Strong Q1 2026 growth for Knowles (NYSE: KN) with 16% revenue rise
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Knowles Corporation reported strong Q1 2026 results with solid growth and margin improvement. Revenue from continuing operations was $153.1 million, up about 16% year over year, while non-GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations rose 50% to $0.27 and GAAP diluted EPS reached $0.13. GAAP gross margin improved to 43.8%, with non-GAAP gross margin at 45.5%, reflecting better mix and factory utilization. MedTech & Specialty Audio revenue grew 13.9% and Precision Devices revenue grew 17.4%, both expanding adjusted EBITDA margins. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $35.3 million, a 23.1% margin. Despite strong earnings, net cash used in operating activities was $0.7 million, and adjusted free cash flow was negative $3.1 million. For Q2 2026, the company guides revenue of $152 to $162 million, non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.28 to $0.32, and net cash from operating activities of $20 to $30 million.
Positive
- Strong top-line and earnings growth: Q1 2026 revenue from continuing operations rose to $153.1 million (about 16% year-over-year), while non-GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations increased 50% to $0.27, reflecting solid demand and operating leverage.
- Margin and profitability expansion: GAAP gross margin improved to 43.8% and non-GAAP gross margin to 45.5%, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $35.3 million and a 23.1% margin, aided by higher capacity utilization and favorable mix across segments.
- Broad-based segment strength and constructive outlook: Precision Devices revenue grew 17.4% and MedTech & Specialty Audio grew 13.9%, both with higher adjusted EBITDA margins, and Q2 2026 guidance targets revenue of $152–$162 million and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.28–$0.32.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Knowles posts robust Q1 growth with higher margins and upbeat Q2 guidance.
Knowles delivered Q1 2026 revenue of $153.1M, up about 16% year over year, as both Precision Devices and MedTech & Specialty Audio grew double digits. Non-GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations rose 50% to $0.27, indicating strong operating leverage.
Profitability improved, with GAAP gross margin at 43.8% and non-GAAP gross margin at 45.5%. Adjusted EBITDA reached $35.3M, a 23.1% margin, supported by higher factory utilization and favorable product mix across end markets like medtech, defense, industrial, and electrification.
Cash generation was seasonally soft, with net cash used in operating activities of $0.7M and adjusted free cash flow of -$3.1M. However, guidance for Q2 2026 calls for revenue of $152–$162M, non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.28–$0.32, and operating cash flow of $20–$30M, suggesting expectations for stronger cash flow as the year progresses.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 2.02, 9.01
2 items
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Q1 2026 revenue: $153.1M
Q1 2026 GAAP gross margin: 43.8%
Q1 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS: $0.27
+5 more
8 metrics
Q1 2026 revenue
$153.1M
Continuing operations, up about 16% year over year
Q1 2026 GAAP gross margin
43.8%
Gross profit $67.1M as a percentage of revenues
Q1 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS
$0.27
From continuing operations, 50% year-over-year increase
Q1 2026 adjusted EBITDA
$35.3M
Continuing operations, 23.1% of revenues
Q1 2026 net cash from operating activities
-$0.7M
GAAP net cash used in operating activities
Q1 2026 adjusted free cash flow
-$3.1M
Adjusted free cash flow, -2.0% of revenues
Q2 2026 revenue guidance
$152–$162M
Guided range for revenue from continuing operations
Q2 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance
$0.28–$0.32
Non-GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations
Key Terms
non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, Adjusted EBITDA, production transfer costs, transition services credit, +1 more
5 terms
Adjusted EBITDA financial
"Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA")"
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
production transfer costs financial
"Production transfer costs represent duplicate costs incurred to migrate manufacturing to existing facilities."
transition services credit financial
"Transition services represent amounts charged to Syntiant in connection with post-closing transition and separation costs."
book-to-bill ratio financial
"Knowles uses the operational measure book-to-bill ratio to monitor the performance of the business."
The book-to-bill ratio compares the value of new orders a company receives to the value of products it ships out or bills for over a certain period. If the ratio is above 1, it means the company is getting more orders than it is completing, which can indicate growth. If it's below 1, it suggests demand is slowing down.
Earnings Snapshot
Revenue: $153.1M · Guidance included
Q1 2026
Revenue
$153.1M
+16% YoY
GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations
$0.13
improved from approximately $0.00 YoY
Non-GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations
$0.27
+50% YoY
Adjusted EBITDA
$35.3M
up from $26.7M YoY
Guidance
For Q2 2026, Knowles guides revenue from continuing operations of $152–$162M, GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations of $0.18–$0.22, non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.28–$0.32, and net cash from operating activities of $20–$30M.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 23, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (630 ) 250-5100
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
| Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition. | |||||
On | |||||
The information furnished with the Current Report on Form 8-K and the related exhibits included in Item 9.01 shall not be deemed to be "filed" for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing. | |||||
| Forward Looking Statements | |||||
This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “effort,” “target,” and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K are based on currently available information and the current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions of Knowles’ management concerning risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those outcomes or results that are projected, anticipated, or implied in these statements, including risks, relevant factors, and uncertainties identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, subsequent Reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and our other filings we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. | |||||
| Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits. | ||||||||
| (d) Exhibits. | ||||||||
| The following exhibits are furnished as part of this report: | ||||||||
| Exhibit Number | Description | |||||||
99.1 | Press release of Knowles Corporation dated April 23, 2026. | |||||||
99.2 | Presentation slides dated April 23, 2026. | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| KNOWLES CORPORATION | |||||
Date: | By: /s/ Robert J. Perna | ||||
| Robert J. Perna | |||||
| Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary | |||||
Exhibit 99.1
Financial Contact: Sarah Cook Knowles Investor Relations Email: investorrelations@knowles.com | |||||
Knowles Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results and Provides Outlook for Q2 2026
Q1 Revenues Increased 16% on a Year over Year Basis to $153 million
Q1 Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations increased $0.13 on a Year over Year Basis
Q1 Non-GAAP Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations Increased 50% on a Year over Year Basis to $0.27
ITASCA, Ill., April 23, 2026 - Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN), a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components, including high performance capacitors, radio frequency ("RF") filters, advanced medtech microphones, and balanced armature speakers, today announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
“We started 2026 delivering strong first quarter revenues and non-GAAP diluted EPS which was at or above the high-end of our guided ranges,” commented Jeffrey Niew, President and CEO of Knowles.
Mr. Niew continued, “We are executing on our strategy, continuing to leverage our unique technologies, creating custom products through our customer application intimacy, and then scaling into production with our world-class operational capabilities. Our end markets of Medtech, Defense, Industrial and Electrification are also benefiting from strong secular growth trends. With this powerful combination, our revenue grew 16% on a year-over-year basis in the first quarter, exceeding our five-year annual organic growth target. Our revenue growth was complemented by substantial gross margin expansion resulting in significant year-over-year EPS growth.”
“We have numerous new design wins ramping across multiple end markets and a very healthy backlog of existing orders, positioning us well to continue to deliver year over year organic revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth in 2026 above the high-end of our annual growth targets as presented in our May 2025 investor day,” stated Mr. Niew.
Financial Highlights
The following table highlights the Company’s financial performance on both a GAAP and supplemental non-GAAP basis for continuing operations* with the exception of Net cash provided by operating activities (in millions, except per share data):
| Q1-26 | Q4-25 | Q1-25 | |||||||||
| Revenues | $153.1 | $162.2 | $132.2 | ||||||||
| Gross profit | $67.1 | $72.5 | $53.3 | ||||||||
| (as a % of revenues) | 43.8% | 44.7% | 40.3% | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP gross profit | $69.7 | $73.5 | $55.0 | ||||||||
| (as a % of revenues) | 45.5% | 45.3% | 41.6% | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share** | $0.13 | $0.29 | $— | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share | $0.27 | $0.36 | $0.18 | ||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | $(0.7) | $47.2 | $1.3 | ||||||||
* Continuing operations excludes the results of the Consumer MEMS Microphones reporting business, which was divested in December 2024.
** Current period results include $0.10 per share in stock-based compensation expense, $0.04 per share in intangibles amortization expense, $0.01 per share in production transfer costs, and $0.03 for other adjustments, partially offset by $0.04 for differences related to the GAAP effective tax rate excluded from non-GAAP results.
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Second Quarter 2026 Outlook
The forward looking guidance for the quarter ending June 30, 2026 on a continuing operations basis, with the exception of Net cash provided by operating activities, is as follows:
| GAAP | Adjustments | Non-GAAP | |||||||||
| Revenues from continuing operations | $152 to $162 million | — | $152 to $162 million | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations | $0.18 to $0.22 | $0.10 | $0.28 to $0.32 | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $20 to $30 million | — | $20 to $30 million | ||||||||
Q2 2026 GAAP results from continuing operations are expected to include approximately $0.06 per share in stock-based compensation expense and $0.04 per share in intangibles amortization expense. These items are excluded from non-GAAP results.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to the GAAP results included in this press release, Knowles has presented supplemental non-GAAP gross profit, earnings before interest and income taxes, adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, free cash flow, as well as other metrics on a non-GAAP basis that exclude certain amounts that are included in the most directly comparable GAAP measure to facilitate evaluation of Knowles’ operating performance. Non-GAAP results are not presented in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP information should be considered a supplement to, and not a substitute for, financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release do not have standard meanings and may vary from similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Knowles believes that non-GAAP measures are useful as supplements to its GAAP results of operations to evaluate certain aspects of its operations and financial performance, and its management team primarily focuses on non-GAAP items in evaluating Knowles’ performance for business planning purposes. Knowles also believes that these measures assist it with comparing its performance between various reporting periods on a consistent basis, as these measures remove from operating results the impact of items that, in Knowles’ opinion, do not reflect its core operating performance including, for example, stock-based compensation, certain intangibles amortization expense, impairment charges, restructuring, production transfer costs, and other charges which management considers to be outside our core operating results. Knowles believes that its presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts with the same information that Knowles uses internally for purposes of assessing its core operating performance. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see the reconciliation table accompanying this release.
Webcast and Conference Call Information
Investors can listen to a live or replay webcast of the Company’s quarterly financial conference call at http://investor.knowles.com. The live webcast will begin today at 3:30 p.m. Central time. The webcast replay will be available after 7:00 p.m. Central time today.
A conference call replay will be available after 7:00 p.m. Central time on April 23 through 11:59 p.m. Central time on April 23 at (800) 770-2030 (Toll-Free Dial-In); (609) 800-9909 (Toll Dial-In). The conference ID is 8193117. A webcast replay will also be accessible via the Knowles website at http://investor.knowles.com for a limited time.
About Knowles
Knowles is a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components. We design parts that perform unique, critical functions for innovative technologies. Through extreme reliability, custom engineering, and scalable manufacturing, we enable businesses to succeed in the most demanding applications across medtech, defense, and industrial markets.
Our high-performance capacitors, RF microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armature speakers, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries.
For more information, please visit knowles.com.
2
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements about our future plans, objectives, expectations, financial performance, and continued business operations. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "budget," "continue," "could," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "seek," "should," "will," "would," "objective," "forecast," "goal," "guidance," "outlook," "effort," "target," and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The statements in this presentation are based on currently available information and the current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions of Knowles’ management concerning risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those outcomes or results that are projected, anticipated, or implied in these statements. Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in our stock's market price; fluctuations in operating results and cash flows; our ability to prevent or identify quality issues in our products or to promptly remedy any such issues that are identified; risks associated with increasing our inventories in advance of anticipated orders by customers; escalating international trade tensions, new or increased tariffs and trade wars among countries; the impact of changes to laws and regulations that affect the Company’s ability to offer products or services to customers in different regions; our ability to achieve reductions in our operating expenses; the ability to qualify our products and facilities with customers; our ability to obtain, enforce, defend or monetize our intellectual property rights; disruption caused by a cybersecurity incident, including a cyber-attack, cyber breach, theft, or other unauthorized access (the risk of which could be exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, including the conflict with Iran); increases in the costs of critical raw materials and components; availability of raw materials and components; managing new product ramps and introductions for our customers; our dependence on a limited number of large customers; our ability to maintain and expand our existing relationships with leading OEMs in order to maintain and increase our revenue; increasing competition and new entrants in the market for our products; our ability to develop new or enhanced products or technologies in a timely manner that achieve market acceptance; global economic instability, including due to inflation, rising interest rates, or the impacts of geopolitical uncertainties (including the impact of the conflict with Iran, which has disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to share increases in energy prices); financial risks, including risks relating to currency fluctuations, credit risks and fluctuations in the market value of the Company; a sustained decline in our stock price and market capitalization may result in the impairment of certain intangible or long-lived assets; market risk associated with fluctuations in commodity prices, particularly for various precious metals used in our manufacturing operation, changes in tax laws, changes in tax rates and exposure to additional tax liabilities; and other risks, relevant factors, and uncertainties identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, subsequent Reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and our other filings we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Knowles disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
3
INVESTOR SUPPLEMENT - FIRST QUARTER 2026
KNOWLES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
| Quarter Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 153.1 | $ | 162.2 | $ | 132.2 | |||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 85.9 | 89.6 | 78.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charges - cost of goods sold | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 67.1 | 72.5 | 53.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 11.7 | 10.5 | 9.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Selling and administrative expenses | 39.4 | 35.7 | 37.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charges | 0.1 | 0.5 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 51.2 | 46.7 | 49.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating earnings | 15.9 | 25.8 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Dividend income | — | (6.2) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | 3.4 | 0.6 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations | 11.0 | 29.6 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||
| (Benefit from) provision for income taxes | (0.3) | 4.1 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | 11.3 | 25.5 | (0.4) | ||||||||||||||
| Loss from discontinued operations, net | (1.6) | (4.5) | (1.6) | ||||||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | $ | 9.7 | $ | 21.0 | $ | (2.0) | |||||||||||
| Earnings per share from continuing operations: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.30 | $ | — | |||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.29 | $ | — | |||||||||||
| Loss per share from discontinued operations: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.02) | $ | (0.05) | $ | (0.02) | |||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | (0.02) | $ | (0.05) | $ | (0.02) | |||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) per share: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.25 | $ | (0.02) | |||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.24 | $ | (0.02) | |||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 85.4 | 85.2 | 87.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 87.7 | 87.5 | 87.8 | ||||||||||||||
4
KNOWLES CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (1)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
| Quarter Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 67.1 | $ | 72.5 | $ | 53.3 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit as % of revenues | 43.8 | % | 44.7 | % | 40.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charges | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||
Production transfer costs (2) | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||
Transition services credit (3) | (0.3) | (0.2) | (0.2) | ||||||||||||||
Other (4) | 1.4 | — | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP gross profit | $ | 69.7 | $ | 73.5 | $ | 55.0 | |||||||||||
| Non-GAAP gross profit as % of revenues | 45.5 | % | 45.3 | % | 41.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | $ | 11.7 | $ | 10.5 | $ | 9.7 | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | (1.5) | (0.7) | (1.1) | ||||||||||||||
| Intangibles amortization expense | (0.6) | (0.7) | (0.5) | ||||||||||||||
Transition services credit (3) | — | — | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||
Other (5) | — | 0.2 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP research and development expenses | $ | 9.6 | $ | 9.3 | $ | 8.2 | |||||||||||
| Selling and administrative expenses | $ | 39.4 | $ | 35.7 | $ | 37.2 | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | (8.4) | (4.9) | (8.6) | ||||||||||||||
| Intangibles amortization expense | (3.4) | (3.4) | (3.5) | ||||||||||||||
Production transfer costs (2) | — | — | (0.1) | ||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related costs (5) | — | (0.2) | (0.5) | ||||||||||||||
Transition services credit (3) | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP selling and administrative expenses | $ | 27.8 | $ | 27.3 | $ | 24.9 | |||||||||||
| Operating expenses | $ | 51.2 | $ | 46.7 | $ | 49.3 | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | (9.9) | (5.6) | (9.7) | ||||||||||||||
| Intangibles amortization expense | (4.0) | (4.1) | (4.0) | ||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charges | (0.1) | (0.5) | (2.4) | ||||||||||||||
Production transfer costs (2) | — | — | (0.1) | ||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related costs (5) | — | (0.2) | (0.5) | ||||||||||||||
Transition services credit (3) | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||
Other (4) | — | 0.2 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP operating expenses | $ | 37.4 | $ | 36.6 | $ | 33.1 | |||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 11.3 | $ | 25.5 | $ | (0.4) | |||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.7 | ||||||||||||||
| (Benefit from) provision for income taxes | (0.3) | 4.1 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes | 12.5 | 31.4 | 3.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes as % of revenues | 8.2 | % | 19.4 | % | 2.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 10.4 | 6.0 | 10.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Intangibles amortization expense | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charges | 0.2 | 0.6 | 2.9 | ||||||||||||||
Production transfer costs (2) | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related costs (5) | — | 0.2 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||
Transition services credit (3) | (0.5) | (0.3) | (0.7) | ||||||||||||||
Dividend income (6) | — | (6.2) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other (4) | 2.6 | (0.3) | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes | $ | 30.1 | $ | 36.2 | $ | 21.7 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes as % of revenues | 19.7 | % | 22.3 | % | 16.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 11.3 | $ | 25.5 | $ | (0.4) | |||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.7 | ||||||||||||||
| (Benefit from) provision for income taxes | (0.3) | 4.1 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes | 12.5 | 31.4 | 3.5 | ||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (7) | 17.6 | 4.8 | 18.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 5.2 | 5.1 | 5.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") | $ | 35.3 | $ | 41.3 | $ | 26.7 | |||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenues | 23.1 | % | 25.5 | % | 20.2 | % | |||||||||||
5
| Quarter Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||
| (Benefit from) provision for income taxes | $ | (0.3) | $ | 4.1 | $ | 1.2 | |||||||||||
Income tax effects of non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (8) | 5.1 | (1.1) | 1.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP provision for income taxes | $ | 4.8 | $ | 3.0 | $ | 2.8 | |||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 11.3 | $ | 25.5 | $ | (0.4) | |||||||||||
Non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (7) | 17.6 | 4.8 | 18.2 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax effects of non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (8) | 5.1 | (1.1) | 1.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net earnings | $ | 23.8 | $ | 31.4 | $ | 16.2 | |||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.29 | $ | — | |||||||||||
Earnings per share non-GAAP reconciling adjustment (7) (8) (9) | 0.14 | 0.07 | 0.18 | ||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (9) | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.18 | |||||||||||
| Diluted average shares outstanding | 87.7 | 87.5 | 87.8 | ||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP adjustment (9) (10) | (0.4) | (0.3) | 1.8 | ||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP diluted average shares outstanding (9) (10) | 87.3 | 87.2 | 89.6 | ||||||||||||||
Notes:
(1) In addition to the GAAP financial measures included herein, Knowles has presented certain non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain amounts that are included in the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Knowles believes that non-GAAP measures are useful as supplements to its GAAP results of operations to evaluate certain aspects of its operations and financial performance, and its management team primarily focuses on non-GAAP items in evaluating Knowles' performance for business planning purposes. Knowles also believes that these measures assist it with comparing its performance between various reporting periods on a consistent basis, as these measures remove from operating results the impact of items that, in Knowles' opinion, do not reflect its core operating performance. Knowles believes that its presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts with the same information that Knowles uses internally for purposes of assessing its core operating performance.
(2) Production transfer costs represent duplicate costs incurred to migrate manufacturing to existing facilities.
(3) Transition services represent amounts charged to Syntiant in connection with post-closing transition and separation costs.
(4) Other expenses include certain foreign currency exchange rate adjustments and non-recurring professional service fees related to the execution of various reorganization projects.
(5) These expenses include ongoing costs to facilitate integration of the Cornell Dubilier acquisition by the Precision Devices segment.
(6) During the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company recorded a non-cash dividend on the Syntiant investment in the form of additional Series D-2 shares with a value of $6.2 million.
(7) The non-GAAP reconciling adjustments include stock-based compensation expense, intangibles amortization expense, restructuring charges, production transfer costs, acquisition-related costs, and other expenses, partially offset by dividend income and a credit to transition services.
(8) Income tax effects of non-GAAP reconciling adjustments are calculated using the applicable tax rates in the jurisdictions of the underlying adjustments.
(9) In the third quarter of 2025, the Company modified its calculation method of non-GAAP diluted average shares outstanding to exclude the potential dilution impact from performance share units ("PSUs") as these equity awards have not yet been earned. Our PSUs are market-based awards and have fluctuated based on the Company's total shareholder return performance relative to the Russell 2000 during the measurement period. The calculation methodology change in non-GAAP diluted average shares outstanding had no impact on non-GAAP diluted earnings per share for the historical periods presented.
(10) The number of shares used in the diluted average shares outstanding calculations on a non-GAAP basis excludes the impact of stock-based compensation expense expected to be incurred in future periods and not yet recognized in the financial statements, which would otherwise be assumed to be used to repurchase shares under the GAAP treasury stock method. Non-GAAP diluted average shares outstanding also excludes the impact of certain equity awards that are not yet earned.
6
KNOWLES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except share and per share amounts)
(unaudited)
| March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 41.0 | $ | 54.2 | |||||||
Receivables, net of allowances of $— | 109.2 | 102.8 | |||||||||
| Inventories | 136.2 | 124.6 | |||||||||
| Prepaid and other current assets | 11.0 | 9.8 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 297.4 | 291.4 | |||||||||
| Property, plant, and equipment, net | 144.7 | 140.2 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 270.3 | 270.3 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 137.1 | 141.1 | |||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 19.3 | 19.1 | |||||||||
| Investment in affiliate | 83.4 | 83.4 | |||||||||
| Other assets and deferred charges | 101.7 | 105.6 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,053.9 | $ | 1,051.1 | |||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 44.5 | $ | 42.9 | |||||||
| Accrued compensation and employee benefits | 19.3 | 29.7 | |||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 4.6 | 4.1 | |||||||||
| Other accrued expenses | 21.5 | 28.2 | |||||||||
| Federal and other taxes on income | 1.0 | 1.0 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 90.9 | 105.9 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | 131.0 | 114.0 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 1.1 | 1.1 | |||||||||
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | 15.6 | 16.1 | |||||||||
| Other liabilities | 35.1 | 38.2 | |||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||
| Stockholders' equity: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued | — | — | |||||||||
Common stock - $0.01 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 100,601,363 and 85,560,660 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2026, respectively, and 99,651,892 and 84,887,498 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2025, respectively | 1.0 | 1.0 | |||||||||
Treasury stock - at cost; 15,040,703 and 14,764,394 shares at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively | (278.2) | (270.7) | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,738.8 | 1,739.6 | |||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (559.7) | (569.4) | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (121.7) | (124.7) | |||||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 780.2 | 775.8 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 1,053.9 | $ | 1,051.1 | |||||||
7
KNOWLES CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Operating Activities | |||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) | $ | 9.7 | $ | (2.0) | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to cash from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 10.4 | 10.2 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 9.2 | 9.0 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 3.6 | 3.1 | |||||||||
| Non-cash interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs | 0.1 | 1.3 | |||||||||
| Loss on sale of business | — | 1.6 | |||||||||
| Other, net | 2.8 | 0.7 | |||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities (excluding effects of foreign exchange): | |||||||||||
| Receivables, net | (6.3) | (3.1) | |||||||||
| Inventories | (11.1) | (1.6) | |||||||||
| Prepaid and other current assets | (1.8) | (0.6) | |||||||||
| Accounts payable | 1.5 | (19.3) | |||||||||
| Accrued compensation and employee benefits | (10.5) | (11.1) | |||||||||
| Other accrued expenses | (5.1) | 1.9 | |||||||||
| Accrued taxes | (0.5) | (2.6) | |||||||||
| Other non-current assets and non-current liabilities | (2.7) | 13.8 | |||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | (0.7) | 1.3 | |||||||||
| Investing Activities | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (10.8) | (4.0) | |||||||||
| Purchase of investments | — | (1.6) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from the sale of investments | — | 1.6 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from seller loan repayment | — | 0.5 | |||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (10.8) | (3.5) | |||||||||
| Financing Activities | |||||||||||
| Borrowings under revolving credit facility | 60.0 | — | |||||||||
| Payments under revolving credit facility | (43.0) | (15.0) | |||||||||
| Tax on restricted stock and performance share unit vesting and stock option exercises | (14.2) | (6.7) | |||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | (7.5) | (5.0) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 3.0 | 0.6 | |||||||||
| Payments of finance lease obligations | (0.1) | (0.1) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (1.8) | (26.2) | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 0.1 | 0.2 | |||||||||
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (13.2) | (28.2) | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 54.2 | 130.1 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 41.0 | $ | 101.9 | |||||||
8
KNOWLES CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP CASH FLOW MEASURES TO NON-GAAP CASH FLOW MEASURES (1)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
| Quarter Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | $ | (0.7) | $ | 47.2 | $ | 1.3 | |||||||||||
| Amounts utilized by discontinued operations | 8.4 | 1.3 | 21.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net cash attributable to continuing operations | 7.7 | 48.5 | 22.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (10.8) | (15.3) | (4.0) | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts attributable to discontinued operations | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP capital expenditures attributable to continuing operations | (10.8) | (15.3) | (4.0) | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net cash attributable to continuing operations | 7.7 | 48.5 | 22.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP capital expenditures attributable to continuing operations | (10.8) | (15.3) | (4.0) | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted free cash flow | $ | (3.1) | $ | 33.2 | $ | 18.3 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted free cash flow as a % of revenues | (2.0) | % | 20.5 | % | 13.8 | % | |||||||||||
(1) In addition to measuring cash flow generation based on the operating, investing, and financing classifications included in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, Knowles also measures adjusted free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow as a percentage of revenues. Adjusted free cash flow is defined as non-GAAP net cash attributable to continuing operations less non-GAAP capital expenditures attributable to continuing operations. Non-GAAP net cash attributable to continuing operations is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less amounts generated or utilized by discontinued operations. Non-GAAP capital expenditures attributable to continuing operations is defined as capital expenditures less amounts attributable to discontinued operations. Knowles believes these measures are helpful in measuring its cash generated from its continuing operations that is available to repay debt, fund acquisitions, and repurchase Knowles common stock. Adjusted free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow as a percentage of revenues are not presented in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in our industry. As such, adjusted free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow as a percentage of revenues should not be considered in isolation from, or as an alternative to, any other liquidity measures determined in accordance with GAAP.
9
0 4 . 2 3 . 2 6 Earnings Release Supplemental Information 1st Quarter 2026
2 Safe Harbor Forward Looking Statements A number of statements in our presentations, the accompanying slides, and the responses to questions on our conference call discussing our quarterly results may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements about our future plans, objectives, expectations, financial performance, and continued business operations. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "budget," "continue," "could," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "seek," "should," "will," "would," "objective," "forecast," "goal," "guidance," "outlook," "effort," "target," and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. These statements are based on currently available information and the current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions of Knowles’ management concerning risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those outcomes or results that are projected, anticipated, or implied in these statements. Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in our stock's market price; fluctuations in operating results and cash flows; our ability to prevent or identify quality issues in our products or to promptly remedy any such issues that are identified; risks associated with increasing our inventories in advance of anticipated orders by customers; escalating international trade tensions, new or increased tariffs and trade wars among countries; the impact of changes to laws and regulations that affect the Company’s ability to offer products or services to customers in different regions; our ability to achieve reductions in our operating expenses; the ability to qualify our products and facilities with customers; our ability to obtain, enforce, defend or monetize our intellectual property rights; disruption caused by a cybersecurity incident, including a cyber-attack, cyber breach, theft, or other unauthorized access (the risk of which could be exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, including the conflict with Iran); increases in the costs of critical raw materials and components; availability of raw materials and components; managing new product ramps and introductions for our customers; our dependence on a limited number of large customers; our ability to maintain and expand our existing relationships with leading OEMs in order to maintain and increase our revenue; increasing competition and new entrants in the market for our products; our ability to develop new or enhanced products or technologies in a timely manner that achieve market acceptance; global economic instability, including due to inflation, rising interest rates, or the impacts of geopolitical uncertainties (including the impact of the conflict with Iran, which has disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to sharp increases in energy prices); financial risks, including risks relating to currency fluctuations, credit risks, and fluctuations in the market value of the Company; a sustained decline in our stock price and market capitalization may result in the impairment of certain intangible or long-lived assets; market risk associated with fluctuations in commodity prices, particularly for various precious metals used in our manufacturing operation; changes in tax laws, changes in tax rates, and exposure to additional tax liabilities; and other risks, relevant factors, and uncertainties identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, subsequent Reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and our other filings we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Knowles disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Non-GAAP Disclaimer In addition to the GAAP results included in our presentations, the accompanying slides, and our responses to questions, Knowles has presented supplemental, non-GAAP gross profit, adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes, adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes margin, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization; adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization margin; non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, non-GAAP operating expense; free cash flow; and free cash flow margin to facilitate evaluation of Knowles’ operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain amounts that are included in the most directly comparable GAAP measure. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures do not have standard meanings and may vary from similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Knowles uses non-GAAP measures as supplements to its GAAP results of operations in evaluating certain aspects of its business, and its executive management team focuses on non-GAAP items as key measures of Knowles’ performance for business planning purposes. These measures assist Knowles in comparing its performance between various reporting periods on a consistent basis, as these measures remove from operating results the impact of items that, in Knowles’ opinion, do not reflect its core operating performance. Knowles believes that its presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts with the same information that Knowles uses internally for purposes of assessing its core operating performance. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see the reconciliation tables in the Appendix. In addition to the foregoing non-GAAP measures, Knowles uses the operational measure book-to-bill ratio to monitor the performance of the business. Book-to-bill represents the ratio of total bookings in a period to total revenue recognized in that same period. Although the book-to-bill ratio reflects received purchase orders, changes such as cancellations, extensions, or amendments may occur which could result in a reduction in orders.
3* For this non-GAAP financial measure, see the Appendix for GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation Revenue ($M) Revenues grew 15.8% driven by increased demand for our products and new design win strength in both the Precision Devices and MedTech and Specialty Audio segments. Non-GAAP Diluted EPS grew 50% driven by higher volume, margin expansion and lower interest expense. Cash generated by operating activities is seasonally low in the first quarter and is expected to be within the range of 16-20% of revenues for the full year as discussed at the investor day in May 2025. +15.8% First Quarter Results Non-GAAP Diluted EPS* ($) +50.0% Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities ($M) 1.3 -0.7 1Q 2025 1Q 2026
4* For this non-GAAP financial measure, see the Appendix for GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation First quarter revenue growth was driven by increased hearing health shipments associated with our customers' successful new product introductions coupled with our position on these platforms. Adjusted EBITDA margin growth was driven by increased factory capacity utilization and favorable mix. +13.9% MedTech & Specialty Audio SEGMENT PERFORMANCE Adjusted EBITDA Margin* (%) +480 bps Revenue ($)
5* For this non-GAAP financial measure, see the Appendix for GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation Revenue ($) +17.4% Precision Devices SEGMENT PERFORMANCE Adjusted EBITDA Margin* (%) +260 bps Revenue grew 17.4% in the first quarter driven by broad based strength across all of our end markets. Adjusted EBITDA margins increased, driven by pricing and higher end market demand increasing factory capacity utilization.
6 Second Quarter 2026 Outlook Q2 2026 GAAP results from continuing operations are expected to include approximately $0.06 per share in stock-based compensation expense and $0.04 per share in intangibles amortization expense. These items are excluded from non-GAAP results. GAAP Adjustments Non-GAAP Revenues from continuing operations $152 to $162 million $— $152 to $162 million Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $0.18 to $0.22 $0.10 $0.28 to $0.32 Net cash provided by operating activities $20 to $30 million $— $20 to $30 million
7 Appendix
8 Notes 1. Production transfer costs represent duplicate costs incurred to migrate manufacturing to existing facilities. 2. Transition services represent amounts charged to Syntiant in connection with post- closing transition and separation costs. 3. Other expenses include certain foreign currency exchange rate adjustments and non-recurring professional service fees related to the execution of various reorganization projects. 4. These expenses include ongoing costs to facilitate integration of the Cornell Dubilier acquisition by the Precision Devices segment. R EC O N C ILIA TIO N O F G A A P FIN A N C IA L M EA S U R ES TO N O N -G A A P FIN A N C IA L M EA S U R ES Quarter Ended March 31, (continuing operations, in millions, except per share amounts) 2026 2025 Revenues $ 153.1 $ 132.2 Gross profit $ 67.1 $ 53.3 Gross profit margin 43.8 % 40.3 % Stock-based compensation expense 0.5 0.5 Restructuring charges 0.1 0.5 Production transfer costs (1) 0.9 0.1 Transition services credit (2) (0.3) (0.2) Other (3) 1.4 0.8 Non-GAAP gross profit $ 69.7 $ 55.0 Non-GAAP gross profit margin 45.5 % 41.6 % Operating expenses $ 51.2 $ 49.3 Stock-based compensation expense (9.9) (9.7) Intangibles amortization expense (4.0) (4.0) Restructuring charges (0.1) (2.4) Production transfer costs (1) — (0.1) Acquisition-related costs (4) — (0.5) Transition services credit (2) 0.2 0.5 Non-GAAP operating expenses $ 37.4 $ 33.1 Non-GAAP operating expenses margin 24.4 % 25.0 % Net earnings (loss) $ 11.3 $ (0.4) Interest expense, net 1.5 2.7 (Benefit from) provision for income taxes (0.3) 1.2 Earnings before interest and income taxes 12.5 3.5 Earnings before interest and income taxes margin 8.2 % 2.6 % Stock-based compensation expense 10.4 10.2 Intangibles amortization expense 4.0 4.0 Restructuring charges 0.2 2.9 Production transfer costs (1) 0.9 0.2 Acquisition-related costs (4) — 0.5 Transition services credit (2) (0.5) (0.7) Other (3) 2.6 1.1 Adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes $ 30.1 $ 21.7 Adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes margin 19.7 % 16.4 %
9 R EC O N C ILIA TIO N O F G A A P FIN A N C IA L M EA S U R ES TO N O N -G A A P FIN A N C IA L M EA S U R ES Notes 5. The non-GAAP reconciling adjustments include stock-based compensation expense, intangibles amortization expense, restructuring charges, production transfer costs, acquisition-related costs, and other expenses, partially offset by a credit to transition services. 6. Income tax effects of non-GAAP reconciling adjustments are calculated using the applicable tax rates in the jurisdictions of the underlying adjustments. 7. In the third quarter of 2025, the Company modified its calculation method of non-GAAP diluted average shares outstanding to exclude the potential dilution impact from performance share units ("PSUs") as these equity awards have not yet been earned. Our PSUs are market-based awards and have fluctuated based on the Company's total shareholder return performance relative to the Russell 2000 during the measurement period. The calculation methodology change in non-GAAP diluted average shares outstanding had no impact on non-GAAP diluted earnings per share for the historical periods presented. 8. The number of shares used in the diluted average shares outstanding calculations on a non-GAAP basis excludes the impact of stock-based compensation expense expected to be incurred in future periods and not yet recognized in the financial statements, which would otherwise be assumed to be used to repurchase shares under the GAAP treasury stock method. Non-GAAP diluted average shares outstanding also excludes the impact of certain equity awards that are not yet earned. Quarter Ended March 31, (continuing operations, in millions, except per share amounts) 2026 2025 Net earnings (loss) $ 11.3 $ (0.4) Interest expense, net 1.5 2.7 (Benefit from) provision for income taxes (0.3) 1.2 Earnings before interest and income taxes $ 12.5 $ 3.5 Non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (5) 17.6 18.2 Depreciation expense 5.2 5.0 Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") $ 35.3 $ 26.7 Adjusted EBITDA margin 23.1 % 20.2 % Net earnings (loss) $ 11.3 $ (0.4) Non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (5) 17.6 18.2 Income tax effects of non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (6) 5.1 1.6 Non-GAAP net earnings $ 23.8 $ 16.2 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.13 $ — Earnings per share non-GAAP reconciling adjustment (5) (6) (7) 0.14 0.18 Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (7) $ 0.27 $ 0.18 Diluted average shares outstanding 87.7 87.8 Non-GAAP adjustment (7) (8) (0.4) 1.8 Non-GAAP diluted average shares outstanding (7) (8) 87.3 89.6
10 H IS T O R IC A L S E G M E N T D A T A PRECISION DEVICES MEDTECH & SPECIALTY AUDIO Quarter Ended Quarter Ended March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, (continuing operations, in millions) 2026 2025 2025 2025 2025 2026 2025 2025 2025 2025 Revenues $ 85.1 $ 89.7 $ 88.2 $ 78.5 $ 72.5 $ 68.0 $ 72.5 $ 64.7 $ 67.4 $ 59.7 Gross profit $ 31.9 $ 35.0 $ 35.7 $ 30.0 $ 25.3 $ 36.2 $ 37.4 $ 34.1 $ 30.4 $ 28.7 Gross profit margin 37.5 % 39.0 % 40.5 % 38.2 % 34.9 % 53.2 % 51.6 % 52.7 % 45.1 % 48.1 % Stock-based compensation expense 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.3 Impairment charges — — — — — — — — 3.6 — Restructuring charges 0.3 0.1 0.2 — 0.3 — — — — 0.1 Production transfer costs 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.2 0.1 — — — — — Non-GAAP gross profit $ 33.4 $ 36.0 $ 36.6 $ 30.4 $ 25.9 $ 36.4 $ 37.6 $ 34.3 $ 34.1 $ 29.1 Non-GAAP gross profit margin 39.2 % 40.1 % 41.5 % 38.7 % 35.7 % 53.5 % 51.9 % 53.0 % 50.6 % 48.7 % Research and development expenses $ 6.1 $ 5.1 $ 5.1 $ 5.0 $ 4.9 $ 5.6 $ 5.4 $ 5.0 $ 5.1 $ 5.1 Research and development expenses margin 7.2 % 5.7 % 5.8 % 6.4 % 6.8 % 8.2 % 7.4 % 7.7 % 7.6 % 8.5 % Stock-based compensation expense (0.9) (0.2) (0.3) (0.3) (0.5) (0.6) (0.5) (0.4) (0.5) (0.6) Intangibles amortization expense (0.6) (0.7) (0.6) (0.7) (0.5) — — — — — Non-GAAP research and development expenses $ 4.6 $ 4.2 $ 4.2 $ 4.0 $ 3.9 $ 5.0 $ 4.9 $ 4.6 $ 4.6 $ 4.5 Non-GAAP research and development expenses margin 5.4 % 4.7 % 4.8 % 5.1 % 5.4 % 7.4 % 6.8 % 7.1 % 6.8 % 7.5 % Selling and administrative expenses $ 18.1 $ 17.6 $ 16.0 $ 16.6 $ 16.1 $ 4.6 $ 4.5 $ 4.1 $ 4.4 $ 4.2 Selling and administrative expenses margin 21.3 % 19.6 % 18.1 % 21.1 % 22.2 % 6.8 % 6.2 % 6.3 % 6.5 % 7.0 % Stock-based compensation expense (1.0) (0.7) (0.7) (0.7) (0.7) (0.9) (0.6) (0.6) (0.9) (0.8) Intangibles amortization expense (3.4) (3.4) (3.4) (3.4) (3.5) — — — — — Production transfer costs — — — — (0.1) — — — — — Acquisition-related costs — (0.2) 0.1 (0.2) (0.5) — — — — — Non-GAAP selling and administrative expenses $ 13.7 $ 13.3 $ 12.0 $ 12.3 $ 11.3 $ 3.7 $ 3.9 $ 3.5 $ 3.5 $ 3.4 Non-GAAP selling and administrative expenses margin 16.1 % 14.8 % 13.6 % 15.7 % 15.6 % 5.4 % 5.4 % 5.4 % 5.2 % 5.7 % Operating expenses $ 24.3 $ 23.1 $ 21.2 $ 21.6 $ 22.1 $ 10.2 $ 10.0 $ 9.1 $ 9.5 $ 9.5 Operating expenses margin 28.6 % 25.8 % 24.0 % 27.5 % 30.5 % 15.0 % 13.8 % 14.1 % 14.1 % 15.9 % Stock-based compensation expense (1.9) (0.9) (1.0) (1.0) (1.2) (1.5) (1.1) (1.0) (1.4) (1.4) Intangibles amortization expense (4.0) (4.1) (4.0) (4.1) (4.0) — — — — — Restructuring charges (0.1) (0.4) (0.1) — (1.1) — (0.1) — — (0.2) Production transfer costs — — — — (0.1) — — — — — Acquisition-related costs — (0.2) 0.1 (0.2) (0.5) — — — — — Non-GAAP operating expenses $ 18.3 $ 17.5 $ 16.2 $ 16.3 $ 15.2 $ 8.7 $ 8.8 $ 8.1 $ 8.1 $ 7.9 Non-GAAP operating expenses margin 21.5 % 19.5 % 18.4 % 20.8 % 21.0 % 12.8 % 12.1 % 12.5 % 12.0 % 13.2 %
11 H IS T O R IC A L S E G M E N T D A T A PRECISION DEVICES MEDTECH & SPECIALTY AUDIO Quarter Ended Quarter Ended March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, (continuing operations, in millions) 2026 2025 2025 2025 2025 2026 2025 2025 2025 2025 Revenues $ 85.1 $ 89.7 $ 88.2 $ 78.5 $ 72.5 $ 68.0 $ 72.5 $ 64.7 $ 67.4 $ 59.7 Operating earnings $ 7.6 $ 11.9 $ 14.5 $ 8.4 $ 3.2 $ 26.0 $ 27.4 $ 25.0 $ 20.9 $ 19.2 Other expense (income), net — — 0.2 0.2 — — — — (0.1) (0.1) Earnings before interest and income taxes $ 7.6 $ 11.9 $ 14.3 $ 8.2 $ 3.2 $ 26.0 $ 27.4 $ 25.0 $ 21.0 $ 19.3 Earnings before interest and income taxes margin 8.9 % 13.3 % 16.2 % 10.4 % 4.4 % 38.2 % 37.8 % 38.6 % 31.2 % 32.3 % Stock-based compensation expense 2.2 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.7 1.3 1.2 1.5 1.7 Intangibles amortization expense 4.0 4.1 4.0 4.1 4.0 — — — — — Impairment charges — — — — — — — — 3.6 — Restructuring charges 0.4 0.5 0.3 — 1.4 — 0.1 — — 0.3 Production transfer costs 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.2 0.2 — — — — — Acquisition-related costs — 0.2 (0.1) 0.2 0.5 — — — — — Adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes $ 15.1 $ 18.5 $ 20.2 $ 13.9 $ 10.7 $ 27.7 $ 28.8 $ 26.2 $ 26.1 $ 21.3 Adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes margin 17.7 % 20.6 % 22.9 % 17.7 % 14.8 % 40.7 % 39.7 % 40.5 % 38.7 % 35.7 % Operating earnings $ 7.6 $ 11.9 $ 14.5 $ 8.4 $ 3.2 $ 26.0 $ 27.4 $ 25.0 $ 20.9 $ 19.2 Other expense (income), net — — 0.2 0.2 — — — — (0.1) (0.1) Earnings before interest and income taxes $ 7.6 $ 11.9 $ 14.3 $ 8.2 $ 3.2 $ 26.0 $ 27.4 $ 25.0 $ 21.0 $ 19.3 Non-GAAP reconciling adjustments 7.5 6.6 5.9 5.7 7.5 1.7 1.4 1.2 5.1 2.0 Depreciation expense 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.5 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.1 Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") $ 17.7 $ 21.0 $ 22.7 $ 16.3 $ 13.2 $ 29.9 $ 30.9 $ 28.3 $ 28.3 $ 23.4 Adjusted EBITDA margin 20.8 % 23.4 % 25.7 % 20.8 % 18.2 % 44.0 % 42.6 % 43.7 % 42.0 % 39.2 %
12 Quarter Ended March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, Trailing 12-months(continuing operations, in millions) 2026 2025 2025 2025 Net earnings $ 11.3 $ 25.5 $ 18.0 $ 7.8 $ 62.6 Interest expense, net 1.5 1.8 2.3 2.5 8.1 (Benefit from) provision for income taxes (0.3) 4.1 4.3 3.5 11.6 Earnings before interest and income taxes 12.5 31.4 24.6 13.8 82.3 Stock-based compensation expense 10.4 6.0 5.9 6.3 28.6 Intangibles amortization expense 4.0 4.1 4.0 4.1 16.2 Impairment charges — — — 3.6 3.6 Restructuring charges 0.2 0.6 0.3 — 1.1 Production transfer costs 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.2 2.4 Acquisition-related costs — 0.2 (0.1) 0.2 0.3 Transition services credit (0.5) (0.3) (0.5) (0.5) (1.8) Dividend income — (6.2) — — (6.2) Other 2.6 (0.3) (0.3) — 2.0 Non-GAAP reconciling adjustments 17.6 4.8 9.9 13.9 46.2 Depreciation expense 5.2 5.1 5.0 5.0 20.3 Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") $ 35.3 $ 41.3 $ 39.5 $ 32.7 $ 148.8 R E C O N C IL IA T IO N O F N E T E A R N IN G S T O A D JU S T E D E B IT D A
13 R E C O N C IL IA T IO N O F N E T D E B T (in millions) March 31, 2026 Current maturities of long-term debt $ — Long-term debt 131.0 Total debt 131.0 Less: Cash and cash equivalents (41.0) Net debt $ 90.0 Net debt $ 90.0 Trailing 12 Month Adjusted EBITDA $ 148.8 Net debt leverage ratio 0.6 x
14 Quarter Ended March 31, December 31, March 31, 2026 2025 2025 Revenues $ 153.1 $ 162.2 $ 132.2 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (0.7) 47.2 1.3 Amounts utilized by discontinued operations 8.4 1.3 21.0 Non-GAAP net cash attributable to continuing operations 7.7 48.5 22.3 Non-GAAP net cash attributable to continuing operations as a percentage of revenues 5.0 % 29.9 % 16.9 % C A S H G E N E R A T E D B Y O P E R A T IN G A C T IV IT IE S O F C O N T IN U IN G O P E R A T IO N S
Thank you.
FAQ
How did Knowles (KN) perform financially in Q1 2026?
Knowles reported Q1 2026 revenue from continuing operations of $153.1 million, about 16% higher year over year. GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations was $0.13, while non-GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations rose 50% to $0.27, supported by higher margins.
What were Knowles (KN) profit margins and adjusted EBITDA in Q1 2026?
In Q1 2026, Knowles achieved a GAAP gross margin of 43.8% and a non-GAAP gross margin of 45.5%. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $35.3 million, representing an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.1%, up from 20.2% a year earlier.
How did Knowles’ MedTech & Specialty Audio and Precision Devices segments perform in Q1 2026?
In Q1 2026, MedTech & Specialty Audio revenue grew 13.9%, helped by strong hearing health shipments, and Precision Devices revenue increased 17.4%. Both segments expanded adjusted EBITDA margins, driven by higher demand, pricing, and improved factory capacity utilization.
What is Knowles’ cash flow and adjusted free cash flow for Q1 2026?
For Q1 2026, Knowles reported net cash used in operating activities of $0.7 million. After adjusting for discontinued operations and capital expenditures, adjusted free cash flow from continuing operations was -$3.1 million, or about -2.0% of revenues for the quarter.
What guidance did Knowles (KN) provide for Q2 2026?
For Q2 2026, Knowles expects revenue from continuing operations of $152 to $162 million. The company guides GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations of $0.18 to $0.22, non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.28 to $0.32, and net cash from operating activities of $20 to $30 million.
How do Knowles’ non-GAAP results differ from GAAP in Q1 2026?
Knowles’ Q1 2026 non-GAAP results exclude items like stock-based compensation, intangibles amortization, restructuring charges, production transfer costs, and certain other expenses. This yields higher non-GAAP gross profit, lower non-GAAP operating expenses, and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.27 versus GAAP diluted EPS of $0.13.