Kimball Electronics(US:KE)2025-11-06 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 fiscal 2026 were $366 million, a 2% decline compared to Q1 fiscal 2025 [5][10] - Gross margin rate improved to 7.9%, a 160 basis point increase from 6.3% in the same period last year [10] - Adjusted income for Q1 was $17.5 million, or 4.8% of net sales, compared to $12.6 million, or 3.4% of net sales last year [11][12] - Adjusted net income was $12.3 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, up from $5.5 million, or $0.22 per diluted share last year [12][13] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 were $75.7 million, with cash generated from operations at $8.1 million [13][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Medical sales were $102 million, up 13% year-over-year, accounting for 28% of total revenue [5][6] - Automotive sales were $164 million, down 10% year-over-year, representing 45% of total sales [7] - Industrial sales totaled $100 million, a 1% decrease compared to Q1 last year, making up 27% of total sales [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Medical sales growth was driven by strong performance in North America, Asia, and Europe [5][6] - Automotive sales decline was primarily due to lower sales in North America and Asia, partially offset by growth in Europe [7] - Industrial business saw a decline in North America due to softening demand for HVAC, while Asia reported strong sales growth [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its capabilities in the medical sector, focusing on higher-level assemblies and finished medical devices [6][18] - A tuck-in acquisition strategy is being pursued to add new end markets and manufacturing capabilities [18] - The company is committed to returning to profitable growth, particularly in the medical space, while managing costs and improving margins [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to profitable top-line growth next year and reiterated guidance for fiscal 2026 [4][16] - The company is monitoring the evolving global tariff landscape and expects to recover tariff costs by passing them on to customers [8][9] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet while preparing for growth [43][44] Other Important Information - Cash conversion days improved to 83 days, representing the lowest level in over three years [13][14] - Capital expenditures in Q1 were $10.6 million, primarily for leasehold improvements and the new facility in Indianapolis [15][16] - The company has $14.8 million remaining on its share repurchase program [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will working capital increase as top-line growth resumes? - Management does not expect a significant increase in working capital as they have improved inventory management [21][22] Question: Is the current cash conversion days level stable? - Management aims for cash conversion days to remain in the low 80s as the business grows [23] Question: What are the expectations for EBITDA margins? - Management does not expect a deterioration in EBITDA margins and anticipates improvements as growth resumes [24] Question: What is the focus for potential acquisitions in the medical segment? - The company is exploring acquisitions in the medical CMO space, focusing on new technologies and geographies [28] Question: How does the pipeline of medical projects look for revenue growth? - The company has a strong pipeline of medical projects and expects to close several as the year progresses [37][38] Question: What is the outlook for the automotive segment? - Management anticipates continued pressure in the automotive market but remains strategically focused on high-visibility revenue [41] Question: How is the company balancing organic growth and potential acquisitions? - Management is focused on disciplined capital allocation and will consider acquisitions that enhance their CMO strategy [43][44] Question: What impact does accelerated depreciation have on the company? - Accelerated depreciation is beneficial, particularly regarding interest expense deductions [46]