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What changed in GENTEX CORP's 10-K2022 vs 2023

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Paragraph-level year-over-year comparison of GENTEX CORP's 2022 and 2023 10-K annual filings, covering the Business, Risk Factors, Legal Proceedings, Cybersecurity, MD&A and Market Risk sections. Every new, removed and edited paragraph is highlighted side-by-side so you can see exactly what management changed in the 2023 report.

+201 added211 removedSource: 10-K (2024-02-22) vs 10-K (2023-02-22)

Top changes in GENTEX CORP's 2023 10-K

201 paragraphs added · 211 removed · 167 edited across 6 sections

Item 1. Business

Business — how the company describes what it does

59 edited+23 added11 removed68 unchanged
Biggest changeThis separate council has supported several organizations in the local Salt Lake City area, including supporting students from diverse backgrounds and sponsoring events to support global causes. DE&I efforts at the Company extend to the supply base as well, where the Company been recognized for ongoing efforts to increase supplier relationships with certified minority, woman, veteran, and LGBTQ-owned enterprises.
Biggest changeDE&I efforts at the Company extend to the supply base as well, where the Company has been recognized for ongoing efforts to increase supplier relationships with certified minority, woman, veteran, and LGBTQ+-owned enterprises. In fact, the Company mentors certain such suppliers to help them develop the business systems and technological improvements necessary to support future growth.
In January 2021, the Company announced a partnership, in the ordinary course of business, with Simplenight to provide drivers and vehicle occupants with access to enhanced mobile capability for booking personalized entertainment and lifestyle experiences in addition to everyday purchases.
In January 2021, the Company announced a partnership, in the ordinary course of business, with Simplenight to provide drivers and vehicle occupants with access to enhanced mobile capability for booking personalized entertainment and lifestyle experiences in addition to everyday purchases.
Simplenight delivers a customizable and robust platform that enables brands to globally offer real-time book-ability across multiple categories such as dining, accommodations, attractions, events, gas, parking, shopping and more. The platform is unique in that it is designed to seamlessly integrate into automaker infotainment and navigation systems, as well as mobile applications and voice assistants.
Simplenight delivers a customizable and robust platform that enables brands to globally offer real-time book-ability across multiple categories such as dining, accommodations, attractions, events, gas, parking, shopping and more. The platform is unique in that it is designed to seamlessly integrate into automaker infotainment and navigation systems, as well as mobile applications and voice assistants.
The Company is currently supplying mirrors and electronic modules for Aston Martin, BMW Group, Daimler Group, Faraday Future, Ferrari, Ford Motor Co., Geely/Volvo, General Motors, Harley Davidson, Honda Motor Co., Hyundai/Kia, Lucid Motors, Mazda, Mahindra & Mahindra, McLaren, Polaris, Renault/Nissan/Mitsubishi Group, Rivian Automotive, Stellantis, Subaru, Suzuki, Tata Motors, Tesla, TOGG Inc., Toyota Motor Company, Volkswagen Group, VOXX International, as well as shipments to domestic China manufacturers (BYD, Chery, Dongfeng, FAW, Great Wall Motors, Human Horizon, King Long, Lixiang Auto, NIO, SAIC, and Xpeng EV).
The Company is currently supplying mirrors and electronic modules for Aston Martin, BMW Group, Daimler Group, Faraday Future, Ferrari, Ford Motor Co., Geely/Volvo, General Motors, Harley Davidson, Honda Motor Co., Hyundai/Kia, Lucid Motors, Mazda, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, McLaren, Polaris, Renault/Nissan/Mitsubishi Group, Rivian Automotive, Stellantis, Subaru, Suzuki, Tata Motors, Tesla, TOGG Inc., Toyota Motor Company, Volkswagen Group, VOXX International, as well as shipments to domestic China manufacturers (BYD, Chery, Dongfeng, FAW, Great Wall Motors, Human Horizon, King Long, Lixiang Auto, NIO, SAIC, and Xpeng EV).
The Company’s success with electrochromic technology provides potential opportunities and use cases for other commercial applications, which the Company continues to explore. including, but not limited to passenger smart- 5 lighting that automatically optimizes illumination for various in-flight activities like reading, dining, or computer work; biometric systems for personalizing the in-flight experience; and in-cabin particulate and chemical sensors for monitoring cabin air quality.
The Company’s success with electrochromic technology provides potential opportunities and use cases for other commercial applications, which the Company continues to explore. including, but not limited to passenger smart-lighting that automatically optimizes illumination for various in-flight activities like reading, dining, or computer work; biometric systems for personalizing the in-flight experience; and in-cabin particulate and chemical sensors for monitoring cabin air quality.
Where OEMs had historically used Company technologies only to differentiate from one another, they have now begun to also use Company technologies to differentiate trim lines across their own nameplates. In new markets, emerging OEMs have recognized the need to include Company products in their vehicles to compete with global OEMs. Automotive Rearview Mirrors and Electronics Competition.
Where OEMs had historically used Company technologies only to differentiate from one another, they now also use Company technologies to differentiate trim lines across their own nameplates. In new markets, emerging OEMs have recognized the need to include Company products in their vehicles to compete with global OEMs. Automotive Rearview Mirrors and Electronics Competition.
The HomeLink Connect app allows users to program their HomeLink® buttons and control cloud-based devices from their vehicles. In 2022, the Company obtained an approximate 20% equity share in GreenMarbles in the ordinary course of business. GreenMarbles is a leading provider of sustainable solutions for integration into properties.
The HomeLink Connect app allows users to program their HomeLink ® buttons and control cloud-based devices from their vehicles. In 2022, the Company obtained an approximate 20% equity share in GreenMarbles, in the ordinary course of business. GreenMarbles is a leading provider of sustainable solutions for integration into real properties.
The Company ships its products to all of the major automotive producing regions worldwide, which it supports with numerous sales, engineering and distribution locations worldwide. At its inception, the Company manufactured smoke detectors, a product line that has since evolved to include a variety of fire protection products.
The Company ships its products to all of the major automotive producing regions worldwide, which it supports with numerous sales, engineering and distribution locations worldwide. At its inception, the Company manufactured smoke detectors, a product line that has since evolved to include a variety of fire protection technologies.
In 2023, the Company will continue to work on the intelligent medical lighting system in order to assess system performance and work toward obtaining any necessary approvals. In April 2020, the Company, in the ordinary course of business, acquired Vaporsens, Inc. ("Vaporsens"), which specializes in nanofiber chemical sensing research and development.
The Company will continue to work on the intelligent medical lighting system in order to assess system performance and work toward obtaining any necessary approvals. In April 2020, the Company, in the ordinary course of business, acquired Vaporsens, Inc. ("Vaporsens"), which specializes in nanofiber chemical sensing research and development.
While the Company believes it will retain a significant position in automatic-dimming rearview mirrors for some time, another U.S. manufacturer, Magna Mirrors, a division of Magna International ("Magna"), continues to compete for sales to domestic and foreign vehicle manufacturers and is supplying a number of domestic and foreign vehicle models with its versions of auto-dimming mirrors and appears to have considerably more resources available to it.
While the Company believes it will retain a significant position in automatic-dimming rearview mirrors for some time, another U.S. manufacturer, Magna Mirrors, a division of 4 Magna, continues to compete for sales to domestic and foreign vehicle manufacturers and is supplying a number of domestic and foreign vehicle models with its versions of auto-dimming mirrors and appears to have considerably more resources available to it.
While hiring and diversity policies are in place as a means to remain on track in terms of appropriate human resources management, the DE&I efforts have furthered the process of creating a welcoming environment so the Company can hire and retain the best people. The Company produces a Sustainability Report, referenced below, providing more information regarding diversity and corporate responsibility.
While hiring and diversity policies are in place to remain on track in terms of appropriate human resources management, the DE&I efforts have furthered the process of creating a welcoming environment so the Company can hire and retain the best people. The Company produces a Sustainability Report, referenced below, providing more information regarding diversity and corporate responsibility.
To that end, the Company has announced to the following carbon reduction and neutrality goals: 8 By 2026, 15% below 2020 levels By 2031, 40% below 2020 levels By 2041, 70% below 2020 levels By 2049, carbon neutrality The Company implements efficient alternatives for capital equipment, uses automated building management systems to use less energy, and has put in place extremely efficient lighting and HVAC equipment.
To that end, the Company has announced to the following carbon reduction and neutrality goals: By 2026, 15% below 2020 levels By 2031, 40% below 2020 levels By 2041, 70% below 2020 levels By 2049, carbon neutrality 9 The Company implements efficient alternatives for capital equipment, uses automated building management systems to use less energy, and has put in place extremely efficient lighting and HVAC equipment.
(b) [Reserved] (c) Description of Business The Company designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and supplies digital vision, connected car, dimmable glass, and fire protection products, including: automatic-dimming and non-automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and electronics for the automotive industry; dimmable aircraft windows for the aviation industry; and commercial smoke alarms and signaling devices for the fire protection industry.
(b) [Reserved] (c) Description of Business The Company designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and supplies digital vision, connected car, dimmable glass, and fire protection technologies, including: automatic-dimming and non-automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and electronics for the automotive industry; dimmable aircraft windows for the aviation industry; and commercial smoke alarms and signaling devices for the fire protection industry.
The Company has also continued to invest in new technologies to improve manufacturing processes. In 2020, the Company, in the ordinary course of business, completed the acquisition of Argil, Inc., which specializes in electrochromic technology and research and development, which the Company anticipates using to complement and expand its product offerings and leverage for manufacturing efficiencies.
The Company has also continued to invest in new technologies to improve manufacturing processes. In 2020, the Company, in the ordinary course of business, completed the acquisition of Argil, Inc., an electrochromic technology and research and development company, which the Company anticipates using to complement and expand its product offerings and leverage for manufacturing efficiencies.
The Company designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and supplies digital vision, connected car, dimmable glass, and fire protection products, including: automatic-dimming rearview and non-dimming mirrors and electronics for the automotive industry; dimmable aircraft windows for the aviation industry; and commercial smoke alarms and signaling devices for the fire protection industry.
The Company designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and supplies digital vision, connected car, dimmable glass, and fire protection technologies, including: automatic-dimming rearview and non-dimming mirrors and electronics for the automotive industry; dimmable aircraft windows for the aviation industry; and commercial smoke alarms and signaling devices for the fire protection industry.
As regards transportation, the Company maintains: 22 electric vehicle charging stations; a bicycle fleet for travel between facilities; a bus shelter to encourage bus ridership; and Sweed banding choppers at certain facilities to reduce frequency of trips to recycling.
As regards transportation, the Company maintains: 30 electric vehicle charging stations; a bicycle fleet for travel between facilities; a bus shelter to encourage bus ridership; and Sweed banding choppers at certain facilities to reduce frequency of trips to recycling.
The Gentex Foundation is managed by a board of directors that will review grant applications with a particular focus on communities where Company employees live and work, consistent with the organization's values of integrity, compassion, innovation and diversity. Employees are encouraged to organize on-site fundraisers and to spend time volunteering at worthy charitable organizations in addition to giving financially.
The Gentex Foundation is managed by a board of directors that reviews grant applications with a particular focus on communities where Company employees live and work, consistent with the organization's values of integrity, compassion, innovation and diversity. Employees are encouraged to organize on-site fundraisers and to spend time volunteering at worthy charitable organizations in addition to giving financially.
Automotive Products Automotive Rearview Mirrors and Electronics. Automotive applications are the largest business segment for the Company, mostly consisting of interior and exterior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and automotive electronics. The Company manufactures interior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors that darken to reduce glare and improve visibility for the driver.
Automotive Products Automotive Rearview Mirrors and Electronics. Automotive applications are the largest business segment for the Company, consisting primarily of interior and exterior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and automotive electronics. The Company manufactures interior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors that darken to reduce glare and improve visibility for the driver.
Advanced-feature automatic-dimming mirrors currently being offered by the Company include one or more of the following features: SmartBeam ® , HomeLink ® , HomeLink Connect ® , frameless mirror designs, LED map lamps, compass displays, telematics, ITM ® systems, hands free communication, Rear Camera Display ("RCD") interior mirrors, FDM ® interior mirrors, digital video recording solutions, exterior turn signals, side blind zone indicators and 3 various other exterior mirror features that improve safety and field of view.
Advanced-feature automatic-dimming mirrors currently being offered by the Company include one or more of the following features: SmartBeam ® , HomeLink ® , HomeLink Connect ® , frameless mirror designs, compass displays, telematics, ITM ® systems, hands free communication, Rear Camera Display ("RCD") interior mirrors, FDM ® interior mirrors, digital video recording solutions, exterior turn signals, side blind zone indicators and various other exterior mirror features that improve safety and field of view.
The Company continues to be the leading producer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors in the world and currently is the largest supplier to the automotive industry with an approximate 89% market share worldwide in 2022.
The Company continues to be the leading producer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors in the world and currently is the largest supplier to the automotive industry with an approximate 89% market share worldwide in 2023.
The Company continuously seeks to improve its core technologies and apply those 6 technologies to new and existing products. As those efforts produce patentable inventions, the Company expects to file appropriate patent applications.
The Company continuously seeks to improve its core and acquired technologies and apply those technologies to new and existing products. As those efforts produce patentable inventions, the Company expects to file appropriate patent applications.
In 2022, the Company established the Gentex Foundation, which will provide financial grants to organizations across the country in support of economic development, children's services, public health, housing assistance and diversity initiatives among other causes.
In 2022, the Company established the Gentex Foundation, which provides financial grants to organizations across the country in support of economic development, children's services, public health, housing assistance and diversity initiatives among other causes.
The Company plans to integrate Simplenight into its current and future connected vehicle technologies, including HomeLink ® , the automotive industry’s leading car-to-home automation system. HomeLink ® consists of vehicle-integrated buttons that can be programmed to operate a myriad of home automation devices. Integration of Simplenight into the Company's HomeLink Connect® app is underway.
Simplenight can be integrated into the Company's current and future connected vehicle technologies, including HomeLink ® , the automotive industry’s leading car-to-home automation system. HomeLink ® consists of vehicle-integrated buttons that can be programmed to operate a myriad of home automation devices. Integration of Simplenight into the Company's HomeLink Connect ® app is underway.
These electronic interior mirrors can also include additional electronic features such as compass, microphones, HomeLink ® , interior driver and cabin monitoring systems, lighting assist and driver assist forward safety camera systems, various lighting systems, various telematics systems, ITM ® systems, and a wide variety of displays, including the Full Display Mirror ® product.
These electronic interior mirrors can also include additional electronic features such as compass, microphones, HomeLink ® , interior driver and cabin monitoring systems, lighting assist and driver assist forward safety camera systems, various lighting systems, various telematics systems, ITM ® systems, and a wide variety of displays, including the FDM ® product.
Further, two Japan manufacturers (Murakami and Panasonic) have begun selling and marketing competitive Full Display Mirror ® type products in Japan. The Company acknowledges that dimming device (e.g., electrochromic) technology is the subject of research and development efforts by numerous third parties.
Further, two Japan manufacturers (Murakami and Panasonic) have begun selling and marketing competitive FDM ® type products in Japan. The Company acknowledges that dimming device (e.g., electrochromic) technology is the subject of research and development efforts by numerous third parties.
SmartBeam ® , FDM ® , rear video camera, digital video recorder, etc.), as well as continuing to expand the capabilities of the Company's hybrid and fully digital CMS technology, driver and cabin monitoring systems, the Company recognizes that it is competing with considerably larger and more geographically diverse electronics companies that present a formidable competitive threat in the future as new products/features and technologies are brought to market.
SmartBeam ® , FDM ® , rear video camera, digital video recorder, etc.), hybrid and fully digital CMS technology, and driver and cabin monitoring systems, the Company recognizes that it is competing with considerably larger and more geographically diverse electronics companies that present a formidable competitive threat in the future as new products/features and technologies are brought to market.
Fire Protection Products The Company manufactures photoelectric smoke detectors and alarms, visual signaling alarms, photoelectric smoke alarms and electrochemical carbon monoxide alarms, electrochemical carbon monoxide alarms and detectors, audible and visual signaling appliances, and bells and speakers for use in fire detection systems in office buildings, hotels, and other commercial and residential establishments. Markets and Marketing.
Fire Protection Technologies The Company manufactures photoelectric smoke detectors and alarms, visual signaling alarms, photoelectric smoke alarms and electrochemical carbon monoxide alarms, electrochemical carbon monoxide alarms and detectors, audible and visual signaling appliances, and bells and speakers for use in fire detection systems in office buildings, hotels, and other commercial and residential establishments.
In addition, the Company periodically obtains intellectual property rights, in the ordinary course of the Company's business, to strengthen its intellectual property portfolio and minimize potential risks of infringement. Human Capital Resources As of February 1, 2023, the Company had 5,466 full-time employees. None of the Company’s employees are represented by a labor union or other collective bargaining representative.
In addition, the Company periodically obtains intellectual property rights, in the ordinary course of the Company's business, to strengthen its intellectual property portfolio and minimize potential risks of infringement. Human Capital Resources As of February 1, 2024, the Company had 6,245 full-time employees. None of the Company’s employees are represented by a labor union or other collective bargaining representative.
The Company believes that the competitive advantage derived in the relevant foreign markets for these patents is comparable to that applicable in the U.S. market. The Company owns 50 U.S. Patents and 54 foreign patents that relate specifically to the Company’s variable dimmable windows. The U.S.
The Company believes that the competitive advantage derived in the relevant foreign markets for these patents is comparable to that applicable in the U.S. market. The Company owns 76 U.S. Patents and 99 foreign patents that relate specifically to the Company’s variable dimmable windows. The U.S.
Competition. The Company’s variable dimmable aircraft windows are the first commercialized product of its kind for original equipment installation in the aircraft industry. Other manufacturers are working to develop and sell competing products utilizing other technology in the aircraft industry for aftermarket or original equipment installation.
The Company markets its variable dimmable windows to aircraft manufacturers and airline operators globally. Competition. The Company’s variable dimmable aircraft windows are the first commercialized product of its kind for original equipment installation in the aircraft industry. Other manufacturers are working to develop and sell competing products utilizing other technology in the aircraft industry for aftermarket or original equipment installation.
Automotive rearview mirrors and electronics accounted for 97% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2022. The Company is the leading manufacturer of electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors in the world, and is the largest supplier to the automotive industry.
Automotive rearview mirrors and electronics accounted for 98% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2023. The Company is the leading manufacturer of electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors in the world, and is the largest supplier to the automotive industry.
Later in 2019, the first production shipments of variably dimmable windows were made to Boeing for the 777X program. As previously announced, Airbus is now offering, as optional content, the Company's dimmable aircraft windows on its aircraft, with production having begun in 2021. Markets and Marketing. The Company markets its variable dimmable windows to aircraft manufacturers and airline operators globally.
Later in 2019, the first production shipments of variably dimmable windows were made to Boeing for the 777X program. As previously 5 announced, Airbus is now offering, as optional content, the Company's dimmable aircraft windows on its aircraft, with production having begun in 2021. Markets and Marketing.
The Company markets its fire protection products primarily in North America, but also globally through regional sales managers and manufacturer representative organizations. Competition. The fire protection products industry is highly competitive in terms of both the smoke detectors and signaling appliance markets.
The Company markets its fire protection products primarily in North America, but also globally through regional sales managers and manufacturer representative organizations. The Company's PLACE products are being sold to retailers. Competition. The fire protection products industry is highly competitive in terms of both the smoke detectors and signaling appliance markets.
Revenues by major geographic area are disclosed in Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Traditionally, new products and technologies have been restricted to high-end vehicles and premium trim/option packages.
Revenues by major geographic area are disclosed in Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Historically, new products and technologies have penetrated high-end vehicles and premium trim/option packages to begin.
Additionally, as the Company expands its Full Display Mirror ® product and the ITM ® system, rearward facing video cameras and integrated toll transponders are being produced and sold. The Company produces rearview mirrors and electronics globally for automotive passenger cars, light trucks, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans for OEMs, automotive suppliers, and various aftermarket and accessory customers.
Additionally, as the Company expands its FDM ® product and the ITM ® system, rearward facing video cameras, digital video recording, and integrated toll transponders are being produced and sold. 3 The Company produces rearview mirrors and electronics globally for automotive passenger cars, light trucks, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans for original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"), automotive suppliers, and various aftermarket and accessory customers.
The Company's DE&I initiatives are supported by its VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and DE&I Council, which helps implement specific diversity programs, supports internal training, and creates opportunities to spread awareness throughout the organization. The Company's DE&I Council is led by Mr.
The Company's DE&I initiatives are supported by its VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and DE&I Council, which helps implement specific diversity programs, supports internal training, and creates opportunities to spread awareness throughout the organization. The Company's DE&I Council is led by Mr. Joe Matthews, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and includes employees from a variety of departments.
The Company’s fire protection products are sold directly to fire protection and security product distributors under the Company’s brand name, to electrical wholesale houses, and to original equipment manufacturers of fire protection systems under both the Company’s brand name and private labels.
The Company’s fire protection technologies are sold directly to fire protection and security product distributors under the Company’s brand name, to electrical wholesale houses, and to OEMs of fire protection systems under both the Company’s brand name and private labels.
Automotive Rearview Mirrors and Electronics Product Development. The Company continually seeks to develop new products and is currently working to introduce additional advanced-feature automatic-dimming mirrors.
The Company continually seeks to develop new products and is currently working to introduce additional advanced-feature automatic-dimming mirrors.
Patents, of which 31 Registered Trademarks and 711 patents relate to electrochromic technology, automotive rearview mirrors, microphones, displays, cameras, sensor technology, smart lighting technology, and/or HomeLink ® products. These patents expire at various times between 2023 and 2043.
Patents, of which 40 Registered Trademarks and 641 patents relate to electrochromic technology, automotive rearview mirrors, microphones, displays, cameras, sensor technology, smart lighting technology, and/or HomeLink ® products. These patents expire at various times between 2024 and 2044.
The Company plans to utilize this relationship to promote the HomeLink Connect ® App with property developers and contractors.
The Company intends for this relationship to promote the HomeLink Connect ® App with real property developers and contractors.
The Company also owns 360 foreign Registered Trademarks and 1,194 foreign patents, of which 344 Registered Trademarks and 1,128 patents relate to electrochromic technology, automotive rearview mirrors, microphones, displays, cameras, sensor technology, and/or HomeLink ® products. These patents expire at various times between 2023 and 2047.
The Company also owns 399 foreign Registered Trademarks and 1,458 foreign patents, of which 384 Registered Trademarks and 1,125 patents relate to electrochromic technology, automotive rearview mirrors, microphones, displays, cameras, sensor technology, and/or HomeLink ® products. These patents expire at various times between 2024 and 2048.
Patents expire at various times between 2023 and 2038, while the foreign patents expire at various times between 2023 and 2039. The Company believes that the competitive advantage provided by these patents is relatively small. The Company also has in process 176 U.S. Patent applications, 296 foreign patent applications, and 15 Registered Trademark applications.
Patents expire at various times between 2026 and 2043, while the foreign patents expire at various times between 2026 and 2030. The Company believes that the competitive advantage provided by these patents is relatively small. The Company also has in process 169 U.S. Patent applications, 257 foreign patent applications, and 35 Registered Trademark applications.
This culture is supported by a competitive compensation system that goes beyond base salary and includes for virtually all employees: quarterly profit-sharing bonuses; an extensive stock-based compensation program that extends to all eligible employees; an employee stock purchase plan; 401(k) plan (or other retirement plan for non-US employees) with Company matching; and tuition reimbursement.
An inclusive environment is nurtured so that team members can perform, support each other, and continue to grow and learn, including on-the-job training. 7 This culture is supported by a competitive compensation system that goes beyond base salary and includes for virtually all employees: quarterly profit-sharing bonuses; an extensive stock-based compensation program that extends to all eligible employees; an employee stock purchase plan; 401(k) plan (or other retirement plan for non-US employees) with Company matching; and tuition reimbursement.
As consumer demand has continued to pursue the adoption of advanced technology, more OEMs have shifted to offer a variety of trim packages and option packages for each of their vehicles, creating a range of available pricing and technologies across their lineups.
As consumer demand increases for such advanced technologies, more OEMs shift to offer a variety of trim packages and option packages for each of their vehicles, creating a range of available pricing and technologies across their lineups.
Patents expire at various times between 2026 and 2041, while the foreign patents expire at various times between 2026 and 2038. The Company owns 9 U.S. Registered Trademarks, 19 U.S. Patents, 16 foreign Registered Trademarks, and 12 foreign patents that relate to the Company’s fire protection products. The U.S.
Patents expire at various times between 2026 and 2044, while the foreign patents expire at various times between 2027 and 2040. The Company owns 10 U.S. Registered Trademarks, 20 U.S. Patents, 15 foreign Registered Trademarks, and 12 foreign patents that relate to the Company’s fire protection products. The U.S.
The Company is a member of or otherwise involved in the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, Original Equipment Supplier's Association - Diversity & Inclusion, Board of Governors, Consumer Technology Association - D&I Group, Michigan Diversity Connection, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Great Lakes Women's Business Council. 7 Hiring rates, voluntary and involuntary turnover rates, internal rates of hiring and promotion, and safety records are considered as measures of the Company's success in human capital management.
The Company is a member of, or otherwise involved in, the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, Original Equipment Supplier's Association - Diversity & Inclusion, Board of Governors, Consumer Technology Association - D&I Group, Michigan Diversity Connection, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Great Lakes Women's Business Council.
Matthews has been honored as a Salute to Diversity Winner by Corp! Magazine. As a part of DE&I initiatives, the Company maintains a growing list of business resource groups ("BRGs") comprised of individuals with similar interests or backgrounds that work internally to support one another, develop leadership skills, and enhance cultural awareness.
As a part of DE&I initiatives, the Company maintains a growing list of business resource groups ("BRGs") comprised of individuals with similar interests or backgrounds who work internally to support one another, develop leadership skills, and enhance cultural awareness. Among current BRGs are Women@Gentex and Gentex V.E.T.S.
Joe Matthews, VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and includes employees from many different parts of the Company. The Company's DE&I initiatives are further supported by the DE&I Advisory Board, which is led by Mr. Matthews, and includes various executives, including the CEO, and members that are not employees of the Company. Mr.
The Company's DE&I initiatives are further supported by the DE&I Advisory Board, which is led by Mr. Matthews, and includes various executives, including the CEO, and two external members who are experts in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In an effort to ensure an excellent and increasingly diverse employment base, the Company has added Spanish speaking manufacturing lines, which involves materials for recruiting, orientation, on-boarding, training, and work in the Spanish language. The Company is the recipient of an EPIC Diversity Visionary Award presented by a local Chamber of Commerce.
To ensure an excellent and increasingly diverse employment base, the Company has added Spanish speaking manufacturing lines, which involve translating materials for recruiting, orientation, on-boarding, training, and work in the Spanish language.
This technology has a wide variety of use cases in various markets and industries, with potential applications for automotive, aerospace, agriculture, chemical manufacturing, military and first responders, worker safety, food and beverage processing, and medical applications. Trademarks and Patents The Company owns 40 U.S. Registered Trademarks and 786 U.S.
This technology has a wide variety of use cases in various markets and industries, with potential applications for automotive, aerospace, agriculture, chemical manufacturing, military and first responders, worker safety, food and beverage processing, and medical applications. 6 Medical Products and Development In 2020 the Company unveiled an innovative lighting technology for medical applications that was co-developed with Mayo Clinic.
Support is also provided to a number of minority organizations in keeping with the Company's DE&I efforts and to continue to build an even more diverse and skilled workforce. The Company's Board of Directors has regular touchpoints with management regarding: employee engagement; workforce planning (including capabilities and skills development); safety; understanding workforce demographics and DE&I strategies; and corporate culture.
Support is also provided to a number of minority organizations in keeping with the Company's DE&I efforts and to continue to build an even more diverse and skilled workforce.
Moreover, other companies have demonstrated products that are competitive to the Company's Full Display Mirror ® system, and a small number of Chinese domestic mirror suppliers have begun marketing and selling these products, in low volume, within the domestic China market.
There are also Chinese domestic mirror suppliers that are marketing and selling automatic-dimming rearview mirrors, primarily within the domestic China automotive market. Moreover, other companies have products that are competitive to the Company's FDM ® system, and Chinese domestic mirror suppliers have begun marketing and selling these products, within the domestic China market.
Competitors for automotive rearview mirrors include Magna International, Tokai Rika Company, SMR Automotive, Aolian, Intertech, Kingband, BYD Auto Company, Sincode, Yanfeng Visteon, Xiamen Intertech, Guangdong Yuanfeng, Chongqing Yimei, Murakami, Ultronix, Aizhuo, Alpine Electronics, Inc., Licon, MirrorTech, Ambilight, and others in the Chinese automotive aftermarket. The Company also supplies electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to certain of these rearview mirror competitors.
Competitors for automotive rearview mirrors include Magna International ("Magna"), Fudi Technology, Aolian, Ultronix, Tokai Rika Company, SMR Automotive, Intertech, Adayo, Sincode, Mike Shanghai, Guangdong Yangfeng Electronic Technology Co. Ltd. Licon, MirrorTech, Amblilight, and Chongqing Yimei. The Company also supplies electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to certain of these rearview mirror competitors. Automotive Rearview Mirrors and Electronics Product Development.
In the Company's 2022 Proxy Statement, the Company disclosed Board of Directors diversity information as required by NASDAQ, and will continue to do so in the future. The Board has also implemented a Complaint Submission and Handling Policy for concerns to be raised as needed. Sustainability Disclosure on Website.
The Board has also implemented a Complaint Submission and Handling Policy for concerns to be raised as needed. Sustainability Disclosure on Website.
Among current BRGs are Women at Gentex and Veterans at Gentex. In 2022, Gentex also established a separate DE&I council in Salt Lake City to serve the Company employees that work at the research and development office located there.
In 2022, the Company also established a separate DE&I council in Salt Lake City to serve the Company employees who work at the research and development office located there. This separate council has supported students from diverse backgrounds and sponsored events to raise awareness to global causes.
The Board of Directors and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee have taken concrete actions to increase Board diversity, including use of various resources and environments to identify qualified and diverse director candidates. Such candidates are contacted and interviewed in order to continue to build an even more diverse, qualified, and capable Board.
The Company's commitment to DE&I is very apparent by the inclusiveness of the Board. The Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee have taken concrete actions to increase Board diversity, including use of various resources and environments to identify qualified and diverse director candidates.
The Board and management know that the right talent is required to implement the Company's strategies. As such, the Board works with management appropriately regarding the approach to, and investment in, human capital that includes recruitment, talent development, retention, and diversity.
As such, the Board works with management appropriately regarding the approach to, and investment in, human capital that includes recruitment, talent development, retention, and diversity. The Board has access to all levels of employees in the Company in its efforts to properly oversee human resources and DE&I issues.
Moreover, the Company's DE&I efforts related to actively developing and using minority, women, and veteran-owned suppliers have been acknowledged and recognized by multiple original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") customers. In fact, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. has specifically recognized the Company's efforts over the last 10 years to increase supplier relationships with minority business enterprises.
In fact, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. has specifically recognized the Company's efforts over the last 10 years to increase supplier relationships with minority business enterprises. The Company has also won supplier diversity awards from Honda, Nissan, and Toyota.
GreenMarbles is a leading provider of sustainable solutions for integration into properties. The Company plans to utilize this relationship to promote the HomeLink Connect ® App with property developers and contractors. Automotive revenues represent approximately 97% of the Company's total revenue in 2022, mostly consisting of interior and exterior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and automotive electronics.
In 2022, the Company obtained an approximate 20% equity share in GreenMarbles, in the ordinary course of business. GreenMarbles is a leading provider of sustainable solutions for integration into properties. The Company intends for this relationship to promote the HomeLink Connect ® App with property developers and contractors.
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In November 2020, the Company announced a partnership, in the ordinary course of business, with PayByCar™, to pursue compatibility between the Company's ITM ® and PayByCar's innovative payment solution that allows drivers to use their smart phones and toll transponder to fuel up at certain gas stations without using cash or a credit card.
Added
On May 1, 2023, the Company announced a partnership, in the ordinary course of business, with Adasky Ltd. ("Adasky"), a developer and manufacturer of intelligent, high-resolution thermal sensing systems for vehicle safety and perception applications and smart city roadway solutions. In addition to the partnership, the Company has obtained an approximate 27% equity share in Adasky.
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Compatibility between these two technologies can help to grow each company's respective consumer base while introducing new users to the benefits of the transactional vehicle.
Added
On November 2, 2023, the Company acquired certain technology assets from eSight Corporation ("eSight"), in the ordinary course of business.
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In January 2022, the Company announced a partnership, in the ordinary course of business, with eSight, a leading provider of vision enhancement technology, to develop and manufacture the next generation of mobile electronic eyewear designed to help people living with visual impairments.
Added
The technology acquired from eSight provides advanced and versatile low-vision smart glasses for those with visual impairments and is compatible with more than 20 eye conditions including Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Stargardt disease. eSight wearables are inspected and registered by 2 public health officials.
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The Company plans to utilize its expertise in digital vision, software development and industrial design to help eSight develop the next generation of eyewear, with a focus on reducing device size, enhancing its form factor, and optimizing overall system performance. 2 In 2022, the Company obtained an approximate 20% equity share in GreenMarbles in the ordinary course of business.
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Esight 4, which is the fourth generation of the product, is a Class 1 Medical Device that is registered with the FDA, registered with EUDAMED, and inspected by Health Canada. The Company has been developing, initially for contract manufacture and now as the owner, the technology, referred to as eSightGo.
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There are also a small number of Chinese domestic mirror suppliers that are marketing and selling automatic-dimming rearview mirrors, in low volume, within the domestic China automotive market.
Added
Deliveries of eSightGo to customers are expected to begin in calendar year 2024. On January 8, 2024, the Company announced a partnership, in the ordinary course of business, with Solace Power, an innovative wireless power transfer technology company. This collaboration is intended to further develop, manufacture, and commercialize Solace Power’s unique wireless power systems for a wide variety of industries.
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In November 2020, the Company announced a partnership, in the ordinary course of business, with PayByCar™, to pursue compatibility between the Company's ITM ® and PayByCar's innovative payment solution that allows drivers 4 to use their smartphones and toll transponder to fuel up at certain gas stations without using cash or a credit card and to pay at parking garages.
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In addition to the partnership, the Company obtained an approximate 13% equity share in Solace Power. The Company believes Solace Power’s technology not only has immediate applications in the current Company product portfolio, but can also play an important role in the Company’s continued expansion into new markets.
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Compatibility between these two technologies can help to grow each company's respective consumer base while introducing new users to the benefits of the transactional vehicle.
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On January 9, 2024, the Company announced the introduction of a suite of smart home safety products with room-specific functionality called PLACE. PLACE offers a holistic solution that blends smart home safety, comfort, and security features into one sophisticated system, all controlled from a single, user-friendly app.
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An inclusive environment is nurtured so that team members can perform, support each other, and continue to grow and learn, including on-the-job training.
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The PLACE portfolio of smart-home solutions is designed to address the nuanced safety requirements of various home spaces. The base Any Space unit provides smart smoke and carbon monoxide detection and Wi-Fi connectivity for space-specific alerts.
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In fact, the Company mentors certain such suppliers to help them develop the business systems and technology improvements necessary to support future growth.
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The system’s versatility is further demonstrated through specialized units for the kitchen, nursery, and garage, each equipped with additional safeguards like gas and VOC detection, room-monitoring cameras, intercoms, and temperature and humidity sensing, as appropriate to the application.
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The Company has also won supplier diversity awards from Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, and was the City of Holland, Michigan's Human Relations Commission 2020 Social Justice Award winner.
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Automotive revenues represent approximately 98% of the Company's total revenue in 2023, mostly consisting of interior and exterior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and automotive electronics.
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The Board has access to all levels of employees in the Company in its efforts to properly oversee human resources and DE&I issues. The Company's commitment to DE&I is very apparent by the inclusiveness of the Board of Directors.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risk Factors — what could go wrong, per management

44 edited+2 added15 removed45 unchanged
Biggest changeThese provisions, however, could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control. Fluctuations in Market Price. The market price for our common stock has fluctuated, ranging from a low closing price of $23.80 to a high closing price of $36.18 during calendar year 2022.
Biggest changeFluctuations in Market Price. The market price for our common stock has fluctuated, ranging from a low closing price of $25.77 to a high closing price of $34.33 during calendar year 2023. The overall market and the price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate.
This ANPRM builds on NHTSA's prior efforts to obtain supporting technical information, data, and analysis on CMS so that the agency can determine whether these systems can provide the same level of safety as the rearview mirrors currently required under FMVSS No. 111.
This ANPRM builds on NHTSA's prior efforts to obtain supporting technical information, data, and analysis on CMS so that the agency can determine whether these systems can provide the same level of safety as the rearview mirrors currently required under FMVSS No. 111.
Additionally, we may not be successful in integrating acquired businesses into our existing operations, achieving projected synergies, and/or maximizing the value of acquired technologies and businesses. Competition for acquisition opportunities in the various industries in which we operate already exists and may increase, thereby potentially increasing our costs of making acquisitions or causing us to refrain from making further acquisitions.
Additionally, we may not be successful in integrating acquired businesses into our existing operations, achieving projected synergies, and/or maximizing the value of acquired technologies and businesses. Competition for acquisition opportunities in the various industries in which we operate already exists and may increase, thereby increasing our costs of making acquisitions or causing us to refrain from making further acquisitions.
The Company’s domestic and international tax liabilities are dependent upon the location of earnings among these different jurisdictions. Employees. Our business success depends on attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Throughout our Company, our ability to sustain and grow our business requires us to hire, retain and develop a highly skilled and diverse management team and workforce.
The Company’s domestic and international tax liabilities are dependent upon the location of earnings among these different jurisdictions. Employees. Our business success depends on attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Throughout our Company, our ability to sustain and grow our business requires us to hire, retain and develop a highly skilled and 15 diverse management team and workforce.
These inventory strategies further introduce obsolescence risk that impacts our business, financial conditions, and/or results of operations. As our customers' forecasted demand changes, inventory becomes obsolete and write-offs or write-downs of our inventory are exacerbated. Disruptions can also occur due to natural disasters, other pandemics, work stoppages, strikes, bankruptcy, etc.
These inventory strategies further introduce obsolescence risk that impacts our business, financial conditions, and/or results of operations. As our customers' forecasted demand changes, inventory becomes obsolete and write-offs or write-downs of our inventory are exacerbated. Disruptions can also occur due to natural disasters, pandemics, work stoppages, strikes, bankruptcy, etc.
We, and certain of our third-party vendors, receive and store personal information in connection with our human resources operations and other aspects of our business. Despite our implementation of security measures, our IT systems, like all IT systems, are vulnerable to damages from computer viruses, natural disasters, 13 unauthorized access, cyber-attack and other similar disruptions.
We, and certain of our third-party vendors, receive and store personal information in connection with our human resources operations and other aspects of our business. Despite our implementation of security measures, our IT systems, like all IT systems, are vulnerable to damages from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access, cyber-attack and other similar disruptions.
Failure to ensure that we have the leadership capacity with the necessary skill sets and experience and a skilled workforce could impede our ability to deliver our growth objectives and execute our strategic plan. Organizational and reporting changes within management could result in, and low 15 unemployment has contributed to, increased turnover.
Failure to ensure that we have the leadership capacity with the necessary skill sets and experience and a skilled workforce could impede our ability to deliver our growth objectives and execute our strategic plan. Organizational and reporting changes within management could result in, and low unemployment has contributed to, increased turnover.
The complexity of the technology involved in our business and the uncertainty of intellectual property litigation significantly increases these risks and makes such risk part of our ongoing business. To that end, we periodically obtain intellectual property rights, in the ordinary course of business, to strengthen our intellectual property portfolio and minimize potential risks of infringement.
The complexity of the technology involved in our business and the uncertainty of intellectual property 13 litigation significantly increases these risks and makes such risk part of our ongoing business. To that end, we periodically obtain intellectual property rights, in the ordinary course of business, to strengthen our intellectual property portfolio and minimize potential risks of infringement.
The loss of all or a substantial portion of the sales to, or decreases in production by, any of these customers (or certain other significant customers) could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. 10 Pricing Pressures.
The loss of all or a substantial portion of the sales to, or decreases in production by, any of these customers (or certain other significant customers) could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. Pricing Pressures.
If a person or company claims that our products infringed their intellectual property rights, any resulting litigation could be costly, time consuming, and would divert the attention of management and key personnel from other business issues.
If a person or company claims that our products infringed their intellectual property rights, any resulting litigation would be costly, time consuming, and would divert the attention of management and key personnel from other business issues.
We are also subject to applicable antitrust laws and must avoid anticompetitive behavior. These and other acquisition-related factors may negatively and adversely impact our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. 12 Intellectual Property.
We are also subject to applicable antitrust laws and must avoid anticompetitive behavior. These and other acquisition-related factors may negatively and adversely impact our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. Intellectual Property.
We continue to experience ongoing pricing pressures from our automotive customers and competitors, which have affected, and which will continue to affect our profit margins to the extent that we are unable to offset the pricing pressures with price adjustments, engineering and purchasing cost reductions, productivity improvements, increases in unit shipments of mirrors and electronics with advanced features, and/or new or advanced technologies, each of which pose ongoing challenges, which could continue to adversely impact our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations.
We continue to experience ongoing pricing pressures from our automotive customers and competitors, which have affected, and which will continue to affect our profit margins to the extent that we are unable to offset the pricing pressures with price adjustments, engineering and purchasing cost reductions, productivity improvements, increases in unit shipments of mirrors and electronics with advanced features, and/or 11 new or advanced technologies, each of which pose ongoing challenges, which continue to adversely impact our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations.
A decrease in consumer demand for specific types of vehicles where we have traditionally provided higher value content could have a significant effect on our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. Our forward guidance and estimates assume a certain geographic sales mix as well as a product sales mix.
A decrease in consumer demand for specific types of vehicles where we have traditionally provided higher value content would have a significant effect on our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. Our forward guidance and estimates assume a certain geographic sales mix as well as a product sales mix.
We have a number of large customers, including three automotive customers which each account for 10% or more of our annual net sales in 2022 (including direct sales to OEM customers and sales through their Tier 1 suppliers): Volkswagen Group, Toyota Motor Company, and General Motors.
We have a number of large customers, including three automotive customers which each account for 10% or more of our annual net sales in 2023 (including direct sales to OEM customers and sales through their Tier 1 suppliers): Volkswagen Group, Toyota Motor Company, and General Motors.
As a result of just-in-time supply chains within our business and the automotive industry, disruptions in our supply chain have occurred, are occurring, and are expected to continue to occur due to the industry-wide parts shortages, labor shortages, and other global supply chain constraints.
Supply Chain Disruptions. As a result of just-in-time supply chains within our business and the automotive industry, disruptions in our supply chain have occurred, are occurring, and may continue to occur due to the industry-wide parts shortages, labor shortages, and other global supply chain constraints.
On March 31, 2014 the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") to allow automakers to use camera monitoring systems ("CMS") as an option to replace conventional rearview mirrors within North America, however, no final rule or legislation was made in response to this petition.
On March 31, 2014 the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") to allow automakers to use CMS as an option to replace conventional rearview mirrors within North America, however, no final rule or legislation was made in response to this petition.
If we experience a problem with the functioning of an important IT system or a security breach of our IT systems, the resulting disruptions could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. We face certain security threats, including threats to the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and systems.
When we experience a problem with the functioning of an important IT system or a security breach of our IT systems, the resulting disruptions have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. We face certain security threats, including threats to the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and systems.
Income Taxes. The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and other foreign jurisdictions. Changes in tax rates, adoption of new tax laws or other additional tax policies, and other proposals to reform United States and foreign tax laws could adversely affect the Company's operating results, cash flows, and financial condition.
General Risk Factors Income Taxes. The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and other foreign jurisdictions. Changes in tax rates, adoption of new tax laws or other additional tax policies, and other proposals to reform United States and foreign tax laws could adversely affect the Company's operating results, cash flows, and financial condition.
Also, the Company may face reputational challenges if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals not determined to be conflict free or if the Company is unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in the Company's products through the procedures the Company may implement.
Also, the Company may face reputational challenges if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals not determined to be conflict free or if the Company is unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in the Company's products through the procedures the Company has implemented.
International sales and operations, especially in growth markets, subject us to certain risks inherent in doing business abroad, including: Exposure to local economic, political and labor conditions; Unexpected changes in laws, regulations, trade or monetary or fiscal policy, including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and changes in the rate of inflation in the U.S. and other foreign countries; Tariffs (as discussed herein), quotas, customs and other import or export restrictions and other trade barriers; Natural disasters, political crises, and public health crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), which have caused, are causing, and will likely continue to cause downtime and closures at both supplier and customer facilities; Brexit, and its impact; Expropriation and nationalization; Difficulty of enforcing agreements, collecting receivables and protecting assets through non-U.S. legal systems; Reduced intellectual property protection; Withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries; Investment restrictions or requirements; Export and import restrictions; Violence and civil unrest in local countries; Compliance with the requirements of an increasing body of applicable anti-bribery laws, including the U.S.
International sales and operations, especially in growth markets, subject us to certain risks inherent in doing business abroad, including: Exposure to local economic, political and labor conditions; Unexpected changes in laws, regulations, trade or monetary or fiscal policy, including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and changes in the rate of inflation in the U.S. and other foreign countries; Tariffs (as discussed herein), quotas, customs and other import or export restrictions and other trade barriers; Natural disasters, political crises, and public health crises (e.g. pandemics), which have caused, are causing, and will likely continue to cause downtime and closures at both supplier and customer facilities; Expropriation and nationalization; Difficulty of enforcing agreements, collecting receivables and protecting assets through non-U.S. legal systems; Reduced intellectual property protection; Withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries; Investment restrictions or requirements; Export and import restrictions; Violence and civil unrest in local countries; Compliance with the requirements of an increasing body of applicable anti-bribery laws, including the U.S.
Our inability to conduct normal business operations for a period of time may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity . A failure of our information technology ("IT") infrastructure could adversely impact our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations.
Our inability to conduct normal business operations for a period of time may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity . Any failure of our information technology ("IT") infrastructure adversely impacts our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations.
Any system failure, accident or security breach could result in disruptions to our operations. A material network breach in the security of our IT systems could include the theft of our intellectual property, trade secrets or customer information.
Any such system failure, accident or security breach results in disruptions to our operations. A material network breach in the security of our IT systems could include the theft of our intellectual property, trade secrets or customer information.
These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: changes in general industry or regional market conditions, including the impact of inflation; changes in consumer and customer preferences for our products (such as cameras replacing mirrors and/or autonomous driving); our ability to be awarded new business; continued uncertainty in pricing negotiations with customers and suppliers; loss of business from increased competition; changes in strategic relationships; customer bankruptcies or divestiture of customer brands; fluctuation in vehicle production schedules (including the impact of customer employee strikes); changes in product mix; raw material and other supply shortages; labor shortages, supply chain constraints and disruptions; our dependence on information systems; higher raw material, fuel, energy and other costs; unfavorable fluctuations in currencies or interest rates in the regions in which we operate; costs or difficulties related to the integration and/or ability to maximize the value of any new or acquired technologies and businesses; changes in regulatory conditions; warranty and recall claims and other litigation and customer reactions thereto; possible adverse results of pending or future litigation or infringement claims; changes in tax laws; import and export duty and tariff rates in or with the countries with which we conduct business; negative impact of any governmental investigations and associated litigation including securities litigation relating to the conduct of our business; and the length and severity of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, including its impact across our business on demand, operations, and the global supply chain.
These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: changes in general industry or regional market conditions, including the impact of inflation; changes in consumer and customer preferences for our products (such as cameras replacing mirrors and/or autonomous driving); our ability to be awarded new business; continued uncertainty in pricing negotiations with customers and suppliers; loss of business from increased competition; changes in strategic relationships; customer bankruptcies or divestiture of customer brands; fluctuation in vehicle production schedules (including the impact of customer employee strikes); changes in product mix; raw material and other supply shortages; labor shortages, supply chain constraints and disruptions; our dependence on information systems; higher raw material, fuel, energy and other costs; unfavorable fluctuations in currencies or interest rates in the regions in which we operate; costs or difficulties related to the integration and/or ability to maximize the value of any new or acquired technologies and businesses; changes in regulatory conditions; warranty and recall claims and other litigation and customer reactions thereto; possible adverse results of pending or future litigation or infringement claims; changes in tax laws; import and export duty and tariff rates in or with the countries with which we conduct business; negative impact of any governmental investigations and associated litigation, including securities litigation relating to the conduct of our business; and force majeure events.
Previously enacted tariffs have increased the Company's input costs, and have the potential to challenge the Company's competitive position in foreign markets.
Previously enacted tariffs have increased the Company's input costs and challenge the Company's competitive position in foreign markets.
Accordingly, any forward-looking statement should be read in conjunction with the additional information about risks and uncertainties identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s latest Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, which risks and uncertainties now include the impacts of COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and supply chain constraints that have affected, are affecting, and will continue to affect, general economic and industry conditions, customers, suppliers, and the regulatory environment in which the Company operates.
Accordingly, any forward-looking statement should be read in conjunction with the additional information about risks and uncertainties identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s latest Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, which risks and uncertainties include supply chain constraints that have affected, are affecting, and will continue to affect, general economic and industry conditions, customers, suppliers, and the regulatory environment in which the Company operates.
Includes content supplied by S&P Global Mobility / IHS Markit Light Vehicle Production Forecast (http://www.gentex.com/forecast-disclaimer). T he following risk factors, together with all other information provided in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be carefully considered. Automotive Industry. Customers within the auto industry comprise approximately 97% of our net sales.
Includes content supplied by S&P Global Mobility Light Vehicle Production Forecast of January 16, 2024 (http://www.gentex.com/forecast-disclaimer). T he following risk factors, together with all other information provided in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be carefully considered. Automotive Industry. Customers within the auto industry comprise approximately 98% of our net sales.
As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering "conflict free" minerals necessary for our products, the Company cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain necessary conflict minerals from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices.
As there are only a limited number of suppliers offering "conflict free" minerals necessary for our products, the 14 Company cannot always be absolutely certain that we will be able to obtain necessary conflict minerals from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices.
The Company has previously announced that the Company continues to develop in the areas of imager performance, camera dynamic range, lens design, image processing from the camera to the display, and camera lens cleaning. The Company acknowledges that as such technology evolves over time, such as cameras replacing mirrors and/or autonomous driving, there could be increased competition. Supply Chain Disruptions.
The Company has previously announced that the Company continues to 12 develop in the areas of imager performance, camera dynamic range, lens design, image processing from the camera to the display, and camera lens cleaning. The Company acknowledges that as such technology evolves over time, such as cameras replacing mirrors and/or autonomous driving, there will be increased competition.
When actual results vary from this projected geographic and product mix of sales, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations are impacted. Business Combinations. We anticipate that acquisitions of businesses and assets may play a role in our future growth.
When actual results vary from this projected geographic and product mix of sales, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations are impacted. Business Combinations. Acquisitions of businesses, technologies, and assets play a role in our future growth.
The continuance of these tariffs and/or escalation of disputes in the geopolitical environment could continue to interfere with automotive supply chains and may have a continued negative impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, and/or results of operations, especially since the Company primarily manufactures and ships from one location.
The continuance of these tariffs and/or escalation of disputes in the geopolitical environment interferes with automotive supply chains and have a continued negative impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, and/or results of operations, especially since the Company primarily manufactures and ships from one location.
Turnover, inability to attract and retain key employees, including managers, or government mandated remote work has had, is having, and is expected to continue to have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations. International Operations.
Turnover, inability to attract and retain key employees, including managers, or government mandated remote work have had, and may continue to have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations. International Operations.
The current economic environment, including inflation, continues to be uncertain, and continues to cause financial and production stresses evidenced by volatile automotive production levels, volatility with customer orders, supplier part and material shortages (especially electronics components), automotive and Tier 1 supplier plant shutdowns, customer and supplier financial issues, commodity raw material cost increases, supply constraints, tariffs, consumer vehicle preference shifts (where we have a lower penetration rate and lower content per vehicle), and supply chain stresses, all of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout therefrom.
The current economic environment, including inflation, continues to be uncertain, and continues to cause financial and production stresses evidenced by volatile automotive production levels, volatility with customer orders, supplier part and material shortages (especially electronics components), automotive and Tier 1 supplier plant shutdowns, customer and supplier financial issues, commodity raw material cost increases, supply constraints, tariffs, consumer vehicle preference shifts (where we have a lower penetration rate and lower content per vehicle), and supply chain stresses.
Forward-looking statements give the Company’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “hope,” “intend,” “may,” “opinion,” “optimistic,” “plan,” “poised,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” "work to," and variations of such words and similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “hope,” “intend,” "likely", “may,” “opinion,” “optimistic,” “plan,” “poised,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” "work to," and variations of such words and similar expressions.
China has now released an updated version of its GB15084, which will be effective later in 2023, and allows for camera 11 monitoring systems, frameless mirrors and aspheric (free-form) glass surfaces.
In 2023, China released and made effective an updated version of its GB15084, which allows for camera monitoring systems, frameless mirrors and aspheric (free-form) glass surfaces.
The Company's CMS solution uses three cameras to provide a comprehensive view of the sides and rear of the vehicle while still providing the traditional safety of interior and exterior mirrors, that still function when cameras are obstructed, or not functioning.
The Company is currently shipping production FDM ® to all fourteen of these customers. The Company's CMS solution uses three cameras to provide a comprehensive view of the sides and rear of the vehicle while still providing the traditional safety of interior and exterior mirrors, that still function when cameras are obstructed, or not functioning.
Item 1A. Risk Factors. 9 Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements contained in this communication that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors. Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
The ANPRM states that one reason NHTSA is seeking additional information is because research conducted by NHTSA and others between 2006 and 2017 has consistently shown that prototype and preproduction camera-based rear visibility systems can exhibit safety-relevant performance issues.
The ANPRM states that one reason NHTSA is seeking additional information is because research conducted by NHTSA and others between 2006 and 2017 has consistently shown that prototype and preproduction camera-based rear visibility systems can exhibit safety-relevant performance issues. In November 2022, NHTSA conducted a public meeting and discussed the ongoing research of this technology. Antitakeover Provisions.
Our articles of incorporation, bylaws, and the laws of the state of Michigan include provisions that may provide our board of directors with adequate time to consider whether a hostile takeover offer is in our best interest and the best interests of our shareholders.
Our articles of incorporation, bylaws, and the laws of the state of Michigan include provisions that may provide our Board with adequate time to consider whether a hostile takeover offer is in our best interest and the best interests of our shareholders. These provisions, however, could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control.
We maintain an extensive network of technical security controls, policy enforcement mechanisms, monitoring systems and management oversight in order to address these threats. While these measures are designed to prevent, detect and respond to unauthorized activity in, or otherwise compromise of, our systems, certain types of attacks, including cyber-attacks, could result in significant financial or information losses and/or reputational harm.
While these measures are designed to prevent, detect and respond to unauthorized activity in, or otherwise compromise of, our systems, certain types of attacks, including cyber-attacks, could result in significant financial or information losses and/or reputational harm.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC") and adjoining countries.
In addition, we incur significant costs to protect against damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches. Government Regulations. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC") and adjoining countries.
Such circumstances have disrupted, are disrupting, and will continue to disrupt our shipments to automakers and Tier 1 customers, which adversely affects our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. Workforce Disruptions.
Such circumstances have disrupted, are disrupting, and will continue to disrupt our shipments to automakers and Tier 1 customers, which adversely affects our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. Workforce Disruptions. We have experienced, and may continue to experience in the future, disruptions to our workforce as a result of a tight labor market, employee illness, quarantines, and absenteeism..
Any continued adverse worldwide economic conditions, currency exchange rates, trade war, war or significant terrorist acts, could each affect worldwide automotive sales and production levels, thereby impacting the Company; Manufacturing yield issues; and Obligations and costs associated with addressing quality issues or warranty claims. 16 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. None
Any continued adverse worldwide economic conditions, currency exchange rates, trade war, war or significant terrorist acts, could each affect worldwide automotive sales and production levels, thereby impacting the Company; Public health crises (e.g. pandemics) that can result in part shortages, labor shortages, or other impacts to the supply chain or customers; Manufacturing yield issues; and Obligations and costs associated with addressing quality issues or warranty claims.
The Company believes that combining video displays with mirrors provides a more robust product by addressing all driving conditions in a single solution that can be controlled by the driver.
The Company believes that combining video displays with mirrors provides a more robust product by addressing all driving conditions in a single solution that can be controlled by the driver. The Company has been in production with the Company's FDM ® since 2015 and has, in the ordinary course of business, been awarded programs with fourteen (14) OEM customers.
We recognize that Magna Mirrors, our main competitor, may have considerably more resources available to it, and may present a formidable competitive threat. Additionally, other companies have demonstrated products that are competitive to our Full Display Mirror ® system and other products.
We recognize that Magna Mirrors, our main competitor, has considerably more resources available to it, and presents a formidable competitive threat. Additionally, other companies have demonstrated products that are competitive to our FDM ® system and other products. We acknowledge that dimming device (e.g., electrochromic) technology is the subject of research and development efforts by numerous third parties.
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We acknowledge that dimming device (e.g., electrochromic) technology is the subject of research and development efforts by numerous third parties. For example, our SmartBeam ® product is a driver-assist feature for headlamp lighting control that competes with other multiple-function driver-assist features that include headlamp lighting control as one of the multiple functions.
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The statements contained in this communication that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. 10 Forward-looking statements give the Company’s current expectations or forecasts of future events.
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While we believe SmartBeam ® is a low cost solution for a safety feature that makes nighttime driving safer by maximizing a vehicle's high-beam usage, competition from multiple-function driver-assist products has already and could continue to impact the success of SmartBeam ® .
Added
We maintain an extensive network of technical security controls, policy enforcement mechanisms, monitoring systems and management and Board oversight in order to address these threats.
Removed
The Company has been in production with the Company's Full Display Mirror ® since 2015 and has, in the ordinary course of business, been awarded programs with fourteen (14) OEM customers. The Company is currently shipping production Full Display Mirrors ® to all fourteen of these customers.
Removed
In 2022, the Company began shipping Full Display Mirror ® on 18 new nameplates and are currently shipping Full Display Mirror ® on 86 nameplates.
Removed
We have experienced, and may continue to experience in the future, disruptions to our workforce as a result of a tight labor market, employee illness, quarantines, absenteeism, and restrictions on certain of our employee's ability to work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Removed
In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches in the future. Government Regulations.
Removed
On October 12, 2018, NHTSA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("NPRM") for amendments to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard ("FMVSS") No. 108: Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment, and initiated a comment period. The NPRM proposes amendments that would permit the certification of adaptive driving beam head-lighting systems, if the manufacturer chooses to equip vehicles with these systems.
Removed
NHTSA proposes to establish appropriate performance requirements to ensure the safe introduction of adaptive driving beam head-lighting systems if equipped on newly manufactured vehicles.
Removed
The Company believes that its dynamic SmartBeam ® lighting control system (dynamic forward lighting or DFL), which has been sold in markets outside of North America for several years, will meet the requirements of the new FMVSS No. 108 standards, if amended.
Removed
The Company's SmartBeam ® application has and will continue to be affected by increased competition suppliers of multi-function driver assist camera products, which are able to achieve some of the same functionality as SmartBeam ® but at a lower cost, due to other suppliers leveraging similar hardware costs, but offering products with multiple software features.
Removed
In November 2022, NHTSA conducted a public meeting and discussed the ongoing research of this technology. 14 On February 1, 2022, NHTSA signed a Final Rule to allow for adaptive driving beam headlights, and the Final Rule is awaiting publication in the Federal Registrar.
Removed
The Company believes its adaptive SmartBeam ® (dynamic lighting system), which has been manufactured and sold for many years in jurisdictions outside the United States, will be permitted under the NHTSA Final Rule. Antitakeover Provisions.
Removed
The overall market and the price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate.
Removed
General Risk Factors COVID-19 Pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has already significantly impacted worldwide economic and industry conditions and has had, is having, and is expected to continue to have, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations.
Removed
The extent and duration of such possible impacts will depend on numerous factors, including: • Duration and severity of any outbreaks and resulting actions taken by the Company or the various governments to contain or mitigate the spread of the coronavirus; • Global governmental, business and individual actions taken in response to COVID-19, such as work stoppages, quarantines, shutdowns, shelter-in-place orders or other limitations, as well as voluntary shutdowns and other restrictions; • The effect on our suppliers and companies throughout our supply chain, including industry wide part shortages and created labor shortages; • Our ability to fulfill existing and future sales order backlog; • Reductions or volatility in demand for our products or services; • Increasing logistics costs and transportation challenges; • Costs of any additional preparedness plans or actions to help ensure the health and safety of our employees and continued operations; • Availability of employees to staff our operations and those of companies in our supply chain; • Our ability to establish and maintain appropriate estimates and assumptions used to prepare the Consolidated Financial Statements; and • The financial and credit markets and economic activity generally, all of which have harmed and could continue to harm our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations, including impacting the ability to access capital and comply with any financial covenants.

Item 2. Properties

Properties — owned and leased real estate

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Biggest changeThe Company is expanding its current distribution center by an additional 300,000 square feet, with a total cost still expected to be approximately $40 - $45 million. The Company is also expanding another of its manufacturing facilities by an additional 60,000 feet, with a total cost still expected to be $20 - $30 million.
Biggest changeThe Company began construction on two building expansions during the second quarter of 2022. The Company is expanding its current distribution center by an additional 300,000 square feet, with a total cost still expected to be approximately $40 - $45 million.
The location, square footage and use of the most significant facilities as of December 31, 2022 were as follows: Owned Locations Square Footage Date of Acquisition/Build (1) Use Zeeland, MI 26,600 1970 Warehouse, Office Zeeland, MI 197,200 1972 Manufacturing, Office Zeeland, MI 70,000 1989 Manufacturing Zeeland, MI 70,000 1989 Office Zeeland, MI 359,100 1996 Manufacturing Zeeland, MI 168,900 2000 Manufacturing Zeeland, MI 334,000 2006 Manufacturing, Office Zeeland, MI 100,000 2010 Manufacturing, Warehouse Zeeland, MI 31,800 2011 Office Zeeland, MI 349,600 2016 Manufacturing, Warehouse Zeeland, MI 258,400 2018 Warehouse Holland, MI 242,300 2012 Manufacturing, Warehouse Holland, MI 29,900 2021 Office Erlenbach, Germany 90,000 2003 Office Shanghai, China 25,000 2006 Office, Warehouse Shanghai, China 85,000 2017 Office, Warehouse, Light Assembly (1) Date of Acquisition/Build refers to first year of operations and does not refer to subsequent additions or expansions.
The location, square footage and use of the most significant facilities as of December 31, 2023 were as follows: Owned Locations Square Footage Date of Acquisition/Build (1) Use Zeeland, MI 26,600 1970 Warehouse, Office Zeeland, MI 197,200 1972 Manufacturing, Office Zeeland, MI 70,000 1989 Manufacturing Zeeland, MI 70,000 1989 Office Zeeland, MI 359,100 1996 Manufacturing Zeeland, MI 168,900 2000 Manufacturing Zeeland, MI 334,000 2006 Manufacturing, Office Zeeland, MI 100,000 2010 Manufacturing, Warehouse Zeeland, MI 31,800 2011 Office Zeeland, MI 349,600 2016 Manufacturing, Warehouse Zeeland, MI 258,400 2018 Warehouse Zeeland, MI 345,000 2023 Manufacturing, Warehouse Holland, MI 242,300 2012 Manufacturing, Warehouse Holland, MI 29,900 2021 Office Erlenbach, Germany 90,000 2003 Office Shanghai, China 25,000 2006 Office, Warehouse Shanghai, China 85,000 2017 Office, Warehouse, Light Assembly (1) Date of Acquisition/Build refers to first year of operations and does not refer to subsequent additions or expansions.
The Company's Other segment operates in certain Zeeland, Michigan facilities, as well as a research and development offices in Salt Lake City, Utah and Santa Clara, CA. Capacity. The Company believes its existing and planned facilities are currently suitable, adequate, and have the capacity required for current and near-term planned business.
The Company's Other segment operates in certain Zeeland, Michigan facilities, as well as a research and development offices in Salt Lake City, Utah; Santa Clara, CA; Canada; and Israel. Capacity. The Company believes its existing and planned facilities are currently suitable, adequate, and have the capacity required for current and near-term planned business.
Item 2. Properties. As of December 31, 2022, the Company operates primarily out of facilities in Zeeland and Holland, Michigan, which consist of manufacturing, warehouse, and office space. The Company also operates a chemistry lab facility in Zeeland, Michigan to support production. In addition, the Company operates overseas offices in Europe and Asia as further discussed below.
Item 2. Properties. As of December 31, 2023, the Company operates primarily out of facilities in Zeeland and Holland, Michigan, which consist of manufacturing, warehouse, and office space. The Company also operates a chemistry lab facility in Zeeland, Michigan to support production. In addition, the Company operates overseas offices in Europe and Asia as further discussed below.
The Company also has leased sales and engineering offices throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia to support its sales and engineering efforts, as well as a leased manufacturing facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan: 17 Country Number of Leased Offices/Facilities Germany 3 Japan 3 United States 3 Israel 1 United Kingdom 1 Sweden 1 Korea 1 The Company's Automotive Products segment operates in virtually all of the foregoing facilities.
The Company also has leased sales and engineering offices throughout North America, Europe, and Asia to support its sales and engineering efforts, as well as a leased manufacturing facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan: Country Number of Leased Offices/Facilities United States 4 Germany 3 Japan 3 Canada 2 Israel 1 United Kingdom 1 France 1 Sweden 1 Korea 1 The Company's Automotive Products segment operates in virtually all of the foregoing facilities.
In 2022, the Company shipped 28.7 million interior automatic-dimming mirrors. The Company’s automotive exterior mirror manufacturing facility has an estimated building capacity to manufacture approximately 15 - 18 million units annually, based on the current product mix (excluding the impact of the above referenced construction). The Company evaluates equipment capacity on an ongoing basis and adds equipment as needed.
In 2023, the Company shipped 31.8 million interior automatic-dimming mirrors. The Company’s automotive exterior mirror manufacturing facility has an estimated building capacity to manufacture approximately 19 - 22 million units annually, based on the current product mix (excluding the impact of the above referenced construction). The Company evaluates equipment capacity on an ongoing basis and adds equipment as needed.
Additionally, in the first quarter of 2022, the Company began construction on a 345,000 square-foot manufacturing facility located at a 140 acre site in Zeeland, Michigan, where the Company previously performed master planning and completed land infrastructure improvements.
Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company completed construction on a 345,000 square-foot manufacturing facility located at a 140 acre site in Zeeland, Michigan, where the Company previously performed master planning and completed land infrastructure improvements. The total cost of the building project was approximately $85 million, which was funded with cash and cash equivalents on hand.
In 2022, the Company shipped approximately 15.5 million exterior automatic-dimming mirrors.
In 2023, the Company shipped approximately 18.8 million exterior automatic-dimming mirrors.
The total cost of the building project is expected to be approximately $80 - 90 million and will be funded with cash and cash equivalents on hand. The facility is expected to be operational sometime in 2023. The Company has also begun construction on two building expansions during the second quarter of 2022.
The total cost of the building project is expected to be $12 - $15 million, which will be funded with cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Removed
Both of these expansion projects will be funded with cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Added
The Company is also expanding another of its manufacturing facilities by an 18 additional 60,000 feet, with a total cost still expected to be $20 - $30 million. Both of these expansion projects will be funded with cash and cash equivalents on hand. Both facilities are expected to operational sometime in 2024.
Added
During 2023, the Company began the design and initial build phase of the previously announced Gentex Discovery Preschool, an on-site daycare and preschool designed to provide Company employees with convenient, cost-effective access to quality childcare. Construction is expected to begin in 2024, subject to regulatory approval as a result of wetlands mitigation, with an expected completion date in 2025.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings — active lawsuits and investigations

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Biggest changeThe Company does not believe however, that at the current time, there are any matters that constitute material pending legal proceedings that will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, future results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.
Biggest changeThe Company does not believe however, that at the current time, there are any matters that constitute material pending legal proceedings that will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, future results of operations, or cash flows of the Company. Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. Not applicable. 19 PART II
Removed
On February 7, 2023, the SEC announced, as previously disclosed by the Company on Form 8-K, that it has accepted an Offer of Settlement submitted by the Company and its current Chief Financial Officer Kevin Nash.
Removed
Under the settlement, without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings in this matter, the Company and Nash have consented to the entry of an administrative civil cease-and-desist order by the SEC (the “Order”) with respect to certain violations of the federal securities laws in the third quarter of 2015 through the second quarter of 2018 (the “Relevant Period”).
Removed
The Company agreed to pay a civil monetary penalty of $4.0 million, which was fully accrued by the Company in the second and third quarters of 2022. Nash agreed to pay a civil monetary penalty of $75,000.
Removed
The Order states that, during the Relevant Period, the Company had deficiencies in its accounting for its employee bonus compensation programs, and failed to maintain accurate books and records and sufficient internal accounting controls, in violation of Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rules 13a-11, 13a-13, 13a-15, and 12b-20 thereunder.
Removed
The Order further states that, during the Relevant Period and while serving as Chief Accounting Officer, Nash did not sufficiently document the bases for certain accounting entries, in violation of Section 13(b)(5) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13b2-1 thereunder, and causing the Company’s violations of Exchange Act Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A), and 13(b)(2)(B), and Rules 13a-11, 13a-13, 13a-15, and 12b-20 thereunder.
Removed
The resolution of this matter did not involve a restatement of the Company’s previously filed financial statements. 18 Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. Not applicable. 19 PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity

Market for Common Equity — stock, dividends, buybacks

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Biggest changeThe following is a summary of share repurchase activity during 2022: Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased As Part of a Publicly Announced Plan* Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan* January 2022 $ 24,824,068 February 2022 490,021 30.63 490,021 24,334,047 March 2022 1,950,169 28.84 1,950,169 22,383,878 April 2022 22,383,878 May 2022 22,383,878 June 2022 22,383,878 July 2022 150,110 27.80 150,110 22,233,768 August 2022 300,135 28.04 300,135 21,933,633 September 2022 400,061 24.17 400,061 21,533,572 October 2022 21,533,572 November 2022 21,533,572 December 2022 750,407 27.17 750,407 20,783,165 Total 4,040,903 4,040,903 * See above paragraph with respect to the publicly announced share repurchase plan Item 6. [Reserved] 21
Biggest changeThe following is a summary of share repurchase activity during 2023: Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased As Part of a Publicly Announced Plan* Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan* January 2023 $ 20,783,165 February 2023 46,835 28.58 46,835 20,736,330 March 2023 1,000,091 27.12 1,000,091 19,736,239 April 2023 19,736,239 May 2023 400,062 26.78 400,062 19,336,177 June 2023 520,312 27.64 520,312 18,815,865 July 2023 18,815,865 August 2023 210,525 32.51 210,525 18,605,340 September 2023 565,963 32.38 565,963 18,039,377 October 2023 150,127 28.76 150,127 17,889,250 November 2023 1,296,575 30.45 1,296,575 16,592,675 December 2023 741,496 31.70 741,496 15,851,179 Total 4,931,986 4,931,986 * See above paragraph with respect to the publicly announced share repurchase plan Item 6. [Reserved] 21
In February 2022, the Company's Board of Directors approved a continuing resolution to pay a quarterly dividend at a rate of $0.120 per share until the board takes other action with respect to the payment of dividends.
In February 2022, the Board approved a continuing resolution to pay a quarterly dividend at a rate of $0.120 per share until the Board takes other action with respect to the payment of dividends.
Auto Parts Index (excluding tire and rubber makers). The graph assumes an investment of $100 on the last trading day of 2017 and reinvestment of dividends in all cases.
Auto Parts Index (excluding tire and rubber makers). The graph assumes an investment of $100 on the last trading day of 2018 and reinvestment of dividends in all cases.
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. (a) The Company’s common stock trades on The Nasdaq Global Select Market ® under the symbol GNTX. As of February 1, 2023, there were 4,671 record-holders of the Company’s common stock and restricted common stock.
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. (a) The Company’s common stock trades on The Nasdaq Global Select Market ® under the symbol GNTX. As of February 1, 2024, there were 5,005 record-holders of the Company’s common stock and restricted common stock.

Item 7. Management's Discussion & Analysis

Management's Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) — revenue / margin commentary

50 edited+7 added11 removed19 unchanged
Biggest changeNet income increased by $13.2 million, or 4% year over year, primarily due to the 3% increase in revenue on a year over year basis, as well as the decrease in the effective tax rate. 23 Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company’s financial condition throughout the periods presented has remained very strong, despite lower than forecasted global vehicle production rates and supply chain disruptions in 2022 and a 3% decline in light vehicle production in the Company's primary markets from 2020 to 2021.
Biggest changeNet income decreased by $42.0 million in 2022, or 12% compared to 2021, primarily due to the year over year changes in gross margin and operating profits. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company’s financial condition throughout the periods presented has remained very strong.
Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, requires management to make estimates, assumptions and apply judgments that affect its financial position and results of operations. On an ongoing basis, 26 management evaluates these estimates and assumptions.
Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, requires management to make estimates, assumptions and apply judgments that affect its financial position and results of operations. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates these estimates and assumptions.
The effective tax rate was 13.8% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 13.3% for the prior year. The effective tax rates in 2022 and 2021 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate, primarily due to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction, as well as additional equity compensation deductions and various tax credits. Net Income.
The effective tax rate was 13.8% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 13.3% for the prior year. The effective tax rates in 2022 and 2021 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate, primarily due to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction, as well as additional equity compensation deductions and various tax credits. 23 Net Income.
Cash flow used for financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, decreased $201.1 million to $209.0 million, compared to $410.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to a decrease in the amount of shares of common stock repurchased which totaled $112.5 million during the calendar year 2022 as compared to $324.6 million during the calendar year 2021.
Cash flow used for financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, decreased $201.1 million to $209.0 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to a decrease in the amount of shares of common stock repurchased which totaled $112.5 million during the calendar year 2022 as compared to $324.6 million during the calendar year 2021.
The primary reason for the increase in S, G & A from 2021 to 2022 was primarily due to staffing, increases in outbound freight expenses, and the return of in-person 22 customer meetings and trade show related expenses.
The primary reason for the increase in S, G & A from 2021 to 2022 was primarily due to staffing, increases in outbound freight expenses, and the return of in-person customer meetings and trade show related expenses.
As a result, actual results in these areas may differ significantly from our estimates, as is the case in any application of generally accepted accounting principles.
As a result, actual results in 26 these areas may differ significantly from our estimates, as is the case in any application of generally accepted accounting principles.
In accordance with its previously announced share repurchase plan and capital allocation strategy, the Company intends to continue to repurchase additional shares of its common stock in 2023 and into the future depending on a number of factors, including: market, economic, and industry conditions; the market price of the Company's common stock; anti-dilutive effect on earnings; available cash; and other factors that the Company deems appropriate.
In accordance with its previously announced share repurchase plan and capital allocation strategy, the Company intends to continue to repurchase additional shares of its common stock in 2024 and into the future depending on a number of factors, including: market, economic, and industry conditions; the market price of the Company's common stock; anti-dilutive effect on earnings; available cash; and other factors that the Company deems appropriate.
Operating Expenses. Engineering, research and development expenses ("E, R & D") increased by $15.5 million or 13% from 2021 to 2022, but remained at 7% of net sales. E, R & D increased primarily due to additional staffing, professional fees, new product development, and the ongoing product re-designs necessary to mitigate electronics part shortages.
Operating Expenses. E, R & D increased by $15.5 million or 13% from 2021 to 2022, but remained at 7% of net sales. E, R & D decreased primarily due to additional staffing, professional fees, new product development, and the ongoing product re-designs necessary to mitigate electronics part shortages.
The Company is also providing top line revenue guidance for calendar year 2024, taking into account anticipated increases in light vehicle production in 2024 compared to 2023.
The Company is also providing top line revenue guidance for calendar year 2025, taking into account anticipated increases in light vehicle production in 2025 compared to 2024.
During calendar year 2022, approximately 7% of the Company’s net sales were invoiced and paid in foreign currencies (compared to 8% for calendar year 2021 and 7% for calendar year 2020). The Company currently expects that approximately 7-8% of the Company’s net sales in calendar year 2023 will be invoiced and paid in foreign currencies.
During calendar year 2023, approximately 8% of the Company’s net sales were invoiced and paid in foreign currencies (compared to 7% for calendar year 2022 and 8% for calendar year 2021). The Company currently expects that approximately 8-9% of the Company’s net sales in calendar year 2024 will be invoiced and paid in foreign currencies.
Selling, general and administrative ("S, G & A") expenses increased by $14.3 million or 16% from 2021 to 2022, which represents 6% of net sales in 2022 compared to 5% in 2021.
S, G & A expenses increased by $14.3 million or 16% from 2021 to 2022, which represents 6% of net sales in 2022 compared to 5% in 2021.
Cash flow used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by $59.6 million to $172.7 million, compared with cash flow used for investing activities of $113.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to increased investment purchases of equity method investments during the year.
Cash flow used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by $59.6 million to $172.7 million, compared to cash flow used for investment activities for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to increased investment purchases of equity method investments in 2022 compared to 2021.
The Company's cash and cash equivalents were $214.8 million, $262.3 million, and $423.4 million as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company's cash and cash equivalents include amounts held by foreign subsidiaries of $12.5 million, $10.7 million and $7.4 million as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company's cash and cash equivalents were $226.4 million, $214.8 million, and $262.3 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company's cash and cash equivalents include amounts held by foreign subsidiaries of $14.8 million, $12.5 million, and $10.7 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In 2022, the Company's net sales increased by $187.8 million, or 11% compared to the prior year. Light vehicle production in 2022 increased by 3% when compared to 2021 in the Company's primary markets, but total revenue for the year outperformed the underlying market by 8% despite the many supply chain challenges and customer order volatility encountered during the year.
Light vehicle production in 2022 increased by 3% when compared to 2021 in the Company's primary markets, but total revenue for the year outperformed the underlying market by 8% despite the many supply chain challenges and customer order volatility encountered during the year.
Cash flow from operating activities decreased $24.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year, primarily due to decreases in net income and changes in working capital, which were partially offset by changes in deferred taxes.
Cash flow from operating activities decreased $24.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to changes in working capital and a decrease in net income, which were partially offset by changes in deferred taxes.
Continuing uncertainties, such as: volatilities in customer orders; light vehicle production volumes; supplier part or material shortages, including electronics supply chain constraints; the Ukraine-Russia conflict; labor shortages; automotive plant shutdowns; sales rates in Europe, Asia and North America; challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical environments, including inflation, tariffs and potential tax law changes; OEM strategies and cost pressures; customer inventory management and the impact of potential automotive customer (including their Tier 1 suppliers) and supplier bankruptcies; work stoppages, strikes, etc.; could disrupt shipments to customers and make forecasting difficult.
Continuing uncertainties, such as: light vehicle production volumes; the Ukraine-Russia war; the Israel-Hamas war; labor shortages; automotive plant shutdowns; sales rates in Europe, Asia and North America; challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical environments, including inflation, tariffs and potential tax law changes; OEM strategies and cost pressures; customer inventory management and the impact of potential automotive customer (including their Tier 1 suppliers) and supplier bankruptcies; work stoppages, strikes, etc.; could disrupt shipments to customers and make forecasting difficult.
S, G & A expenses were also impacted on a year over year basis by the $4.0 million settlement with the SEC that was accrued for in the second and third quarters of 2022, and the related legal and professional fees. See It em 3, Part I . Total Other Income/(Expense).
S, G & A expenses were also impacted on a year over year basis by the $4.0 million settlement with the SEC that was accrued for in the second and third quarters of 2022, and the related legal and professional fees. Total Other (Loss)/Income.
The Company also currently estimates that its operating expenses, which include E, R & D and S, G & A, are expected to be between $260 and $270 million for calendar year 2023, due in part to continued investments that support growth and launch of new business as well as development of new products, which are primarily staffing related.
The Company is also estimating that its operating expenses, which include E, R & D and S, G & A, are expected to be between $295 and $305 million for calendar year 2024, due in part to continued investments that support growth and launch of new business as well as development of new products, which are primarily staffing related.
The Company has some assets, liabilities and operations outside the United States, including multi-currency accounts, which currently are not significant overall to the Company as a whole.
The Company does not currently believe such risks are necessarily material. The Company has some assets, liabilities and operations outside the United States, including multi-currency accounts, which currently are not significant overall to the Company as a whole.
Percentage of Net Sales Percentage Change 2022 2021 Year Ended December 31, Vs Vs 2022 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net Sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 10.8 % 2.5 % Cost of Goods Sold 68.2 64.2 64.1 17.8 2.7 Gross Margin 31.8 35.8 35.9 (1.6) 2.4 Operating Expenses: Engineering, Research and Development 6.9 6.8 6.9 13.2 1.6 Selling, General and Administrative 5.5 5.3 5.3 15.6 2.5 Total Operating Expenses: 12.5 12.1 12.2 14.2 2.0 Operating Income 19.3 23.7 23.7 (9.7) 2.6 Other Income/(Expense) 40.0 0.7 (104.3) (46.4) Income Before Provision for Income Taxes 19.3 24.1 24.4 (11.2) 1.1 Provision for Income Taxes 2.7 3.2 3.8 (8.3) (13.5) Net Income 16.6 % 20.8 % 20.6 % (11.7) % 3.8 % Results of Operations: 2022 to 2021 Net Sales.
Percentage of Net Sales Percentage Change 2023 2022 Year Ended December 31, Vs Vs 2023 2022 2021 2022 2021 Net Sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 19.8 % 10.8 % Cost of Goods Sold 66.8 68.2 64.2 17.4 17.8 Gross Margin 33.2 31.8 35.8 25.1 (1.6) Operating Expenses: Engineering, Research and Development 6.7 6.9 6.8 15.8 13.2 Selling, General and Administrative 4.9 5.5 5.3 5.7 15.6 Total Operating Expenses: 11.6 12.5 12.1 11.3 14.2 Income From Operations 21.6 19.3 23.7 34.0 (9.7) Other (Loss)/Income 0.4 0.4 3,368.0 (104.3) Income Before Provision for Income Taxes 22.0 19.3 24.1 36.6 (11.2) Provision for Income Taxes 3.3 2.7 3.2 50.3 (8.3) Net Income 18.6 % 16.6 % 20.8 % 34.4 % (11.7) % Results of Operations: 2023 to 2022 Net Sales.
The Company is estimating that the gross margin will be between 32% and 33% for calendar year 2023. Historically, annual customer price reductions have placed significant pressure on gross margin on an annual basis.
The Company is estimating that the gross margin will be between 34% and 35% for calendar year 2024. Historically, annual customer price reductions have placed pressure on gross margin on an annual basis.
Capital expenditures were $146.4 million, $68.8 million, and $51.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by $77.6 million compared with the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to an increase in expenditures related to building and facility construction projects previously discussed.
Capital expenditures were $183.7 million, $146.4 million, and $68.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $37.2 million compared with the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to increased in expenditures related to building and facility construction projects previously discussed.
Capital expenditures for calendar year 2023 are currently anticipated to be financed from current cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash flows from operating activities. The Company also estimates that depreciation and amortization expense for calendar year 2023 will be between $100 and $110 million.
Capital expenditures for calendar year 2024 are currently anticipated to be financed from current cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash flows from operating activities. 25 The Company is also estimating that depreciation and amortization expense for calendar year 2024 will be between $95 and $105 million.
The Company is further estimating that its tax rate will be between 15.0% and 17.0% for calendar year 2023 based on the current statutory rates.
The Company is further estimating that its tax rate will be between 16% and 18% for calendar year 2024 based on the current statutory rates.
Management considers the Company’s current working capital and long-term investments, as well as its existing credit financing arrangement (notwithstanding covenants prohibiting additional indebtedness), discussed further in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, in addition to internally generated cash flow, to be sufficient to cover anticipated cash needs for the foreseeable future considering its contractual obligations and commitments.
Accounts payable as of December 31, 2023, increased $32.7 million compared to December 31, 2022, primarily due to increases in, and/or timing of capital expenditure payments. 24 Management considers the Company’s current working capital and long-term investments, as well as its existing credit financing arrangement (notwithstanding covenants prohibiting additional indebtedness), discussed further in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, in addition to internally generated cash flow, to be sufficient to cover anticipated cash needs for the foreseeable future considering its contractual obligations and commitments.
Based on the foregoing, the Company estimates that top line revenue for calendar year 2023 will be approximately $2.2 billion. All estimates are based on light vehicle production forecasts in the primary regions to which the Company ships product, as well as the estimated option rates for its mirrors and electronics on prospective vehicle models and anticipated product mix.
All estimates are based on light vehicle production forecasts in the primary regions to which the Company ships product, as well as the estimated option rates for its mirrors and electronics on prospective vehicle models and anticipated product mix.
The Company continues to invest heavily in technology directed at funding the development of its current product portfolio and creating iterations of those products that help keep its products new and attractive to our customers, as well as new products. 25 The Company is a technology leader in the automotive industry, with a focus on developing uniquely designed solutions that are proprietary.
The Company continues to invest heavily in technology directed at funding the development of its current product portfolio and creating iterations of those products that help keep its products new and attractive to our customers, as well as new products.
Net income decreased by $42.0 million in 2022, or 12% compared to 2021, primarily due to the year over year changes in gross margin and operating profits. Results of Operations: 2021 to 2020 Net Sales. In 2021, the Company's net sales increased by $43.0 million, or 3% compared to the prior year.
Net income increased by $109.6 million in 2023, or 34% compared to 2022, primarily due to the year over year changes in gross margin and operating profits. Results of Operations: 2022 to 2021 Net Sales. In 2022, the Company's net sales increased by $187.8 million, or 11% compared to the prior year.
Outlook The Company utilizes the light vehicle production forecasting services of S&P Global Mobility. The S&P Global Mobility mid-January 2023 forecast for light vehicle production for calendar year 2023 are approximately 15.1 million units for North America, 16.5 million units for Europe, 11.7 million units for Japan and Korea, and 26.6 million units for China.
Outlook The Company utilizes the light vehicle production forecasting services of S&P Global Mobility. The S&P Global Mobility mid-January 2024 forecast for light vehicle production for calendar year 2024 are approximately 15.8 million units for North America, 17.4 million units for Europe, 12.2 million units for Japan and Korea, and 28.9 million units for China.
The Company continues to make investments intended to maintain a competitive advantage in its current markets, as well as to use its core competencies to develop products that are applicable in other markets.
The Company is a technology leader in the automotive industry, with a focus on developing uniquely designed solutions that are proprietary. The Company continues to make investments intended to maintain a competitive advantage in its current markets, as well as to use its core competencies to develop products that are applicable in other markets.
S&P Global Mobility current forecasts for light vehicle production for calendar year 2024 are approximately 15.8 million units for North America, 17.5 million units for Europe, 11.4 million units for Japan and Korea, and 28.1 million units for China.
S&P Global Mobility forecast (as of mid-January 2024) for light vehicle production for calendar year 2025 are approximately 16.2 million units for North America, 17.5 million units for Europe, 11.8 million units for Japan and Korea, and 30.1 million units for China.
Short-term investments as of December 31, 2022 were $23.0 million, up from $5.4 million as of December 31, 2021 and long-term investments were $153.9 million as of December 31, 2022, down from $207.7 million as of December 31, 2021, due to changes in the Company's overall investment portfolio and increased investment in equity method investments.
Short-term investments as of December 31, 2023 were $14.4 million, down from $23.0 million as of December 31, 2022 and long-term investments were $299.1 million as of December 31, 2023, up from $202.3 million as of December 31, 2022, due to changes in the Company's overall investment portfolio and increased investment in technology investments.
Given the current revenue forecast and projected product mix for 2023, the Company hopes it may be able to offset certain raw material cost increases, as well as labor related cost increases with pricing adjustments and improved operational efficiencies, but there is no certainty of being able to do so.
Given the current revenue forecast and projected product mix for 2024, the Company hopes it may be able to offset certain annual customer price reductions with raw material cost decreases, improved operational efficiencies, and leverage on the Company's fixed costs, but there is no certainty of being able to do so.
On a year over year basis, annual customer price reductions and freight related cost increases each had a negative impact of approximately 100 - 150 basis points on gross margin.
Price increases and cost recoveries, and product mix, each had a positive impact of approximately 50 - 100 basis points on gross margin on a year over year basis. Increased raw material costs and annual customer price reductions each had a negative impact of approximately 50 - 100 basis points on gross margin on a year over year basis.
The effective tax rate was 13.3% for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 15.6% for the prior year. The effective tax rates in 2021 and 2020 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate, primarily due to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction, research and development tax credits and discrete benefits from stock based compensation. Net Income.
The effective tax rate was 15.2% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 13.8% for the prior year. The effective tax rates in 2023 and 2022 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate, primarily due to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction, as well as additional equity compensation deductions and various tax credits. Net Income.
The decrease in working capital as of December 31, 2021 compared to 2020 is primarily due to decreases in cash flow from operations, as well as additional share repurchases. Please refer to Part II, Item 5 , with regard to the Company's previously announced share repurchase plan.
The decrease in working capital as of December 31, 2022 compared to 2021 is primarily due to increases in inventory and accounts receivable, which were partially offset by decreases in cash and prepaid expenses and other. Please refer to Part II, Item 5 , with regard to the Company's previously announced share repurchase plan.
Cash flow used for financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021, increased $46.3 million to $410.1 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a reduction in the amount of shares of common stock repurchased which totaled $324.6 million during the calendar year 2021 as compared to $288.5 million during the calendar year 2020.
Cash flow used for financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased $21.1 million to $230.2 million, compared to $209.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to an increase in the amount of shares of common stock repurchased which totaled $147.4 million during the calendar year 2023 as compared to $112.5 million during the calendar year 2022.
Fluctuating interest rates and securities prices could negatively impact the Company's financial performance due to realized losses on the sale of fixed income investments and/or realized losses due to an impairment adjustment on investment securities. The Company does not currently believe such risks are necessarily material.
Market Risk Disclosure The Company is subject to market risk exposures of varying correlations and volatilities, including foreign exchange rate risk, and interest rate risk. Fluctuating interest rates and securities prices could negatively impact the Company's financial performance due to realized losses on the sale of fixed income investments and/or realized losses due to an impairment adjustment on investment securities.
Engineering, research and development expenses ("E, R & D") increased by $1.8 million or 2% from 2020 to 2021, but remained at 7% of net sales. E, R & D increased, primarily due to increased staffing levels, which continue to support growth and development of new business.
Operating Expenses. Engineering, research and development expenses ("E, R & D") increased by $21.1 million or 16% from 2022 to 2023, but remained at 7% of net sales.
Inventories as of December 31, 2022, increased $88.1 million compared to December 31, 2021, primarily due to increased raw material inventory levels to manage risk related to potential supply chain disruptions and volatility in customer orders. 24 Intangible Assets, net as of December 31, 2022 decreased $19.8 million compared to December 31, 2021, due to the amortization of definite lived intangible assets and patents, which is discussed further in Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Intangible Assets, net as of December 31, 2023 decreased $5.4 million compared to December 31, 2022, due to the amortization of definite lived intangible assets and patents, which is discussed further in Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Based on current light vehicle production forecasts, and the resultant forecast our automatic-dimming mirrors and electronics, the Company currently anticipates that 2023 capital expenditures will be between $200 and $225 million, a majority of which will be related to production equipment purchases but also includes an estimated $70 - 90 million in construction costs related to the construction of a new 345,000 square foot manufacturing facility, which began in January 2022, as well as the other two expansion projects on currently existing facilities.
Based on current light vehicle production forecasts, and the resultant forecast our automatic-dimming mirrors and electronics, the Company currently anticipates that 2024 capital expenditures will be between $225 and $250 million, a majority of which will be related to production equipment purchases.
Cash flow from operating activities was $338.2 million, $362.2 million and $464.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Cash flow from operating activities was $537.2 million, $338.2 million and $362.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Cash flow from operating activities increased $199.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, primarily due to increases in net income and changes in working capital.
The year over year decrease in the gross margin was primarily the result of annual customer price reductions and freight related cost increases, which were mostly offset by purchasing cost reductions and product mix improvement over 2020.
The year over year increase in the gross margin was primarily the result of improved overhead leverage created by growth in revenue, lower freight costs, pricing increases and cost recoveries, and product mix. These positive impacts were partially offset by increased raw materials costs and annual customer price reductions.
Cash flow used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $139.5 million to $113.1 million, compared to cash flow provided by the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to increased investment purchases of fixed income investments during that year.
Cash flow used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $126.7 million to $299.4 million, compared with cash flow used for investing activities of $172.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to increased technology investment purchases during the year, as well as increased capital expenditures in 2023 compared to 2022.
The following is a summary of working capital and long-term investments: 2022 2021 2020 Working Capital $ 698,099,624 $ 691,319,649 $ 801,593,707 Long Term Investments 153,906,005 207,693,147 162,028,068 Total $ 852,005,629 $ 899,012,796 $ 963,621,775 The increase in working capital as of December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021 is primarily due to increases in inventory and accounts receivable, which was partially offset by decreases in cash and prepaid expenses and other.
The following is a summary of working capital and fixed income long-term investments: 2023 2022 2021 Working Capital $ 726,129,177 $ 698,099,624 $ 801,593,707 Fixed Income Long Term Investments 155,863,252 140,341,898 190,875,668 Total $ 881,992,429 $ 838,441,522 $ 992,469,375 The increase in working capital as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 is primarily due to increases in cash and accounts receivable, which was partially offset by increases in accounts payable.
Purchasing cost reductions and product mix improvements in 2021 versus 2020 each independently had a positive impact on gross margin on a year over year basis of approximately 50 - 100 basis points. Operating Expenses.
On a year over year basis, fixed overhead leverage and lower freights costs each had a positive impact of approximately 100 - 150 basis points on gross margin on a year over year basis.
Investment income decreased $3.4 million to $3.6 million for 2021 compared to $7.0 million for 2020 primarily due to decreases in interest income from fixed income investments.
Investment income increased $8.7 million to $13.5 million for 2023 compared to $4.8 million for 2022, primarily due to increases in interest income from fixed income investments and interest rates on other cash holdings. Other income net increased $0.8 million in 2023 versus 2022, primarily due to increases in interest income from fixed income investments. Taxes.
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $17.1 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in production equipment purchases.
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by $77.6 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, also due to the same building and facility construction projects previously discussed.
Based on these forecasts, the Company is estimating that revenue for calendar year 2023 will increase approximately 10% over current estimates provided for 2023 revenue. As noted above, continuing uncertainties make forecasting difficult. Market Risk Disclosure The Company is subject to market risk exposures of varying correlations and volatilities, including foreign exchange rate risk, and interest rate risk.
Based on these forecasts, as well as the Company's estimates for aerospace, medical, and fire protection sales for calendar year 2025, the Company is estimating that revenue for calendar year 2025 will be between $2.65 and $2.75 billion. As noted above, continuing uncertainties make forecasting difficult.
Other net sales for calendar year 2021 were $34.0 million, compared to Other net sales of $40.0 million in calendar year 2020. Fire protection sales increased by 10% year over year, while dimmable aircraft windows were down 48% in 2021 compared to calendar year 2020.
Fire protection sales in 2023 decreased by 32% year over year, while dimmable aircraft windows increased by 211% in 2023 compared to calendar year 2022. Cost of Goods Sold. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold decreased from 68.2% in 2022 to 66.8% in 2023.
Removed
Net sales for 2021 were negatively impacted by lower than forecasted global vehicle production rates for calendar year 2021, which declined 3% on a year over year basis.
Added
In 2023, the Company's net sales increased by $380.3 million, or 20% compared to the prior year, representing the highest annual sales in Company history. Overall light vehicle production in 2023 increased by 12%, when compared to 2022 in the Company's primary markets, meaning net sales in 2023 outperformed the underlying market by 8%.
Removed
The increase in the Company's sales was primarily driven by a 9% year over year increase in automatic-dimming mirror shipments, from 38.2 million units in 2020 to 41.8 million units in 2021, despite the electronics components shortages impacting the Company's ability to meet customer demand for Full Display Mirror ® (FDM), Integrated Toll Module (ITM), and other advanced feature shipments.
Added
The outperformance versus the underlying market was driven by growth from the continued adoption of FDM, exterior auto-dimming mirrors, and continued penetration of the Company's base interior mirrors and electronic features.
Removed
The Company expects that dimmable aircraft window sales will continue to be impacted until there is a more meaningful recovery of the aerospace industry and the Boeing 787 production levels improve. Cost of Goods Sold. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold increased from 64.1% in 2020 to 64.2% in 2021.
Added
The Company's sales growth was driven by a 15% year over year increase in automatic-dimming mirror shipments, from 44.2 million units in 2022 to 50.6 million units in 2023, together with product mix. Other net sales for calendar year 2023 were $44.6 million, compared to Other net sales of $44.2 million in calendar year 2022.
Removed
Selling, general and administrative ("S, G & A") expenses increased by $2.2 million or 2% from 2020 to 2021, but remained at 5% of net sales.
Added
E, R & D increased year over year primarily due to additional staffing and engineering related professional fees to assist with the execution of a high number of new product launches, product redesigns to optimize costs, and new product development. 22 Selling, general and administrative ("S, G & A") expenses increased by $6.0 million or 6% from 2022 to 2023, which represents 5% of net sales in 2023 compared to 6% of net sales in 2022.
Removed
The primary reason for the increase in S, G & A from 2020 to 2021 was due to wages and benefits, other resources associated with mitigation of the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and increased legal and professional fees. Total Other Income/(Expense).
Added
The primary reason for the year over year increase in S, G & A from 2022 to 2023 was increased staffing expenses, which were partially offset by lower freight expenses. Total Other (Loss)/Income.
Removed
Other income – net decreased $2.3 million in 2021 versus 2020, primarily due to decreases in gains on sales of debt investments on a year over year basis, as well as gains recognized in 2020 on initial investments that were fully acquired during 2020. Taxes.
Added
Accounts receivable as of December 31, 2023 increased $45.3 million compared to December 31, 2022, primarily due to an increase in sales year over year. Inventories as of December 31, 2023, decreased $1.9 million compared to December 31, 2022, primarily due to decreases in raw materials, which were partially offset by increases in finished goods to meet customer order demand.
Removed
Cash flow from operating activities decreased $102.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to changes in working capital and deferred taxes, which were partially offset by the increase in net income.
Added
Based on the foregoing, the Company estimates that top line revenue for calendar year 2024 will be between $2.45 and $2.55 billion.
Removed
Equity method investments increased to $48.4 million, primarily as a result of additional investment purchases during 2022, including the investment in GreenMarbles in the second quarter of 2022. This investment in GreenMarbles was made with $20.0 million in cash and the issuance of $5.0 million of the Company's common stock.
Removed
Accounts receivable as of December 31, 2022 increased $26.7 million compared to December 31, 2021, primarily due to the timing of sales within those years.
Removed
Accounts payable as of December 31, 2022, increased $53.4 million compared to December 31, 2021, primarily due increases in, and timing of, inventory and capital expenditure payments.
Removed
The Company continues to see order rates and booked business that allow for these estimates with an expected vehicle production increase in 2023, as well as an increase in 2024 compared to 2023.

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