Kimball Electronics, Inc. announced financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Richard D. Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “I am very pleased with our results for the first quarter, particularly in light of the current macro environment. Q1 was a strong start to the fiscal year with record first quarter sales and operating income, year-over-year margin expansion, and 13% growth in net income. While these results were in-line with our expectations, we have been evaluating the impact of recent short-term market disruptions, including the UAW strike, global economic conditions, and geopolitical events, and have updated our guidance for the full year of fiscal 2024 to reflect softening demand in the end market verticals we serve.”
Mr. Phillips continued, “Longer-term, we continue to be encouraged by the growth opportunities in these markets, supported by favorable industry megatrends. With a strong funnel of new business, our capital allocation strategy is focused on organic growth, which will likely include additional global expansions in the future, combined with investments in automation and efficiency. We are winning together, the Kimball way, and I am excited about what lies ahead for our Company.”
The Company ended the first quarter of fiscal 2024 with cash and cash equivalents of $56.6 million and borrowings outstanding on credit facilities of $296.7 million, including $235.0 million classified as long term, and $90.5 million of borrowing capacity available. Cash flow generated from operating activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 was $12.8 million, and capital expenditures were $11.3 million.
Net sales for fiscal year 2024 are now expected to be flat with the prior year, compared to the previous estimate of a 4% to 7% increase. Operating income is also estimated to be in line with fiscal 2023, compared to the previous guidance range of 4.7% to 5.2% of net sales. The outlook for capital expenditures did not change with a range of $70 to $80 million.