Back to GetFilings.com




1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997
or
[ ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 [Fee Required]
For the transition period from to
------------------------- ----------------------
Commission file Number 0-20289
KEMET Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 57-0923789
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

2835 KEMET Way, Simpsonville, South Carolina 29681
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number including area code: (864)963-6300

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered

- ------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Title of class)
Indicated 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. [ x ] Yes [ ] No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.[X]

Aggregate market value of voting Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant as of June 16, 1997, computed by reference to the closing sale price
of the registrant's Common Stock was approximately $687,850,506.

Number of shares of each class of Common Stock outstanding as of June 16, 1997:
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value 38,902,250
Non-Voting Common Stock, $.01 Par Value 1,096,610
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
1.Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting
of Stockholders to be held on July 23, 1997: Part III


2
PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

KEMET Corporation and its subsidiaries ("KEMET" or the "Company") is the largest
manufacturer of solid tantalum ("tantalum") capacitors in the world and the
second largest manufacturer of multilayer ceramic ("ceramic") capacitors in the
United States. According to industry sources, tantalum and ceramic capacitors
are the two fastest growing segments of the United States capacitor industry.
During fiscal year 1997, KEMET shipped approximately 14.7 billion capacitors and
approximately 35,000 different types of capacitors; with "types" being
distinguished by dielectric material, configuration, encapsulation, capacitance
level and tolerance, performance characteristics, marking and packaging.
Capacitors store, filter and regulate electrical energy and current flow and are
found in virtually all electronic applications and products. The Company's
capacitors are used in a wide variety of electronic applications, including
communication systems, data processing equipment, personal computers, automotive
electronic systems, and military and aerospace systems. KEMET markets its
capacitors to a diverse and growing number of original equipment manufacturers
("OEMs") as well as a worldwide network of distributors. KEMET's largest
customers include Alcatel; Compaq Computer; Ford Motor Company; General Motors
Corporation; Hewlett-Packard Company; Lucent Technologies (formerly American
Telephone & Telegraph Company); Motorola Inc.; SCI Systems, Inc.; Siemens; and
TTI, Inc.

Since its divestiture from Union Carbide ("UCC") in December 1990, the Company
has pursued one distinct vision: To establish a distinctive competence which
differentiates KEMET as the unquestioned Best-In-Class supplier. The core
values that support this vision are: Best Trained and Motivated People, Company-
Wide Quality Concept (as evidenced by ISO 9000 and QS-9000 registration at all
of KEMET's manufacturing plants), an "Easy To Buy From" philosophy (supported
by the Company's direct sales force and executed by KEMET's Key Account Teams),
Lowest Cost Producer (by achieving significant production cost savings through
the focused plant concept and the transfer to and expansion of manufacturing
operations in Mexico where the Company can take advantage of lower overall
costs) and Leading Edge of Technology (as evidenced by the Company's continued
increase in expenditures for new product development and the design and
development of new machinery and equipment).

Background of Company

KEMET's operations began in 1926 as a business of Union Carbide Corporation
("UCC") to manufacture component parts for vacuum tubes. As vacuum tubes were
gradually replaced by solid-state transistors, the Company changed its
manufacturing focus from vacuum tube parts to tantalum capacitors, and later
added ceramic capacitors, to meet the expected need for capacitors in electronic
circuit boards. The Company entered the market for tantalum capacitors in 1958
as one of approximately 25 United States manufacturers. By 1966, the Company
was the United States' market leader in tantalum capacitors, a position which it
still holds in an industry consisting of four major tantalum capacitor
manufacturers. In 1969, the Company began production of ceramic capacitors as
one of approximately 35 United States manufacturers. Within five years, the
Company was the second largest United States manufacturer of ceramic capacitors,
a position which it still holds in a market consisting of five major capacitor
manufacturers.


3
The Company was formed in 1990 by certain members of the Company's current
management, Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd. ("CVC"), and other investors to
acquire the outstanding common stock of KEMET Electronics Corporation from Union
Carbide Corporation.

Public Offerings and Recapitalization

In October 1992, the Company completed an initial public offering of its Common
Stock and a related recapitalization to simplify its capital structure. In
June 1993, the Company completed an additional public offering of Common
Stock and used the net proceeds to reduce outstanding indebtedness.

Stock Split

On September 6, 1995, the Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split
whereby one additional Common Share, par value $.01, was issued for each common
share outstanding to shareholders of record on September 13, 1995. All share
and per share data appearing in the consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto have been restated to reflect the stock split.

Refinancing of Outstanding Senior Debt

On October 18, 1996, the Company refinanced the entire balance of its
outstanding revolving credit facility and swingline credit facility with new
credit facilities totaling $175.0 million. These new credit facilities, each of
which has a term of five years, include a $165.0 million revolving credit
facility and a $10.0 million swingline credit facility.

Industry Description

The Company estimates that worldwide capacitor consumption was approximately
$14.4 billion in 1996, with tantalum and ceramic capacitors comprising
approximately 33%. According to industry sources, in 1996 tantalum and ceramic
capacitors accounted for approximately 60% of the $2.3 billion market for
capacitors consumed in the United States and constitute the two fastest growing
segments of the United States capacitor market. Capacitors store, filter and
regulate electrical energy and current flow, and are one of the essential
passive components used on circuit boards. Capacitors are found in virtually
all electronic applications and products. Capacitors are used to alter the
relationship of currents and voltages in a given electrical system, to filter or
smooth out electrical signals where required, and to retard signals of low
frequencies while permitting signals of higher frequencies to pass with minimal
attenuation. Because of their fundamental nature and widespread application,
demand for capacitors tends to reflect the general demand for electronic
products, which has been growing over the past several years.

Growth in the electronics market and corresponding growth in the capacitor
market has been fueled by both the development of new electronic products, such
as cellular phones, personal computers and electronic controls for engines and
machinery, and increases in the electronic content of existing products, such as
appliances, medical equipment and automobiles. For example, electronic circuit
boards, and therefore capacitors, are now routinely integrated into automotive
systems that until recently had been mainly mechanical in nature, including
transmissions, brakes, ignitions and electronic fuel injection systems. Fluid
monitors, pollution control systems and anti-theft devices also add to the
electronic content and capacitor use in automobiles.



4
In response to the needs of OEMs to increase circuit board densities, decrease
the size of electronic components and shift to more highly automated production
techniques, the capacitor industry in general and KEMET in particular has
increasingly shifted its manufacturing focus from traditional leaded capacitors
toward surface-mount capacitors. In order to meet the increased demand for
surface-mount capacitors the Company has invested $300.4 million in capital
expenditures during the past five fiscal years, a substantial portion of which
was spent to expand surface-mount manufacturing capacity. Surface-mounting
allows capacitors and other electronic components to be soldered directly to a
circuit board, rather than having lead wires passed through holes to be soldered
on the reverse side of a board. This results in greater manufacturing
efficiency by allowing capacitors to be mounted on both sides of a circuit
board. In addition, surface-mount capacitors are generally smaller than similar
leaded capacitors and allow for higher circuit board density.

Capacitors

Capacitors are electronic components consisting of conducting materials
separated by a dielectric or insulating material (such as tantalum, ceramic,
aluminum, film, paper and mica), which allows a capacitor to interrupt the flow
of electrical current. They are divided between leaded and surface-mount
capacitors, describing the method by which the capacitors are attached to the
circuit board.

KEMET manufactures a full line of capacitors using two types of dielectrics,
solid tantalum and multilayer ceramic. Most customers buy both tantalum and
ceramic capacitors from the Company. The Company manufactures these types of
capacitors in many different sizes and configurations. The Company produces
leaded capacitors, which are attached to a circuit board using lead wires, and
surface-mount capacitors, which are attached directly to the circuit board
without lead wires. The Company is currently shipping approximately 65 million
capacitors each business day.

The choice of capacitor dielectric is driven by the engineering specifications
and application of the component product into which the capacitor is
incorporated. Product design engineers in the electronics industry typically
select capacitors on the basis of capacitance levels, size and cost. Tantalum
and ceramic capacitors continue to be the preferred dielectrics in new design
applications, as compared to capacitors made of aluminum, film, mica, paper or
ceramic disks. Tantalum and ceramic capacitors are commonly used in conjunction
with integrated circuits, and are best suited for applications requiring lower
to medium capacitance values. Generally, ceramic capacitors are more cost-
effective at lower capacitance values, and tantalum capacitors are more cost-
effective at higher capacitance values.

Management believes that sales of tantalum and ceramic capacitors will continue
to grow more rapidly than other types of capacitors in both the United States
and worldwide markets because technological breakthroughs in electronics are
regularly expanding the number and type of applications for these products.
Both tantalum and ceramic capacitors each have special properties valuable for
surface-mount applications.

Leaded and Surface-Mount Capacitors

The Company's capacitors can be divided into two general groups, leaded and
surface-mount, based on the method by which the capacitor is attached to the
circuit board. Despite the differences in configuration between leaded and
surface-mount capacitors, both types of capacitors rely on similar technology.

5
The manufacture of the internal capacitor element is the same whether it is
ultimately incorporated into a leaded or surface-mount capacitor. Consequently,
much of the know-how and some of the capital equipment required to produce these
products is common. The primary distinction between leaded and surface-mount
capacitors occurs in the assembly, testing and finishing stages, which utilize
different equipment and processes. Surface-mount capacitors must be able to
withstand temperatures up to 260 degrees C during circuit board assembly and are
placed on circuit boards using high-speed automatic placement equipment. These
requirements result in quality and process standards greater than those demanded
for leaded components.

The Company believes it has taken advantage of the growth of the surface-mount
capacitor market and is an industry leader in designing and marketing surface-
mount capacitors. Demand has been gradually shifting from leaded to surface-
mount capacitors because surface-mount capacitors are more commonly incorporated
in new product designs which rely on higher density circuit boards. As a
result, worldwide sales of leaded capacitors have been declining over the past
five years and have been offset by an increase in worldwide sales of surface-
mount capacitors. Consequently, although KEMET intends to make further capital
investments in surface-mount manufacturing capacity to serve the growing needs
of its customers, the Company's results of operations and growth prospects could
be adversely affected in the event that the Company does not continue to
increase its sales and production of surface-mount capacitors.

The following table shows the respective percentages of the Company's sales of
surface-mount capacitors and leaded capacitors for the fiscal years ended March
31, 1995, 1996 and 1997.



Net Sales
(dollars in millions)
Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
1995 1996 1997
SALES PERCENT SALES PERCENT SALES PERCENT

Surface-mount $293.5 62% $444.5 70% $399.8 72%
Leaded 179.7 38% 189.7 30% 155.5 28%
------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ------
Total $473.2 100% $634.2 100% $555.3 100%
====== ==== ====== ==== ====== ======


Markets and Customers

KEMET's products are sold to a variety of OEMs in a broad range of industries
including the computer, communications, automotive, military and aerospace
industries. Because of their fundamental nature and widespread application,
demand for capacitors tends to reflect the demand for electronic products. The
Company is not dependent on any one customer or group of related customers. Only
a single customer has accounted for over 10% of the Company's net sales during
fiscal years 1995 and 1996 and two customers have accounted for over 10% in
fiscal year 1997. The Company's top 50 customers accounted for approximately
83% of the Company's net sales during fiscal year 1997. Preferred supplier and
similar long-term relationships with OEMs accounted for approximately 56% of the
Company's net sales in fiscal year 1996 and fiscal year 1997.

KEMET produced approximately 8% of its capacitors under military specification

6
standards sold for both military and commercial uses during fiscal year 1997.
The Company does not sell any of its capacitors directly to the U.S. government.
Although the Company does not track sales of capacitors by industry, the Company
estimates that sales of its capacitors to OEMs which produce products
principally for the military and aerospace industries accounted for less than 3%
of its net sales during fiscal year 1997. Certain of the Company's other
customers may also purchase capacitors for products in the military and
aerospace industries.

Sales and Distribution

KEMET's domestic sales, and most of its foreign sales, are made through the
Company's approximately 100 direct sales employees. The Company's domestic
sales staff is located in five regional offices, eleven local offices and ten
satellite offices. A substantial majority of the Company's international sales
are made through local sales offices in five European locations, five Far East
locations, and two Canadian locations. There are also ten satellite offices in
Europe, and one in Asia. The Company has recently opened new sales offices in
Beijing and Shanghai, China. The Company also has independent sales
representatives located in Australia, Argentina, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico,
South Africa, and South Korea.

KEMET markets and sells its products in its major markets with a direct sales
force in contrast to its competitors which generally utilize independent
commissioned representatives or a combination of representatives and direct
sales employees. The Company believes its direct sales force creates a
distinctive competence in the market place and has established an enviable
relationship with its customers. With a global sales organization that is
customer based and geographically independent, KEMET's direct sales personnel
from around the world serve on KEMET Key Account Teams. These teams are
committed to serving any customer location in the world with a dedicated KEMET
representative. This approach requires a unique blend of accountability and
responsibility to specific customer locations, guided by an overall account
strategy for each key customer.

Electronic distributors are an important distribution channel in the electronics
industry and accounted for approximately 33% and 29% of the Company's net sales
in fiscal year 1996 and fiscal year 1997, respectively. In fiscal years 1995,
through 1997, TTI, Inc., a distributor of passive components, accounted for
more than 10% of net sales.

The Company's distributor policy includes the inventory price protection and
"ship from stock and debit" programs common in the industry. The price
protection policy protects the value of the distributors' inventory in the event
the Company reduces its published selling price to distributors. The Company
has established a rolling 12-month financial reserve for this program. The ship
from stock and debit program provides a mechanism for the distributor to meet a
competitive price after obtaining authorization from the local Company sales
office. This program allows the distributor to ship its higher priced inventory
and debit the Company for the difference between KEMET's list price and the
lower authorized price for that specific transaction. Each sale under this
program requires specific authorization. The Company expenses these authorized
discounts on a monthly basis and the expense is included in calculating net
sales.

Foreign Sales

During fiscal year 1997, the Company exported approximately $230.6 million of

7
capacitors representing approximately 42% of the Company's net sales. Although
management believes that the Company is able to provide a level of delivery and
service that is competitive with local suppliers, the Company's capacitor market
shares in European and Asian markets tend to be significantly lower than in the
United States because some foreign electronics manufacturers prefer to purchase
components from local producers. As a result, a large percentage of the
Company's export sales are made to foreign operations of United States
manufacturers. The Company's European sales are denominated in local currencies
and therefore a significant appreciation of the United States dollar against
such foreign currencies would reduce the gross profit realized by the Company on
its European sales as measured in United States dollars. Substantially all of
the Company's European export shipments are made duty-paid, free delivery as
required by local market conditions (see note 9 to Consolidated Financial
Statements).

Inventory and Backlog

Although the Company manufactures and inventories standardized products, a
portion of its products are produced to meet specific customer requirements.
Cancellations by customers of orders already in production could have an impact
on inventories; however, to date cancellations have not been significant.


The backlog of outstanding orders for the Company's products was $84.6 million,
and $74.1 million, at March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The decrease was
primarily a result of the additional manufacturing capacity brought on-stream by
the Company and reduced industry lead times as well as the industry-wide
inventory correction experienced in fiscal year 1997. The current backlog is
expected to be filled during the next 12 months. Most of the orders in the
Company's backlog may be canceled by its customers, in whole or in part,
although sometimes subject to penalty.

Competition

The market for tantalum and ceramic capacitors is highly competitive worldwide.
The capacitor industry is characterized by, among other factors, a long-term
trend toward lower prices for capacitors, low transportation costs and few
import barriers. Competitive factors that influence the market for the
Company's products include product quality, customer service, technical
innovation, pricing and timely delivery. The Company believes that it competes
favorably on the basis of each of these factors.

The Company's major domestic competitors include AVX Corporation in the
production of tantalum and ceramic capacitors and Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.,
in the production of tantalum and surface-mount ceramic capacitors. The
Company's major foreign competitors include AVX Corporation in the production of
tantalum and ceramic capacitors, Murata Manufacturing Company Ltd. and TDK
Corporation in the production of ceramic capacitors, and NEC Corporation in the
production of tantalum capacitors.

Cyclicality of Demand for Electronic Components

Capacitors are essential electronic components used on circuit boards in
virtually all electronic products and applications and the demand for capacitors
tends to reflect the demand for products in the electronics market. During the
first half of fiscal year 1997, the growth rate for personal computers and
cellular phones slowed and the slower end-use growth rate resulted in a
reduction in demand for capacitors. This slower growth rate resulted in excess

8
inventory accumulation by customers. Future changes in business cycles could
adversely affect the Company's results.

Raw Materials

The principal raw materials used in the manufacture of the Company's products
are tantalum powder, palladium and silver. These materials are considered
commodities and are subject to price volatility. Tantalum powder is primarily
purchased under annual contracts, while palladium and silver are primarily
purchased on the spot and forward markets, depending on market conditions. For
example, if the Company believes that prices are likely to rise, it may purchase
a significant amount of its annual requirements on a forward delivery basis.

There are presently three suppliers that process tantalum ore into capacitor-
grade tantalum powder. Management believes tantalum required by the Company has
generally been available in sufficient quantities to meet requirements and that
there are a sufficient number of tantalum processors relative to foreseeable
demand; however, the limited number of tantalum powder suppliers could lead to
increases in tantalum prices that the Company may not be able to pass on to its
customers.


Although palladium is presently found primarily in South Africa and Russia, the
Company believes that there are a sufficient number of domestic and foreign
suppliers from which the Company can purchase its palladium requirements.
Although the palladium required by the Company has generally been available in
sufficient quantities, the limited number of palladium suppliers could lead to
higher prices and the inability of the Company to pass any increase on to its
customers could have an adverse effect on the margin of those products in which
the metal is used.

Silver has generally been available in sufficient quantities, and the Company
believes there are a number of suppliers from which the Company can purchase its
silver requirements.

Patents and Trademarks

At March 31, 1997, the Company held 27 United States and 87 foreign patents and
four United States and 62 foreign trademarks. The Company does not generally
engage in licensing technology or products, whether as licensor or licensee.
The Company believes that the success of its business is not materially
dependent on the existence or duration of any patent, license or trademark,
other than the name "KEMET." The Company's engineering and research and
development staffs have developed and continue to develop proprietary
manufacturing processes and equipment designed to enhance the Company's
manufacturing facilities and reduce costs.

Research and Development

Research and Development expenses were $20.8 million for fiscal year 1997
compared to $18.4 million for fiscal year 1996. These amounts include
expenditures for product development and the design and development of machinery
and equipment for new processes and cost reduction efforts. The increase in
research and development expense was primarily related to the continuing
improvements in surface-mount production processes. Most of the Company's
products and manufacturing processes have been designed and developed by Company
engineers. The Company continues to invest in new technology to improve product
performance and production efficiencies.

9
Environmental

The Company is subject to various Mexican and United States federal, state and
local environmental laws and regulations relating to the protection of the
environment, including those governing the handling and management of certain
chemicals used and generated in manufacturing electronic components. Based on
the annual costs incurred by the Company over the past several years, management
does not believe that compliance with these laws and regulations will have a
material adverse effect upon the Company's capital expenditures, earnings or
competitive position. The Company believes, however, that it is reasonably
likely that the trend in environmental litigation and laws and regulations will
continue to be toward stricter standards. Such changes in the law and
regulations may require the Company to make additional capital expenditures
which, while not currently estimable with certainty, are not presently expected
to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition. See
"Legal Proceedings" for a discussion of certain other environmental matters.

Employees

As of March 31, 1997, KEMET had approximately 10,700 employees, of whom
approximately 4,800 were located in the United States, approximately 5,800 were
located in Mexico, and the remainder were located in the Company's foreign sales
offices. The Company believes that its future success will depend in part on
its ability to recruit, retain and motivate qualified personnel at all levels of
the Company. While none of its United States employees are unionized, the
Company has approximately 4,400 hourly employees in Mexico represented by labor
unions as required by Mexican law. In addition, the Company's labor costs in
Mexico are denominated in pesos, and Mexican inflation or a significant
depreciation of the United States dollar against the Mexican peso would increase
the Company's labor costs in Mexico. The Company has not experienced any major
work stoppages and considers its relations with its employees to be good.

On June 5, 1996, the Company announced an early retirement incentive program for
its U.S. hourly and salaried employees. The Company reduced the U.S. hourly and
salaried workforce by 409 people with annualized cost savings of approximately
$15 million. The total cost of the program was $15.4 million ($9.9 million
after tax). The Senior Management of the Company was not eligible for the early
retirement incentive.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

KEMET is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, and has a total of 12
manufacturing plants located in the southeastern United States and Mexico. The
manufacturing operations are in Greenville, Mauldin, Fountain Inn (which is
being expanded by 70,000 square feet) and Greenwood, South Carolina; Shelby,
North Carolina; and Matamoros and Monterrey, Mexico. The Company's existing
manufacturing and assembly facilities have approximately 1.5 million square feet
of floor space and are highly automated with proprietary manufacturing processes
and equipment.

The Mexican facilities operate under the Maquiladora Program. In general, a
company that operates under the program is afforded certain duty and tax
preferences and incentives on products brought back into the United States.

The Company has operated in Mexico since 1969 and approximately 54% of its
employees are located in Mexico. The Company's Mexican facilities in Matamoros
are located within five miles of Brownsville, Texas, with easy access for daily
shipments of work-in-process and finished products. The Company also has

10
manufacturing facilities in Monterrey which commenced operations in 1991, and
were expanded by 130,000 square feet in fiscal year 1997. In addition, the
Company constructed a new manufacturing plant in Monterrey which comprises
240,000 square feet and was put in production in fiscal year 1997. The
Company's manufacturing processes and standards, including compliance with
applicable environmental and worker safety laws and regulations, are essentially
identical in the United States and Mexico. The Company's Mexican operations,
like its United States operations, have won numerous quality awards from their
customers.

Each of the Company's manufacturing and assembly facilities produces one product
or a family of closely related products. Management believes that this focused
approach to manufacturing allows each facility to shorten manufacturing time,
optimize product flow, and avoid long and costly equipment retooling and
employee training time, all of which lead to overall reduced costs.

The Company has developed just-in-time manufacturing and sourcing systems.
These systems enable the Company to meet customer requirements for faster
deliveries while minimizing the need to carry significant inventory levels. The
Company continues to emphasize flexibility in all of its manufacturing
operations to improve product delivery response times.

Management believes that substantially all of its property and equipment is in
good condition and that it has sufficient capacity to meet its current and
projected manufacturing and distribution needs for leaded capacitors. The
Company continues to add capacity to meet its projected manufacturing and
distribution needs for surface-mount capacitors.































11
The following table provides certain information regarding the Company's
principal facilities:


Date Constructed,
Acquired
Square Type of Description or First Occupied
Location Footage Interest of Use by the Company
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Greenville, South Carolina 359,015 Owned Manufacturing/Headquarters 1963
Mauldin, South Carolina 109,696 Owned Manufacturing 1971
Matamoros, Mexico (1) 209,928 Owned Manufacturing 1977
Greenwood, South Carolina 108,210 Owned Manufacturing 1981
Shelby, North Carolina 115,266 Owned Manufacturing 1982
Fountain Inn, South Carolina 138,522 Owned Manufacturing 1985
Monterrey, Mexico (2) 508,500 Owned Manufacturing 1991
Matamoros, Mexico 51,257 Owned Manufacturing 1985
Mauldin, South Carolina 80,000 Leased Distribution/Storage 1976
Brownsville, Texas 60,000 Leased Shipping/Distribution 1992


(1) Includes three separate facilities.
(2) Includes three separate facilities.

















12
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
1980, as amended (CERCLA) and certain analogous state laws, impose retroactive,
strict liability upon certain defined classes of persons associated with
releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Among those liable under
CERCLA (known collectively as "potentially responsible parties" or "PRPs") is
any person who "arranged for disposal" of hazardous substances at a site
requiring response action under the statute. While a company's liability under
CERCLA is often based upon its proportionate share of overall waste volume or
other equitable factors, CERCLA has been widely held to permit imposition of
joint and several liability on each PRP. The Company has periodically incurred,
and may continue to incur, liability under CERCLA and analogous state laws with
respect to sites used for off-site management or disposal of Company-derived
wastes. The Company has been named as a PRP at the Seaboard Chemical Site in
Jamestown, North Carolina. The Company is participating in the clean-up as a
"de minimis" party and does not expect its total exposure to be material. In
addition, Union Carbide Corporation (Union Carbide), the former owner of the
Company, is a PRP at certain sites relating to the off-site disposal of wastes
from properties presently owned by the Company. The Company is participating in
coordination with Union Carbide in certain PRP-initiated activities related to
these sites. The Company expects that it will bear some portion of the
liability with respect to these sites; however, any such share is not presently
expected to be material to the Company's financial condition. In connection
with the acquisition in 1990, Union Carbide agreed, subject to certain
limitations, to indemnify the Company with respect to the foregoing sites.

The Company or its subsidiaries are at any one time parties to a number of
lawsuits arising out of their respective operations, including workers
compensation or work place safety cases, some of which involve claims of
substantial damages. Although there can be no assurance, based upon information
known to the Company, the Company does not believe that any liability which
might result from an adverse determination of such lawsuits would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations.























13
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the
Company's quarter ended March 31, 1997.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS.
The Common Stock is traded on the over-the-counter market and price and volume
data are reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market (National Market) under the symbol
"KMET". At the close of business on June 7, 1997, there were approximately 534
holders of record of the Company's Common Stock. The following table sets forth
the high and low sale prices of the Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ
National Market System for the periods indicated (all per share prices have been
restated to reflect the stock split effective on September 6, 1995):



HIGH LOW
FISCAL 1997

First Quarter $27.50 $15.625
Second Quarter 20.50 15.875
Third Quarter 23.875 18.00
Fourth Quarter 27.125 18.75

HIGH LOW
FISCAL 1996
First Quarter $28.50 $17.9375
Second Quarter 35.75 26.00
Third Quarter 36.125 20.75
Fourth Quarter 29.25 19.00


The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock
since the acquisition. The Company currently intends to retain earnings to
support its growth strategy and reduce indebtedness and does not anticipate
paying dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay
dividends will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will
depend upon, among other factors, the capital requirements, operating results
and the financial condition of the Company from time to time. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition-
Liquidity and Capital Resources" contained in this Form 10-K for fiscal year
1997.













14
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


Years Ended March 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income Statement Data:
Net sales $347,674 $385,064 $473,182 $634,171 $555,319
Operating income 38,842 36,756 63,130 120,430 62,415
Interest 19,119 8,937 6,929 4,938 5,709
Net earnings before
extraordinary item $11,077 $16,746 $30,968 $65,198 $37,169
Extraordinary loss on
extinguishment of debt 1,401 4,279 1,058 - -
Net earnings $9,676 $12,467 $29,910 $65,198 $37,169
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Common Share Data:
Net earnings before extraordinary
item per common share $0.44 $0.45 $0.80 $1.67 $0.95
Extraordinary loss per common share (1) 0.06 0.11 0.03 - -
Net earnings per common share $0.38 $0.34 $0.77 $1.67 $0.95
Weighted average shares outstanding 23,481,856 36,967,370 38,638,084 39,139,481 39,276,678
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets $353,446 $362,083 $387,459 $489,828 $543,244
Working capital 25,299 43,331 30,315 33,008 63,068
Long-term debt 146,573 107,400 76,542 78,072 102,900
Stockholders' equity $52,488 $108,467 $138,776 $211,940 $252,123
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Data:
Cash flow from operating activities $35,162 $37,378 $83,963 $109,989 $55,818
Capital expenditures 23,124 29,336 42,818 120,328 84,755
Research and development $8,463 $8,667 $13,145 $18,426 $20,753
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The extraordinary loss for fiscal year 1993 of $1,401 (net of income tax benefit of $858) resulted from the early
extinguishment of debt in connection with the initial public offering. The extraordinary loss for fiscal year 1994 of $4,279
(net of income tax benefit of $2,593) was incurred in connection with the additional public offering and the refinancing of
the Company's senior bank debt. In fiscal year 1995, the Company refinanced its outstanding senior debt and incurred an
extraordinary loss of $1,058 (net of income tax benefit of $697).







15
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Comparison of Fiscal Year 1997 to Fiscal Year 1996

Net sales for the fiscal year 1997 were $555.3 million, a decrease of $78.9
million or 12% from fiscal year 1996. The decreases in net sales was primarily
attributable to the favorable average selling prices experienced in fiscal year
1996 as compared to fiscal year 1997 during which prices returned to the
historical rate of decline, reduced sales volumes due to the industry-wide
inventory correction and the decline in demand for electronic components by
personal computer and telecommunication manufacturers in the first half of
fiscal year 1997. Sales of surface-mount capacitors for the fiscal year 1997
were $399.8 million, a decline of $44.7 million or 10% as compared to fiscal
year 1996, and sales of leaded capacitors declined 18% to $155.5 million. The
sales decline was experienced in both domestic and export markets with domestic
sales declining 12% to $324.7 million and export sales declining 14% to $230.6
million.

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation for the year ended March 31, 1997, was
$377.5 million as compared to $415.6 million. As a percentage of net sales,
cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation, for fiscal year 1997 was 68% as
compared to 66% for the fiscal year 1996. The increase in cost of sales as a
percentage of net sales was attributable to a decline in average selling prices
from fiscal year 1996 to fiscal year 1997 as discussed above and less favorable
production efficiencies associated with reduced capacity utilization rates. The
effect of the decline in prices and less favorable production efficiencies was
partially offset by the benefits realized from the movement of certain
production operations to lower cost manufacturing facilities in Mexico and cost
containment actions implemented in the prior quarters, including the savings
associated with the early retirement incentive program which was effective
August 1, 1996.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended March 31, 1997,
were $45.7 million as compared to $42.1 million for the year ended March 31,
1996. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense was primarily
due to an increase in marketing expenses and the expense associated with the
installation of a world-wide "intranet" communications system. The Company's
marketing philosophy is unique among capacitor manufacturers. KEMET employs a
direct sales force to sell its products versus exclusive use of independent
manufacturers representatives. This results in sales force expense being
relatively constant over time, and in a period of declining sales will tend to
increase selling expense as a percentage of sales.

Research, development and engineering expenses were $20.8 million for the fiscal
year 1997 compared to $18.4 million for the fiscal year 1996. The increase
reflects the Company's continued commitment to supporting and enhancing the
growth of its surface-mount capacitor manufacturing capacity. The Company also
continued to invest to improve product performance and production efficiencies.

Depreciation and amortization for fiscal year 1997 was $33.5 million, a decrease
of $4.1 million, or 11%, from $37.6 million for fiscal year 1996. During fiscal
year 1996 the Company reviewed the estimated useful lives of certain of the
Company's older fixed assets. This resulted in an adjustment of $6.0 million of
depreciation expense due to reducing certain older assets to salvage value and
shortening the useful lives on certain assets. This was partially offset by
depreciation expenses associated with increased capital expenditures.

The Company recorded a pretax charge of $15.4 million ($9.9 million after tax)
16
in the quarter ended September 30, 1996, in connection with an early retirement
incentive program. The program reduced the U.S. hourly and salaried workforce
by 409 people, which is expected to result in an annualized cost savings of
approximately $15.0 million.

Operating income was $62.4 million for fiscal year 1997 compared to $120.4
million for fiscal year 1996. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in
net sales as discussed above.

Income tax expense for fiscal year 1997 was 32% of net earnings. The decrease
from the federal statutory rate of 35% is primarily the result of increased
foreign sales corporation benefits and lower state tax expense.

Comparison of Fiscal Year 1996 to Fiscal Year 1995

The company experienced an unusually high level of growth in net sales in fiscal
year 1996. Net sales for fiscal year 1996 were $634.2 million, an increase of
$161.0 million, or 34%, over net sales of $473.2 million for fiscal year 1995.
The Company experienced growth in both the domestic and export markets with
increases of 26% and 46%, respectively, over the prior fiscal year.

The growth in net sales reflected the Company's continued investment in
production capacity to support the demand for surface-mount capacitors
worldwide. Net sales of surface-mount capacitors of $444.5 million, a 51%
increase over fiscal 1995 net sales of $293.5 million, continued to reflect the
shift in equipment manufacturing assembly technology to achieve smaller size and
lower cost. Surface-mount capacitors accounted for 70% of the Company's net
sales in fiscal year 1996, an 8% increase over the prior fiscal year. Leaded
product sales increased 6% in fiscal year 1996 over fiscal 1995. As surface-
mount products become more available, the Company expects leaded products to
resume the historical trend of declining demand over time.

During fiscal year 1996, a favorable shift in product line sales mix and a 26%
growth in unit sales over the prior year, particularly in the surface-mount
product lines, combined with an increase in average selling prices generated
$37.4 million in additional revenue compared with the prior fiscal year.
Electronic component suppliers and their customers offer the consumer more value
for less money every year due to the cost reduction advantages of cumulative
volume, known historically as the learning curve effect which creates a
declining average selling price typical for the electronics industry. Based on
this learning curve, the Company believes the favorable average selling price in
fiscal year 1996 unusual and future average selling prices have returned to the
historical rates of reduction.

In addition, component manufacturers, in response to capacity constraints that
existed in prior years, have added additional capacity during the past year.
This increase in manufacturing capacity has resulted in excess capacity which
the Company expects will place additional competitive pressure on average
selling prices in fiscal year 1997.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1996 and the beginning of fiscal year
1997, the Company experienced an overall decline in orders received in both the
ceramic and tantalum product lines. The Company believes this decline is
primarily a result of excess inventory of both components and finished goods.

Cost of sales exclusive of depreciation was $415.6 million, or 65.5% of net
sales, compared to $334.2 million, or 70.6% of net sales, for fiscal year 1995.
The reduction in cost of sales as a percentage of sales was primarily due to the

17
production efficiencies associated with the growth in unit volume, the increased
average selling prices, and the favorable shift in product lines sales mix as
discussed above. Approximately $8.3 million of product line relocation costs,
primarily to Mexico were essentially offset by the favorable impact the peso
exchange rate of approximately $6.0 million had on the Company's Mexican
operations. In addition, the Company incurred an increase in distribution
expense associated with higher sales volume and increased shipments to export
markets as well as other miscellaneous costs which are not material.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $42.1 million for fiscal year
1996, compared to $36.6 million for fiscal year 1995. As a percentage of net
sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 6.6% for fiscal
year 1996 from 7.7% for fiscal year 1995. The decrease is primarily due to
efficiencies resulting from increased sales volume.

The Company continued to demonstrate its commitment to invest in new products
and technologies and its desire to enhance manufacturing efficiencies as
reflected by a 40% increase in expenditures to $18.4 million in fiscal year
1996, a $5.3 million increase over the prior fiscal year.

Depreciation and amortization for fiscal year 1996 was $37.6 million, an
increase of $11.4 million, or 43.5%, from $26.2 million for the same period last
year. The increase primarily resulted from depreciation expense associated with
increased capital expenditures. Also, during the year the Company reviewed the
estimated useful lives of certain of the Company's older fixed assets. This
resulted in an adjustment of $6.0 million of depreciation expense due to
reducing certain older assets to salvage value and shortening the useful lives
on certain assets purchased prior to 1985. Capital expenditures for property
and equipment were $120.3 million in fiscal year 1996 compared to $42.8 million
for fiscal year 1995, with approximately $90.0 million being invested in the
expansion of surface-mount production capacity.

Operating income was $120.4 million for fiscal year 1996 compared to $63.1
million for fiscal year 1995. This increase resulted primarily from increased
sales and manufacturing efficiencies as discussed above.

Other expense for fiscal year 1996 was $10.5 million consisting primarily of
loss on disposal of property and equipment of $8.4 million, and expenses
associated with the discounting of export receivables of $2.3 million.

Income tax expense for fiscal year 1996 was 38% of net earnings. The difference
from the federal statutory rate of 35% is due to nondeductible amortization
expenses and state income taxes which were partially offset by the benefit of a
foreign sales corporation.

Quarterly Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain quarterly information for the years ended
March 31, 1996, and 1997. This information is unaudited and has not been
reviewed by the Company's independent auditors in accordance with standards
established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants but, in
the opinion of the Company's management, reflects all adjustments (consisting
only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly this
information when read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements
and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.



18



Fiscal Year ended March 31, 1996
First Second Third Fourth
Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter(2) Total
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net sales $152,534 $160,684 $160,126 $160,827 $634,171
Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation) (1) 47,542 50,853 53,485 66,719 218,599
Net earnings $12,741 $14,948 $17,239 $20,270 $65,198
Net earnings per common share $0.33 $0.38 $0.44 $0.52 $1.67
Weighted average shares outstanding 39,028,114 39,149,644 39,172,293 39,189,009 39,139,481

Fiscal Year ended March 31, 1997
First Second Third Fourth
Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net sales $125,726 $130,192 $143,626 $155,775 $555,319
Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation) (1) 24,901 10,108 27,888 32,985 95,882
Net earnings $ 9,725 $ 273 $12,083 $15,088 $37,169
Net earnings per common share $0.25 $0.01 $0.31 $0.38 $0.95
Weighted average shares outstanding 39,210,818 39,169,234 39,291,629 39,331,204 39,276,678


(1) Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation) as a percentage of net sales fluctuates from quarter to quarter due to a number
of factors, including net sales fluctuations, product mix, the timing and expense of moving product lines to lower cost
locations, and the relative mix of sales between distributors and original equipment manufacturers.
(2) During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1996, the Company changed its estimate of the useful lives of certain fixed
assets resulting in a decrease in net earnings per share of $0.09.

















19
Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's liquidity needs arise from working capital requirements, capital
expenditures and principal and interest payments on its indebtedness. The
Company intends to satisfy its liquidity requirements primarily with funds
provided by operations and borrowings under its bank credit facilities.

During fiscal year 1997, the Company generated $55.8 million in net cash from
operating activities as compared to $110.0 million in fiscal year 1996. The
decline in cash flow from operating activities was primarily a result of lower
net income and the timing of cash flows from current assets and liabilities,
such as accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, accrued liabilities
and income taxes payable.

The Company invested $84.8 million in capital expenditures in fiscal year 1997,
with approximately $58.0 million being invested in surface-mount manufacturing
capacity. During fiscal year 1997 the Company expanded existing manufacturing
space in Monterrey, Mexico, and constructed a new plant in Monterrey, which
began production in the second quarter of fiscal year 1997. In addition, the
Company is in the process of expanding its Fountain Inn, South Carolina plant by
an additional 70,000 square feet which will be completed in fiscal year 1998.
These expansions have positioned KEMET to satisfy the expected increase in
demand for ceramic surface-mount capacitors.

On October 18, 1996, the Company refinanced the entire balance of its
outstanding revolving credit facility and swingline credit facility with new
credit facilities totaling $175.0 million. These new credit facilities, each of
which has a term of five years, include a $165.0 million revolving credit
facility which bears interest at KEMET's option at either the base rate (or the
bank's prime rate), the Euro-dollar rate (Adjusted London Interbank Offered
Rate) plus the applicable margin or the Money Market rate (which is a rate
quoted by an individual member or members of the bank group). The applicable
spread over LIBOR is determined quarterly by the Consolidated Funded Debt to
Consolidated Total Capital ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). In
addition to the revolving credit facility, the Company has entered into a $10.0
million swingline credit facility which bears interest at a rate not to exceed
the higher of the bank's prime rate minus 1% and the Federal Funds rate plus
.5%.

The Company is subject to restrictive covenants which, among others, restrict
its ability to make loans or advances or to make investments, and require it to
meet financial tests related principally to funded debt, cash flows, and net
worth. At March 31, 1997, the Company was in compliance with such covenants.
Borrowings are secured by guarantees of certain of the Company's wholly-owned
subsidiaries.

During fiscal year 1997, the Company's long-term debt increased $24.8 million
which consisted primarily of the financing of capital expenditures. At March
31, 1997, the Company had unused availability under its revolving credit
facility and its swingline credit facility of $70.0 million and $2.1 million,
respectively.

Additional liquidity is generated by the Company through its accounts receivable
discounting arrangements. On August 26, 1996, KEMET Electronics, S.A., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, renewed its discounting agreement with
Swiss Bank Corporation. All terms and conditions remain in full force and effect
until September 30, 1997.

20
Also, in March 1997, KEMET Electronics, S.A. entered into a Purchase Agreement
with the Union Bank of Switzerland through which KEMET Electronics S.A. may sell
certain receivables not to exceed $20.0 million discounted at 1/2 of 1% above
LIBOR. The Company has issued a guarantee in an amount up to but not exceeding
$21.0 million.

The Company's discounting agreement with the Swiss Bank Corporation is subject
to renewal on September 30, 1997, and its discounting agreement with Union Bank
of Switzerland is an uncommitted credit facility with no fixed expiration date.
If these discounting agreements are not renewed, all uncollected accounts
receivable must be repurchased from the banks. Although the Company believes
that the banks will extend their respective arrangements, the failure of the
banks to extend the arrangements, or the failure of the Company to enter into
comparable arrangements with different banks, could have a material effect on
the Company's liquidity.

On November 6, 1996, the Company and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
finalized a settlement involving adjustments on the Company's consolidated
income tax returns for fiscal years 1989 through 1992. The adjustments to the
consolidated income tax return primarily involved the partial disallowance of
amortization of a non-compete agreement. The total tax including interest
associated with the settlement amounted to approximately $1.7 million. Also, in
relation to the final settlement with the IRS, the Company reduced goodwill and
tax liabilities by approximately $13.4 million for income taxes it had
established at the date of acquisition pending resolution of the audit. There
was no earnings impact as a result of the settlement.

The Company presently has a total of seven manufacturing facilities in Matamoros
and Monterrey, Mexico with approximately 54% of the Company's employees located
there. In fiscal year 1997, the devaluation of the Mexican peso although
favorable did not have a material impact on the Company's performance. There is
no assurance that the devaluation will continue and any effect this might have
on the future performance of the Company cannot be determined.

As discussed in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company or
its subsidiaries are at any one time parties to a number of lawsuits arising out
of their respective operations, including Workers' Compensation or work place
safety cases and environmental issues, some of which involve claims of
substantial damages. Although there can be no assurance, based upon information
known to the Company, the Company does not believe that any liability which
might result from an adverse determination of such lawsuits would have a
material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company believes its strong financial position will permit the financing of
its business needs and opportunities. It is anticipated that ongoing operations
will be financed primarily by internally-generated funds. In addition, the
Company has the flexibility to meet short-term working capital and other
temporary requirements through utilization of its borrowings under its bank
credit facilities.

Safe Harbor Statement

The Company desires to take advantage of the new "safe harbor" provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Many of the following
important factors discussed below have been discussed in the Company's prior SEC
filings.

The Company wishes to caution readers that the following important factors,
21
among others, in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect,
KEMET's actual results and could cause KEMET's actual consolidated results for
the first quarter of fiscal year 1998 and beyond to differ materially from those
expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the
Company whether contained herein, in other documents subsequently filed by the
Company with the SEC, or in oral statements:

A moderating growth rate in end-use products which incorporate the Company's
products and the effects of a down-turn in the general economy or in general
business conditions;

Underutilization of KEMET's plants and factories, or of any plant expansion or
new plants, including, but not limited to, those in Mexico, resulting in
production inefficiencies and higher costs; start-up expenses, inefficiencies,
and delays, and increased depreciation costs in connection with the start of
production in new plants and expansions; capacity constraints that could limit
the ability to continue to meet rising demand for surface-mount capacitors;

Occurrences affecting the slope or speed of decline of the pricing curve for the
Company's products, or affecting KEMET's ability to reduce product and other
costs and to increase productivity; the effect of changes in the mix of products
sold and the resulting effects on gross margins;

Difficulties in obtaining raw materials, supplies, power, natural resources, and
any other items needed for the production of capacitors; the effects of quality
deviations in raw materials, particularly tantalum powder and ceramic dielectric
materials; the effects of significant price increases for tantalum or palladium,
or an inability to obtain adequate supplies of tantalum from the limited number
of suppliers;

The amount and rate of growth in the Company's selling, general and
administrative expenses, and the impact of unusual items resulting from KEMET's
ongoing evaluation of its business strategies, assets valuations and
organizational structure;

The acquisition of fixed assets and other assets, including inventories and
receivables; the making or incurring of any expenditures and expenses including,
but not limited to, depreciation and research and development expenses; any
revaluation of assets or related expenses; and the amount of and any changes to
tax rates;

The effect of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and
regulations; other activities of governments, agencies and similar
organizations; social and economic conditions, such as trade restrictions or
prohibitions, inflation and monetary fluctuations; import and other charges or
taxes; the ability or inability of KEMET to obtain, or hedge against, foreign
currency; foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates, particularly a
strengthening of the U.S. dollar; nationalization; and unstable governments and
legal systems, and intergovernmental disputes;

The costs and other effects of legal and administrative cases and proceedings
(whether civil, such as environmental and product-related, or criminal);
settlements, investigations, claims, and changes in those items; developments or
assertions by or against the Company relating to intellectual property rights
and intellectual property licenses; adoptions of new or changes in accounting
policies and practices and the application of such policies and practices;

The effects of changes within KEMET's organization, particularly at the

22
executive officer level, or in compensation and benefit plans; the amount, type
and cost of the financing which the Company has, and any changes to that
financing; and

The effects of severe weather on KEMET's operations, including disruptions at
manufacturing facilities; the effects of a disruption in KEMET's computerized
ordering systems; and the effects of a disruption in KEMET's communications
systems.

Effect of Inflation

Inflation generally affects the Company by increasing the cost of labor,
equipment, and raw materials. The Company does not believe that inflation has
had any material effect on the Company's business over the past three years.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The response to this item is submitted as a separate section of this Form 10-K.
See Item 14.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.


































23
PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN KEY EMPLOYEES
OF THE REGISTRANT



Years with
Name Age Position Company(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

David E. Maguire 62 Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director 38
Terry R. Weaver 45 President, Chief Operating Officer and Director 2
James J. Jerozal (3) 53 Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary 31
Glenn H. Spears 58 Senior Vice President and Secretary 21
Kenneth L. Martin 55 Senior Vice President of Engineering and Quality 12
D. Ray Cash 48 Senior Vice President of Administration, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary 27
Donald A. Adams 52 Vice President of Manufacturing Mexico 21
Donald J. Poinsette 57 Vice President of Sales, Asia/Rest of the World 32
Edwin H. Bost, III 60 Vice President of Tantalum Product Management 31
Harris L. Crowley 47 Vice President and General Manager, Ceramic Capacitors 22
Charles M. Culbertson 48 Vice President and General Manager, Tantalum Capacitors 17
Larry W. Sheppard 53 Vice President of Human Resources 28
Raymond L. Beck 47 Vice President of Ceramic Product Management 26
Derek Payne 60 Vice President/Managing Director of Europe 21
William W. Johnson 45 Vice President, Sales Worldwide 5
James A. Bruorton 48 Vice President, Worldwide Distribution 24
Gary W. Robert 45 Chief Information Officer 1
Charles E. Volpe (2) 59 Vice President and Director 31
Stewart A. Kohl 41 Director -
E. Erwin Maddrey, II 55 Director -
Charles E. Corpening 32 Director -
(1)Includes service with UCC.
(2) On March 15, 1996, Mr. Volpe relinquished his duties as President and Chief Operating Officer and was elected as a Vice
President and Mr. Weaver was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer. Effective March 31, 1996, Mr. Volpe retired
from the Corporation, other than his capacity as a Vice President.
(3) Effective April 10, 1997, Mr. Jerozal retired from the Corporation.










24
The Board of Directors of the Company is divided into three classes, as nearly
equal in number as possible, having terms expiring at the annual meeting of the
Company's stockholders for 1997 (comprised of Messrs. Volpe and Corpening), 1998
(comprised of Messrs. Maguire and Kohl) and 1999 (comprised of Messrs. Maddrey
and Weaver). At each annual meeting of stockholders, successors to the class of
directors whose term expires at such meeting are elected to serve for three-year
terms and until their successors are elected and qualified. The directors
(other than directors that are employed by the Company or CVC and its
affiliates) are entitled to an annual directors' fee of $20,000. Directors that
are employed by CVC or its affiliates are entitled to an annual directors' fee
of $8,000, and directors that are employed by the Company are not entitled to an
annual directors' fee except Mr. Volpe who received $15,000 in fiscal year 1997.
All directors are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expense incurred in connection
with attending meetings.

There are three Committees of the Board of Directors: the Executive Committee,
the Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee. The Executive Committee,
which is currently composed of Messrs. Maguire, Volpe and Kohl, exercises the
powers of the Board of Directors during intervals between Board meetings and
acts as an advisory body to the Board by reviewing various matters prior to
their submission to the Board. The Compensation Committee, which is currently
composed of Messrs. Corpening, Kohl and Maddrey, reviews and makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding salaries, compensation and
benefits of executive officers and key employees of the Company and grants all
options to purchase Common Stock of the Company. The Audit Committee is
currently composed of Messrs. Corpening, Kohl and Maddrey. Among other duties,
the Audit Committee reviews the internal and external financial reporting of the
Company, reviews the scope of the independent audit and considers comments by
the auditors regarding internal controls and accounting procedures and
management's response to these comments. The Company does not have a standing
nominating committee.

Directors and Executive Officers

David E. Maguire, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director, has served as
Chairman of the Company since August 1992 and has served as Chief Executive
Officer, President, and Director of the Company from December 1990 until October
1996. Mr. Maguire also served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of KEMET Electronics since April 1987. From January 1959 until April
1987, Mr. Maguire served in a number of capacities with the KEMET capacitor
business of UCC, most recently as Vice President from June 1978 until April
1987.

Terry R. Weaver, President, Chief Operating Officer and Director, has served as
President and Chief Operating Officer since March 1996 and was elected a
Director in July 1996. Mr. Weaver joined the Company in January 1995 as Senior
Vice President of Sales and Marketing and most recently served as Executive Vice
President from October 1996 until March 1997. Mr. Weaver was previously a Vice
President with Johnson Controls, Inc., a manufacturer of facility management and
control systems, automotive seating, automotive batteries and plastic
containers. During his tenure with Johnson Controls, Inc. he served in a
variety of positions, including Sales Engineer, Branch Manager, Southeast
Regional Manager, and VP/General Manager of the Electronic Systems unit.

James J. Jerozal, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary,
was named Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of the
Company in December 1990 until his retirement on April 10, 1997. Mr. Jerozal
had also served as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of
25
KEMET Electronics since April 1987. From August 1966 until April 1987, Mr.
Jerozal served in a number of capacities with UCC, most recently as Division
Controller of the electronics division. Mr. Jerozal is also a director of the
Wachovia Bank of South Carolina advisory board.

Glenn H. Spears, Senior Vice President and Secretary, was named such in October
1992. Mr. Spears had been Vice President and Secretary of the Company since
December 1990 and had also served as Vice President and Secretary of KEMET
Electronics since April 1987. From June 1977 until April 1987, Mr. Spears
served in a number of managerial capacities with the KEMET capacitor business of
UCC, including Director of Human Resources and Plant Manager.

Charles E. Volpe, Vice President and Director, was named a Director of the
Company in December 1990. Mr. Volpe also served as Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer, and most recently served as President and Chief
Operating Officer from October 1995 until his retirement on March 31, 1996 at
which time Mr. Volpe remained as a Vice President. Mr. Volpe also served as
Executive Vice President and Director of KEMET Electronics since April 1987.
From August 1966 until April 1987, Mr. Volpe served in a number of capacities
with the KEMET capacitor business of UCC, most recently as General Manager. Mr.
Volpe is also a director of Sinter Metals, Inc. and Encad Inc.

Stewart A. Kohl, Director, was named a Director of the Company in May 1992. Mr.
Kohl has been a Managing Partner in The Riverside Company, an investment
company, since October 1993. Mr. Kohl was previously a Vice President of
Citicorp North America, Inc. and has been employed by various subsidiaries of
Citicorp North America, Inc. since 1988. Mr. Kohl also serves on the board of
directors of Omega Polymer Technologies, Inc.; QDS Components, Inc.; the South
Florida Newspaper Network, Inc.; and Shore Bank and Trust Company and Trend
Holdings, Inc.

E. Erwin Maddrey, II, Director, was named a Director of the Company in May 1992.
Mr. Maddrey has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Delta
Woodside Industries, Inc., a textile manufacturer, and its predecessors since
1984. Prior thereto, Mr. Maddrey served as President and Chief Operating
Officer and director of Riegel Textile Corporation.

Charles E. Corpening, Director, was unanimously elected by members of the Board
of Directors on January 29, 1995. Mr. Corpening is a Vice President of Citicorp
Venture Capital, Ltd., a subsidiary of Citibank. Mr. Corpening joined Citicorp
Venture Capital, Ltd. in December 1994. Mr. Corpening was previously a Vice
President of Roundtree Capital Corporation, an investment company, since 1991.
Mr. Corpening also serves on the board of directors of Chase Brass Industries,
Inc.; Davco Restaurants, Inc.; This End Up, Inc. and Pursell Industries, Inc.

Other Key Employees

Kenneth L. Martin, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Quality, was named
such in January 1996. Mr. Martin had been Senior Vice President of Engineering
for the Company since October 1992. Prior thereto, Mr. Martin had been Vice
President of Engineering for the Company since December 1990 and had also served
as Vice President of Engineering for KEMET Electronics since April 1987.

D. Ray Cash, Senior Vice President of Administration, Treasurer and Assistant
Secretary, was named such in April 1997. Mr. Cash had been Vice President of
Administration for the Company since December 1990. Mr. Cash had also served
as Vice President of Administration for KEMET Electronics since April 1987.

26
Prior thereto Mr. Cash had served in a number of different capacities with the
KEMET capacitor business of UCC, most recently as Director of Administration.
Mr. Cash also serves on the Board of Directors of Specialty Electronics, Inc.

Donald A. Adams, Vice President of Manufacturing, Mexico, was named such in
October 1992. Mr. Adams had been Mexico Manufacturing Manager for the Company
since December 1990 and had also served KEMET Electronics in that same capacity
since April 1987. Mr. Adam has announced his retirement effective March 31,
1998.

Donald J. Poinsette, Vice President Asia/Rest of World was named such in August
1995. Mr. Poinsette has been Vice President of Sales, International since
October 1992 and prior thereto had served as International Sales Manager for the
Company since December 1990 and had served KEMET Electronics in that same
capacity since April 1987. Mr. Poinsette has announced his retirement effective
June 30, 1997.

Edwin H. Bost, III, Vice President of Tantalum Product Management, was named
such in January 1995. Mr. Bost had been Vice President of Product Marketing
(Tantalum/Leaded Ceramics) since September 1993. Prior thereto, Mr. Bost had
been Vice President of Product Marketing (Tantalum) since October, 1992. Prior
to that time, Mr. Bost had been Product Marketing Manager (Tantalum) for the
Company since December 1990 and had served KEMET Electronics in that same
capacity since April 1987. Mr. Bost has announced his retirement effective
March 31, 1998.

Harris L. Crowley, Jr., Vice President and General Manager, Ceramic Capacitors,
was named such in January 1996. Mr. Crowley had been Vice President/General
Manager of Ceramic Surface-Mount Capacitors since September, 1993. Prior
thereto, Mr. Crowley had been Vice President of Product Marketing (Ceramics)
since October, 1992. Prior to that time, Mr. Crowley had been Product Marketing
Manager (Ceramics) for the Company since December, 1990 and had served KEMET
Electronics in that same capacity since April 1987.

Charles M. Culbertson, Vice President and General Manager, Tantalum Capacitors,
was named such in January 1996. Mr. Culbertson had been Vice President/General
Manager of Tantalum Surface-Mount Capacitors since January 1996. Since June
1980, Mr. Culbertson has served in a number of engineering and management
capacities with UCC and KEMET, including Process Engineering Manager and
Tantalum Surface-Mount Capacitor Plant Manager.

Larry W. Sheppard, Vice President of Human Resources was named such in January
1995. Mr. Sheppard has served in various employee relations capacities with UCC
and KEMET in Greenville, SC, and Columbus, GA, since December 1969.

Raymond L. Beck, Vice President of Ceramic Product Management, was named such in
January 1995. Mr. Beck has served in various sales and marketing positions
including Regional Sales Manager and Ceramic Surface-Mount Capacitor Product
Manager with UCC and KEMET since October 1971.

Derek Payne, Vice President/Managing Director of Europe was named such in August
1995. Mr. Payne has been Managing Director for KEMET Electronics S.A., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of KEMET Electronics Corporation, located in Geneva,
Switzerland, since April 1988. Prior thereto, Mr. Payne held various sales and
marketing positions with UCC and KEMET Electronics since March 1977.

William W. Johnson, Vice President, Sales Worldwide was named such in July 1996.
Mr. Johnson was previously a plant manager with Vitramon, Incorporated, which
27
was acquired by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of a
broad line of passive electronic components. Also during his tenure with
Vitramon, Incorporated, Mr. Johnson was Director of Sales and Marketing.

James A. Bruorton, Vice President, Worldwide Distribution, was named such in
July 1996. Mr. Bruorton has served in various sales and marketing capacities
with UCC and KEMET since September 1973.

Gary W. Robert, Chief Information Officer, was named such in January 1997. Mr.
Robert was previously a Vice President - Information Systems with White-
Rodgers, a division of Emerson Electric, a manufacturer of a wide variety of
controls for heating, ventilation and air conditioning industries. During his
tenure with Emerson Electric, he served as Corporate Director of I.S. Planning
and Support and Manufacturing Systems Manager.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the
Company's definitive proxy statement for its annual stockholders' meeting to be
held on July 23, 1997. The information specified in Item 402 (k) and (1) of
Regulation S-K and set forth in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its
annual stockholders' meeting to be held on July 23, 1997, is not incorporated
herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the
Company's definitive proxy statement for its annual stockholders' meeting to be
held on July 23, 1997.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the
Company's definitive proxy statement for its annual stockholders' meeting to be
held on July 23, 1997.

PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

The Board of Directors, acting through the Audit Committee of the Board, has
responsibility for determining that management fulfills its duties in connection
with the preparation of these financial statements. The Audit Committee meets
periodically and privately with KPMG Peat Marwick LLP (the "Independent
Auditors") and with the internal auditors to review matters relating to the
quality of the financial reporting of the Company, the related internal
controls, and the scope and results of the audit examinations. The Committee
also meets with management and the internal audit staff to review the affairs of
the Company.

To meet management's responsibility for the fair and objective reporting of the
results of operations and financial condition, the Company maintains systems of
internal controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance of the
reliability of its accounting records. These systems include written policies
and procedures, a substantial program of internal audit and the careful
selection and training of its financial staff.

The Company's Independent Auditors are engaged to audit the consolidated

28
financial statements of the Company and to issue their report thereon. Their
audit has been made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.

(a) (1) Financial Statements

The following financial statements are filed as a part of this report:

Independent Auditors' Report
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended March 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended March 31,
1997, 1996, and 1995
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 1997,
1996, and 1995
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a) (2) Financial Statement Schedules.

None.

(a) (3) Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed herewith or are incorporated by reference to
exhibits previously filed with the Commission.

10.35 Purchase Agreement between Union Bank of Switzerland and KEMET Electronics
S.A., Geneva dated as of March 1, 1997.

11.1 Computation of Per Share Earnings.

23.3 Consent of Independent Auditors.

Exhibits Incorporated by Reference

The Exhibits listed below have been filed with the Commission and are
incorporated herein by reference to the exhibit number and file number of such
documents which are stated in parentheses.

3.3 Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1996).

10.7.8 Twelfth amendment to the Purchase Agreement, as amended, by and between
KEMET Electronics, S.A., Geneva, and Swiss Bank Corporation, Geneva, dated as of
August 26, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996).

10.33 Credit Agreement, dated as of October 18, 1996, by and among KEMET
Corporation, as borrower, Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., as Agent, and ABN AMRO
Bank N.V. Atlanta Agency, as Co-Agent, and the lenders set forth on the
signature pages thereto. The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the
Commission a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the Credit Agreement
upon request by the Commission (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
1996).

10.34 Swingline Note, dated as of October 18, 1996, between KEMET Corporation,

29
as borrower, and Wachovia Bank of South Carolina, N.A., as lender (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended September 30, 1996).

10.34.1 Guaranty Agreement, dated as of October 18, 1996, between KEMET
Electronics Corporation, as guarantor, and Wachovia Bank of South Carolina,
N.A., as lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996).

*10.35 Form of Severance Agreement for certain key employees as of
August 1, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996).

* Denotes Employee Benefit Plan.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K.

No reports were filed on Form 8-K during the fiscal quarter ended March 31,
1997.








































30



Independent Auditors' Report


The Board of Directors
KEMET Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of KEMET
Corporation and subsidiaries as of March 31, 1996 and 1997 and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders' equity and cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 1997. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of KEMET Corporation
and subsidiaries as of March 31, 1996 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended March 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.



Greenville, South Carolina KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
April 21, 1997























31


KEMET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 1996 and 1997
Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data
1996 1997
--------- --------

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash $3,408 $2,188
Accounts receivable, net (notes 10 and 11) 52,069 55,189
Inventories:
Raw materials and supplies 31,981 35,880
Work in process 27,748 39,373
Finished goods 23,992 22,116
--------- ---------
Total inventories 83,721 97,369
Prepaid expenses 2,077 2,402
Deferred income taxes (note 7) 13,973 12,552
--------- ---------
Total current assets 155,248 169,700
Property and equipment, net (note 11) 267,541 319,509
Intangible assets, net (note 2) 63,533 48,431
Other assets 3,506 5,604
--------- ---------
Total assets $489,828 $543,244
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt (note 3) $270 $72
Accounts payable, trade (note 10) 73,030 62,159
Accrued expenses (notes 5 and 11) 35,063 29,310
Income taxes (note 7) 13,877 15,091
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 122,240 106,632
Long-term debt, excluding
current installments (note 3) 78,072 102,900
Other non-current obligations (note 4) 49,524 68,848
Deferred income taxes (note 7) 28,052 12,741
--------- ---------
Total liabilities 277,888 291,121

Stockholders' equity (notes 3 and 8):
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized
100,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding
37,514,393 and 37,717,011 shares at
March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively 375 377
Non-voting common stock, par value $.01,
authorized 12,000,000 shares, issued and
outstanding 1,096,610 at March 31, 1996
and 1997 11 11
Additional paid-in capital 136,344 139,352
Retained earnings 75,218 112,387
--------- ---------
211,948 252,127
Equity adjustments from foreign currency
translation (8) (4)
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity 211,940 252,123
--------- ---------
Contingencies and commitments (notes 10 and 13)

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $489,828 $543,244
========= =========

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

32


KEMET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data
Years ended March 31,
--------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
--------------------------------

Net sales $473,182 $634,171 $555,319
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold, exclusive of depreciation 334,162 415,572 377,527
Selling, general and administrative expenses 36,562 42,110 45,748
Research and development 13,145 18,426 20,755
Depreciation and amortization 26,183 37,633 33,467
Early retirement costs (note 4) - - 15,407
--------- --------- ---------
Total operating costs and expenses 410,052 513,741 492,904
--------- --------- ---------
Operating income 63,130 120,430 62,415
Other expense:
Interest expense 6,929 4,938 5,709
Other expense 5,861 10,522 2,331
--------- --------- ---------
Earnings before income taxes and extraordinary item 50,340 104,970 54,375
Income tax expense (note 7) 19,372 39,772 17,206
--------- --------- ---------
Net earnings before extraordinary item 30,968 65,198 37,169
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt (net of income tax benefit of
$697 in 1995) (note 1) 1,058 - -
--------- --------- ---------
Net earnings $29,910 $65,198 $37,169
========= ========= =========
Per common share information:
Net earnings before extraordinary item per common share $0.80 $1.67 $0.95
Extraordinary loss per common share 0.03 - -
--------- --------- ---------
Net earnings per common share $0.77 $1.67 $0.95
========= ========= =========
Weighted average shares outstanding 38,638,084 39,139,481 39,276,678
========= ========= =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.






33


KEMET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
Dollars in Thousands
Equity
Adjustments
from
Common Additional Retained Foreign Total
Stock Paid-in Earnings Currency Stockholders'
Shares Amount Warrant Capital (Deficit) Translation Equity
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at March 31, 1994 37,596,482 $376 $147 $127,831 $(19,890) $3 $108,467
Net earnings - - - - 29,910 15 29,925
Exercise of warrants 418,504 4 (147) 145 - - 2
Exercise of stock options (note 8) 20,300 - - 101 - - 101
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options - - - 61 - - 61
Purchases of stock by Employee Savings Plan 20,476 - - 220 - - 220
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at March 31, 1995 38,055,762 $380 - 128,358 10,020 18 138,776
Net earnings - - - - 65,198 (26) 65,172
Exercise of stock options (note 8) 519,870 5 - 2,934 - - 2,939
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options - - - 4,192 - - 4,192
Purchases of stock by Employee Savings Plan 35,371 1 - 860 - - 861
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at March 31, 1996 38,611,003 $386 - 136,344 75,218 (8) 211,940
Net earnings - - - - 37,169 4 37,173
Exercise of stock options (note 8) 150,110 1 - 927 - - 928
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options - - - 911 - - 911
Purchases of stock by Employee Savings Plan 52,508 1 1,170 1,171
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at March 31, 1997 38,813,621 $388 - $139,352 $112,387 $(4) $252,123
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.












34


KEMET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Dollars in Thousands
Years ended March 31,
------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
------------------------------------

Sources (uses) of cash:
Operating activities:
Net earnings $29,910 $65,198 $37,169
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 26,320 37,886 33,720
Post retirement and unfunded pension 914 4,655 19,238
Loss on sale and disposal of equipment 4,985 8,424 705
Deferred income taxes (3,450) (6,662) (1,600)
Extraordinary item 1,755 - -
Changes in other non-current assets and liabilities 75 180 (1,151)
Change in assets and liabilities:
Notes and accounts receivable (10,564) (3,206) (3,120)
Inventories (1,348) (20,367) (13,648)
Prepaid expenses 344 (665) (325)
Accounts payable, trade 21,684 16,580 (10,870)
Accrued expenses and income taxes 13,338 7,966 (4,299)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash from operating activities 83,963 109,989 55,819
-------- -------- --------
Investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment (42,818) (120,328) (84,753)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 322 46 70
Other 14 (26) 4
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used by investing activities (42,482) (120,308) (84,679)
-------- -------- --------
Financing activities:
Net proceeds from refinancing 99,790 - -
Proceeds from sale of common stock to Employee Savings Plan 220 861 1,171
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants
including related tax benefit 164 7,130 1,839
Repayment of long-term debt (140,093) (245) (270)
Net proceeds from revolving/swingline loan - 1,800 24,900
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (39,919) 9,546 27,640
-------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash 1,562 (773) (1,220)

35
Cash at beginning of period 2,619 4,181 3,408
-------- -------- --------
Cash at end of period $4,181 $3,408 $2,188
======== ======== ========


Supplemental Cash Flow Statement Information
- --------------------------------------------


Years ended March 31,
------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
------------------------------------------

Interest paid $6,967 $4,822 $6,550
========== ========== =========
Income taxes paid $15,978 $40,822 $15,283
========== ========== ==========
Reduction of goodwill and deferred taxes resulting from $ - $ - $13,390
Internal Revenue Service Settlement ========== ========== ==========

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


























36
(1) Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business and Organization
KEMET Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) is engaged in the manufacture
and sale of solid tantalum and multilayer ceramic capacitors in the worldwide
market under the KEMET brand name. The Company is headquartered in Greenville,
South Carolina, and has twelve manufacturing plants located in South Carolina,
North Carolina and Mexico. Additionally, the Company has wholly-owned foreign
subsidiaries which primarily market KEMET's products in foreign markets.

Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the
accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized from sales when a product is shipped. A portion of sales
is made to distributors under agreements allowing certain rights of return and
price protection on unsold merchandise held by distributors (See note 10).

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of most
inventories is determined by the "first-in, first-out"(FIFO) method.
Approximately 5% and 4% of inventory costs of certain raw materials at March 31,
1996 and 1997, respectively, have been determined on the "last-in, first-
out"(LIFO) basis. It is estimated that if all inventories had been costed using
the FIFO method, they would have been approximately $471 and $914 higher than
reported at March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.

Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is calculated
principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of
the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-
line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the
terms of the respective leases. Expenditures for maintenance are expensed;
expenditures for renewals and improvements are generally capitalized. Upon sale
or retirement of property and equipment, the related cost and accumulated
depreciation are removed and any gain or loss is recognized.

Intangible Assets
Values assigned to patents and technology are based on management estimates and
are amortized using the straight-line method over twenty-five years. Goodwill
and trademarks are amortized using the straight-line method over a forty year
period. The Company assesses the recoverability of its intangible assets by
determining whether the amortization of the intangibles balance over its
remaining life can be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows
of the acquired operation. The amount of intangible impairment, if any, is
measured based on projected discounted future operating cash flows using a
discount rate reflecting the Company's average cost of funds. The assessment of
the recoverability of intangibles will be impacted if estimated future operating
cash flows are not achieved.

Other Assets
Other assets consist principally of the cash surrender value of life insurance.

Accounts Payable, Trade
Included in accounts payable, trade, are outstanding checks, net in the amounts
of $13,251 and $7,171 at March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
37
Deferred Income Taxes
Under the asset and liability method of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes," deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to
differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit
carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted
tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under Statement
109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates
is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Stock-based Compensation
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" (SFAS No. 123). SFAS No. 123 established financial accounting and
reporting standards for stock-based compensation plans and transactions in which
an entity issues its equity instruments to acquire goods and services from
nonemployees. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of
statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the
stock option plans.

Concentrations of Credit Risk
The Company sells to customers located throughout the United States and the
world. Credit evaluations of its customers' financial conditions are performed
periodically, and the Company generally does not require collateral from its
customers. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, one customer accounted for
more than 10% of net sales and in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, two
customers each accounted for more than 10% of net sales.

Foreign Currency Translations
The Company translated foreign currencies using year-end exchange rates to
translate most foreign assets and liabilities and weighted average rates for the
period to translate foreign income and expenses. Translation gains and losses
arising from the conversion of the balance sheets of foreign entities into US
dollars are deferred as adjustments to stockholders' equity. With respect to
operations in Mexico, the functional currency is the US dollar, and any gains or
losses from translating foreign denominated balances are included directly in
income. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are also
included directly in income.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company's Financial Instruments include accounts receivable, accounts
payable, long-term debt and other financing commitments. The carrying values of
such financial instruments approximates the fair market value determined as of
March 31, 1997.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions.
These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of the financial statements. In addition, they affect the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from these estimates and assumptions.


38
(2) Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):


March 31,
---------------------
1996 1997
----------- -----------

Goodwill $54,099 $40,709
Trademarks 10,000 10,000
Patents and technology 10,000 10,000
----------- -----------
74,099 60,709
Accumulated amortization 10,566 12,278
----------- -----------
$63,533 $48,431
=========== ===========


In relation to a final settlement with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), the
Company reduced goodwill and tax liabilities by approximately $13,390 for income
taxes it had established at the date of acquisition pending resolution of the
IRS audit.

(3) Debt
A summary of long-term debt follows (dollars in thousands):



March 31,
-----------------------
1996 1997
----------- -----------

Revolving loan, interest payable commencing
on April 18, 1997, at rates from 5.67%
to 5.70% due on October 18, 2001 $- $95,000
Swingline loan, interest payable monthly at
a rate not to exceed prime minus 1%
(7.07% at March 31, 1997)on October 18, 2001 - 7,900
Revolving loan, interest payable commencing on
April 26, 1996, at rates ranging from 5.59%
to 5.64% due on February 24, 2000 78,000 -
Other 342 72
----------- -----------
$78,342 $102,972
Less current installments 270 72
----------- -----------
Long-term debt, excluding current installments $78,072 $102,900
=========== ===========


On October 18, 1996, the Company refinanced the entire balance of its
outstanding revolving credit facility and swingline credit facility with new
credit facilities totaling $175,000. These new credit facilities, each of which
has a term of five years, include a $165,000 revolving credit facility which
bears interest at KEMET's option at either the base rate (or the bank's prime
39
rate), the Euro-dollar rate (Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate) plus the
applicable margin or the Money Market rate (which is a rate quoted by an
individual member or members of the bank group). The applicable spread over
LIBOR is determined quarterly by the Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated
Total Capital ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). In addition to the
revolving credit facility, the Company has entered into a $10,000 swingline
credit facility which bears interest at a rate not to exceed the higher of the
bank's prime rate minus 1% and the Federal Funds rate plus .5%.

The Company is subject to restrictive covenants which, among others, restrict
its ability to make loans or advances or to make investments, and require it to
meet financial tests related principally to funded debt, cash flows, and net
worth. At March 31, 1997, the Company was in compliance with such covenants.
Borrowings are secured by guarantees of certain of the Company's wholly-owned
subsidiaries.

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt subsequent to March 31, 1997, follow:
1998, $72, and 2002, $102,900.

(4) Other Non-Current Obligations
Non-current obligations are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):


March 31,
----------------------
1996 1997
---------- ----------

Unfunded projected pension benefit obligation (note 5) $20,705 $34,691
Unfunded postretirement medical plans (note 6) 24,710 30,165
Other 4,109 3,992
---------- ----------
$49,524 $68,848
========== ==========


On June 5, 1996, the Company announced an early retirement incentive program for
its U.S. hourly and salaried employees. The Company reduced the U.S. hourly and
salaried workforce by 409 people with annualized cost savings of approximately
$15 million (unaudited). The total cost of the program was $15,407 ($9,900
after tax). The Senior Management of the Company was not eligible for the early
retirement incentive.

Included as a part of other non-current obligations is the Company's accrual for
environmental liabilities. The Company's policy is to accrue remediation costs
when it is probable that such efforts will be required and the related costs can
be reasonably estimated.

(5) Employee Pension and Savings Plans
The Company has a non-contributory pension plan (Plan) which covers
substantially all employees in the United Stated who meet age and service
requirements. The Plan provides defined benefits that are based on years of
credited service, average compensation (as defined) and the primary social
security benefit. The effective date of the Plan is April 1, 1987.

The cost of pension benefits under the Plan is determined by an independent
actuarial firm using the "projected unit credit" actuarial cost method.
Currently payable contributions to the plan are limited to amounts that are

40
currently deductible for income tax reporting purposes, and are included in
accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets.

Net pension expense included the following components (dollars in thousands):


Years ended March 31,
--------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---------- ----------- ---------

Service costs-benefits earned
during the period $3,234 $3,179 $3,690
Interest cost of projected benefit
obligation 4,304 4,614 5,857
Actual return on plan assets (2,780) (7,806) (6,000)
Net amortization and deferral 222 4,742 2,123
---------- ----------- ---------
$4,980 $4,729 $5,670
========== =========== =========

The following table sets forth the Plan's funded status and amounts recognized
in the consolidated balance sheets (dollars in thousands):



March 31,
----------------------------
1996 1997
------------ ------------

Actuarial present value of accumulated
benefit obligation, including vested
benefits of $35,073 and
$50,664 at March 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively $38,255 $54,281
------------ ------------
Projected benefit obligation for service
rendered to date 67,819 81,695
Less fair value of plan assets, primarily
listed stocks and government bonds 46,360 51,642
------------ ------------
Projected benefit obligation in excess
of plan assets 21,459 30,053
Unrecognized net losses resulting from
plan amendment and other (2,538) (449)

Unrecognized prior service cost (922) 789
------------ ------------
Total recorded obligation 17,999 30,393

Less current portion 1,175 972
------------ ------------
Non-current obligation $16,824 $29,421
============ ============

In the year ended March 31, 1996, the Company sponsored an unfunded Deferred
Compensation Plan for key managers. This plan is non-qualified and provides
41
certain key employees defined pension benefits which would equal those provided
by the Company's non-contributory pension plan if the plan was not limited by
the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code.

Net pension expense included the following components (dollars in thousands):



Years ended March 31,
----------------------------
1996 1997
------------ ------------

Service cost $216 $232
Interest cost 477 548
Amortization of prior service costs,
being amortized over participants'
remaining service 2,803 1,323
------------ ------------
$3,496 $2,103
============ ============



The following table sets forth the status of the unfunded Deferred Compensation
Plan for key managers and the amounts included in other long-term liabilities in
the Company's consolidated balance sheets (dollars in thousands):



March 31,
-------------------------
1996 1997
---------- ----------

Actuarial present value of projected
benefit obligation $7,032 $7,068
Actuarial losses (372) (342)
Unrecognized prior service costs (2,779) (1,456)
---------- ----------
Accrued Pension Costs $3,881 $5,270
========== ==========


A weighted average discount rate of 7.5% and 7.75% in 1996 and 1997,
respectively, and a rate of increase in future compensation levels of 5.0% in
both 1996 and 1997, were used in determining the actuarial present value of the
projected benefit obligation of each of the above plans. The expected long-term
rate of return on assets was 8.5% in 1996 and 1997. A weighted-average discount
rate of 8.0% and 7.5% was used to determine the pension expense for 1996 and
1997, respectively.

In addition, the Company has a defined contribution plan (Savings Plan) in which
all U.S. employees who meet certain eligibility requirements may participate. A
participant may direct the Company to contribute amounts, based on a percentage
of the participant's compensation, to the Savings Plan through the execution of
salary reduction agreements. In addition, the participants may elect to make
after-tax contributions. The Company will make annual matching contributions to
42
the Savings Plan of 30% to 50% of salary reduction contributions up to 7.5% of
compensation. The Company contributed the following amounts (dollars in
thousands):



Year ended March 31, 1995 $1,593
Year ended March 31, 1996 1,709
Year ended March 31, 1997 1,868


(6) Postretirement Medical and Life Insurance Plans
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the Company included the following
components (dollars in thousands):


Years ended March 31,
-------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
--------- ---------- ----------

Service cost $584 $690 $810
Interest cost 1,465 1,574 2,037
Amortization of unrecognized items (148) (125) -
---------- ---------- ----------
$1,901 $2,139 $2,847
========== ========== ==========


The following table sets forth the Plan's funded status and amounts recognized
in the consolidated balance sheet (dollars in thousands):


March 31,
---------------------
1996 1997
---------- ----------

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO):
Existing retirees $9,807 $9,388
Active employees 12,912 18,946
---------- ----------
22,719 28,334
Unrecognized net gains 1,991 1,831
---------- ----------
Obligation $24,710 $30,165
========== ==========


A weighted average discount rate of 7.5% and 7.75% in 1996 and 1997,
respectively, and a descending medical trend rate from 10% to 7% and 9% to 7% in
1996 and 1997, respectively, were used in determining the actuarial present
value of the APBO. A weighted average discount rate of 8.0% and 7.5% in 1996
and 1997, respectively, was used in determining the net periodic postretirement
benefit cost. A 1% increase or decrease in the medical trend rate would
increase or decrease the APBO by approximately $1,129.



43
(7) Income Taxes
Income taxes (benefits) consist of the following (dollars in thousands):




Federal State Total
----------- ----------- ----------

Year ended March 31, 1995:
Current, net of extraordinary benefit
of $697 $19,871 $2,254 $22,125
Deferred (2,859) (591) (3,450)
----------- ----------- ----------
$17,012 $1,663 $18,675
=========== =========== ==========
Year ended March 31, 1996:
Current $42,605 $3,829 $46,434
Deferred (6,042) (620) (6,662)
----------- ----------- ----------
$36,563 $3,209 $39,772
=========== =========== ==========
Year ended March 31, 1997:
Current $18,148 $658 $18,806
Deferred (1,450) (150) (1,600)
----------- ----------- ----------
$16,698 $508 $17,206
=========== =========== ==========


The rates of income taxes (benefits) were different than the amounts computed
using the statutory income tax rate. A reconciliation of the statutory federal
income tax rate follows:



Years Ended March 31,
----------------------
1995 1996 1997
------ ------ ------

Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal taxes 2.4 2.0 .6
Foreign sales corporation (.6) (1.3) (3.8)
Goodwill amortization 1.0 1.3 .7
Other .7 .9 (0.9)
------ ------ ------
Effective income tax rate before extraordinary item 38.5 37.9 31.6%
Extraordinary item (1.4) - -
------ ------ ------
Effective income tax rate 37.1% 37.9% 31.6%
====== ====== ======


Deferred income taxes (credit) reflect the impact of "temporary differences"
between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and
such amounts as measured by tax laws. The tax effects of temporary differences
and carryforwards which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as

44
follows (dollars in thousands):


March 31,
--------------------
1996 1997
---------- ----------

Gross deferred tax assets:
Sales and product allowances $11,293 $9,961
Medical benefits 10,077 12,047
Pension benefits 7,713 12,922
All other 3,499 3,437
---------- ----------
32,582 38,367
---------- ----------
Gross deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and differences in basis (28,352) (32,790)
Amortization of intangibles (18,309) (5,766)
---------- ----------
(46,661) (38,556)
---------- ----------
Net deferred income tax liability $(14,079) $(189)
========== ==========


The net deferred income tax liability is reflected in the accompanying 1996 and
1997 balance sheets as a $13,973 and $12,552 current asset and a $28,052 and
$12,741 non-current liability, respectively.

The Company anticipates that the reversal of existing taxable temporary
differences will provide sufficient taxable income to realize the remaining
deferred tax assets. Accordingly, no valuation allowance has been provided for
in 1996 or 1997.

On November 6, 1996, the Company and the Internal Revenue Service finalized a
settlement involving adjustments on the Company's consolidated income tax
returns for fiscal years 1989 through 1992. The adjustments to the consolidated
income tax return primarily involved the partial disallowance of amortization of
a non-compete agreement. The total tax including interest associated with the
settlement amounted to approximately $1,700. Also, in relation to the final
settlement with the IRS, the Company reduced goodwill and tax liabilities by
approximately $13,390 for income taxes it had established at the date of
acquisition pending resolution of the audit.

(8) Stock Option Plans
The Company has two option plans which reserve shares of common stock for
issuance to executives and key employees. The Company has adopted the
disclosure-only provisions of statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation
cost has been recognized for the stock option plans. Had compensation costs for
the Company's two stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at
the grant date for awards in fiscal year 1996 and 1997, consistent with the
provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net earnings and earnings per share
would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below (dollars in
thousands except per share data):



45


Years ended March 31,
------------------------
1996 1997
------ ------

Net earnings - as reported $65,198 $37,169
Net earnings - pro forma 64,883 36,146
Earnings per share - as reported 1.67 .95
Earnings per share - pro forma $1.66 $.92

The pro forma amounts indicated above recognize compensation expense on a
straight line basis over the vesting period of the grant. The pro forma effect
on net income for fiscal year 1996 is not representative of the pro forma
effects on net income in future years because it does not take into
consideration pro forma compensation expense related to grants made prior to
fiscal year 1996.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions:



Years ended March 31,
-------------------------
1996 1997
-------- ---------

Expected life (years) 5 5
Interest rate 5.84% 6.14%
Volatility 23.8% 23.8%
Dividend yield 0.0% 0.0%


Under the 1992 Executive Stock Option Plan approved by the Company in April
1992, 952,560 options were granted to certain executives. In May 1992, the
Company also approved the 1992 Key Employee Stock Option Plan, which authorizes
the granting of options to purchase 1,155,000 shares of Common Stock. In
addition, stockholders approved the 1995 Executive Stock Option Plan at the 1996
Annual Meeting. This plan provides for the issuance of options to purchase
1,900,000 shares of common stock to certain executives.

These plans provide that shares granted come from the Company's authorized but
unissued common stock. The price of the options granted thus far pursuant to
these plans are no less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the
date of grant. Also, the options may not be exercised within two years from the
date of grant and no options will be exercisable after ten years from the date
of grant.








46
A summary of the status of the Company's three stock option plans as
of March 31, 1995, 1996, and 1997, and changes during the years ended
on those dates is presented below:


March 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted- Weighted- Weighted-
Average Average Average
Shares Exercisable Shares Exercisable Shares Exercisable
Price Price Price
Fixed Options
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Options Outstanding
at Beginning of Year 1,161,760 $ 5.586 1,352,870 $6.490 1,114,885 $13.362
Options Granted 211,410 11.310 281,885 32.125 281,330 19.250
Options Exercised (20,300) 5.00 (519,870) 5.651 (150,110) 6.190
Options Canceled 0 0 (6,270) 20.132
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options Outstanding
at End of Year 1,352,870 6.490 1,114,885 $13.362 1,239,835 $15.532
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option Price Range
at End of Year $5.00 to 14.188 $5.00 to 32.125 $5.00 to 32.125
Option Price Range
for Exercised Shares $5.00 $5.00 to 5.715 $5.00 to 10.625
Options Available for
Grant at End of Year 734,490 2,402,505 2,121,175
Options Exercisable
at Year-End 188,900 437,590 679,590
Weighted-Average Fair
Value of Options Granted
During the Year $8.64 $5.42





47
The following table summarizes information about stock options
outstanding at March 31, 1997:



Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Range of Number Weighted-Average Number
Exercisable Outstanding at Remaining Weighted-Average Exercisable at Weighted-Average
Prices 3/31/97 Contractual Life Exercise Price 3/31/97 Exercisable Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$5 to 5.715 488,600 6 Years $5.53 488,600 $5.53
$10.625 to 14.188 190,990 8 Years 11.38 190,990 11.38
$32.125 279,245 9 Years 32.13
$19.25 281,000 10 Years 19.25
----------- ----------
1,239,835 679,590
=========== ==========






















48
(9) Foreign Sales
The Company has wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries which primarily market
products in foreign markets. Foreign sales by geographic region were as follows
(dollars in thousands):


Years ended March 31,
-------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---------- ----------- -----------

Europe $85,280 $124,750 $101,061
Asia 78,456 114,564 104,932
Other 19,230 27,869 24,657
---------- ----------- -----------
Total $182,966 $267,183 $230,650
========== =========== ===========


(10) Commitments
(a) The Company has agreements with distributor customers which, under certain
conditions, allow for returns of overstocked inventory and provide protection
against price reductions initiated by the Company. Allowances for these
commitments are included in the consolidated balance sheets as reductions in
trade accounts receivable (note 11). The Company adjusts sales to distributors
through the use of allowance accounts based on historical experience.

(b) A subsidiary of the Company sells certain receivables discounted at 1/2 of
1% above LIBOR, with a recourse provision not to exceed 5% of the face amount of
the factored receivables. The Company has issued a joint and several guarantee
in an amount up to but not to exceed $2,500 to guarantee this recourse
provision. The Company transferred receivables and incurred factoring costs as
follows (dollars in thousands):



Years ended March 31,
---------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---------------------------------------------

Receivables transferred $177,837 $256,131 $218,146
Factoring cost $1,530 $2,341 $2,109


Included in accounts payable, trade, is $22,469 and $19,046 at March 31, 1996
and 1997, respectively, which represents factored receivables collected but not
remitted.










49
(c) Future minimum lease payments over the next five years under noncancelable
operating leases at March 31, 1997, are as follows (dollars in thousands):



1998 $11,609
1999 9,712
2000 6,694
2001 3,000
2002 1,449


Total rental expense under cancelable and noncancelable operating leases was as
follows (dollars in thousands):



Year ended March 31, 1995 $ 5,877
Year ended March 31, 1996 8,333
Year ended March 31, 1997 11,653






































50
(11) Supplementary Balance Sheet Detail (dollars in thousands)




March 31,
-----------------------
1996 1997
---------- ----------

Accounts receivable:
Trade $58,194 $58,184
Other 4,251 4,004
---------- ----------
62,445 62,188
Less:
Allowance for doubtful accounts 227 244
Allowance for price protection and
customer returns (note 10) 10,149 6,755
---------- ----------
$52,069 $55,189
========== ==========
Property and equipment, at cost Useful Life
Land and land improvements 10-20 years $11,406 $11,789
Buildings 10-40 years 42,059 40,632
Machinery and equipment 5-10 years 252,048 311,750
Furniture and fixtures 3-10 years 20,510 22,186
Construction in progress - 57,539 78,276
---------- ----------
383,562 464,633
Accumulated depreciation 116,021 145,124
---------- -----------
$267,541 $319,509
========== ===========
Accrued expenses:
Pension costs (note 5) $2,222 $3,890
Salaries, wages and related employee costs 17,295 11,272
Vacation 8,554 8,407
Other 6,992 5,741
---------- ----------
$35,063 $29,310
========== ==========


(12) Legal Proceedings

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
1980, as amended (CERCLA) and certain analogous state laws, impose retroactive,
strict liability upon certain defined classes of persons associated with
releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Among those liable under
CERCLA (known collectively as "potentially responsible parties" or "PRPs") is
any person who "arranged for disposal" of hazardous substances at a site
requiring response action under the statute. While a company's liability under
CERCLA is often based upon its proportionate share of overall waste volume or
other equitable factors, CERCLA has been widely held to permit imposition of
joint and several liability on each PRP. The Company has periodically incurred,
and may continue to incur, liability under CERCLA, and analogous state laws,
with respect to sites used for off-site management or disposal of Company-
derived wastes. The Company has been named as a PRP at the Seaboard Chemical
Site in Jamestown, North Carolina. The Company is participating in the clean-up
51
as a "de minimis" party and does not expect its total exposure to be material.
In addition, Union Carbide Corporation (Union Carbide), the former owner of the
Company, is a PRP at certain sites relating to the off-site disposal of wastes
from properties presently owned by the Company. The Company is participating in
coordination with Union Carbide in certain PRP initiated activities related to
these sites. The Company expects that it will bear some portion of the
liability with respect to these sites; however, any such share is not presently
expected to be material to the Company's financial condition. In connection
with the acquisition in 1990, Union Carbide agreed, subject to certain
limitations, to indemnify the Company with respect to the foregoing sites.

The Company or its subsidiaries are at any one time parties to a number of
lawsuits arising out of their respective operations, including workers'
compensation or work place safety cases, some of which involve claims of
substantial damages. Although there can be no assurance, based upon information
known to the Company, the Company does not believe that any liability which
might result from an adverse determination of such lawsuits would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations.








































52
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
KEMET Corporation
(Registrant)


Date: June , 1997 /S/ D.Ray Cash
D. Ray Cash
Senior Vice President of Administration,
Treasurer and Assistant Secretary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date: June , 1997 /S/ David E. Maguire
David E. Maguire
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director


Date: June , 1997 /S/ Terry R. Weaver
Terry R. Weaver
President and Chief Operating Officer and
Director

Date: June , 1997 /S/ D. Ray Cash
D. Ray Cash
Senior Vice President of Administration,
Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

Date: June , 1997 /S/ Charles E. Volpe
Charles E. Volpe
Vice President and Director

Date: June , 1997 /S/ Stewart A. Kohl
Stewart A. Kohl
Director

Date: June , 1997 /S/ E. Erwin Maddrey, II
E. Erwin Maddrey, II
Director

Date: June , 1997 /S/ Charles E. Corpening
Charles E. Corpening
Director