectively. The movement of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies resulted in a favorable impact on reported sales of approximately $2.0 million when compared to the same period last year.

 

---

 

Gross profit in the six months ended September 30, 2014 was 24.2% of sales, or $173.0 million, compared to a gross profit margin of 18.8%, or $140.0 million, in the six months ended September 30, 2013. This overall increase is primarily attributable to the increased sales of higher margin value-added components and interconnect devices, sales margin management, lower manufacturing and overhead costs due to our focus on cost control, and manufacturing efficiencies.  The movement of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies resulted in a favorable impact on cost of approximately $2.3 million when compared to the same period last year.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the six months ended September 30, 2014 were $57.3 million, or 8.0% of net sales, compared to $59.2 million, or 7.9% of net sales, in the six months ended September 30, 2013. The overall decrease in these expenses is primarily due to lower selling expenses due to lower sales and lower depreciation and intangible amortization.

 

Income from operations was $115.7 million in the six months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $80.6 million in the six months ended September 30, 2013. This increase was a result of the factors described above.

 

Our effective tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 2014 was 27.0% compared to 31.0% for the six months ended September 30, 2013.  The decrease in the effective rate is principally due to fiscal 2015 discrete items of $1.6 million primarily related to the settlement or expiration of tax return contingencies as well as changes in the mix of foreign earnings, lower U.S. dividend income from our foreign subsidiaries and increased tax deductions related to domestic production activities when compared to the six months ended September 30, 2013.

 

As a result of the factors discussed above, net income for the six month period ended September 30, 2014 was $85.4 million compared to $56.5 million for the same six month period last year.

 

Outlook

 

Near-Term:

 

With uncertain global geopolitical and economic conditions, it is difficult to quantify expectations for the remainder of fiscal 2015.  Near-term results for us will depend on the impact of the overall global geopolitical and economic conditions and their impact on telecommunications, information technology hardware, automotive, consumer electronics, and other electronic markets.  Looking ahead, visibility is low and forecasting is a challenge in this uncertain and volatile market.  We expect to see typical pricing pressure in the markets we serve due to competitive activity.  In response to anticipated market conditions, we expect to continue to focus on cost management and product line rationalization to maximize earnings potential.  We also continue to focus on process improvements and enhanced production capabilities in conjunction with our focus on the sales of value-added electronic components to support today’s advanced electronic devices.  If current global geopolitical and economic conditions worsen, the overall impact on our customers as well as end user demand for electronic products could have a significant adverse impact on our near-term results.

 

Long-Term:

 

Although there is uncertainty in the near-term market as a result of the current global geopolitical and economic conditions, we continue to see opportunities for long-term growth and profitability improvement due to: (a) a projected increase in the long-term worldwide demand for more sophisticated electronic devices, which require electronic components such as the ones we sell, (b) cost reductions and improvements in our production processes, and (c) opportunities for growth in our Advanced Component and Interconnect product lines due to advances in component design and our production capabilities. We have fostered our financial health and the strength of our balance sheet putting us in a good position to react to changes in the marketplace as they occur. We remain confident that our strategies will enable our continued long-term success.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity needs arise primarily from working capital requirements, dividend payments, capital expenditures, and acquisitions.  Historically, we have satisfied our liquidity requirements through funds from operations and investment income from cash, cash equivalents, and investments in securities. As of September 30, 2014, we had a current ratio of 5.9 to 1, $978.3 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term and long-term investments in securities, $2,069.4 million of stockholders’ equity, and no debt.

 

---

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $129.9 million in the six months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $74.6 million of cash provided by operating activities in the six months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in operating cash flow compared to the same period last year was primarily a result of higher income and lower working capital requirements.

 

Purchases of property and equipment were $12.4 million in the six month period ended September 30, 2014 and $12.4 million in the six month period ended September 30, 2013. Expenditures in the current year are primarily made in connection with the strategic investments in our advanced passive component and interconnect product lines. We expect to incur capital expenditures of approximately $25 million in fiscal 2015. The actual amount of capital expenditures will depend upon the outlook for end-market demand. 

 

The majority of our funding is internally generated through operations and investment income from cash, cash equivalents, and investments in securities. Since March 31, 2014, there have been no material changes in our contractual obligations or commitments for the acquisition or construction of plant and equipment or future minimum lease commitments under noncancellable operating leases. Based on our financial condition as of September 30, 2014, we believe that cash on hand, cash expected to be generated from operating activities and investment income from cash, cash equivalents, and investments in securities will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated financing needs for working capital, capital expenditures, environmental clean-up costs, pension plan funding, research, development and engineering expenses, acquisitions of businesses, and any dividend payments or stock repurchases to be made during the next twelve months. Changes in demand may have an impact on our future cash requirements; however, changes in those requirements are mitigated by our ability to adjust manufacturing capabilities to meet increases or decreases in customer demand. We do not anticipate any significant changes in our ability to generate capital or meet our liquidity needs in the foreseeable future.

 

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 September 30, 2014, we did not have any significant delivery contracts outstanding. 

 

We are involved in disputes, warranty claims, and legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business.  While we cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings, we believe, based upon our review with legal counsel, that none of these proceedings will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), or cash flows.  However, we cannot be certain if the eventual outcome and any adverse result in these or other matters that may arise from time to time may harm our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), or cash flows.

 

On October 10, 2012, the EPA, the United States, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and AVX announced that they had reached a financial settlement with respect to the EPA’s ongoing clean-up of the New Bedford Harbor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the “harbor”). Under the terms of the settlement, AVX was obligated to pay $366.3 million plus interest computed from August 1, 2012, in three installments over a two-year period for use by the EPA and the Commonwealth to complete the clean-up of the harbor. On October 18, 2013, we paid the initial settlement installment of $133.4 million, plus accrued interest of $4.0 million.  On March 26, 2014, we prepaid a second settlement installment of $110.8 million, plus accrued interest of $0.8 million on the remaining settlement amount through that date. In accordance with the terms of the settlement, we are obligated to pay $122.1 million, plus interest, on September 21, 2015.  We have the option to prepay any portion of the remaining settlement balance at any time prior to the due date.

 

On June 3, 2010, AVX entered into an agreement with the EPA and the City of New Bedford, pursuant to which AVX is required to perform environmental remediation at a site referred to as the “Aerovox Site” (the “Site”), located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. AVX has substantially completed its obligations pursuant to such agreement with the EPA and the City of New Bedford with respect to the satisfaction of AVX’s federal law requirements. Agreements with the state regulatory authorities have yet to be concluded but are likely to include additional groundwater remediation. Based on our estimate of current and ongoing remediation costs, we have a remaining accrual of $11.1 million at September 30, 2014, which represents our estimate of the potential liability related to the remaining performance of environmental remediation actions at the Site. The accrual represents the estimate of our cost to remediate; however, until all parties agree and remediation is complete, we cannot be certain there will be no additional cost.

 

---

 

On November 27, 2007, a suit was filed in South Carolina State Court by individuals as a class action with respect to property adjacent to our Myrtle Beach, South Carolina factory claiming property values have been negatively impacted by alleged migration of certain pollutants from our property. During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, the parties agreed to seek Court modification of the definition of the plaintiff class. In the event such modification is allowed by the Court, the parties have also agreed to jointly recommend to the Court a settlement of the  action.  Any settlement will be subject to Court review and approval.  Although the final amount of such settlement, if approved by the Court, depends on the number of participating class members, the maximum amount, if all class members participate, would be $1.2 million.  Accordingly, based on our estimate of potential outcomes, we have $1.2 million accrued with respect to this case as of September 30, 2014. We can give no assurance, however, that this action will be resolved on the terms indicated above.  If it is not so resolved, we intend to continue to defend vigorously the claims asserted.

 

On March 1, 2010, AVX was named as a third party defendant in a case filed in Massachusetts Superior Court captioned DaRosa v. City of New Bedford.  This case relates to a former disposal site in the City of New Bedford located at Parker Street. The City asserts that a predecessor company, Aerovox, among others, contributed to that site. We intend to defend vigorously the claims that have been asserted in this lawsuit. We are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss at this time. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of this case on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.

 

On October 16, 2014, a case was filed by the City of New Bedford against AVX in Massachusetts Superior Court by the City of New Bedford arising from contamination at the City’s New Bedford Railyard. AVX had previously received formal demand from the City in the amount of approximately $11.0 million related to activities by a predecessor company, Aerovox. AVX believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to defend vigorously the case.  We are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss at this time. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of this demand on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.

 

We also operate on other sites that may have potential future environmental issues as a result of activities at sites during AVX’s long history of manufacturing operations or prior to the start of operations by AVX. Even though we may have rights of indemnity for such environmental matters at certain sites, regulatory agencies in those jurisdictions may require us to address such issues.

 

On April 25, 2013, AVX was named as a defendant in a patent infringement case filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware captioned Greatbatch, Inc. v AVX Corporation.  This case alleges that certain AVX products infringe on one or more of six Greatbatch patents. We intend to defend vigorously the claims that have been asserted in this lawsuit. We are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss at this time. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of this case on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, a subsidiary of AVX, American Technical Ceramics (“ATC”), was named as a defendant in a patent infringement case filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware captioned Presidio Components, Inc. v. American Technical Ceramics Corp. This case alleges that certain products of ATC’s infringe on a Presidio patent. We intend to defend vigorously the claims that have been asserted in this lawsuit. We are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss at this time. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of this case on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, AVX was named as a co-defendant in a series of cases filed in the United States and Canada alleging violations of United States, Canadian, and state antitrust laws asserting that AVX and numerous other companies are participants in alleged price-fixing in the capacitor market. The cases in the United States have been consolidated into the Northern District of California. The Canadian cases have been filed in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and Vancouver. These cases are at the very initial stages. We intend to defend vigorously the claims that have been asserted in these lawsuits. In light of the foregoing, we are not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss. No accrual for costs has been recorded and the potential impact of these cases on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows cannot be determined at this time.

---

 

 

We currently have reserves for current remediation, compliance, and legal costs totaling $138.7 million at September 30, 2014.  Additional information related to environmental and legal issues can be found in Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies”, of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

New Accounting Standards

 

Information related to new Statement of Financial Accounting Standards and Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Positions that we have recently adopted or are currently reviewing can be found in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. Accordingly, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014.

 

 

 

Our sales are denominated in various foreign currencies in addition to the U.S. dollar. Certain manufacturing and operating costs denominated in local currencies are incurred in Europe, Asia, Mexico, and Central and South America. Additionally, purchases of resale products from Kyocera may be denominated in Yen. As a result, fluctuations in currency exchange rates affect our operating results and cash flow. In order to minimize the effect of movements in currency exchange rates, we periodically enter into forward exchange contracts to hedge external and intercompany foreign currency transactions. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.  Accordingly, we have hedging commitments to cover a portion of our exchange risk on purchases, operating expenses, and sales. There have been no material net changes in our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate as reflected in Part II, Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. See Note 13 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion of derivative financial instruments.

 

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

As of the end of the period covered in this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

In addition, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the first two quarters of fiscal 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

Please refer to Part I Item 3, “Legal Proceedings”, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. In addition, see Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies”, in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 to this Form 10-Q for a discussion of our involvement in certain environmental and other pending legal proceedings.

 

 

Please refer to Part I, Item 1A., Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014 for information regarding factors that could affect our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. For an update of risk factors relating to our potential environmental liabilities as described under the caption “Changes in our environmental liability and compliance obligations may adversely impact our operations” in the Risk Factors section on our Annual Report on Form 10-K, see Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies”, in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 to this Form 10-Q.

 

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The following table shows our purchases of common stock during the quarter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature

 

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, and the undersigned also has signed this report in his capacity as the registrant’s Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer).

 

 

 

 

Date:   November 6, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---