gntx-20210423
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549


FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report: April 23, 2021


GENTEX CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Michigan
0-1023538-2030505
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
600 North Centennial Street
Zeeland
Michigan49464
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (616) 772-1800
_____________________________________________________________

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.06 per shareGNTXNASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company    

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.     



Section 2.     Financial Information

Item 2.02    Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

(a)On April 23, 2021, Gentex Corporation issued a news release announcing financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. A copy of the news release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to the Form 8-K.

The information in this Form 8-K and the attached Exhibit shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Section 9.    Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibit
    
    99.1 – News Release Dated April 23, 2021.


SIGNATURE


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: April 23, 2021
            
GENTEX CORPORATION
(Registrant)                


By    /s/ Kevin C. Nash
                                Kevin C. Nash
Its Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer    
    




EXHIBIT INDEX


    99.1    News Release Dated April 23, 2021


Document
Exhibit 99.1
https://cdn.kscope.io/9a1493b2a4bf5e32391ef6b15e397b06-gentex-black1a.jpg

GENTEX REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS

    ZEELAND, MI -- (GLOBE NEWSWIRE - April 23, 2021) - Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX), a leading supplier of digital vision, connected car, dimmable glass and fire protection technologies, today reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
1st Quarter 2021 Summary

Net sales of $483.7 million, a 7% increase compared to the first quarter of 2020
Gross profit margin of 37.9%, a 340 basis point improvement over the first quarter of 2020
Net income of $113.5 million, a 27% increase compared to the first quarter of 2020
Earnings per diluted share of $0.46, a 28% increase compared to the first quarter of 2020
2.8 million shares repurchased

    For the first quarter of 2021, the Company reported net sales of $483.7 million, which was an increase of 7% compared to net sales of $453.8 million in the first quarter of 2020. During the first quarter of 2021, vehicle production levels were negatively impacted by electronics and other part shortage issues. These shortages were the primary reason for the 12% reduction in North American light vehicle production compared to the beginning of the quarter forecasts. The part shortages also impacted light vehicle production levels in Europe and the Japan and Korea markets which were each down 3% versus the beginning of the quarter forecasts. The part shortages and corresponding change to light vehicle production are estimated to have reduced Company revenue in the first quarter of 2021 by approximately $45 million. Despite these issues, the first quarter of 2021 was the second highest sales quarter in Company history, behind only the fourth quarter of 2020. "Our guidance for the year included a first quarter that was forecasted to be similar to the fourth quarter of 2020 from a revenue perspective, but first quarter revenues were clearly impacted by the difficulties created by parts shortages," said President and CEO Steve Downing. “During the first quarter of 2021, our primary revenue generating markets of North America, Europe and Japan and Korea were down 2% on a combined basis, when compared to the first quarter of 2020, which means our revenue growth of 7% yielded a total out-growth versus the underlying market of 9%. It is also important to remember that the first quarter of 2020 was negatively impacted by COVID-19 shutdowns, which means that vehicle production levels from the first


Exhibit 99.1
quarter of 2021 declined 15% in comparison to the first quarter of 2019. However, the Company has experienced a net revenue growth rate of 3% when comparing those quarters, which calculates to a 18% outperformance versus the underlying market in that two year period. ” concluded Downing.
    For the first quarter of 2021, the gross margin was 37.9%, compared to a gross margin of 34.5% for the first quarter of 2020. The gross margin improved significantly on a quarter over quarter basis, which was driven by the structural cost savings put in place in the second quarter of 2020, as well as product mix tailwinds related to exterior-auto dimming mirror unit shipment growth and Full Display Mirror® unit shipment growth. Gross margins were negatively impacted during the quarter by part shortages that resulted in raw material price increases and increased freight costs. "The Company has once again performed very well in an incredibly difficult operating environment. The chaos created this quarter by component shortages, freight issues, as well as customer plant shutdowns and order changes made scheduling very difficult, but the team at Gentex was able to not only keep up with our customers’ orders but also improve gross margins by 340 basis points versus the first quarter of last year,” said Downing. “While the gross margin in the first quarter of 2021 was below our annual guidance range, the majority of that shortfall was driven by the $45 million in lost sales in the quarter. We expect to see further improvement in gross margins based on the higher sales levels that are forecasted for the remainder of the year."
     Operating expenses during the first quarter of 2021 decreased by 4% to $49.6 million, compared to operating expenses of $51.6 million in the first quarter of 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by the continuation of the structural cost reductions made during the second quarter of 2020, but the lack of international travel and the cancellation of all industry-based trade shows because of the COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to lower operating expenses.
    Income from operations for the first quarter of 2021 was $133.7 million, which was an increase of 27% when compared to income from operations of $105.0 million for the first quarter of 2020.
During the first quarter of 2021, the Company's effective tax rate was 16.1%, down from 16.6% during the first quarter of 2020. The decrease in the tax rate was driven by increased foreign derived intangible income deductions, as well as increased discrete benefits from stock-based compensation.


Exhibit 99.1
Net income increased 27% to $113.5 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to net income of $89.5 million in the first quarter of 2020. The increase in net income was driven by the quarter over quarter increase in sales, improved product mix, higher gross margins and the continued operating leverage as a result of the structural cost savings that were put in place during the second quarter of 2020.
Earnings per diluted share for the first quarter of 2021 were $0.46, an increase of 28% compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.36 for the first quarter of 2020. The increase in earnings per share is the result of the higher net income and a lower diluted share count when compared to the first quarter of 2020.
    Automotive net sales in the first quarter of 2021 were $475.6 million, compared with $439.9 million in the first quarter of 2020, which was an 8% increase quarter over quarter. Auto-dimming mirror unit shipment growth outpaced revenue growth during the first quarter of 2021 primarily as a result of a 15% growth in international shipments. The increase in international unit shipments were largely comprised of base interior and exterior auto-dimming mirror units and included significant growth in the China market.
    Other net sales in the first quarter of 2021, which includes dimmable aircraft windows and fire protection products, were $8.1 million, a decrease of 42% compared to other net sales of $13.9 million in the first quarter of 2020. Dimmable aircraft window sales decreased by 70% for the first quarter of 2021 when compared to the first quarter of 2020. The Company continues to expect that dimmable aircraft window sales will be impacted until there is a more meaningful recovery of the aerospace industry and the Boeing 787 aircraft production levels improve.
Share Repurchases
During the first quarter of 2021, the Company repurchased 2.8 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $35.46 per share. As of March 31, 2021, the Company has approximately 6.7 million shares remaining available for repurchase pursuant to its previously announced share repurchase plan. The Company intends to continue to repurchase additional shares of its common stock in the future in support of the previously disclosed capital allocation strategy, but share repurchases may vary from


Exhibit 99.1
time to time and will take into account macroeconomic issues (including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic), market trends, and other factors that the Company deems appropriate.
Future Estimates
The Company’s current forecasts for light vehicle production for the second quarter 2021, and full years 2021 and 2022 are based on the mid-April 2021 IHS Markit forecast for light vehicle production in North America, Europe, Japan/Korea and China. Light vehicle production in the Company's primary markets is expected to increase 46% for the second quarter of 2021 versus the same period last year as a result of rebounds in North America, Europe and Japan/Korea production as compared to the COVID-19 impacted second quarter of 2020. For calendar year 2021, light vehicle production in our primary markets is forecasted to increase 10% when compared to calendar year 2020. Second quarter 2021, and calendar years 2021 and 2022 forecasted vehicle production volumes are shown below:
Light Vehicle Production (per IHS Markit mid-April light vehicle production forecast)
(in Millions)
RegionQ2 2021Q2 2020% ChangeCalendar Year 2022Calendar Year 2021Calendar Year 20202022 vs 2021
% Change
2021 vs 2020
% Change
North America3.78 1.38 174 %16.86 15.68 13.02 %20 %
Europe4.70 2.25 109 %20.06 18.63 16.57 %12 %
Japan and Korea2.70 2.01 34 %12.35 11.74 11.21 %%
China5.94 6.08 (2)%26.29 24.87 23.59 %%
Total Light Vehicle Production17.12 11.72 46 %75.56 70.92 64.39 %10 %

Based on this light vehicle production forecast, the structural cost savings that were implemented in 2020, and the first quarter 2021 results, the Company is making no changes to its previously provided guidance for calendar year 2021 as shown in the table below. Over the last several quarters, the Company has been closely monitoring the tariff discussions between the US and the EU. Currently, EU Regulation 2018/0886 is scheduled to go into effect on June 1, 2021. The Company remains hopeful that a trade agreement can be reached before this date so that the increased tariffs do not take effect. If these tariffs do go into effect on June 1, 2021, the Company estimates an impact in 2021 of approximately $7 - $10 million in incremental expense that is not contemplated in the guidance below.


Exhibit 99.1
2021 Guidance
Item2021
Revenue$1.94 - $2.02 billion
Gross Margin39% - 40%
Operating Expenses$210 - $220 million
Tax Rate16% - 18%
Capital Expenditures$85 - $95 million
Depreciation & Amortization$105 - $110 million
Based on the mid-April 2021 light vehicle production estimates for 2022, the Company is updating revenue guidance for 2022. Despite the fact that there continues to be significant uncertainty regarding macroeconomic conditions, underlying overall consumer demand for light vehicles worldwide, and the continued impact from the COVID-19 pandemic; the Company is increasing its estimate for calendar year 2022 revenue to be approximately 8% - 13% higher than the estimated revenue for calendar year 2021.
"Our forecast for calendar year 2021 remains strong despite the supply chain issues that are continuing to impact the current vehicle production environment. While these issues create instability in the short term, the industry dynamics currently point to improved light vehicle production for the second half of 2021 and also forecast the continued recovery of light vehicle production into calendar year 2022. More specific to Gentex, the combination of our launch cadence, product mix and overall program awards continue to provide us confidence about the future growth rate and health of our business in an otherwise hard to predict market. Over the last 12 months, our employees have been able to adapt to each situation. First, it was never seen before shutdowns, followed by the busiest six months in Company history. We are now battling to make sure we are able provide products to our customers at the volume and timing they require without compromising our commitment to the quality standards that underlies our reputation in the industry. Accomplishing these objectives has become quite difficult, but we are not satisfied with those accomplishments alone. During this difficult time, we have continued our active pursuit of new technologies, maintained our focus on cost discipline that yielded margin improvement on our core business, and continued to invest capital in the Company, all while maintaining our rigorous approach to capital allocation and share repurchases,” concluded Downing.



Exhibit 99.1
Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release 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. 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”, “plan”, “poised”, "predict", “project”, "should", "strategy", "target", “will”, and variations of such words and similar expressions. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond the Company’s control, and could cause the Company’s results to differ materially from those described. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: changes in general industry or regional market conditions; 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; 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; supply chain disruptions; our dependence of 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; the length and severity of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, including its impact across our business on demand, operations, and the global supply chain. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result


Exhibit 99.1
of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or the rules of the NASDAQ Global Select Market. 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 that has affected, 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 IHS Markit Light Vehicle Production Forecast of April 16, 2021 (http://www.gentex.com/forecast-disclaimer).
First Quarter Conference Call
    A conference call related to this news release will be simulcast live on the internet beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET, April 23, 2021. The dial-in number to participate in the call is 844-389-8658, passcode 8652117. Participants may listen to the call via audio streaming at www.gentex.com or by visiting https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/fp6m9zc8. A webcast replay will be available approximately 24 hours after the conclusion of the call at http://ir.gentex.com/events-and-presentations/upcoming-past-events.
About the Company
    Founded in 1974, Gentex Corporation (The NASDAQ Global Select Market: GNTX) is a leading supplier of digital vision, connected car, dimmable glass and fire protection technologies. Visit the Company’s web site at www.gentex.com.
Contact Information:
Gentex Investor & Media Contact
Josh O'Berski
(616)772-1590 x5814


Exhibit 99.1

GENTEX CORPORATION
AUTO-DIMMING MIRROR SHIPMENTS
(Thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020%
 Change
North American Interior Mirrors2,073 2,019 %
North American Exterior Mirrors1,493 1,234 21 %
Total North American Mirror Units3,566 3,253 10 %
International Interior Mirrors5,779 5,032 15 %
International Exterior Mirrors2,436 2,108 16 %
Total International Mirror Units8,215 7,141 15 %
Total Interior Mirrors7,852 7,051 11 %
Total Exterior Mirrors3,929 3,343 18 %
Total Auto-Dimming Mirror Units11,780 10,394 13 %
Note: Percent change and amounts may not total due to rounding.



Exhibit 99.1
GENTEX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Net Sales$483,724,839 $453,761,726 
Cost of Goods Sold300,424,671 297,174,245 
Gross Profit183,300,168 156,587,481 
Engineering, Research & Development27,652,081 29,615,422 
Selling, General & Administrative21,914,386 21,944,892 
Operating Expenses49,566,467 51,560,314 
Income from Operations133,733,701 105,027,167 
Other Income1,533,035 2,247,482 
Income before Income Taxes135,266,736 107,274,649 
Provision for Income Taxes21,815,866 17,768,848 
Net Income$113,450,870 $89,505,801 
Earnings Per Share(1)
Basic$0.47 $0.36 
Diluted$0.46 $0.36 
Cash Dividends Declared per Share$0.120 $0.120 
(1) Earnings Per Share has been adjusted to exclude the portion of net income allocated to participating securities as a result of share-based payment awards.



Exhibit 99.1
GENTEX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents$455,940,751 $423,371,036 
Short-Term Investments25,944,114 27,164,369 
Accounts Receivable, net277,676,643 284,925,335 
Inventories233,060,307 226,291,843 
Other Current Assets17,893,732 17,577,981 
Total Current Assets1,010,515,547 979,330,564 
Plant and Equipment - Net460,593,013 468,135,135 
Goodwill314,681,508 311,922,787 
Long-Term Investments172,934,410 162,028,068 
Intangible Assets256,911,809 249,748,127 
Patents and Other Assets26,809,257 26,776,489 
Total Other Assets771,336,984 750,475,471 
Total Assets$2,242,445,544 $2,197,941,170 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
Current Liabilities$223,229,993 $177,736,857 
Other Non-current Liabilities18,059,874 17,300,442 
Deferred Income Taxes40,174,963 38,960,743 
Shareholders' Investment1,960,980,714 1,963,943,128 
Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Investment$2,242,445,544 $2,197,941,170