Kimball Electronics Reports Q2 Results; Company Updates Guidance for Fiscal 2024

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Kimball Electronics, Inc. announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2024.

Richard D. Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “As we expected, the second quarter of fiscal 2024 was hard fought, with our team navigating a challenging operating environment. Global macro headwinds have persisted, and the consumer is pulling back. The markets we serve are experiencing demand softening, and our customers are changing production schedules and delivery date requirements. Sales in Q2 declined compared to the same period last year, with manufacturing output in the quarter being reduced to meet the lower demand. Margins, on the other hand, remained stable, thanks in part to proactive measures taken to align our cost structure with slowing sales. We expect industry-wide pressures for the remainder of fiscal 2024, and we have updated our guidance for sales and operating income for the full year to reflect these trends.”

Mr. Phillips continued, “Based on what we know today, it seems likely the macro environment will remain challenging for some time. Despite this near-term choppiness, we did not change our guidance for capital expenditures in fiscal 2024 as we continue to invest in long-term growth opportunities. With a strong funnel of new business supported by favorable industry megatrends, we’re deploying a balanced capital allocation strategy focused on organic growth, global expansion, and long-lasting customer relationships.”

The Company ended the second quarter of fiscal 2024 with cash and cash equivalents of $39.9 million and borrowings outstanding on credit facilities of $321.8 million, including $235.0 million classified as long term, and $65.8 million of borrowing capacity available. Cash flow used from operating activities in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 was $30.7 million and capital expenditures were $13.2 million.

Guidance for Fiscal Year 2024

The Company updated its guidance for fiscal year 2024 with net sales expected to decline 2% to 4%, compared to fiscal year 2023. As a reminder, the previous guidance was an estimate of net sales flat with the prior year. Operating income is now expected to be in the range of 4.2% to 4.6% of net sales, compared to the prior estimate of flat with fiscal 2023. The guidance for capital expenditures did not change with a range of $70 to $80 million.

Commenting on today’s update, Jana T. Croom, Chief Financial Officer, stated, “It is important to highlight that our second quarter results included an atypical charge in selling and administrative expenses. We recorded a $2 million allowance for credit losses associated with a customer who is not in bankruptcy, but their ability to pay an outstanding balance was deemed questionable. This item negatively impacted our operating income by approximately 40 basis points in the quarter.”

Ms. Croom continued, “We remain focused on working capital management, and while inventory levels did improve in Q2, we still have an opportunity to drive down cash conversion days with better management of receivables and payables which will support a return to free cash flow generation in future quarters.”