Kimball Electronics, Inc. ( KE ) recently reached a turning point in its strategic evolution, as the company shifted its focus from being an automotive electronics manufacturing services provider to a specialist in medical Contract Manufacturing Organization. The transition is unfolding smoothly, and theI am a dynamic finance professional with a Master’s in Banking & Finance from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. My investing background mix corporate finance, M&A, and investment analysis, with a focus o ...

Core Insights - Kimball Electronics, Inc. has transitioned from being an automotive electronics manufacturing services provider to specializing in medical Contract Manufacturing Organization, marking a significant strategic evolution for the company [1]. Company Transition - The transition to a focus on medical manufacturing is unfolding smoothly, indicating effective management and strategic planning during this shift [1].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 totaled $375 million, representing a 10% decline year over year when excluding the divested AT and M business [8][13] - Gross margin rate in Q3 was 7.2%, a 70 basis point decline compared to 7.9% in the same period last year [13] - Adjusted net income in Q3 was $6.8 million or $0.27 per diluted share, down from $9.8 million or $0.39 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Medical segment net sales were $115 million, up 2% year over year, driven by non-recurring consignment inventory sales [8][9] - Automotive segment net sales were $173 million, a 14% decrease year over year, with strong performance in China and Europe but a decline in North America [10][11] - Industrial segment net sales were $86 million, down 15% year over year, with declines across all regions [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the Medical market increased, while the Automotive and Industrial markets experienced declines [8][10][12] - The company noted strong sales in China for the automotive segment, with a modest increase in Europe [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in the medical contract manufacturing organization (CMO) space, with a new facility in Indianapolis dedicated to this sector [6][9] - The strategy includes utilizing cash generated from EMS operations to invest in the CMO business, with expectations for organic revenue growth over time [7][9] - The company is also closing its Tampa facility to streamline operations and improve global capacity utilization [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to growth through emerging medical technologies and high-level assemblies [23] - The current tariff environment presents uncertainty, impacting the timing of recovery in the core EMS business [21][22] - Management reiterated guidance for fiscal year 2025, expecting to be at the high end of sales and operating income ranges [19] Other Important Information - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q3 were $51.4 million, with operating cash flow of $30.9 million [16][18] - The company has reduced borrowings by 40% from the beginning of the fiscal year, indicating improved financial health [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details about the new facility in Indianapolis - The new facility provides more space and capabilities for medical CMO, with lease terms designed to minimize upfront costs [25][26] Question: Impact of the existing facility's sale - It is too early to determine the potential value of the existing facility, with a transition period of two to three years expected [31][32] Question: Trends in open orders or backlog - The greatest increase in backlog was seen in the medical vertical, followed by industrial and automotive [33] Question: Orders pulled into March due to tariffs - Management is uncertain if orders were pulled forward but acknowledges the possibility [37] Question: Outlook for operating expenses - SG&A expenses are expected to rise in FY 2026 as investments are needed for growth [42] Question: Impact of tariffs on gross margin - Tariffs are expected to pressure gross margins, but management is working to maintain them [65]