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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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Form 10-K

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For the fiscal year ended July 3, 2021

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For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 1-4224

Avnet, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (480) 643-2000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No ◻

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ◻ No þ

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 þ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No ◻

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

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑

The aggregate market value (approximate) of the registrant’s common equity held by non-affiliates based on the closing price of a share of the registrant’s common stock for Nasdaq Global Select Market composite transactions on December 31, 2020 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $3,444,758,630.

As of July 30, 2021, the total number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock was 99,503,643 shares, net of treasury shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1. Business

Avnet, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Avnet”), is a global technology distributor and solutions company that supports customers at every stage of the product lifecycle, from idea to design and from prototype to production. Avnet’s unique position at the center of the technology value chain enables the company to accelerate the design and supply stages of product development so customers can realize revenue faster. Founded in 1921, the Company works with suppliers in every major technology segment to serve 2.1 million customers in more than 140 countries.

For a century, Avnet has helped its customers and suppliers realize the transformative possibilities of technology while continually expanding the breadth and depth of its capabilities. Avnet can support every stage of the electronic product lifecycle and serves a wide range of customers: from startups and mid-sized businesses to enterprise-level original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), electronic manufacturing services (“EMS”) providers, and original design manufacturers (“ODMs”).

Organizational Structure

Avnet has two primary operating groups — Electronic Components (“EC”) and Farnell. Both operating groups have operations in each of the three major economic regions of the world: (i) the Americas, (ii) Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”) and (iii) Asia/Pacific (“Asia”). Each operating group has its own management team, who manage various functions within each operating group. Each operating group also has distinct financial reporting to the executive level, which informs operating decisions and strategic planning and resource allocation for the Company as a whole. Divisions (“business units”) within each operating group serve primarily as sales and marketing units to streamline sales efforts and enhance each operating group’s ability to work with its customers and suppliers, generally along more specific geographies or product lines. However, each business unit relies heavily on support services from the operating groups, as well as centralized support at the corporate level.

A description of each operating group is presented below. Further financial information by operating group is provided in Note 17 “Segment information” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Electronic Components

Avnet’s EC operating group primarily supports high-volume customers. It markets, sells, and distributes electronic components from the world’s leading electronic component manufacturers, including semiconductors, IP&E components (interconnect, passive and electromechanical components), and other integrated and embedded components.

EC serves a variety of markets ranging from automotive to medical to defense and aerospace. It offers an array of customer support options throughout the entire product lifecycle, including both turnkey and customized design, supply chain, new product introduction, programming, logistics and post-sales services.

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Design Chain Solutions

EC offers design chain support that provides engineers with a host of technical design solutions, which helps EC support a broad range of customers seeking complex products and technologies. With access to a suite of design tools and engineering support, customers can get product specifications along with evaluation kits and reference designs that enable a broad range of applications from any point in the design cycle. EC also offers engineering and technical resources deployed globally to support product design, bill of materials development, and technical education and training. By utilizing EC’s design chain support, customers can optimize their component selection and accelerate their time to market. EC’s extensive product line card provides customers access to a diverse range of products from a complete spectrum of electronic component manufacturers.

Supply Chain Solutions

EC’s supply chain solutions provide support and logistical services to OEMs, EMS providers, and electronic component manufacturers, enabling them to optimize supply chains on a local, regional or global basis. EC’s internal competencies in global warehousing and logistics, information technology, and asset management, combined with its global footprint and extensive partner relationships, allow EC to develop supply chain solutions that provide for a deeper level of engagement with its customers. These customers can manage their supply chains to meet the demands of a competitive global environment without a commensurate investment in physical assets, systems, and personnel. With supply chain planning tools and a variety of inventory management solutions, EC provides solutions that meet a customer’s requirements and minimize risk in a variety of scenarios, including lean manufacturing, demand flow, and outsourcing.

Embedded and Integrated Solutions

EC provides embedded solutions including technical design, integration and assembly of embedded products, systems, and solutions primarily for industrial applications. EC also provides integrated solutions for intelligent and innovative embedded display solutions, including touch and passive displays. In addition, EC develops and produces standard board and industrial subsystems and application-specific devices that enable it to produce specialized systems tailored to specific customer requirements. EC serves OEMs that require embedded systems and solutions, including engineering, product prototyping, integration, and other value-added services in the medical, telecommunications, industrial, and digital editing markets.

EC also provides integrated solutions and services for software companies that bring their intellectual property to market via hardware solutions, including custom-built embedded servers.

Farnell

Avnet’s Farnell operating group primarily supports lower-volume customers that need electronic components quickly to develop, prototype, and test their products. It distributes a comprehensive portfolio of kits, tools, electronic components, industrial automation components, and test and measurement products to both engineers and entrepreneurs, primarily through an e-commerce channel. Farnell brings the latest products, services, and development trends all together in element14, an industry-leading online community where engineers collaborate to solve one another’s design challenges. In element14, members get consolidated information on new technologies, as well as access to experts and product specifications. Members can see what other engineers are working on, learn from online training, and get the help they need to optimize their own designs.

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Major Products

One of Avnet’s competitive strengths is the breadth and quality of the suppliers whose products it distributes. Products from no single supplier exceeded 10% of consolidated sales during fiscal year 2021. Listed in the table below are the major product categories and the Company’s approximate sales of each during the past three fiscal years. “Other” consists primarily of test and measurement products, as well as maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products.

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Competition & Markets

The electronic components industry continues to be extremely competitive. The Company’s major competitors include: Arrow Electronics, Inc., Future Electronics, World Peace Group, Mouser Electronics and Digi-Key Electronics. There are also certain smaller, specialized competitors who generally focus on particular sectors or on narrower geographic locations, markets, or products. As a result of these factors, Avnet’s pricing and product availability must remain competitive.

A key competitive factor in the electronic component distribution industry is the need to carry a sufficient amount and selection of inventory to meet customers’ demand and rapid delivery requirements. To minimize its exposure related to inventory on hand, the Company purchases a majority of its products pursuant to franchised distribution agreements, which typically provide certain protections for product obsolescence and price erosion. These agreements are generally cancelable upon 30 to 180 days’ notice and, in most cases, provide for or require inventory return privileges upon cancellation. In addition, the Company enhances its competitive position by offering a variety of value-added services, which are tailored to individual customer specifications and business needs, such as point of use replenishment, testing, assembly, programming, supply chain management, and materials management.

A competitive advantage is the breadth of the Company’s supplier product line card. Because of the number of Avnet’s suppliers, many customers can simplify their procurement process and make all of their required purchases from Avnet, rather than purchasing from several different parties.

Seasonality

Historically, Avnet’s business has not been materially impacted by seasonality, with the exception of an impact on consolidated results from shifts in regional sales trends from Asia in the first half of a fiscal year to the Americas and EMEA regions in the second half of a fiscal year.

Number of Employees

As of July 3, 2021, Avnet had approximately 14,500 employees, compared to 14,600 employees on June 27, 2020, and 15,500 employees on June 29, 2019.

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Human Capital Resources

The Company fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace that attracts and retains exceptional talent. Through ongoing employee development, comprehensive compensation and benefits, and a focus on employee health, safety, and wellbeing, the Company strives to help its employees in all aspects of their lives so they can do their best work.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Company has a demonstrated and long-standing commitment to diversity. The Company’s Board of Directors is 36% diverse, and 27% of directors are women. Diverse employee backgrounds and perspectives lead to better decisions. Accordingly, the Company fosters a supportive, respectful culture where inclusive behaviors are valued as the workplace norm. For example, the Company regularly engages employees in listen and learn sessions on a variety of diversity topics. These group conversations are open to the entire Company, and are regularly attended by senior leaders, including our CEO. The Company’s total workforce is 45% female.

Pay Equity and Total Rewards

The Company strives to pay its employees fairly, without regard to gender, race, or other personal characteristics. To deliver on that commitment, the Company sets pay ranges based on market data and considers factors such as an employee’s role, experience, job location, and job performance. The Company reviews its compensation practices, both in terms of its overall workforce and individual employees, to help ensure that pay is fair and equitable.

The Company is committed to providing total rewards that are market-competitive and performance-based. The Company’s compensation programs reflect its commitment to reward short- and long-term performance that drives shareholder value. Compensation is generally positioned within a competitive range of the market median, with differentiation based on tenure, skills, proficiency, and performance, all designed to attract and retain key talent.

Employee Engagement

The Company regularly collects feedback to better understand its employees’ experiences and identify opportunities to strengthen its culture. In 2021, the Company updated its approach for measuring employee engagement, along with other enhancements to its employee listening strategy.

Training and Development

Human capital development underpins the Company’s efforts to execute its strategy. The Company invests in its employees’ career growth and provides employees with a range of development opportunities, including face-to-face, virtual, social, and self-directed learning, as well as mentoring, coaching, and external development.

Health, Safety and Wellness

Employee health and well-being is vital to the Company’s success. The Company maintains a global well-being program to help its employees thrive. The Company promotes the program’s benefits to employees, including through webinars and newsletters. It also gives employees opportunities to connect through communities and social networks. The Company’s global Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees and their families with a variety of resources to help manage and adapt to stress and change. The Company’s logistics facilities focus on employee safety, and quickly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic to help protect employees. The Company follows recommended COVID-19 precautions and offers benefits to encourage employees to quarantine if they become sick.

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Available Information

The Company files its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and other documents (including registration statements) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Securities Act of 1933, as applicable. The Company’s SEC filings are available to the public on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and through The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”), 165 Broadway, New York, New York 10006, on which the Company’s common stock is listed.

A copy of any of the Company’s filings with the SEC, or any of the agreements or other documents that constitute exhibits to those filings, can be obtained by request directed to the Company at the following address and telephone number:

Avnet, Inc.

2211 South 47^th Street

Phoenix, Arizona 85034

(480) 643-2000

Attention: Corporate Secretary

The Company also makes these filings available, free of charge, through its website (see “Avnet Website” below).

Avnet Website

In addition to the information about the Company contained in this Report, extensive information about the Company can be found at http://www.avnet.com, including information about its management team, products and services, and corporate governance practices.

The corporate governance information on the Company’s website includes the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Code of Conduct and the charters for each of the committees of its Board of Directors. In addition, amendments to these documents and waivers granted to directors and executive officers under the Code of Conduct, if any, will be posted in this area of the website. These documents can be accessed at ir.avnet.com/documents-charters. Printed versions can be obtained, free of charge, by writing to the Company at the address listed above in “Available Information.”

In addition, the Company’s filings with the SEC, as well as Section 16 filings made by any of the Company’s executive officers or directors with respect to the Company’s common stock, are available on the Company’s website (ir.avnet.com/financial-information/sec-filings) as soon as reasonably practicable after the filing is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

These details about the Company’s website and its content are only for information. The contents of the Company’s website are not, nor shall they be deemed to be, incorporated by reference in this Report.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, and business of Avnet. These statements are generally identified by words like “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “estimates,” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, and actual results and other outcomes could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which that statement is made. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made.

Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements include the risk factors discussed below, but may also include risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that management does not currently consider material. Such factors make the Company’s operating results for future periods difficult to predict and, therefore, prior results do not necessarily indicate results in future periods except as disclosed. Some of the risks disclosed below may have already occurred, but not to a degree that management considers material. Any of the below factors, or any other factors discussed elsewhere in this Report, may have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, operating results, prospects, and liquidity. Similarly, the price of the Company’s common stock is subject to volatility due to fluctuations in general market conditions; actual financial results that do not meet the Company’s or the investment community’s expectations; changes in the Company’s or the investment community’s expectations for the Company’s future results, dividends or share repurchases; and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control.

Business and Operations Risks

Changes in customer needs and consumption models

Changes in customer product demands and consumption models may cause a decline in the Company’s billings, which would have a negative impact on the Company’s financial results. While the Company attempts to identify changes in market conditions as soon as possible, the dynamics of the industries in which it operates make it difficult to predict and timely react to such changes, including those relating to product capacity and lead times. Also, future downturns or supply chain challenges in the semiconductor and embedded solutions industries could adversely affect the Company’s relationships with its customers, operating results, and profitability. In addition, the semiconductor industry experiences periodic fluctuations in product supply and demand (often associated with changes in economic conditions, technology, and manufacturing capacity) and suppliers may not adequately predict or meet customer demand. During fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019, sales of semiconductors represented approximately 75%, 76%, and 77% of the Company’s consolidated sales, respectively, and the Company’s sales closely follow the strength or weakness of the semiconductor industry. These conditions make it more difficult to manage the Company’s business and predict future performance.

Due to the Company’s increased online sales, system interruptions and delays that make its websites and services unavailable or slow to respond may reduce the attractiveness of its products and services to its customers. If the Company is unable to continually improve the efficiency of its systems, it could cause systems interruptions or delays and adversely affect the Company’s operating results.

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Disruptions to key supplier and customer relationships

One of the Company’s competitive strengths is the breadth and quality of the suppliers whose products the Company distributes. For fiscal 2021, there were no Company suppliers that accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated billings. The Company’s contracts with its suppliers vary in duration and are generally terminable by either party at will upon notice. The Company’s suppliers may terminate or significantly reduce their volume of business with the Company, because of a product shortage, an unwillingness to do business with the Company, changes in strategy, or otherwise.

Shortages of products or loss of a supplier may negatively affect the Company’s business and relationships with its customers could be negatively affected, as customers depend on the Company’s timely delivery of technology hardware and software from the industry’s leading suppliers. In addition, shifts in suppliers’ strategies, or performance and delivery issues, may negatively affect the Company’s financial results. These conditions make it more difficult to manage the Company’s business and predict future performance.

The termination of the Company’s distribution contract with Texas Instruments (“TI”) (which had been one of the Company’s largest suppliers) was completed in December 2020. Sales from TI products represented approximately 9% and 10% of total sales in fiscal 2020 and 2019 respectively. The Company may experience lower sales and gross profits in the future if the impact of this termination is not offset over time by sales growth, gross margin improvements, and operating cost reductions.

The competitive landscape has also experienced a consolidation among suppliers and capacity constraints, which could negatively impact the Company’s profitability and customer base. Further, if key suppliers modify the terms of their contracts (including, without limitation, terms regarding price protection, rights of return, delivery commitments, rebates, or other terms that protect or enhance the Company’s gross margins), it could negatively affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

Risks related to international operations

During fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019 approximately 78%, 75% and 75%, respectively, of the Company’s sales came from its operations outside the United States. The Company’s operations are subject to a variety of risks that are specific to international operations, including, but not limited to, the following:

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In addition to the cost of compliance, the potential criminal penalties for violations of import or export regulations and anti-corruption laws, by the Company or its third-party agents, create heightened risks for the Company’s international operations. If a regulatory body determines that the Company has violated such laws, the Company could be fined significant sums, incur sizable legal defense costs, have its import or export capabilities restricted or denied, or have its inventories seized, which could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s business. Additionally, allegations that the Company has violated any such regulations may negatively impact the Company’s reputation, which may result in customers or suppliers being unwilling to do business with the Company. While the Company has adopted measures and controls designed to ensure compliance with these laws, the Company cannot be assured that such measures will be adequate or that its business will not be materially and adversely impacted in the event of an alleged violation.

Tariffs and trade restrictions resulting from international trade disputes or changes in trade policies may adversely affect the Company’s sales and profitability. For example, the U.S. government-imposed trade restrictions and new or higher tariffs on certain imported products. Additionally, several trade policies, rules, and restrictions applicable to China are now applicable to Hong Kong. In kind, the Chinese government has imposed trade restrictions, sanctions, and new or higher tariffs on U.S. imports into China. These actions have resulted in increased costs, including increased costs of procuring certain products the Company purchases from its suppliers, and other related expenses, which may impact the Company’s sales and customer demand for certain products. In addition, increased operational expenses incurred in minimizing the number of products subject to the tariffs could adversely affect the Company’s operating profits. Neither U.S. tariffs nor any retaliatory tariffs imposed by other countries on U.S. goods have yet had a material impact, but any future actions or escalations that affect trade relations could materially affect the Company’s sales and results of operations.

The Company transacts sales, pays expenses, owns assets, and incurs liabilities in countries using currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Because the Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. Dollars, the Company must translate such activities and amounts into U.S. Dollars at exchange rates in effect during each reporting period. Therefore, increases or decreases in the exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and other currencies affect the Company’s reported amounts of sales, operating income, and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, unexpected and dramatic changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the Company’s earnings from those markets. While the Company may use derivative financial instruments to reduce its net exposure, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may materially affect the Company’s financial results. Further, foreign currency instability and disruptions in the credit and capital markets may increase credit risks for some of the Company’s customers and may impair its customers’ ability to repay existing obligations.

Internal information systems failures

The Company depends on its information systems to facilitate its day-to-day operations and to produce timely, accurate, and reliable information on financial and operational results. Currently, the Company’s global operations are tracked with multiple information systems, some of which are subject to ongoing IT projects designed to streamline or optimize the Company’s systems. These IT projects are extremely complex, in part because of wide ranging processes, multiple legacy systems used, and the Company’s business operations. The Company may not always succeed at these efforts. Implementation or integration difficulties may adversely affect the Company’s ability to complete business transactions and ensure accurate recording and reporting of financial data. In addition, IT projects may not achieve the

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expected efficiencies and cost savings, which could negatively impact the Company’s financial results. A failure of any of these information systems in a way described above, or material difficulties in upgrading these information systems, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, internal controls, and reporting obligations under federal securities laws.

Logistics disruptions

The Company’s global logistics services are operated through specialized and centralized distribution centers around the globe, some of which are outsourced. The Company also depends almost entirely on third-party transportation service providers to deliver products to its customers. A major interruption or disruption in service at one or more of its distribution centers for any reason (such as information technology upgrades and operating issues, warehouse modernization and relocation efforts, natural disasters, pandemics, or significant disruptions of services from the Company’s third-party transportation providers) could cause an increase in expenses or a delay in expected cost savings. In addition, as the Company continues to increase capacity at its distribution center in Leeds, England, it may experience operational challenges, increases costs, decreased efficiency, and customer delivery delays and failures. Such operational challenges could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business partners, and on the Company’s business, operations, financial performance, and reputation.

Data security and privacy threats

Threats to the Company’s data and information technology systems (including phishing, cyber-attacks, and ransomware) are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. Threat actors have successfully breached the Company’s systems in various ways, and such security breaches expose the Company to significant potential liability and reputational harm. Security breaches have not yet materially impacted the Company’s operations, financial condition, or data security and privacy, but future security breaches could have a material impact. Threat actors seek unauthorized access to intellectual property, or confidential or proprietary information regarding the Company, its customers, or its business partners. They deploy malicious software programs that exploit security vulnerabilities, including ransomware designed to encrypt the Company’s files so an attacker may demand a ransom for restored access. They also seek to misdirect money, sabotage data and systems, and induce employees or other system users to disclose sensitive information, including login credentials. Further, the Company’s business partners and service providers, such as hosted solution providers, pose a security risk because their own security systems or infrastructure may be compromised.

The Company incurs significant costs to prevent and detect these risks, as well as to respond to security breaches as they occur. However, the Company’s efforts are not fully successful. Threat actors frequently change their techniques and, consequently, the Company does not always promptly detect the existence or scope of a security breach. As these types of threats grow and evolve, the Company may make further investments to protect its data and information technology infrastructure, which may impact the Company’s profitability. The Company’s insurance coverage for protecting against cyber-attacks may not be sufficient to cover all possible claims, and the Company may suffer losses that could have a material adverse effect on its business. As a global enterprise, the Company may be negatively impacted by existing and proposed laws and regulations, as well as government policies and practices, related to cybersecurity, data privacy, data localization, and data protection.

Financial Risks

Inventory value decline

The electronic components and integrated products industries are subject to rapid technological change, new and enhanced products, changes in customer needs, and changes in industry standards and regulatory requirements, which can cause the Company’s inventory to decline in value or become obsolete. Regardless of the general economic environment, prices may decline due to a decrease in demand or an oversupply of products, which may increase the risk

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of declines in inventory value. Many of the Company’s suppliers offer certain protections from the loss in value of inventory (such as price protection and limited rights of return), but such policies may not fully compensate for the loss. Also, suppliers may not honor such agreements, some of which are subject to the supplier discretion. In addition, most Company sales are made pursuant to individual purchase orders, rather than through long-term sales contracts. Where there are contracts, such contracts are generally terminable at will upon notice. Unforeseen customer cancellations may adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

Accounts receivable defaults

Accounts receivable are a significant portion of the Company’s working capital. If entities responsible for a significant amount of accounts receivable cease doing business, direct their business elsewhere, fail to pay, or delay payment, the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity could be adversely affected. An economic or industry downturn could adversely affect the Company’s ability to collect receivables, which could result in longer payment cycles, increased collection costs, and defaults exceeding management’s expectations. A significant deterioration in the Company’s ability to collect accounts receivable in the United States could impact the cost or availability of financing under its accounts receivable securitization program.

Liquidity and capital resources constraints

The Company’s ability to satisfy its cash needs and implement its capital allocation strategy depends on its ability to generate cash from operations and to access the financial markets, both of which are subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors that are beyond the Company’s control. The Company may need to satisfy its cash needs through external financing. However, various factors affect external financing, including general market conditions and the Company’s debt ratings and operating results, and may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. An increase in the Company’s debt or deterioration of its operating results may cause a reduction in its debt ratings. Any such reduction could negatively impact the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing or renew existing financing, and could result in reduced credit limits, increased financing expenses, and additional restrictions and covenants. A reduction in its current debt rating may also negatively impact the Company’s working capital and impair its relationship with its customers and suppliers.

As of July 3, 2021, Avnet had debt outstanding with financial institutions under various notes, secured borrowings, and committed and uncommitted lines of credit. The Company needs cash to pay debt principal and interest, and for general corporate purposes, such as funding its ongoing working capital and capital expenditure needs. Under certain of its credit facilities, the applicable interest rate and costs are based in part on the Company’s current debt rating. If its debt rating is reduced, higher interest rates and increased costs would result. In addition, some of its debt utilizes the LIBOR rate, which the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority intends to phase out by the end of 2021. At this time, it is uncertain how markets will respond to the discontinuation of LIBOR or to the proposed alternative rates, which may result in increased costs and higher interest rates. Any material increase in the Company’s financing costs or loss of access to cost-effective financing could have an adverse effect on its profitability, results of operations, and cash flows.

Under some of its credit facilities, the Company is required to maintain certain specified financial ratios and pass certain financial tests. If the Company increases its level of debt or its operating results deteriorate, it may fail to meet these financial ratios or pass these tests, which may result in an event of default. In such an event, lenders may accelerate payment and the Company may be unable to continue to utilize these facilities. If the Company is unable to utilize these facilities or is required to repay debt earlier than management expected, it may not have sufficient cash available to make interest payments, to repay indebtedness, or for general corporate needs.

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General economic or business conditions, both domestic and foreign, may be less favorable than management expects and could adversely impact the Company’s sales or its ability to collect receivables from its customers, which may impact access to the Company’s accounts receivable securitization program.

Financing covenants and restrictions may limit management discretion

The agreements governing the Company’s financing, including its credit facility, accounts receivable securitization program, and the indentures governing the Company’s outstanding notes, contain various covenants and restrictions that, in certain circumstances, limit the Company’s ability, and the ability of certain subsidiaries, to:

As a result of these covenants and restrictions, the Company may be limited in the future in how it conducts its business and may be unable to raise additional debt, repurchase common stock, pay a dividend, compete effectively, or make further investments.

Tax law changes and compliance

As a multinational corporation, the Company is subject to the tax laws and regulations of the United States and many foreign jurisdictions. From time to time, governments enact new tax laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Company’s tax positions. Also, changes to current tax laws or regulations, including changes in the interpretation of such laws, may adversely affect the Company’s cash flow and effective tax rate.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, the CARES Act permits net operating loss carryovers and carrybacks to offset 100% of taxable income for taxable years beginning before 2021. In addition, the CARES Act allows net operating losses incurred in fiscal 2019, 2020, and 2021 to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable fiscal years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes. The CARES Act is subject to interpretation and implementation guidance by both federal and state tax authorities, as well as amendments and technical corrections. Any or all of these could impact the Company unfavorably.

Many countries are adopting provisions to align their international tax rules with the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project, led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and supported by the United States. The project aims to standardize and modernize global corporate tax policy, including with regard to tax rate increases and adopting a global minimum tax. These provisions, individually or as a whole, may negatively impact taxation of international business.

The tax laws and regulations of the various countries where the Company has operations are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. Although the Company believes that its historical tax positions are sound and consistent with applicable law, taxing authorities may challenge these tax positions and the Company may not be successful in defending against any such challenges.

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The Company’s future income tax expense could be favorably or adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets, and liabilities and changes to its operating structure.

Constraints on internal financial controls

Effective internal controls are necessary for the Company to provide reliable financial reports, safeguard its assets, and prevent and detect fraud. If the Company cannot do so, its brand and operating results could be harmed. Internal controls over financial reporting are intended to prevent and detect material misstatements in its financial reporting and material fraudulent activity. Internal controls are limited, including limits related to human error, circumventing or overriding controls, and fraud. As a result, the Company may not identify all material activity or all immaterial activity that could aggregate into a material misstatement. Therefore, even effective internal controls cannot guarantee that financial statements are wholly accurate or prevent all fraud and loss of assets. Management continually evaluates the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s internal controls. However, if the Company fails to maintain the adequacy of its internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved internal controls, or if the Company experiences difficulties in their implementation, the Company’s business and operating results could be harmed. Additionally, the Company may be subject to sanctions or investigations by regulatory authorities, or the Company could fail to meet its reporting obligations, all of which could have an adverse effect on its business or the market price of the Company’s securities.

Acquisition expected benefits shortfall

Avnet has made, and expects to continue to make, strategic acquisitions or investments globally to further its strategic objectives and support key business initiatives. Acquisitions and investments involve risks and uncertainties, some of which may differ from those associated with Avnet’s historical operations. Such risks include, but are not limited to, risks relating to expanding into emerging markets and business areas, adding additional product lines and services, impacting existing customer and supplier relationships, incurring costs or liabilities associated with the companies acquired, incurring potential impairment charges on acquired goodwill and other intangible assets, and diverting management’s attention from existing business operations. As a result, the Company’s profitability may be negatively impacted. In addition, the Company may not successfully integrate the acquired businesses, or the integration may be more difficult, costly, or time-consuming than anticipated. Further, any litigation relating to a potential acquisition will increase expenses associated with the acquisition or cause a delay in completing the acquisition, which may impact the Company’s profitability. The Company may experience disruptions that could, depending on the size of the acquisition, have an adverse effect on its business, especially where an acquisition target may have pre-existing compliance issues or deficiencies, or material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting. Furthermore, the Company may not realize all of the anticipated benefits from its acquisitions, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial performance.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

Legal proceedings

From time to time, the Company may become involved in legal proceedings, including government investigations, that arise out of the ordinary conduct of the Company’s business, including matters involving intellectual property rights, commercial matters, merger-related matters, product liability, and other actions. Legal proceedings could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s efforts and other resources, and could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operations and business reputation. The Company may be obligated to indemnify and defend its customers if the products or services that the Company sells are alleged to infringe any third party’s intellectual property rights. The

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Company may not be able to obtain supplier indemnification for itself and its customers against such claims, or such indemnification may not fully protect the Company and its customers against such claims. Also, the Company is exposed to potential liability for technology and products that it develops for which it has no indemnification protections. If an infringement claim against the Company is successful, the Company may be required to pay damages or seek royalty or license arrangements, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. The Company may have to stop selling certain products or services, which could affect its ability to compete effectively. In addition, the Company’s expanding business activities may include the assembly or manufacture of electronic component products and systems. Product defects, whether caused by a design, assembly, manufacture or component failure or error, or manufacturing processes not in compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, may result in product liability claims, product recalls, fines, and penalties. Product liability risks could be particularly significant with respect to aerospace, automotive, and medical applications because of the risk of serious harm to users of such products.

Environmental regulations

The Company is subject to various federal, state, local, and foreign laws and regulations addressing environmental and other impacts from industrial processes, waste disposal, carbon emissions, use of hazardous materials in products and operations, recycling products, and other related matters. While the Company strives to fully comply with all applicable regulations, certain of these regulations impose liability without fault. Additionally, the Company may be held responsible for the prior activities of an entity it acquired. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in substantial costs, fines, and civil or criminal sanctions, as well as third-party claims for property damage or personal injury. Further, environmental laws may become more stringent over time, imposing greater compliance costs, and increasing risks and penalties associated with violations.

General Risk Factors

COVID-19 impacts on economy, operations, and financial results

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, increased demand uncertainty, created supply chain and forecasting challenges, and disrupted logistics and distribution systems. As a result, this pandemic has negatively impacted the operations of the Company and its customers and suppliers, and resulted in or heightened the risks of customer bankruptcies, customer delayed or defaulted payments, product supply constraints, delays in product deliveries, restrictions on access to financial markets, and other risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report. While the Company has not yet experienced any material disruption to its upstream supply chain and many of its distribution centers remain operational under business continuity plans, it has experienced increased logistics costs, product demand fluctuations, product pricing challenges, longer lead times, reduction in global distribution center utilization, and shipping delays. As the scope and duration of the COVID-19 outbreak is unknown and the extent of its economic impact continues to evolve globally, there is significant uncertainty related to the ultimate impact that it will have on the Company’s business, its employees, product supply and demand, results of operations, and financial condition, and to what extent the Company’s actions to mitigate such impacts will be successful and sufficient.

Economic and geopolitical uncertainty

The Company’s financial results, operations, and prospects depend significantly on worldwide economic and geopolitical conditions, the demand for its products and services, and the financial condition of its customers and suppliers. Economic weakness and geopolitical uncertainty (including the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and international trade disputes) have resulted, and may result in the future, in decreased sales, margins, and earnings. Economic weakness and geopolitical uncertainty may also lead the Company to impair assets (including goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets) and increase restructuring expenses to reduce expenses in

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response to decreased sales or margins.

The Company may not be able to adequately adjust its cost structure in a timely fashion, which may adversely impact its profitability. Uncertainty about economic conditions may increase foreign currency volatility, which may negatively impact the Company’s results. Economic weakness and geopolitical uncertainty also make it more difficult for the Company to manage inventory levels and collect customer receivables, which may result in provisions to create reserves, write-offs, reduced access to liquidity, and higher financing costs.

Further, an increase in inflation rates could affect the Company’s profitability and cash flows, due to higher wages, higher operating costs, higher financing costs, and/or higher supplier prices. Inflation may also adversely affect foreign exchange rates. The Company may be unable to pass along such higher costs to its customers. In addition, Inflation may adversely affect customers’ financing costs, cash flows, and profitability, which could adversely impact their operations and the Company’s ability to offer credit and collect receivables.

The Company is monitoring the implementation and effects of Brexit and developing contingency plans, including changes to its logistics operations and shipment routes, and preparing for changes in trade facilitation regulations. While the extent of the impact of Brexit is not yet fully known, Brexit has led to instability and uncertainty in the United Kingdom and the European Union, could contribute to logistical and regulatory delays at borders, and volatility in the foreign exchange markets, and may have an adverse effect on the Company’s trade operations and financial results.

Competition

The market for the Company’s products and services is very competitive and subject to rapid technological advances, new competitors, non-traditional competitors, changes in industry standards, and changes in customer product demands and consumption models. The Company competes with other global and regional distributors, as well as some of the Company’s own suppliers that maintain direct sales efforts. In addition, as the Company expands its offerings and geographies, the Company may encounter increased competition from current or new competitors. The Company’s failure to maintain and enhance its competitive position could adversely affect its business and prospects. Furthermore, the Company’s efforts to compete in the marketplace could cause deterioration of gross profit margins and, thus, overall profitability.

The size of the Company’s competitors varies across market sectors, as do the resources the Company has allocated to the sectors and geographic areas in which it does business. Therefore, some competitors may have greater resources or a more extensive customer or supplier base in some market sectors and geographic areas. As a result, the Company may not be able to effectively compete in certain markets, which could impact the Company’s profitability and prospects.

Employee retention and hiring constraints

Identifying, hiring, training, developing, and retaining qualified employees is critical to the Company’s success, and competition for experienced employees in the Company’s industry can be intense. Restrictions on immigration or changes in immigration laws, including visa restrictions, may limit the Company’s acquisition of key talent. Changing demographics and labor work force trends may result in a loss of knowledge and skills as experienced workers leave the Company. In addition, as global opportunities and industry demands shift, and as the Company expands its offerings, the Company may not adequately realign, train, and hire skilled personnel. The Company periodically eliminates positions due to organizational restructurings or other reasons, which may damage the Company’s reputation as an employer and negatively impact the Company’s ability to hire and retain qualified personnel. Also, position eliminations may negatively impact the morale of employees who are not terminated, which could result in work stoppages or slowdowns, particularly where employees are represented by unions or works councils. If these circumstances occur, the Company’s

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business, financial condition, and results of operations could be seriously harmed.

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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

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Item 2. Properties

The Company owns and leases approximately 2.1 million and 4.4 million square feet of space, respectively, of which approximately 26% is in the United States. The following table summarizes certain of the Company’s key facilities:

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See Note 6, “Property, plant and equipment, net” and Note 12, “Leases” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on property, plant and equipment, and operating leases.

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Pursuant to SEC regulations, including but not limited to Item 103 of Regulation S-K, the Company regularly assesses the status of and developments in pending environmental and other legal proceedings to determine whether any such proceedings should be identified specifically in this discussion of legal proceedings, and has concluded that no particular pending legal proceeding requires public disclosure. Based on the information known to date, management believes that the Company has appropriately accrued in its consolidated financial statements for its share of the estimable costs of environmental and other legal proceedings.

The Company is also currently subject to various pending and potential legal matters and investigations relating to compliance with governmental laws and regulations, including import/export and environmental matters. The Company currently believes that the resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity, but could possibly be material to its results of operations in any single reporting period.

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Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

The Company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol AVT.

Dividends

The declaration and payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, and other factors the Board of Directors considers relevant. In addition, certain of the Company’s debt facilities may restrict the declaration and payment of dividends, depending upon the Company’s then current compliance with certain covenants.

Record Holders

As of July 30, 2021, there were 1,547 registered holders of record of Avnet’s common stock.

Stock Performance Graphs and Cumulative Total Returns

The graph below matches the cumulative 5-year total return of holders of Avnet’s common stock with (i) the cumulative total returns of the Nasdaq Composite Index and (ii) a customized peer group of five companies (Agilysys Inc., Arrow Electronics Inc., Insight Enterprises Inc., Scansource Inc., and Synnex Corp). The graph assumes that the value of the investment in Avnet’s common stock, in each index, and in the peer group (including reinvestment of dividends) was $100 on 7/2/2016 and tracks it through 7/3/2021.

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The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

In August 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors amended the Company’s existing share repurchase program, increasing the cumulative total of authorized share repurchases to $2.95 billion of common stock. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company did not repurchase any shares under the share repurchase program, which is part of a publicly announced plan. As of July 3, 2021, the Company had $469.0 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization.

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Item 6. [Reserved]

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

For a description of the Company’s critical accounting policies and an understanding of Avnet and the significant factors that influenced the Company’s performance during the past three fiscal years, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the description of the business appearing in Item 1 of this Report and the consolidated financial statements, including the related notes and schedule, and other information appearing in Item 8 of this Report. The Company operates on a “52/53 week” fiscal year. Fiscal 2021 contains 53 weeks compared to 52 weeks in fiscal 2020. The extra week, which occurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, impacts the year-over-year analysis in this MD&A.

The discussion of the Company’s results of operations includes references to the impact of foreign currency translation. When the U.S. Dollar strengthens and the stronger exchange rates of the current year are used to translate the results of operations of Avnet’s subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies, the resulting impact is a decrease in U.S. Dollars of reported results. Conversely, when the U.S. Dollar weakens and the weaker exchange rates of the current year are used to translate the results of operations of Avnet’s subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies, the resulting impact is an increase in U.S. Dollars of reported results. In the discussion that follows, results excluding this impact, primarily for subsidiaries in EMEA and Asia, are referred to as “constant currency.”

In addition to disclosing financial results that are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”), the Company also discloses certain non-GAAP financial information, including:

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The reconciliation of operating income (loss) to adjusted operating income is presented in the following table:

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Management believes that providing this additional information is useful to readers to better assess and understand operating performance, especially when comparing results with prior periods or forecasting performance for future periods, primarily because management typically monitors the business both including and excluding these adjustments to GAAP results. Management also uses these non-GAAP measures to establish operational goals and, in many cases, for measuring performance for compensation purposes. However, any analysis of results on a non-GAAP basis should be used as a complement to, and in conjunction with, results presented in accordance with GAAP.

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Results of Operations

Significant Risks and Uncertainties

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains, constrained work force participation, disrupted logistics and distribution systems, and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. As the scope and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown and the extent of its economic impact continues to evolve globally, there is uncertainty related to the ultimate impact it will have on the Company’s business, its employees, results of operations and financial condition, and to what extent the Company’s actions to mitigate such impacts will be successful and sufficient.

Executive Summary

Sales for fiscal 2021 were $19.53 billion, an increase of 10.8% from fiscal 2020 sales of $17.63 billion. Organic sales in constant currency increased 6.3% as compared to sales in the prior year. This increase in organic sales was predominately driven by organic sales growth in Asia as a result from strong demand as the electronic components industry recovered from declines in demand during fiscal 2020.

Gross profit margin of 11.5% decreased 23 basis points compared to 11.7% in fiscal 2020. This decline was primarily due to geographical market mix and, to a lesser extent, from unfavorable changes in product and customer mix.

Operating income was $281.4 million in fiscal 2021, representing an increase compared with fiscal 2020 operating loss of $4.6 million. Operating income margin was 1.4% in fiscal 2021 as compared to an operating loss in fiscal 2020 driven primarily by goodwill and long-lived asset impairment expense. Adjusted operating income margin was 2.1% in fiscal 2021 as compared to 1.7% in fiscal 2020, an increase of 36 basis points. This increase in adjusted operating income margin is primarily due to the increase in sales, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and decrease in gross profit margin.

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Sales

Three-Year Analysis of Sales: By Operating Group and Geography

The table below provides a year-over-year summary of sales for the Company and its operating groups.

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The table below provides the reconciliation of reported sales to organic sales for fiscal 2021 by region and by operating group. Reported sales were the same as organic sales in fiscal 2020.

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The table below provides reported and organic sales growth rates for fiscal 2021 as compared to fiscal 2020 by region and by operating group.

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Avnet’s sales for fiscal 2021 were $19.53 billion, an increase of $1.90 billion, or 10.8%, from fiscal 2020 sales of $17.63 billion. Organic sales in constant currency increased 6.3% as compared to sales in the prior year. The year-over-year increase in organic sales was primarily due to growth in Asia where demand for electronic components improved compared to fiscal 2020, partially offset by declines in the Americas and EMEA primarily due to the loss of the TI product line. Organic sales in constant currency excluding TI sales increased 14.8% year over year in fiscal 2021 with all regions contributing to the growth.

EC sales in fiscal 2021 were $18.03 billion, representing a 10.3% increase over fiscal 2020 sales. EC organic sales in constant currency increased 6.0% year over year driven by the Asia region. EC organic sales in constant currency excluding TI sales increased 15.3% year over year. The increase in sales in the Company’s EC operating group is primarily due to improvements in overall market demand as fiscal 2020 was a year where demand had declined due to an overall industry economic downturn.

Farnell sales in fiscal 2021 were $1.50 billion, an increase of $0.2 million or 16.2% over fiscal 2020 sales. Organic sales in constant currency increased 9.5% year-over-year. These increases were primarily a result of improved market demand in all three regions.

Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin

Gross profit in fiscal 2021 was $2.24 billion, an increase of $177.2 million, or 8.6%, compared to fiscal 2020. Gross profit margin of 11.5% in fiscal 2021 decreased 23 basis points from fiscal 2020 driven primarily by a higher percentage of sales coming from the Asia region and, to a lesser extent, from unfavorable changes in product and customer mix. Sales in the higher margin western regions represented approximately 55% of sales in fiscal 2021 as compared to 60% during fiscal 2020.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A expenses”) in fiscal 2021 were $1.87 billion, an increase of

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$32.7 million, or 1.8%, compared to fiscal 2020. The year-over-year increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to the impact of the extra week in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the impact of foreign currency due to the weakening U.S. Dollar and from increases due to the growth in sales, partially offset by the cost savings from restructuring activities and lower amortization expense.

Metrics that management monitors with respect to its operating expenses are SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales and as a percentage of gross profit. In fiscal 2021, SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales were 9.6% and as a percentage of gross profit were 83.7%, as compared with 10.4% and 89.3%, respectively, in fiscal 2020. The decrease in SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit was primarily due to the operating leverage created from higher sales, cost savings from restructuring activities, and lower amortization expense, partially offset by foreign currency due to the weakening U.S. Dollar and from the decrease in gross profit margin.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Expenses

The Company incurred $144.1 million of goodwill and intangible asset impairment expenses during fiscal 2020. See Note 7, “Goodwill, intangible assets and impairments” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information related to goodwill impairment and intangible asset impairment expenses.

Restructuring, Integration and Other Expenses

As a result of management’s focus on improving operating efficiencies and reducing operating costs, the Company has incurred certain restructuring, integration, and other costs. Restructuring costs primarily relate to the restructuring of the Company’s information technology, distribution center footprint, and business operations. Integration costs relate to the integration of certain regional and global businesses, including incremental costs incurred as part of the consolidation, relocation, sale and closure of distribution centers and office facilities. Other costs consist primarily of any other miscellaneous costs that relate to restructuring, integration, and other expenses, including acquisition related costs and specific and incremental costs incurred associated with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Company recorded $59.4 million for restructuring costs in fiscal 2021 and expects to realize approximately $50.0 million in incremental annualized operating costs savings as a result of such restructuring actions. Restructuring expenses consisted of $54.6 million for severance and $4.8 million for facility exit costs. The Company also incurred integration costs of $35.8 million, which was offset by a gain on legal settlement of $8.2 million and a reversal of $2.6 million for changes in estimates for costs associated with prior year restructuring actions. The after-tax impact of restructuring, integration, and other expenses were $66.9 million and $0.67 per share on a diluted basis.

See Note 18, “Restructuring expenses” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information related to restructuring expenses.

Operating Income (Loss)

Operating income for fiscal 2021 was $281.4 million, an increase of $286.0 million as compared with fiscal 2020 operating loss of $4.6 million, which included goodwill and long-lived asset impairment expense of $144.1 million. Operating income margin was 1.4% in fiscal 2021 compared to an operating loss in fiscal 2020. Adjusted operating income for fiscal 2021 was $407.0 million, an increase of $104.2 million or 34.4%, from fiscal 2020. The year-over-year increase in adjusted operating income was primarily driven by the increase in sales, partially offset by a lower gross profit margin and increases to SG&A expenses.

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Interest and Other Financing Expenses, Net and Other (Expense) Income, Net

Interest and other financing expenses for fiscal 2021 was $89.5 million, a decrease of $33.3 million, or 27.1%, compared with interest and other financing expenses of $122.7 million in fiscal 2020. The decrease in interest and other financing expenses in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily related to lower outstanding borrowings during fiscal 2021 as compared to fiscal 2020.

In fiscal 2021, the Company had $19.0 million of other expense as compared with $2.2 million of other expense in fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2021, other expense included equity investment impairment expense, debt extinguishment costs, and foreign currency losses of $12.9 million offset by other insignificant miscellaneous other income items compared to equity investment impairment expense substantially all offset by foreign currency gains in fiscal 2020.

Income Tax Expense

Avnet’s effective tax rate on its income before income taxes was a benefit of 11.7% in fiscal 2021. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2021 was favorably impacted primarily by (i) a tax benefit arising from the reduction in fair value of certain businesses, resulting in losses that can be carried back under U.S. tax law and, (ii) the mix of income in lower tax jurisdictions, partially offset by (iii) increases to unrecognized tax benefit reserves.

See Note 10, “Income taxes” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the effective tax rate.

Net Income (Loss)

As a result of the factors described in the preceding sections of this MD&A, the Company’s net income in fiscal 2021 was $193.1 million, or $1.93 earnings per share on a diluted basis, compared with net loss of $31.1 million, or $0.31 of net loss per share on a diluted basis, in fiscal 2020.

Fiscal 2020 Comparison to Fiscal 2019

For comparison of the Company’s results of operations between fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2020 filed with the SEC on August 14, 2020.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

The Company generated $90.9 million of cash from its operating activities in fiscal 2021 as compared to $730.2 million in fiscal 2020. These operating cash flows are comprised of: (i) cash flows generated from net income (loss), adjusted for the impact of non-cash and other items, which includes depreciation and amortization expense, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of operating lease assets and other non-cash items , and (ii) cash flows used for, or generated from, working capital and other, excluding cash and cash equivalents. Cash used for working capital and other to support sales growth was $372.5 million during fiscal 2021, including increases in accounts receivable of $615.4 million and inventories of $409.1 million, offset by increases in accounts payable of $621.0 million and accrued expenses and other of $30.9 million. Comparatively, cash generated from working capital and other was $335.1 million during fiscal 2020, including decreases in accounts receivable of $221.5 million and

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inventories of $266.8 million, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable of $107.0 million and accrued expenses and other of $46.2 million.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

During fiscal 2021, the Company received net proceeds of $297.7 million as a result of the issuance of $300.0 million of 3.00% Notes due May 2031 and $22.9 million under the Securitization Program. During fiscal 2021, the Company repaid $305.1 million of notes and $231.7 million under the Credit Facility, and paid dividends on common stock of $84.3 million.

During fiscal 2020, the Company repaid $302.0 million of notes and $227.3 million under the Securitization Program and received net proceeds of $223.1 million under the Credit Facility. During fiscal 2020, the Company paid dividends on common stock of $84.0 million and repurchased $237.8 million of common stock.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

During fiscal 2021, the Company used $50.4 million for capital expenditures primarily related to warehouse and facilities, and information technology hardware and software costs compared to $73.5 million in fiscal 2020. During fiscal 2021, the Company used $18.4 million of cash for acquisitions, which is net of the cash acquired, compared to $51.5 million of cash for acquisitions, which is net of the cash acquired, in fiscal 2020. In addition, the Company paid $12.8 million for other investing activities during fiscal 2020.

Financing Transactions

The Company uses a variety of financing arrangements, both short-term and long-term, to fund its operations in addition to cash generated from operating activities. The Company also uses several funding sources to avoid becoming overly dependent on one financing source, and to lower funding costs. These financing arrangements include public debt, short-term and long-term bank loans, a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), and an accounts receivable securitization program (the “Securitization Program”).

The Company has various lines of credit, financing arrangements and other forms of bank debt in the U.S. and various foreign locations to fund the short-term working capital, foreign exchange, overdraft, and letter of credit needs of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Outstanding borrowings under such forms of debt at the end of fiscal 2021 was $1.4 million.

As an alternative form of financing outside of the United States, the Company sells certain of its trade accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis to third-party financial institutions pursuant to factoring agreements. The Company accounts for these transactions as sales of receivables and presents cash proceeds as cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Factoring fees for the sales of trade accounts receivables are recorded within “Interest and other financing expenses, net” and are not material.

See Note 8, “Debt” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on financing transactions including the Credit Facility, the Securitization Program and the outstanding Notes as of July 3, 2021.

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Covenants and Conditions

The Company’s Credit Facility contains certain covenants with various limitations on debt incurrence, share repurchases, dividends, investments and capital expenditures, and also includes financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain minimum interest coverage and leverage ratios. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of July 3, 2021.

The Company’s Securitization Program contains certain covenants relating to the quality of the receivables sold. If these conditions are not met, the Company may not be able to borrow any additional funds and the financial institutions may consider this an amortization event, as defined in the Securitization Program agreements, which would permit the financial institutions to liquidate the accounts receivables sold to cover any outstanding borrowings. Circumstances that could affect the Company’s ability to meet the required covenants and conditions of the Securitization Program include the Company’s ongoing profitability and various other economic, market, and industry factors. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of July 3, 2021.

Management does not believe that the covenants under the Credit Facility or Securitization Program limit the Company’s ability to pursue its intended business strategy or its future financing needs.

See Liquidity below for further discussion of the Company’s availability under these various facilities.

Liquidity

The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $199.7 million as of July 3, 2021, of which $150.5 million was held outside the United States. As of June 27, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $477.0 million, of which $411.2 million was held outside of the United States.

As of July 3, 2021, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility, with $1.3 million in letters of credit issued and $22.9 million outstanding under the Securitization Program. During fiscal 2021, the Company had an average daily balance outstanding under the Credit Facility of approximately $167.8 million and $173.6 million under the Securitization Program. As of July 3, 2021, the combined availability under the Credit Facility and the Securitization Program was $1.64 billion. Availability under the Securitization Program is subject to the Company having sufficient eligible trade accounts receivable in the United States to support desired borrowings.

In July 2021, the Company extended the maturity of the Securitization Program to August 31, 2021. The Company expects to renew the Securitization Program for two years on similar terms in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.

During periods of weakening demand in the electronic components industry, the Company typically generates cash from operating activities. Conversely, the Company is more likely to use operating cash flows for working capital requirements during periods of higher growth. The Company generated $90.9 million in cash flows from operating activities during the fiscal year ended July 3, 2021.

Liquidity is subject to many factors, such as normal business operations and general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, and regulatory factors that are beyond the Company’s control. To the extent the cash balances held in foreign locations cannot be remitted back to the U.S. in a tax efficient manner, those cash balances are generally used for ongoing working capital, capital expenditures and other foreign business needs. In addition, local government regulations may restrict the Company’s ability to move funds among various locations under certain circumstances. Management does not believe such restrictions would limit the Company’s ability to pursue its intended business strategy.

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The Company continually monitors and reviews its liquidity position and funding needs. Management believes that the Company’s ability to generate operating cash flows in the future and available borrowing capacity, including capacity for the non-recourse sale of trade accounts receivable, will be sufficient to meet its future liquidity needs. The Company may also renew or replace expiring debt arrangements in the future and management believes the Company will have adequate access to capital markets, if needed. The Company has historically generated operating cash flows and believes it will have the ability to do so in the future.

As a result of the evolving impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related uncertain future business conditions, the Company in unlikely to make near-term strategic investments through acquisitions.

As of July 3, 2021, the Company may repurchase up to an aggregate of $469.0 million of the Company’s common stock through a $2.95 billion share repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors. The Company may repurchase stock from time to time at the discretion of management, subject to strategic considerations, market conditions, amended Credit Facility restrictions and other factors. The Company may terminate or limit the share repurchase program at any time without prior notice. As a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding need to manage liquidity and leverage, the Company has suspended share repurchases.

The Company has historically paid quarterly cash dividends on shares of its common stock, and future dividends are subject to approval by the Board of Directors. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, the Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.22 per share, which resulted in $21.9 million of dividend payments during the quarter.

Long-Term Contractual Obligations

The Company has the following contractual obligations outstanding as of July 3, 2021 (in millions):

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At July 3, 2021, the Company had an estimated liability for income tax contingencies of $145.1 million, which is not included in the above table. Cash payments associated with the settlement of these liabilities that are expected to be paid within the next 12 months is $2.4 million. The settlement period for the remaining amount of the unrecognized tax benefits, including related accrued interest and penalties, cannot be determined, and therefore was not included in the table.

The Company does not currently have any material long-term commitments for purchases of inventories from suppliers or for capital expenditures.

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Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based upon the Company’s continual evaluation of available information, including historical results and anticipated future events. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

The Securities and Exchange Commission defines critical accounting policies as those that are, in management’s view, most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and that require significant judgments and estimates. Management believes the Company’s most critical accounting policies at the end of fiscal 2021 relate to:

Valuation of Inventories

Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. Inventory cost includes the purchase price of finished goods and any freight cost incurred to receive the inventory into the Company’s distribution centers. The Company’s inventories include electronic components sold into changing, cyclical, and competitive markets, so inventories may decline in market value or become obsolete.

The Company regularly evaluates inventories for expected customer demand, obsolescence, current market prices, and other factors that may render inventories less marketable. Write-downs are recorded so that inventories reflect the estimated net realizable value and take into account the Company’s contractual provisions with its suppliers, which may provide certain protections to the Company for product obsolescence and price erosion in the form of rights of return, stock rotation rights, obsolescence allowances, and price protections. Because of the large number of products and suppliers and the complexity of managing the process around price protections and stock rotations, estimates are made regarding the net realizable value of inventories. Additionally, assumptions about future demand and market conditions, as well as decisions to discontinue certain product lines, impact the evaluation of whether to write-down inventories. If future demand change or actual market conditions are less favorable than assumed, then management evaluates whether additional write-downs of inventories are required. In any case, actual net realizable values could be different from those currently estimated.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Management’s judgment is required in determining income tax expenses and unrecognized tax benefits, in measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities, and valuing allowances recorded against net deferred tax assets. Recovering net deferred tax assets depends on the Company’s ability to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain jurisdictions. In addition, when assessing the need for valuation allowances, the Company considers historic levels and types of income, expectations and risk associated with estimates of future taxable income, and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. If the Company determines that it cannot realize all or part of its deferred tax assets in the future, it may record additional valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets with a corresponding increase to income tax expense in the period such determination is made. Similarly, if the Company determines that it can realize all or part of its deferred tax assets that have an associated valuation allowance established, the Company may release a valuation allowance with a corresponding benefit to income tax expense in the period such determination is made.

The Company establishes contingent liabilities for potentially unfavorable outcomes of positions taken on certain tax matters. These liabilities are based on management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The anticipated and actual outcomes of these matters may differ, which

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may result in changes in estimates to such liabilities. To the extent such changes in estimates are necessary, the Company’s effective tax rate may fluctuate. In accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded as a component of income tax expense.

In determining the Company’s income tax expense, management considers current tax regulations in the numerous jurisdictions in which it operates, including the impact of tax law and regulation changes in the jurisdictions the Company operates in. The Company exercises judgment for interpretation and application of such current tax regulations. Changes to such tax regulations or disagreements with the Company’s interpretation or application by tax authorities in any of the Company’s major jurisdictions may have a significant impact on the Company’s income tax expense.

See Note 10 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on income tax expense, valuation allowances and unrecognized tax benefits.

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU No. 2020-04”), which provides optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform on financial reporting. The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope (“ASU No. 2021-01”), to clarify certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting to apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. Both ASU No. 2020-04 and ASU No. 2021-01 are effective upon issuance through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2020-04 and ASU No. 2021-01, but does not currently expect a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740) (“ASU No. 2019-12”), which removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU No. 2019-12 will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, and early adoption is permitted. Depending on the amendment, adoption may be applied on a retrospective, modified retrospective, or prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2019-12.

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company seeks to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates by entering into financial arrangements, from time to time, which are intended to provide an economic hedge against all or a portion of the risks associated with such volatility. The Company continues to have exposure to such risks to the extent they are not economically hedged.

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The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities of the Company’s debt outstanding at July 3, 2021 (dollars in millions):

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The following table sets forth the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt and the average interest rates at July 3, 2021, and June 27, 2020 (dollars in millions):

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