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FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2004

Commission file number 1-5318

KENNAMETAL INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Pennsylvania   25-0900168
(State or other jurisdiction   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)   Identification No.)

World Headquarters
1600 Technology Way
P.O. Box 231
Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650-0231

(Address of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Website: www.kennametal.com

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (724) 539-5000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES [X] NO [  ]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of capital stock, as of the latest practicable date:

     
Title Of Each Class   Outstanding at April 30, 2004

 
 
 
Capital Stock, par value $1.25 per share   36,466,636



 


KENNAMETAL INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS

         
Item No.
  Page
       
       
    1  
    2  
    3  
    4  
    16  
    25  
    25  
       
5. Other Information
    N/A  
    26  
    27  
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1

 


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

KENNAMETAL INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    March 31,
  March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)

  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
OPERATIONS
                               
Sales
  $ 524,230     $ 459,243     $ 1,429,583     $ 1,295,192  
Cost of goods sold
    348,376       307,582       961,990       875,079  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross profit
    175,854       151,661       467,593       420,113  
Operating expense
    132,218       122,592       378,180       343,104  
Restructuring
          3,269       3,670       11,649  
Amortization of intangibles
    614       1,196       1,570       3,310  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income
    43,022       24,604       84,173       62,050  
Interest expense
    6,332       8,979       19,479       27,058  
Other expense (income), net
    508       713       (2,010 )     (414 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income before provision for income taxes and minority interest
    36,182       14,912       66,704       35,406  
Provision for income taxes
    11,579       4,474       21,345       10,622  
Minority interest
    533       739       1,632       1,786  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 24,070     $ 9,699     $ 43,727     $ 22,998  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
PER SHARE DATA
                               
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.67     $ 0.28     $ 1.23     $ 0.65  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.66     $ 0.27     $ 1.20     $ 0.65  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Dividends per share
  $ 0.17     $ 0.17     $ 0.51     $ 0.51  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    35,828       35,243       35,589       35,137  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    36,662       35,480       36,307       35,412  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

KENNAMETAL INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    March 31,   June 30,
    2004
  2003
(in thousands)   (Unaudited)        
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and equivalents
  $ 27,528     $ 15,093  
Marketable equity securities available-for-sale
          11,365  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $22,330 and $23,405
    248,879       231,803  
Inventories
    387,202       389,613  
Deferred income taxes
    87,651       97,237  
Assets held for sale
          7,720  
Other current assets
    38,803       29,521  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current assets
    790,063       782,352  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Property, plant and equipment:
               
Land and buildings
    268,749       258,985  
Machinery and equipment
    999,383       964,171  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (786,339 )     (733,328 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net property, plant and equipment
    481,793       489,828  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Other assets:
               
Investments in affiliated companies
    15,275       13,780  
Goodwill
    510,347       430,664  
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $15,030 and $15,037
    44,267       42,509  
Deferred income taxes
    26,013       17,122  
Assets held for sale
          7,312  
Other
    18,353       30,320  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total other assets
    614,255       541,707  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 1,886,111     $ 1,813,887  
 
   
 
     
 
 
LIABILITIES
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases
  $ 2,567     $ 2,907  
Notes payable to banks
    5,626       7,938  
Accounts payable
    132,246       118,509  
Accrued income taxes
    8,640       22,511  
Accrued vacation pay
    34,373       31,272  
Accrued payroll
    38,605       32,592  
Accrued restructuring
    15,480       24,868  
Liabilities of operations held for sale
          1,531  
Other current liabilities
    105,362       94,219  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current liabilities
    342,899       336,347  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities
    486,119       514,842  
Deferred income taxes
    38,045       43,543  
Postretirement benefits
    43,316       44,030  
Accrued pension benefits
    124,354       111,503  
Other liabilities
    24,876       23,165  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities
    1,059,609       1,073,430  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
    16,598       18,880  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Commitments and contingencies
               
SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, no par value; 5,000 shares authorized; none issued
           
Capital stock, $1.25 par value; 70,000 shares authorized; 37,849 and 37,649 shares issued
    47,311       47,061  
Additional paid-in capital
    517,452       507,343  
Retained earnings
    326,365       301,263  
Treasury shares, at cost; 1,437 and 2,176 shares held
    (45,340 )     (67,268 )
Unearned compensation
    (9,847 )     (9,109 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (26,037 )     (57,713 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total shareowners’ equity
    809,904       721,577  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity
  $ 1,886,111     $ 1,813,887  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

KENNAMETAL INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
                 
    Nine Months Ended
    March 31,
(in thousands)

  2004
  2003
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
Net income
  $ 43,727     $ 22,998  
Adjustments for non-cash items:
               
Depreciation
    47,183       58,509  
Amortization
    1,570       3,310  
Stock-based compensation expense
    9,444       6,201  
Restructuring
          (181 )
Other
    6,013       2,062  
Changes in certain assets and liabilities (excluding acquisition):
               
Accounts receivable
    (12,813 )     3,134  
Change in accounts receivable securitization
    9,600       (2,286 )
Inventories
    13,468       14,644  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    5,951       12,030  
Other
    (14,676 )     (6,235 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
    109,467       114,186  
 
   
 
     
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (36,060 )     (35,966 )
Disposals of property, plant and equipment
    2,998       1,504  
Acquisition of business assets, net of cash acquired
    (64,588 )     (165,521 )
Purchase of subsidiary stock
    (5,030 )     (6,691 )
Proceeds from the sale of marketable equity securities
    17,429        
Proceeds from divestiture of assets held for sale
    12,306        
Other
    1,093       1,267  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash flow used for investing activities
    (71,852 )     (205,407 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Net decrease in notes payable
    (2,768 )     (13,320 )
Net decrease in revolver and other lines of credit
    (22,887 )     (40,678 )
Term debt borrowings
    2,336       186,665  
Term debt repayments
    (7,153 )     (23,473 )
Dividend reinvestment and employee benefit and stock plans
    21,394       5,363  
Cash dividends paid to shareowners
    (18,625 )     (18,480 )
Other
    (1,261 )     (1,060 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash flow (used for) provided by financing activities
    (28,964 )     95,017  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
    3,784       3,069  
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
               
Net increase in cash and equivalents
    12,435       6,865  
Cash and equivalents, beginning of year
    15,093       10,385  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash and equivalents, end of period
  $ 27,528     $ 17,250  
 
   
 
     
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
               
Interest paid
  $ 14,436     $ 19,003  
Income taxes paid
    26,415       793  
Contribution of stock to employee defined contribution benefit plans
    5,906       2,560  
Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps
    (11,882 )     19,025  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

KENNAMETAL INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1.   ORGANIZATION
 
    Kennametal Inc. was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1943 and maintains its world headquarters in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Kennametal Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Kennametal” or the “Company”) is a leading global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of a broad range of cutting tools, tooling systems, supplies and technical services, as well as wear-resistant parts. We believe that our reputation for manufacturing excellence and technological expertise and innovation in our principal products has helped us achieve a leading market presence in our primary markets. We believe we are the second largest global provider of metalcutting tools and tooling systems. End users of our products include metalworking manufacturers and suppliers in the aerospace, automotive, machine tool and farm machinery industries, as well as manufacturers and suppliers in the highway construction, coal mining, quarrying and oil and gas exploration industries. We operate four global business units consisting of Metalworking Solutions & Services Group (“MSSG”), Advanced Materials Solutions Group (“AMSG”), J&L Industrial Supply (“J&L”) and Full Service Supply (“FSS”), as well as our corporate functional shared services.
 
2.   BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The condensed consolidated financial statements, which include our accounts and those of our majority-owned subsidiaries, should be read in conjunction with the 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2003 was derived from the audited balance sheet included in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These interim statements are unaudited; however, we believe that all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods were made and all adjustments are normal, recurring adjustments. The results for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full fiscal year. Unless otherwise specified, any reference to a “year” is to a fiscal year ended June 30. For example, a reference to 2004 is to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004. When used in this Form 10-Q, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Kennametal Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 
    Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
 
3.   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
    Stock options generally are granted to eligible employees with a stock price equal to fair market value at the date of grant. Options are exercisable under specific conditions for up to 10 years from the date of grant. As permitted under the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”) we have elected to measure compensation expense related to stock options in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations which uses the intrinsic value method. In addition to stock option grants, the Amended and Restated Kennametal Inc. Stock and Incentive Plan of 2002 permits the award of restricted stock to directors, officers and key employees. Expense associated with restricted stock grants is amortized over the vesting period. If compensation expense was determined based on the estimated fair value of options granted, consistent with the methodology in SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure (“SFAS No. 148”), our 2004 and 2003 net income and earnings per share for the quarter and nine months would be reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share data):

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Table of Contents

KENNAMETAL INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    March 31,
  March 31,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Net income, as reported
  $ 24,070     $ 9,699     $ 43,727     $ 22,998  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (2,159 )     (2,307 )     (6,609 )     (6,846 )
Add: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the intrinsic value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    755       891       2,406       2,596  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total stock-based compensation
  $ (1,404 )   $ (1,416 )   $ (4,203 )   $ (4,250 )
Pro forma net income
  $ 22,666     $ 8,283     $ 39,524     $ 18,748  
Basic earnings per share:
                               
As reported
  $ 0.67     $ 0.28     $ 1.23     $ 0.65  
Pro forma
    0.63       0.24       1.11       0.53  
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
As reported
  $ 0.66     $ 0.27     $ 1.20     $ 0.65  
Pro forma
    0.62       0.23       1.09       0.53  

4.   ACQUISITIONS
 
    Widia
 
    On August 30, 2002, we purchased the Widia Group (“Widia”) in Europe and India from Milacron Inc. for EUR188 million ($185.3 million) subject to a purchase price adjustment. On February 12, 2003, Milacron Inc. and Kennametal signed a settlement agreement with respect to the calculation of the post-closing purchase price adjustment for the Widia acquisition pursuant to which Milacron paid Kennametal EUR 18.8 million ($20.1 million) in cash. The net cash purchase price of $167.1 million includes the actual purchase price of $185.3 million less the settlement of $20.1 million plus $6.2 million of direct acquisition costs ($1.1 million paid in 2002 and $5.1 million paid in 2003) less $4.3 million of acquired cash. We financed the acquisition with funds borrowed under the 2002 Credit Agreement. The acquisition of Widia improves our global competitiveness, strengthens our European position and represents a strong platform for increased penetration in Asia. Widia’s operating results have been included in our consolidated results since August 30, 2002. The fair market value of the Widia tangible and intangible assets were determined by an independent appraiser.
 
    In accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141), we accounted for the acquisition using the purchase method of accounting. As a result of the acquisition, we have recorded approximately $58.4 million of goodwill and $27.2 million of other intangibles. Of the $27.2 million of identifiable intangible assets approximately $6.4 million have a definite life and therefore will be amortized over its remaining useful life.

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Table of Contents

KENNAMETAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    In conjunction with the Widia acquisition, we reviewed the estimated lives currently being used for existing Kennametal assets, and have determined that the current useful lives should be extended to more appropriately match the life of the asset. Starting July 1, 2003, we have changed our accounting policy regarding machinery and equipment and have extended our useful lives from a maximum life of 10 years to 15 years.
 
    The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data presented below gives effect to the Widia acquisition as if it had occurred as of July 1, 2002. The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable, including additional interest expense that resulted from the transaction, net of any applicable income tax effects. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred had the acquisition been consummated on the date indicated, nor are they indicative of future operating results. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.

                 
    Nine Months Ended
    March 31
    Actual
  Pro Forma
(in thousands, except per share data)   2004
  2003
Net sales
  $ 1,429,583     $ 1,330,586  
Net income
    43,727       18,357  
Basic earnings per share
    1.23       0.52  
Diluted earnings per share
    1.20       0.52  

    Conforma Clad
 
    The Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Conforma Clad, Inc. for $64.6 million, effective March 1, 2004, subject to a purchase price adjustment based on acquired working capital. The Company acquired Conforma Clad to expand its product and solutions offerings in the area of extreme wear environments involving corrosion, erosion and abrasion. We financed the acquisition with borrowings under our 2002 Credit Agreement. We accounted for the acquisition in accordance with SFAS No. 141. Based on the preliminary fair values determined at the time of the acquisition, we have recorded $59.5 million in goodwill associated with the acquisition of Conforma Clad. The financial statements as of March 31, 2004 reflect preliminary estimates of the fair value of acquired property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. These estimates will be finalized based on an independent valuation of such assets to be obtained in our fiscal fourth quarter ending June 30, 2004. Conforma Clad’s operating results have been included in our consolidated results since March 1, 2004 and are included in the Advanced Materials Solutions Group (see Note 14). Pro forma comparative results of the Company, assuming the acquisition of Conforma Clad had been made at the beginning of fiscal 2003, would not have been materially different from the reported results.
 
5.   DIVESTITURE OF OPERATIONS HELD FOR SALE
 
    During our fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2004, we completed the sale of the Mining and Construction business of Kennametal Widia India Limited, which was a part of the AMSG segment, for approximately $14.3 million, subject to a working capital adjustment. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”), we recorded the assets of this business as held for sale in our fiscal second quarter ended December 31, 2003. As a result of our supply agreement with the buyer, this transaction did not qualify for discontinued operations treatment. This transaction did not have a material impact on our results of operations.

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KENNAMETAL INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

    During the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Company received $12.3 million in net proceeds related to the sale of this business. The Company is required to satisfy certain conditions related to the property sold for it to receive the remaining $2.0 million due under the sale agreement. The Company expects to collect the remaining $2.0 million due under the sale agreement within the next twelve months. The $2.0 million due under the agreement is classified within other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2004.
 
    As we consummated this transaction during the current quarter, there are no amounts held for sale in the March 31, 2004 balance sheet. The major classes of assets and liabilities of operations held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2003 are as follows (in thousands):

         
    June 30,
    2003
Assets:
       
Accounts receivable
  $ 3,845  
Inventories
    2,642  
Other
    1,233  
Net property, plant and equipment and goodwill
    7,312  
 
   
 
 
Total assets of operations held for sale
  $ 15,032  
 
   
 
 
Liabilities:
       
Accounts payable
  $ 1,344  
Other
    187  
 
   
 
 
Total liabilities of operations held for sale
  $ 1,531  
 
   
 
 

6.   SALE OF MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES
 
    During the nine months ended March 31, 2004, we sold our investment in Toshiba Tungaloy Co., Ltd. (Toshiba) resulting in cash proceeds of $17.4 million and a pre-tax gain of $4.4 million ($3.0 million after tax). The gain is recorded in other (income), net.

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KENNAMETAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

7.   BENEFIT PLANS
 
    We sponsor several pension plans that cover substantially all employees. Additionally, we sponsor varying levels of postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to most US employees.
 
    On November 13, 2003, Kennametal announced modifications to certain employee benefits, including a plan amendment for selected participants in the Retirement Income Plan (the “RIP Plan”), new employer contributions to the defined contribution plan (“Thrift Plus Plan”) and changes to the retiree medical portion of the Other Postemployment Benefits Plan (“OPEB”). The RIP Plan currently covers the majority of the Company’s U.S. workforce. Effective January 1, 2004, no new non-union employees will become eligible to participate in the RIP Plan. Benefits under the RIP Plan continued to accrue after December 31, 2003 only for certain employees (“Grandfathered Participants”). Benefits for all other participants were frozen effective December 31, 2003. All eligible employees hired on or after January 1, 2004 and all non-Grandfathered Participants in the RIP Plan will be eligible to participate in the Thrift Plus Plan which will provide for an employer fixed contribution equal to three percent of the employee’s compensation and will allow for an additional variable contribution from zero percent up to three percent depending on the Company’s performance. The modification of the OPEB Plan will eliminate Kennametal’s obligation to provide a Company subsidy for employee medical costs for all employees who retire after January 1, 2009. The RIP Plan amendment resulted in a curtailment under SFAS No. 88 “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits” and resulted in a pre-tax charge of $1.3 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2004. In connection with the amendments above, the Company also amended its Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2004. Such amendment did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
    The table below summarizes the components of the net periodic cost of our pension and OPEB plans, as amended, during the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):
 
    Pension Plans

                                 
    Quarter Ended March 31,
  Nine Months Ended March 31,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Service cost
  $ 2,585     $ 3,274     $ 11,123     $ 9,823  
Interest cost
    7,738       7,526       23,568       22,577  
Expected return on plan assets
    (9,539 )     (10,913 )     (28,618 )     (32,740 )
Amortization of transition obligation
    35       (339 )     106       (1,016 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    164       193       539       579  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    402       (2 )     1,205       (6 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total net period pension cost
  $ 1,385     $ (261 )   $ 7,923     $ (783 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

    OPEB Plans

                                 
    Quarter Ended March 31,
  Nine Months Ended March 31,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Service cost
  $ 179     $ 315     $ 929     $ 944  
Interest cost
    553       732       1,808       2,197  
Amortization of prior service cost
    (887 )     102       (1,190 )     305  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    (56 )     (27 )     (122 )     (81 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total net period pension cost
  $ (211 )   $ 1,122     $ 1,425     $ 3,365  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

    During the nine months ended March 31, 2004, the Company contributed $5 million to its various defined benefit pension plans. Contributions to such plans for fiscal 2004 are expected to total approximately $7 million in total.

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Table of Contents

KENNAMETAL INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

8.   INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We use the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for determining the cost of a significant portion of our U.S. inventories. The cost for the remainder of our inventories is determined under the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods. We used the LIFO method of valuing inventories for approximately 40 percent of total inventories at both March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2003. Because inventory valuations under the LIFO method are based on an annual determination of quantities and costs as of June 30 of each year, the interim LIFO valuations are based on our projections of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Therefore, the interim financial results are subject to any final year-end LIFO inventory adjustments.
 
    Inventories as of the balance sheet dates consisted of the following (in thousands):

                 
    March 31,   June 30,
    2004
  2003
Finished goods
  $ 262,291     $ 272,080  
Work in process and powder blends
    112,936       108,607  
Raw materials and supplies
    38,011       36,283  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Inventory at current cost
    413,238   &n