Kimball Electronics Q1 Earnings and Revenues Surpass Expectations

Core Insights - Kimball Electronics, Inc. (KE) reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 non-GAAP earnings of 49 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 104.2% and up from 22 cents per share a year ago [1][9] - The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates over the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 23.7% [1] Revenue Performance - Kimball Electronics posted revenues of $365.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.28%, but down 2.3% year over year from $374.26 million [2][9] - The medical vertical generated $101.6 million in revenues, accounting for 28% of total revenues, marking a 13% year-over-year increase driven by strong demand in various medical applications [3] - The automotive vertical contributed $164.4 million, representing 45% of total revenues, which is a 10% decline year over year due to normalization of demand and ongoing program transitions among OEM customers [4] - Revenues from the industrial vertical, excluding divested segments, were $99.6 million, making up 27% of total revenues, down 1% year over year, supported by steady demand across various industrial applications [5] Profitability Metrics - Gross profit for the quarter rose to $28.8 million, resulting in a gross margin of 7.9%, an increase of 160 basis points from the previous year [6] - Adjusted operating income reached $17.5 million, up 39.9% year over year, with an adjusted operating margin of 4.8%, expanding 140 basis points from 3.4% a year ago [6] - Adjusted net income was $12.25 million, reflecting a significant increase of 121.6% year over year [6] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - At the end of the quarter, Kimball Electronics had cash and equivalents of $75.7 million, down from $88.8 million in June 2025, while debt decreased to $138 million, the lowest level in over three years [7] - The company generated $8.1 million in cash from operations [7] Guidance and Outlook - Kimball Electronics reiterated its fiscal 2026 revenue guidance, expecting a range between $1.35 billion and $1.45 billion, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $1.4 billion, indicating a year-over-year decline of 5.72% [8] - The company anticipates an adjusted operating margin between 4.0% and 4.25% for fiscal 2026 and capital expenditures in the range of $50-$60 million [8]