Kimball Electronics, Inc. announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.
Richard D. Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “I am very pleased with the results we reported for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023. Q4 was our sixth consecutive quarter with record sales, and operating income and EPS were at all-time highs for the Company. The strong finish to the fiscal year drove net sales above the guidance we provided in May, and contributed to better than expected cash flow generation in the quarter. This performance was achieved with the highest levels of teamwork from our global organization, and many others in the value chain. I would like to thank our employees, our customers and our vendor partners for their passion, commitment, and support.”
Mr. Phillips continued, “In total, fiscal 2023 was an excellent year for Kimball Electronics, highlighted by record top-line growth, margin expansion, a 79% increase in net income, and improved return on invested capital. Each of our three vertical end markets reported strong results, with the sales volume to 48% of our customers reaching all-time highs. The team supported new product introductions at a rate four times above the historic norm, and we continued to leverage our facility expansions in Thailand and Mexico, while navigating a challenging macro environment. While we continue to see a strong pipeline for future growth, fiscal 2024 is tempered by slower sales with a large medical customer. Longer term we are excited by the prospects of our funnel of new business, and the relationship with this customer in particular.”
Fiscal Year 2023 Highlights:
- Net sales for fiscal year 2023 totaled $1,823.4 million, representing constant currency growth of 38% year-over-year when excluding the impact of foreign currency, which had a 3% unfavorable impact on net sales.
- Operating income of $87.7 million, or 4.8% of net sales, an improvement compared to $52.5 million, or 3.9% of net sales, in fiscal 2022.
- Net income of $55.8 million, or $2.22 per diluted share, a significant increase compared to net income of $31.3 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, in fiscal 2022.
- Capital expenditures of $90.7 million, supporting facility expansions in Thailand, Mexico, and Poland.
- Return on invested capital of 9.4%, a 220-basis point improvement compared to fiscal 2022; ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure, see reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.
The Company ended fiscal 2023 with cash and cash equivalents of $43.0 million and borrowings outstanding on credit facilities of $281.5 million, including $235 million classified as long term, and $106.1 million of borrowing capacity available.
Fiscal Year 2024 Guidance:
- Net sales in the range of $1.9 - $1.95 billion, a 4% - 7% increase year-over-year
- Operating income in the range of 4.7% - 5.2% of net sales
- Capital expenditures of $70 - $80 million
Commenting on today’s announcement, Jana T. Croom, Chief Financial Officer, stated, “Our outlook for fiscal 2024 reflects a capital allocation strategy focused on organic growth. We have a solid funnel of new business opportunities and additional capacity from our recent facility expansions, which I’m pleased to announce now includes Poland. We will be ramping-up operations in Poznan throughout the fiscal year. In addition, inventory should normalize as global supply chain disruptions continue to ease, and the resulting cash flow generated will be directed toward reducing our leverage ratio.”