Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Auto - Parts / Gentex

Gentex

gntx · NASDAQ Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker gntx
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Auto - Parts
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2019 Annual Report · Gentex
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2 0 1 9   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

E X P A N D I N G
OUR VISION

N E W   P R O D U C T S . 

N E W   T E C H N O L O G I E S . 

N E W   M A R K E T S .

gentex overview

  4  Gentex Overview

  6 

  8 

Letter from the CEO

Financial Performance

 10  Market Performance

 12  Digital Vision

 14  Connectivity

 16  Dimmable Devices

 18 

 20 

Sensing

Sustainability

 21  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

 22 

 80 

10-K

15-Year Summary

 82  Corporate Data

 83  Officers and Directors

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report 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”, “goal”, “hope”, “may”, “plan”, “poised”, 

“project”, “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 shortages; 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 litigations including securities litigations relating to the conduct of our business; the length and severity of the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) 

outbreak, 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 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. Includes content 

supplied by IHS Markit Light Vehicle Production Forecast (October 16, 2019 and January 16, 2020) (http://www.gentex.com/forecast-disclaimer).

2019  ANNUAL REPORT  2

3  G ENT EX CORPORAT ION

5,874

Full-time Employees

42.9M

Auto-Dimming Mirror Units

IPIN  OUR   

PRIMARY MARKETS

gentex overview

30+

OEM Customers Shipped To

Gentex® is a leading supplier of dimmable devices, vision systems, 

sensors and advanced electronic products for the global automotive, 

aerospace, and fire protection industries. Our core competencies are 

enabling new innovations in each of these industries, while creating 

opportunities to develop market leading positions into new verticals.

Within the automotive industry, we supply profitable, scalable 

features that optimize driver vision and enhance driver safety and 

convenience. We utilize our mirror locations, the surrounding 

windscreen, and other strategic locations in the vehicle to deliver 

our innovative features, including cameras, displays, alerts, 

communication modules, car-to-home automation systems, and 

security components. As vehicle electrification and autonomous 

driving trends progress, our core technologies are converging to 

yield products that continue to be integral components in connected 

SALES & SUPPORT OFFICES 

cars and future mobility systems.

United States, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Sweden, Korea, Japan, China

1,537

PATENTS 

583 US Patents

855 Foreign Patents

64 US Patents 

11 Foreign Patents

13 US Patents

11 Foreign Patents

374

TRADEMARKS 

31 US Trademarks

320 Foreign Trademarks

7 US Trademarks

16 Foreign Trademarks

Gentex is focused on using technology to solve problems. Our 

expertise in physics, chemistry, software, electronics, glass processing, 

and sensing positions us to create new and unique products to 

serve our current markets and enter into new markets. When 

coupled with our strength in advanced, high-volume manufacturing, 

Gentex is able to bring new and unique products into these markets 

with an unmatched level of quality and performance. 

500+

Nameplates our Content Appears On

2019  ANNUAL REPORT  4

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CORE COMPETENCIES

◼  Electronics
◼  Microelectronics
◼  Design and Engineering
◼  Chemical Development 
◼  Thin Film Coatings
◼  Automated Assembly
◼ 
Software Design

◼  Displays
◼  Glass Bending and Processing
◼  Vision Systems and Cameras

790 

APPL ICATIONS   
IN PROCESS

256 Pending US Patent Applications

503 Pending Foreign Patent Applications

31 Trademark Applications

LETTER FROM THE CEO

philosophy, by creating logical paths for an automaker to create additional value, without adding un-needed 

complexity. Our latest digital vision systems have exceeded consumer expectations, improved safety through 

enhanced visibility, and meet all regulatory requirements for enhanced systems.

In addition to our automotive product line up, we announced our first electronically dimmable window 

(EDW) program award with Airbus, which is expected to start production in early 2021. Unlike 

our first program award for the Boeing 787, Gentex will be a tier 1 supplier. This tier 1 designation 

is a testament to our quality systems and manufacturing expertise, as well as improvements in the 

technology itself. When looking at our current product designs, our latest EDWs darken twice as fast 

and become 100 times darker than our first iteration, effectively eliminating more than 99.999% of 

visible light. We are very excited to partner with Airbus, and look forward to the successful launch  

of this new program and to future developments in aerospace.

Perhaps our biggest splash at CES came when we unveiled our new medical lighting technology, developed in partnership with Mayo Clinic. 

This adaptive task lighting technology, designed for the operating, surgical, and patient-care environments, leans heavily on our long-standing 

capabilities in machine vision, lighting control, material sciences, and software to dramatically reduce shadows and glare from the operating room. 

Controllable by voice, gesture, or a hand-held device, this 

lighting solution emerged as the product of 18 months of 

In 2019, global light vehicle production was impacted by trade disputes, macroeconomic uncertainty, a strike that impacted 

collaboration between Gentex engineers and Mayo Clinic 

one of our largest customers and continued changes within consumer demand. These factors combined to create a 6% 

surgeons, scientists, and operating room staff. Preliminary 

decrease in overall light vehicle production volumes. While most of the automotive market was down, one trend remained 

responses for this product have been incredibly positive, 

positive in 2019 which helped drive Gentex to a year of growth: consumer demand for our innovative technology remained 

and we are excited to continue working alongside Mayo 

very strong. Our focus on dimmable devices, connectivity, vision systems and sensors has helped position Gentex as a 

Clinic as we begin the next steps in engineering, testing, 

leading innovator within well-established industries. In fact, the strength of our core technologies and products like our 
Full Display Mirror® (FDM®, which shipped 739,000 units, a +93% increase year-over-year) as well as outside dimmable 

validation and clinical trials. We believe that this medical 

lighting solution is the first step in our efforts to continue 

mirrors (OEC, +11% globally) helped us outpace the automotive market to still grow net sales by 1% which represents an 

identifying and proactively solving problems in adjacent 

outperformance to the underlying market of 7% for 2019. We believe the strong demand for our technology and our new 

industries, and through our collaboration with Mayo 

product innovations will allow us to continue the trend of outperforming the market in 2020 and beyond.

Currently, 2020 is not shaping up to be much easier. In a year that is projected to see continued slowdowns in emerging 

automotive markets, lethargic mature automotive markets, global trade disputes, elections, Brexit, and slowdowns due to 

COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), we remain committed to continuing our focus on delivering results for our employees, 

shareholders and the communities where we live and work. Today, we are more focused on research and development 

than any time in the Company’s history. This will supplement our already industry-leading product portfolio with new 

capabilities and additional products that will secure our future by driving growth into existing markets and provide 

opportunities for growth in new markets. None of this would be possible without the hard work that our teams have  

put forth to build the culture, foster innovation, create new products, and ultimately make Gentex successful.

Clinic, we now have access to a world leader in healthcare, 

and also a technology leader in the medical industry.

Since 2015, our capital allocation strategy has been focused on leveraging our 

industry leading cash flow profile to create additional value for our shareholders. 

In that time, we have returned nearly $2 billion dollars to shareholders through 

growing dividends and meaningful share repurchases, while continuing to invest  

in new technologies and partnerships. Building on the success of this strategy,  

we will continue to deploy our free cash flow toward dividends, share repurchases, 

capital expenditures and the research, development and acquisition of projects and 

technologies that will drive growth for our customers, shareholders and employees.

For the sixth consecutive year, we have demonstrated new technologies and capabilities at the Consumer Electronics 

Show (CES). This show has become an important launchpad for the next generation of ideas, technologies, and 

Thank you for your continued support. We take your investment with us seriously, 

products. Our product and technologies focused on features and capabilities that we believe will play a pivotal role in 

and in the coming pages, we will outline the technology and strategy that we believe  

future mobility solutions. We demonstrated cockpit concepts including driver authentication and monitoring, in-vehicle 

will help us continue to outpace our markets in the coming years.

payment processing, car-to-home connectivity, cabin sensing devices, as well as dimmable visors, side windows, and 

sunroofs for complete cabin lighting control. We also showcased technology enhancements to our Full Display Mirror, 

hybrid camera monitoring system (CMS), as well as 

our first-ever fully digital mirror replacement solution. 

Automotive manufacturers benefit dramatically by being 

able to offer multiple options for upgrading vehicle 

content. Our product strategy aligns perfectly with this 

Steve Downing 

President and CEO

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT  6

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FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

s
e
u
n
e
v
e
R

)
s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
n

i
(

A HISTORY OF GROWTH

$2000

$1800

$1600

$1400

$1200

$1000

$800

$600

$400

$200

$0

$310

$544

$1,859

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Year

2020

2021

RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS

GUIDANCE (As of January 31, 2020)

SALES GROWTH

$116.3 M

Cash Dividends Paid

$.46/share

Dividend

$331.5 M

Share Repurchases

13.8 M

Shares Repurchased

$447.8 M 

Returned to Shareholders

$1.91 – $2.0 b

Revenue

36% – 37%

Gross Margin

$205 – $215 m

Operating Expenses (E, R&D and S, G&A)

15% – 17%

Estimated Annual Tax Rate

$85 – $95 m

Capital Expenditures

$105 – $110 m

Depreciation & Amortization

3 – 8% 

above 2020 sales growth estimates

FUTURE ESTIMATES

Our 2020 guidance is built from the IHS Markit’s Automotive mid-January 

2020 forecast for global light vehicle production. Our ability to continue 

outperforming the automotive market will be driven by increased penetration 

rates of our core mirror products, continued growth of our Full Display 

Mirror product, and new launches of the Integrated Toll Module product.

2019

PERFORMANCE

$1.859 B 

Revenue

37%

Gross Margin

$199.8 m

Operating Expenses (E, R&D and S, G&A)

15.1%

Annual Tax Rate

$84.6 m

Capital Expenditures

$104.7 m

Depreciation & Amortization

$1.66

EPS

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT  8

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MARKET PERFORMANCE

LIGHT VEHICLE PRODUCTION 
(per IHS Markit January light vehicle production forecast) — in millions

Region

North America

Europe

Japan and Korea

China

Rest of World

Calendar Year  
2018

Calendar Year  
2019

2018/2019 
Variance

16,958,969 

16,289,892 

21,979,091 

21,057,812 

13,204,386 

13,098,054 

26,852,726 

24,584,171 

15,196,694 

13,707,058 

-3.95

-4.19

-0.81

-8.45

-9.80

-5.79

Total Light Vehicle Production

94,191,866 

88,736,987 

AUTO-DIMMING MIRROR SHIPMENTS

(thousands)

29,594 IECs

29,651 in 2018

13,286 OECs (+11%)

11,954 in 2018

42,880 TOTAL MIRRORS (+3%)

41,605 in 2018

+

=

Calendar Year  
2020

16,509,666 

20,689,082 

12,941,618 

24,391,837 

13,743,653 

88,275,856 

2019/2020 
Variance

1.35%

-1.75%

-1.19%

-0.78%

0.27%

-0.52%

HISTORICAL COMPARISON

A look at the last decade.

2009

2019

Change

Revenue

$544.5 M

$1.859 B

Gross Margin

EPS

Employees

32.6%

$0.47

2,371

37.0%

$1.66

5,874

241%

13%

253%

148%

Domestic

Transplant

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Total

2016

2017

2018

2019

23%

13%

36%

44%

20%

19%

12%

31%

46%

23%

19%

12%

31%

45%

24%

17%

15%

32%

46%

22%

100%

100%

100%

100%

MARKET SHARE ELECTROCHROMIC (EC)/AUTO-DIMMING

93.5%

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 10

11 GENT EX  CO RPORATION

DIGITAL VISION

FD M , CMS, AND  FULL DIGITAL  SO LU TI O N S

Displays and digital technology have continued to become critical components within the automotive market. As camera 

and sensing technologies develop, advancements in vehicle safety and functionality have moved from high-end-only 

solutions into the mainstream marketplace. With our background in mirrors, chemistry, vision, sensing, and display  

technologies, Gentex is well positioned to continue leading this rapidly developing market. 

Continuing to grow in popularity and capabilities, Gentex’s Full Display Mirror (FDM) enables drivers to choose  

between a traditional auto-dimming mirror or, with the flip of a switch, choose a crisp, digital video view of their 

rearward surroundings. This dual-mode solution removes the common obstructions from rearward visibility, including 

passengers, headrests, and vehicle pillars, while still providing a fail-safe solution if the camera becomes blocked or is unable 

to function. Perhaps most importantly, FDM provides OEMs with optional, popular, profitable technology for their vehicle 

trim packages.

Cameras Where and When You Want Them

As more automakers focus on improving fuel economy to reduce fossil fuel consumption 

and improve battery-electric vehicle range, the shape and styling of vehicles has changed 

dramatically. While much of the fuel economy savings are achieved by changing the 

styling of the vehicle’s front end, Gentex has begun showing a reduced-size dimmable 

outside mirror that integrates cameras behind the dimmable glass to seamlessly blend 

advanced technology and traditional safety systems.

The hybrid Camera Monitoring System or CMS embeds cameras behind the outside 

mirror glass, along with a high-mounted rear facing camera, to provide drivers with  

a customizable three-camera feed for an unmatched level of visibility in any condition. 

This hybrid solution is designed to maximize consumer adoption and improve the 

vehicle aerodynamics, while providing a fail-safe solution for all drivers.

Fully Digital

Gentex has continued to make strides toward fully digital mirror 

replacement solutions, which have been prototyped throughout the 

years in future-focused vehicles by nearly every major OEM. As 

with all optional content, pricing and performance remain absolutely 

critical, and Gentex was excited to demonstrate a production intent 

concept at CES in January of 2020. Improvements in camera and 

display performance, along with reduced electronic component costs, 

is bringing this exciting technology into the realm of possibility, and 

Gentex is well positioned to provide robust, profitable solutions for 

our customers.

User-selected Viewing Options

Our CMS platform enables the driver to choose between a variety 

of viewing modes, ranging from a wide angle stitched-view to 

independently segmented portions of the display. Some viewing 

modes can even be tied into the vehicle’s blind zone detection system 

to give drivers more awareness of their surroundings.

Hybrid System Benefits

Enhanced Vision

Removes obstructions from sides and rear of vehicle

Fails Safe

Mirror views available if digital view is disrupted

Smarter

System adds additional clarity for side blind zone alerts

Fuel Economy

Smaller exterior mirrors improve weight, aerodynamic,  

and fuel savings

Regulatory Compliance

System designed to meet automaker, safety, and  

regulatory requirements

Cost Effective

Optional trim package upgrade path, doesn’t require  

retooling of vehicle interior

Full Display  
Mirror Shipments

739k

20k

2016
20K

2017
180K

2018
382K

2019
739K

List of nameplates with FDM 
(as of 1/2/2020)

Cadillac

Escalade

Escalade ESV

CTS

CTS-V

XT4

XT5

XT6

CT6

Chevrolet

Traverse

Silverado 1500

Silverado HD

Camaro

Bolt

Blazer

Buick

Enclave

GMC

Sierra 1500

Sierra HD

Nissan

Armada

Infiniti

QX80

Subaru

Ascent

Levorg

Forester

Lexus

LS

ES

Toyota

Alphard

Crown

Hiace

RAV4

Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

Discovery Sport

Jaguar

XE

Aston Martin

DBS GT Zagato

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   12

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connectivity

H OMELINK AND INTEGRATED TO LL  M OD ULE  ( ITM)

Built to optimize vehicle connectivity to both wifi-controllable devices and the more commonly installed radio frequency 
(RF) garage doors, HomeLink® and HomeLink Connect
automotive experience of the future. With HomeLink’s RF functionality, OEMs can provide compatibility with nearly 

™
 seamlessly bridge the gap between today’s consumer and the 

every garage door manufacturer in North America, ensuring that consumers have reliable control of their garage doors, 

gates and lights. With HomeLink Connect, Gentex provides additional compatibility for wifi and networked devices, 

allowing users to control devices across multiple applications and providers with the press of a single button and through 

one app.

HomeLink is on approximately 100M vehicles in the field, and available on nearly 300 nameplates worldwide.

Combining Entry-Critical and Convenience Devices

HomeLink and HomeLink Connect provide advanced in-vehicle control of entry-critical 

RF and wifi-enabled devices.

Compatible devices include: garage doors, gates, hubs, lights, locks, outlets, switches, 

thermostats, shades, and an ever-increasing number of appliances.

Enhancing In-Vehicle Payments

Integrated Toll Module®, or ITM®, provides the critical connection point in the next 
generation of in-vehicle payment processing. Launched in 2019 with Audi , ITM has 

enabled drivers to transact tolls quickly, reliably and securely, while maintaining the 

immaculate design of their new vehicle interior and keeping the windscreen free from 

obstructions. Additionally, ITM allows OEMs to standardize hardware and software 

and enhance their compatibility across the majority of tolling locations in North 

America, significantly reducing cross-state tolling confusion for drivers. 

As more municipalities look to toll roads to provide funding for infrastructure, ITM is well 

positioned to provide OEMs with the in-vehicle solution to connect and transact safely 

and securely across multiple protocols. ITM’s opportunities stretch well beyond traditional 

tolling, and provides the backbone for vehicle to infrastructure (V2i) communication 

and payment. ITM offers secure, localized, payment solutions that can be tokenized to 

meet increased security protocols, and when paired with our biometric security platform, 

becomes an ideal solution for two-factor authenticated payments.

Enabling future in-vehicle payments for:

  ◼  Tolls

  ◼  Gas

  ◼  Point of sale payments 

  ◼  Charging stations

  ◼  Food and coffee

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT  14

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dimmable devices

COMPLETE LIGHTING CONTRO L

Over the years, Gentex has continued to improve on our core electrochromic technology. Our capabilities and quality 

grew as we moved from interior mirrors to exterior, then into aerospace windows on the Boeing 787. While this was 

happening, our optical clarity, speed of darkening and clearing, and overall dynamic range have improved due to our 

relentless engineering and chemical development. 

These improvements in technology have enabled Gentex to begin prototyping and developing dimmable devices that  

will change the vehicle environment dramatically. In the car of the future, customizable cabin lighting will give OEMs the 

ability to enhance the comfort, visibility, and overall vehicle design in ways that have never been seen before. Dimmable 

sunroofs, moon roofs, side windows, mirrors, sensor shrouds, visors, heads-up displays and other innovative lighting controls 

will maximize our OEMs’ flexibility and enhance comfort for everyone in the vehicle. 

Dimmable HUDs and Visors

Sensor Concealment

Combining our dimmable glass technology with display areas inside  

As vehicles continue to adopt additional cameras, sensors, and displays  

of the vehicle ensures critical information doesn’t get washed out  

in various parts of the vehicle to inform ADAS, safety, and control 

in bright environments.

systems, electrochromics can be utilized to seamlessly conceal or remove 

glare from these devices.

Dimmable Sunroofs and Moonroofs

Our electrochromic sunroofs and moonroofs enable occupants  

to customize the vehicle environment based off pre-established 

system settings or with manual controls. In addition to improved 

cabin lighting, a darkened vehicle cabin can keep the vehicle cooler, 

improving the interior’s life and lowering CO2 emissions through 
reduced air conditioning requirements.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 16

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sensing

B I OMETRICS

In the last decade, vehicle security has progressed from traditional lock-and-key technology to electronic key fobs and 

connected phones. Biometric authentication offers OEMs the next step in confirming a driver or passenger’s identity, 

enabling or disabling access, and customizing the vehicle’s features and functions accordingly. Each biometric system offers 

different strengths, but our dual iris authentication remains one of the most reliable and secure options, and can provide 

a robust secondary authentication option for vehicles and alternate mobility solutions.

Leveraging our unique experience in cameras, displays, and sensing technology, Gentex has combined an iris-scanning  

camera, near-infrared emitters and displays to enable the next generation of advanced biometric authentication in 

consumer-owned, ride-sharing, ride hailing, and fleet-run vehicles. Touch-free, fast and accurate, dual iris authentication 

provides an additional layer of security and functionality for vehicle owners, operators, and the drivers and passengers  

of the future.

Customized In-Vehicle Experiences

Next Generation Security Protocols

Biometrics enable vehicle personalization according to user-

The biometric system could enable secure access to a variety of 

determined presets for items such as:

cloud-based, connected-vehicle services, enabling or disabling access 

◼ 
Seat position
◼  Mirror adjustments
◼ 
◼ 

Secure payments

Steering wheel position

◼  HVAC controls
◼  Music favorites
◼  GPS locations

to functions and systems such as:

◼  HomeLink and 

◼ 

Streaming and  

HomeLink Connect 

other entertainment

Security, Access, and Operation

Authorized users gain access to the vehicle, with customized controls 

and profiles for each different driver. In the case of an unauthorized 

driver, the vehicle could text its owner, limit functionality, or prevent 

operation altogether.

car-to-home 

automation

◼ 

Integrated Toll 

Module and  

parking payments
◼  Gas, coffee, fast food 
and other payments

Social media accounts

◼ 
◼  Newsfeeds

◼  Online banking
◼  Work files and  
virtual meetings
◼  Health information
◼  Ride/vehicle  

sharing accounts

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   18

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sustainability

COMMIT TING TO  SOCIAL AND  E NV I RO N M EN TAL   P RO GR ESS

Committing to Social and Environmental Progress

Gentex is committed to making intentional decisions that reflect our desire to be responsible with our resources. 

Internally, we call this core operational principle “Ownership Mentality.” To our team, it means taking the time 

to carefully consider the cost of a business decision, which not only encompasses the financial cost but also the 

cost to our environment, community, and planet.

Social and environmental responsibility have been a core focus of our business since its inception. In alignment 

with our Board of Directors, Gentex incorporates environmental, social, and corporate governance issues into  

our decision-making processes and our business policies, operating in accordance with all applicable laws and 

seeking adherence with international human rights conventions.

Our sustainability report, which we update and publish annually, provides information on the policies and 

practices that guide our environmental, social, and corporate governance requirements. It also highlights industry 

best practices and our continuous improvement initiatives and corresponding results.

For the latest update of Gentex sustainability programs, visit: www.gentex.com/corporate/sustainability

Scott Ryan 

Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary,  

Sustainability Reporting Coordinator

DIVERSITY , EQUITY AND INCLUSION

COMMUNIT Y  IN AC T ION

Gentex is on a journey to be a world-class employer. One milestone 

Gentex also recently formed a DE&I Advisory Board, which 

in that journey started late in 2018, when Gentex installed our first 

provides advice and perspective from within and outside of  

Diversity Officer, Joe Matthews, to head up a cross-departmental 

our company to this council and the executive leadership team.  

council dedicated to ensuring that everyone at Gentex is treated 

The DE&I Advisory Board’s mission is to support and promote  

equitably and feels included in the workplace. 

Gentex’s Values in Action. 

One of the outputs of this group was the creation of Gentex’s three 

Values in Action, which serve as a mission for moving our diversity, 

equity and inclusion efforts forward. Our corporate leadership team 

signed this document to signify their support of:

◼  Cultivating a culture of inclusion where every team  

member belongs.

◼  Valuing differences and our team members’ unique  

contributions.

◼  Creating a positive environment where all team members 

have the opportunity to thrive.

In addition to these steps, Gentex has created two new business 

resource groups, Women@Gentex and Gentex Veterans, which 

are integral components in our overall DE&I program. Both 

groups have been designed to help promote a dynamic workforce 

by developing a sense of inclusion and community while providing 

awareness, professional development and service opportunities.

We believe that patient, intentional decisions can create change  

that is truly transformational, and are dedicated to ensuring  

this transformational change continues to drive Gentex forward.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 20

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Item 1. Business.

G E N E R A L   D E V E L O P M E N T   O F   B U S I N E S S

Gentex Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated as a Michigan corporation in 1974. 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’s largest business segment involves designing, developing, 

manufacturing and marketing interior and exterior automatic-dimming automotive rearview mirrors that utilize proprietary electrochromic 

technology to dim in proportion to the amount of headlight glare from trailing vehicle headlamps. Within this business segment, the Company 

In January 2020 the Company unveiled an innovative lighting technology for medical applications that was co-developed with Mayo Clinic. 

This new lighting concept represents the collaboration of a global, high-technology electronics company with a world leader in health care. 

The Company’s new intelligent lighting system combines ambient room lighting with camera-controlled, adaptive task lighting to optimize 

illumination for surgical and patient-care environments. The system was developed over an 18 month period of collaboration between Company 

engineers and Mayo Clinic surgeons, scientists, and operating room staff. The teams researched, designed, and rapidly iterated multiple 

prototypes in order to develop unique features that address major gaps in current surgical lighting solutions.

In 2020, the Company will be continuing to work on the intelligent medical lighting system in preparation for clinical trials in order to assess 

system performance and work toward obtaining any necessary approvals. The Company estimates that it could take 18 to 24 months to complete 

these trials, before a system could be available for commercial applications.

also designs, develops and manufactures various electronics that are value added features to the interior and exterior automotive rearview mirrors 

Automotive revenues represent approximately 97% of the Company’s total revenue in 2019, mostly consisting of interior and exterior electrochromic 

as well as electronics for interior visors, overhead consoles, and other locations in the vehicle. The Company ships its products to all of the major 

automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and automotive electronics. 

automotive producing regions worldwide, which it supports with numerous sales, engineering and distribution locations worldwide. 

In 2015, the Company began making shipments of the Full Display Mirror (“FDM”), which is an on-demand, mirror-borne LCD display 

that streams live, panoramic video of the vehicle’s rearward view in order to improve driver rear vision. Also in 2015, the Company signed an 

exclusive agreement in the ordinary course of business with TransCore LLP to integrate TransCore’s toll module technology into the vehicle  

in a first-to-market application referred to as Integrated Toll Module or “ITM”. The interior mirror is an optimal location for a vehicle-

integrated toll transponder and it eliminates the need to affix multiple toll tags to the windshield. 

In 2017, the Company announced an agreement entered into during the ordinary course of business with VOXX International Corporation to 

become the exclusive aftermarket distributor of the Gentex Aftermarket Full Display Mirror in North America. The Company has also displayed 

a new three-camera rear vision system that streams rear video – in multiple composite views – to a rearview-mirror-integrated display. Further, 

the Company has announced an embedded biometric solution for vehicles that leverages iris scanning technology to create a secure environment 

in the vehicle. There are many use cases for authentication, which range from vehicle security to start functionality to personalization of mirrors, 

music, seat location and temperature, to the ability to control transactions not only for the ITM system, but also the ride sharing car of the future. 

The Company believes iris recognition is among the most secure forms of biometric identification, with a false acceptance rate as low as one in 10 

million, far superior to facial, voice, and other biometric systems. The Company’s future plans include integrating biometric authentication with 

N A R R A T I V E   D E S C R I P T I O N   O F   B U S I N E S S

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. 

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. These electronic 

interior mirrors can also include additional electronic features such as compass, microphones, HomeLink, lighting assist and driver assist forward 

safety camera systems, various lighting systems, various telematics systems, ITM systems, and a wide variety of displays. The Company also ships 

interior non-automatic-dimming rearview mirrors with and without features. 

many of its other electronic features, including, HomeLink and HomeLink Connect or the Integrated Toll Module. The biometric system allows 

The Company’s interior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors also power the application of the Company’s exterior electrochromic 

for added security and convenience for multiple drivers by adding an additional factor of authentication for increased security, when a driver 

automatic-dimming rearview mirrors that darken to reduce glare and improve visibility for the driver. These electronic exterior mirrors typically 

(or passenger) enters a vehicle. The Company announced in January 2018 that it entered into an exclusive licensing agreement, in the ordinary 

range in size and shape per automaker specification, but can also include additional features such as turn signal indicators, side blind zone 

course of business, with Fingerprint Cards AB to deploy its ActiveIRIS iris-scanning biometric technology in automotive applications. 

indicators, and courtesy lighting. The Company also ships exterior non-automatic-dimming rearview mirrors with similar electronic features 

In January 2018, the Company announced that an agreement had been signed, in the ordinary course of business, to participate in a round of 

available in its automatic-dimming applications.

financing with Yonomi, Inc., the Company’s partner in home automation technology. The Company continues to work with Yonomi as a home 

The Company manufactures other automotive electronics products through HomeLink applications in the vehicle including the rearview mirror, 

automation aggregation partner and the Company has developed an app and cloud infrastructure called HomeLink Connect. HomeLink 

interior visor, overhead console, or center console. Certain of the Company’s newer features can be located either in the rearview mirror or other 

Connect is a home automation app that pairs with the vehicle and allows drivers to operate home automation devices from the vehicle’s center 

locations in the vehicle. Additionally, as the Company expands its Full Display Mirror product and the Integrated Toll Module system, rearward 

console display. Drivers of HomeLink Connect compatible vehicles will be able to download and configure the app to control many available 

facing video cameras and integrated toll transponders are being produced and sold. 

home automation devices and create entire home automation settings. In addition to the foregoing, the Company has addressed improvements 

to the HomeLink training process by adding functionality within the HomeLink Connect app to allow consumers to pair their garage door 

openers with their HomeLink buttons.

In January 2019, the Company announced that it would be offering, as optional content, its latest generation of variable dimmable windows on 

the Boeing 777X aircraft. During the third quarter of 2019, the first production shipments of variably dimmable windows were made to Boeing 

for the 777X program. In January 2020, the Company announced that Airbus will also be offering the Company’s dimmable aircraft windows  

on its aircraft with production starting in late 2020.

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. Automotive rearview mirrors and electronics 

accounted for 97% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2019.

The Company is the leading manufacturer of electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors in the world, and is the dominant supplier  

to the automotive industry. Competitors for automotive rearview mirrors include Magna International, Panasonic, YH America, Inc., BYD Auto 

Company, Murakami Kaimeido Company, Tokai Rika Company, Peak Power Automotive, SMR Automotive, ADAYO, Alpine Electronics, Inc., 

MEKRA Group, Ningbo Feng Mei, Chogqing Yimei, Guangdong, Yuanfeng, Xiamen Intretech, TT Electronics, and the China automotive 

aftermarket. The Company also supplies electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to certain of these rearview mirror competitors. 

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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. 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 and temperature displays, telematics, ITM systems, hands free communication, Rear Camera Display 

Through the Company’s HomeLink function, the Company is the leading supplier of integrated wireless in-vehicle communication devices to 

the automotive industry for communication with garages, gates, parking barriers, and certain home automation products. HomeLink business 

continues to be awarded to the Company either through its automatic-dimming rearview mirrors, or through HomeLink electronic modules 

which are integrated into other areas of the automobile (i.e. visors, overhead consoles, and center consoles). In 2014, the Company announced 

(“RCD”) interior mirrors, FDM interior mirrors, exterior turn signals, side blind zone indicators and various other exterior mirror features that 

HomeLink applications for alternative automobiles and vehicle types which include but are not limited to motorcycles, mopeds, snowmobiles, 

improve safety and field of view. Advanced features currently in development include: biometric authentication systems, hybrid and fully digital 

tractors, combines, lawn mowers, loaders, backhoes and golf carts. These product developments will utilize the market leading HomeLink  

camera monitoring systems (“CMS”), digital video recording solutions, driver and cabin monitoring systems, cabin sensing systems, touch screen 

V system of communication to the home, door locks, garage doors, gates, lights, security systems, and an increasing array of home automation 

displays for mirrors, and digital enhancements to displays to improve driver safety, among other things. Other automotive products currently in 

products. The Company believes it is being awarded virtually all business in this area and that while the Company believes it continues 

development include large area dimmable devices which include, such as sunroof and moonroof applications, driver and passenger windows and 

to maintain a competitive advantage in this area, the increased focus on vehicle and home connectivity through other devices represents a 

other window surfaces in vehicles, among others.

AUTOMOTIVE REARVIEW MIRRORS AND ELECTRONICS MARKETS AND MARKETING. In North America, Europe and Asia, the Company 
markets its products primarily through a direct sales force utilizing its sales and engineering offices located in Germany, UK, Sweden, France, 

Japan, South Korea and China, as well as its headquarters in Michigan. The Company generally supplies automatic-dimming mirrors and 

mirrors with advanced electronic features to its customers worldwide under annual blanket purchase orders with customers, as well as under 

long-term agreements with certain customers, entered into in the ordinary course of the Company’s business.

The Company is currently supplying mirrors and electronic modules for Aston Martin, BMW Group, Daimler Group, FCA Group, Ford Motor 

Co., Geely/Volvo, General Motors, Honda Motor Co., Hyundai/Kia, Jaguar/Land Rover, Karma Automotive, Mazda, Mahindra & Mahindra, 

McLaren, PSA/Opel Group, Renault/Nissan/Mitsubishi Group, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota Motor Company, Volkswagen Group, as well  

as, shipments to domestic China manufacturers (Borgward, BYD, Chery, Dongfeng, Great Wall, Jianghuai, NextEV, and SAIC).

Revenues by major geographic area are disclosed in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Historically, new safety and comfort and convenience options have entered the original equipment automotive market on “top of the line” or 

luxury model automobiles. As the selection rates for the options on the luxury models increase, they generally become available on more models 

throughout the product line. The ongoing trend of domestic and foreign automakers is to offer several options as a package. The Company 

believes that its automatic-dimming mirrors with and without advanced features will continue to be offered in more option packages, and 

continue to be available on more small and mid-size vehicle models as consumer awareness of these safety and comfort and convenience features 

continue to grow, and as the Company continues its efforts to make automakers aware of the Company’s technology available on competitive 

vehicle platforms. With design trends currently reducing visibility in today’s passenger vehicles, the Company’s Full Display Mirror has gained 

popularity for its ability to leverage a custom camera and mirror-integrated video display to optimize a vehicle’s rearward view. The ability 

to optimize rearward visibility increases the use case of FDM for many different vehicles, from volume based nameplates to luxury models. 

Increasing demand for the FDM system appears to be based on the ability to capture video from a rearward-facing camera and streams it to 

a unique mirror-integrated LCD, which provides the driver with an unobstructed, panoramic view behind the vehicle, while at the same time 

offering the functionality of a standard rearview mirror with the flip of a switch.

AUTOMOTIVE REARVIEW MIRRORS AND ELECTRONICS COMPETITION. The Company continues to be the leading producer of automatic-
dimming rearview mirrors in the world and currently is the dominant supplier to the automotive industry with an approximate 94% market 

share worldwide in 2019 and an approximate 92% market share in 2018. While the Company believes it will retain a dominant position in 

automatic-dimming rearview mirrors for some time, another U.S. manufacturer, Magna Mirrors, a division of Magna International Inc. 

(“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 may have considerably more resources available to it. As such, Magna may present 

a formidable competitive threat. The Company also continues to sell automatic-dimming exterior mirror sub-assemblies to Magna Mirrors.  

In addition, a Japanese manufacturer (Tokai Rika) is currently supplying a few vehicle models in Japan with solid-state electrochromic mirrors. 

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. Additionally, other companies have demonstrated products that are competitive to the 

Company’s Full Display Mirror system, and the Company acknowledges that dimming device (e.g., electrochromic) technology is the subject  

of research and development efforts by numerous third parties. 

competitive threat to this business. The Company announced in January 2018 the launch of HomeLink Connect, an extension of the Company’s 

HomeLink feature and an all-new home automation app that pairs with the vehicle and allows drivers to operate home automation devices from 

the vehicle’s center console display and/or rearview mirror controls. Drivers of HomeLink Connect compatible vehicles will be able to download 

and configure the app to control a myriad of individual home automation devices, or create entire home automation settings. In August 2019, 

the Company announced its shipping of the latest version of its HomeLink Connect car-to-home automation system to VOXX Electronics 

Corporation for sale in the automotive aftermarket. The system consists of a Bluetooth-enabled automatic-dimming mirror with integrated 

buttons that can be programmed to operate a myriad of radio frequency and cloud-based home automation devices.

The Company believes its electrochromic automatic-dimming mirrors and mirrors with advanced electronic features offer significant 

performance advantages over competing products and the Company makes significant research and development investments to continue  

to increase and improve the performance advantages of its products.

There are numerous other companies in the world conducting research on various technologies, including electrochromics, for controlling light 

transmission and reflection. The Company currently believes that the electrochromic materials and manufacturing process it uses for automotive 

mirrors remains the most efficient and cost-effective way to produce such products. While automatic-dimming mirrors using other technologies 

may eliminate glare, the Company currently believes that each of these other technologies have inherent cost or performance limitations  

as compared to the Company’s technologies.

As the Company continues to expand its automatic-dimming mirror products with additional advanced electronic features and expands the 

capabilities of its CMOS imager technology for additional features (i.e. SmartBeam, FDM, rear video camera, etc.), as well as continuing 

to expand the capabilities of the Company’s hybrid and fully digital CMS technology, the Company recognizes that it is competing with 

considerably larger and more geographically diverse electronics companies that could present a formidable competitive threat in the future  

as new products/features and technologies are brought to market. 

Dimmable Aircraft Windows

The Company continues to manufacture and sell variable dimmable windows for the passenger compartment on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner 

series of aircraft. In January 2019, the Company announced that it would be offering, as optional content, its latest generation of variable 

dimmable windows on the Boeing 777X aircraft. During the third quarter of 2019, the first production shipments of variably dimmable windows 

were made to Boeing for the 777X program. In January 2020, the Company announced that Airbus will also be offering, as optional content,  

the Company’s dimmable aircraft windows on its aircraft with production starting in late 2020.

MARKETS AND MARKETING. 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.

The Company’s success with electrochromic technology provides potential opportunities and use cases for other commercial applications, which 

the Company continues to explore.

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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. 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 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 estimates that it competes principally with eight manufacturers of smoke detection products for commercial use and 

approximately four manufacturers within the residential market, three of which produce photoelectric smoke detectors. In the signaling appliance 

markets, the Company estimates it competes with approximately seven manufacturers. While the Company faces significant competition in  

the sale of smoke detectors and signaling appliances, it believes that the introduction of new products, improvements to its existing products,  

its diversified product line, and the availability of special features will permit the Company to maintain its competitive position.

Trademarks and Patents

The Company owns 38 U.S. Registered Trademarks and 660 U.S. Patents, of which 31 Registered Trademarks and 583 patents relate to 

electrochromic technology, automotive rearview mirrors, microphones, displays, cameras, sensor technology, and/or HomeLink products. These 

Patents expire at various times between 2020 and 2038. The Company believes that these patents provide the Company a competitive advantage 

in its markets, although no single patent is necessarily required for the success of the Company’s products.

The Company also owns 336 foreign Registered Trademarks and 877 foreign patents, of which 320 Registered Trademarks and 855 patents 

relate to electrochromic technology, automotive rearview mirrors, microphones, displays, cameras, sensor technology, and/or HomeLink products. 

These patents expire at various times between 2020 and 2044. 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 64 U.S. Patents and 11 foreign patents that relate specifically to the Company’s variable dimmable windows. The U.S. Patents 

expire at various times between 2020 and 2038, while the foreign patents expire at various times between 2021 and 2034.

The Company owns 7 U.S. Registered Trademarks, 13 U.S. Patents, 16 foreign Registered Trademarks, and 11 foreign patents that relate to the 

Company’s fire protection products. The U.S. Patents expire at various times between 2021 and 2035, while the foreign patents expire at various 

times between 2020 and 2030. The Company believes that the competitive advantage provided by these patents is relatively small.

The Company also has in process 256 U.S. Patent applications, 503 foreign patent applications, and 31 Registered Trademark applications. 

The Company continuously seeks to improve its core 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 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.

Miscellaneous

The Company considers itself to be engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and supply of digital vision, connected car, 

dimmable glass, and fire protection products, including: automatic-dimming rearview mirrors, non-automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and 

electronics for the automotive industry; variable dimmable windows for the aviation industry; and commercial smoke alarms and signaling 

devices for the fire protection industry. The Company has several important customers within the automotive industry, three of which each 

account for 10% or more of the Company’s net sales in 2019 (including direct sales to OEM customers and sales through their Tier 1 suppliers): 

Volkswagen Group, Toyota Motor Company, and General Motors. The loss of any of these customers (or certain other significant customers) 

could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. 

As of February 1, 2020, the Company had 5,874 full-time employees. None of the Company’s employees are represented by a labor union  

or other collective bargaining representative. The Company believes that its relations with its employees are in good standing. See “Executive 

Officers of the Registrant” in Part III, Item 10. 

Available Information

The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those 

reports, will be made available, free of charge, through the Investor Information section of the Company’s website (http://ir.gentex.com) as soon 

as practicable after such materials are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC 

maintains an Internet website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding 

issues that a company files electronically with the SEC.

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 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”, “goal”, “hope”, “may”, “plan”, “poised”, “project”, “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 electronic component 

shortages; 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 and interpretations; import and export duty and tariff rates in or with  

the countries with which we conduct business; and negative impact of any governmental investigations and associated litigations including 

securities litigations relating to the conduct of our business. 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 of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or the rules of the NASDAQ 

Global Select Market. Forward-looking statements include content supplied by IHS Markit Light Vehicle Production Forecast ( January 16, 2020) 

(http://www.gentex.com/forecast-disclaimer).

The 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. The automotive industry has always 
been cyclical and highly impacted by levels of economic activity. The current economic environment, while perhaps relatively stable domestically, 

continues to be uncertain when considering the global automotive market, and continues to cause increased financial and production stresses 

evidenced by volatile automotive production levels (including continued decreases in light vehicle production in China), volatility with customer 

orders, supplier part and material shortages, automotive and Tier 1 supplier plant shutdowns, customer and supplier financial issues, commodity 

material cost increases and/or supply constraints, tariffs, consumer vehicle preference shifts (where we may have a lower penetration rate and 

lower content per vehicle), and supply chain stresses, all of which have been exacerbated by the coronavirus. If automotive customers (including 

their Tier 1 suppliers) and suppliers experience plant shutdowns, work stoppages, strikes (such as the employee strike at General Motors in the 

fourth quarter of 2019, which negatively impacted revenue, gross margin, etc. in the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2019), part 

shortages, etc., it could disrupt our shipments to these customers, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and/or results  

of operations. Automakers continue to experience volatility and uncertainty in executing planned new programs on time, due in part to continued 

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vehicle complexity increases, which can result in delays or cancellations of new vehicle platforms, package configurations, and inaccurate volume 

In July 2016, a revision to UN-ECE Regulation 46 was published with an effective date of June 18, 2016, which allows for camera monitor 

forecasts. This makes it challenging for us to forecast future sales and manage costs, inventory, capital, engineering, research and development, 

systems to replace mirrors within Japan and European countries. Since January 2017, camera monitoring systems are also permitted as an 

and human resource investments, in addition to the aforementioned factors. 

KEY CUSTOMERS. We have a number of large customers, including three automotive customers which each account for 10% or more of our 
annual net sales in 2019 (including direct sales to OEM customers and sales through their Tier 1 suppliers): Volkswagen Group, Toyota Motor 

Company, and General Motors. 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. We continue to experience on-going 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 price reductions with 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 an ongoing challenge, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition, 

and/or results of operations.

TARIFFS. The geo-political environment between the Unites States and other jurisdictions, including China and the European Union, continues 
to cause uncertainty on tariffs and trade. Starting in 2018, and throughout calendar year 2019, the United States enacted new tariffs on 

numerous raw materials that the Company imports from China, and likewise China also enacted retaliatory tariffs on the finished goods that 

the Company imports into China for distribution and sale in the China market. Such tariffs increase the Company’s input costs, and potentially 

challenge the Company’s competitive position in the China market. Even though in January 2020, the United States and China came to 

agreement on the first phase of a trade deal to halt tariff increases, uncertainty remains. The continuance of these tariffs and/or escalation  

of disputes in the geopolitical environment will 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.

COMPETITION. 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 

alternative to replace mirrors in the Korean market. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company continues to believe rearview mirrors provide 

a robust, simple and cost effective means to view the surrounding areas of a vehicle and remain the primary safety function for rear vision today. 

Cameras, when used as the primary rear vision delivery mechanism, have some inherent limitations such as: electrical failure; cameras being 

blocked or obstructed; depth perception challenges; and viewing angle of the camera. Nonetheless, the Company continues designing and 

manufacturing not only rearview mirrors, but CMOS imagers and video displays as well. 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 Full Display Mirror since 2015 and has been awarded programs with ten (10) OEM 

customers. The Company is currently shipping production Full Display Mirrors to five automaker customers, which are General Motors, Subaru, 

Toyota, Nissan, and Jaguar Land Rover. 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 recently announced the CMS development program with Aston Martin. The Company has also 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.

PRODUCT MIX. We sell products that have varying profit margins. Our financial performance can be impacted depending on the mix of products 
we sell and to which customers, during a given period. The automotive industry is subject to rapid technological change, vigorous competition, 

short product life cycles and cyclical, ever-changing consumer demand patterns. When our customers are adversely affected by these factors, 

we may be similarly affected to the extent that our customers reduce the volume of orders for our products. As a result of such changes and 

circumstances impacting our customers, sales mix can shift which may have either favorable or unfavorable impact on revenue and would include 

shifts in regional growth, in OEM sales demand, as well as in consumer demand related to vehicle segment purchases and content penetration. 

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 

system and other products. We acknowledge that dimming device (e.g., electrochromic) technology is the subject of research and development 

mix as well as a product sales mix. If actual results vary from this projected geographic and product mix of sales, our business, financial condition, 

efforts by numerous third parties. 

and/or results of operations could be negatively impacted. 

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. While we believe SmartBeam is a low cost solution for  

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS. We anticipate that acquisitions of businesses and assets may play a role in our future growth. We cannot be certain 
that we will be able to identify attractive acquisition targets, have resources available for or obtain financing for acquisitions on satisfactory terms, 

a safety feature that makes nighttime driving safer by maximizing a vehicle’s high-beam usage, competition from multiple-function driver-assist 

successfully acquire identified targets or manage timing of acquisitions with capital obligations across our businesses. Additionally, we may 

products has already and could continue to impact the success of SmartBeam. 

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. At the annual SAE Government-Industry Meeting in January 2017, 

NHTSA requested that SAE develop Recommended Procedures for test protocols and performance criteria for CMS that would replace mirror 

systems on light vehicles in the U.S. market. SAE assigned the task to the Driver Vision Committee, and the SAE Driver Vision Committee 

created a CMS Task Force to draft the Recommended Procedures. NHTSA published a report dated October 2018 related to camera 

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. 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 believe that our patents and trade secrets provide us with a competitive advantage in automotive rearview 
mirrors, variable dimmable windows, certain electronics, and fire protection products, although no single patent is necessarily required for the 

monitoring systems for outside mirror replacements. On October 10, 2019, an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) was 

success of our products. The loss of any significant combination of patents and trade secrets regarding our products could adversely affect our 

published seeking public comment on permitting camera-based rear visibility systems, as an alternative to inside and outside rearview mirrors 

business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. Lack of intellectual property protection in a number of countries, including China, 

required under Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) No. 111, “Rear Visibility,” which currently requires that vehicles be equipped 

represents a current and on-going risk for the Company. 

with rearview mirrors to provide drivers with a view of objects that are to their side or to their side and rear. 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. 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.

On October 18, 2019, a petition for temporary exemption from FMVSS No. 111 submitted by Audi of America was published requesting 

NHTSA to grant a two-year exemption to sell up to 2,500 vehicles for each twelve month period (up to 5,000 vehicles) that are equipped  

with camera monitoring systems and do not include FMVSS No. 111 compliant outside mirrors.

NEW TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. We continue to invest significantly in engineering, research and development projects. 
Should these efforts ultimately prove unsuccessful, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations could be adversely affected.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION AND INFRINGEMENT CLAIMS. A successful claim of patent or other intellectual property infringement 
and damages against us could affect business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. 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. 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 on-going business. To that end, we periodically 

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   28

29  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

obtain intellectual property rights, in the orbdinary course of business, to strengthen our intellectual property portfolio and minimize potential 

risks of infringement. The increasing tendency of patents granted to others on combinations of known technology is a potential threat to our 

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  

Company. Any of these adverse consequences could potentially have an effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.

of Congo (“DRC”) and adjoining countries. As a result, in August 2012 the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for  

CREDIT RISK. Certain automakers and Tier 1 customers from time to time may consider the sale of certain business segments or bankruptcy  
as a result of financial stress. Should one or more of our larger customers (including sales through their Tier 1 suppliers) declare bankruptcy  

or sell their business, it could adversely affect the collection of receivables, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. The  

current economic environment continues to cause increased financial pressures and production stresses on our customers, which could impact  

the timeliness of customer payments and ultimately the collectability of receivables. 

Our allowance for doubtful accounts primarily relates to financially distressed automotive mirror and electronics customers. We continue to 

work with these financially distressed customers in collecting past due balances. Refer to Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for 

additional details regarding our allowance for doubtful accounts.

SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS. Due to the just-in-time supply chains within our business and the automotive industry, a disruption in a supply 
chain caused by one or more of our suppliers and/or an unrelated Tier 1 supplier due to part shortages, natural disasters, coronavirus, work 

stoppages, strikes, bankruptcy, etc. could disrupt our shipments to one or more automakers or Tier 1 customers, which could adversely affect  

our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations.

BUSINESS DISRUPTIONS. Manufacturing of our proprietary products employing electro-optic technology is performed at our manufacturing 
facilities in Zeeland and Holland, Michigan. One of our manufacturing facilities is located in Holland, Michigan, which is approximately three 

miles from our other manufacturing facilities in Zeeland, Michigan. Should a catastrophic event occur, our ability to manufacture product, 

complete existing orders and provide other services could be severely impacted for an undetermined period of time. We have purchased business 

interruption insurance to address some of these risks. 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. A failure of our information technology (“IT”) infrastructure could adversely impact our business, financial condition, 
and/or results of operations. We rely upon the capacity, reliability and security of our information technology infrastructure and our ability 

to expand and continually update this infrastructure in response to the changing needs of our business. For example, we have implemented 

enterprise resource planning and other IT systems in certain aspects of our businesses over a period of several years and continue to update and 

further implement new systems going forward. These systems may not perform as expected. We also face the challenge of supporting our older 

systems and implementing necessary upgrades. 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, 

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. 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. To the extent that any disruptions or security breach results in a loss or damage to 

our data, or an inappropriate disclosure of confidential or customer information, it could cause significant damage to our reputation, affect our 

relationships with our customers, lead to claims against the Company and ultimately harm our business, financial condition, and/or results of 

operations. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches 

in the future.

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. 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 generally has caused, increased turnover. In addition, any unplanned turnover or inability to attract and retain key employees, 

including managers, could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.

those companies who use conflict minerals mined from the DRC and adjoining countries in their products. These new requirements required  

due diligence efforts in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, and the Company has disclosed its findings annually to the SEC on  

Form SD around May 30 each year. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering “conflict free” minerals, 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. 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.

The European New Car Assessment Program (“Euro NCAP”) provides an incentive for automobiles sold in Europe to apply safety technologies 

that include driver assist features such as lane detection, vehicle detection, and pedestrian detection as standard equipment. Euro NCAP 

compliant driver assist systems are also capable of including high beam assist as a function. The increased application of Euro NCAP  

on European vehicles has impacted and could continue to impact take rates for the Company’s SmartBeam application on these vehicles. 

On December 8, 2015, NHTSA proposed changes to the Administration’s 5-Star Safety Ratings for new vehicles (also known as the New 

Car Assessment Program or NCAP) and initiated a comment period. The proposed changes will, for the first time, encompass assessment 

of crash-avoidance technologies, which includes lower beam headlamp performance, semi-automatic headlamp switching, and blind spot 

detection. NHTSA originally intended to implement the enhancements in NCAP in 2018 beginning with model year 2019 vehicles. The NCAP 

implementation has been delayed. Under these proposed changes, the Company believes that its SmartBeam technology will qualify with the 

semi-automatic headlamp NCAP rating system, and that its SmartBeam technology and exterior mirrors with blind spot alert lighting can  

be included in a system that qualifies with the lower beam headlamp performance and blind spot detection NCAP rating system, respectively.  

On October 16, 2019, NHTSA issued a press release comparing NCAP to other regions’ version of NCAP, identified new technologies that  

are not currently included in NCAP, and suggested Congress legislatively direct actions to improve NCAP.

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. 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. 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. 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.

As noted, on October 10, 2019, an ANPRM was published seeking public comment on permitting camera-based rear visibility systems, as an 

alternative to inside and outside rearview mirrors required under FMVSS No. 111, “Rear Visibility,” which currently requires that vehicles be 

equipped with rearview mirrors to provide drivers with a view of objects that are to their side or to their side and rear. 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. 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.

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   30

31  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS. We currently conduct operations in various countries and jurisdictions, including purchasing raw materials  
and other supplies from many different countries around the world, which subjects us to the legal, political, regulatory and social requirements 

FLUCTUATIONS IN MARKET PRICE. The market price for our common stock has fluctuated, ranging from a low closing price of $19.55 to a  
high closing price of $29.74 during calendar year 2019. The overall market and the price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate. There 

as well as various economic conditions in these jurisdictions. Some of these countries are considered growth markets. International sales and 

may be a significant impact on the market price for our common stock relating to the issues discussed above or due to any of the following:

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 coronavirus in Wuhan, China), which have caused 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. Foreign Corrupt Practices 

Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and similar laws of various other countries; and

◼  Exposure related to buying, selling and financing in currencies other than the local currencies of the countries in which we operate.

OTHER. Other issues and uncertainties which could adversely impact our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations include:

◼  Volatility in commodity prices may adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations. If commodity prices 

rise, and if we are unable to recover these cost increases from our customers, such increases could have an adverse effect on our business, 

financial condition and/or results of operations;

◼  Increasing interest rates impact our financial performance due to an increase in realized losses on the sale of fixed income investments 

and/or recognized losses due to an Other-Than-Temporary Impairment adjustment on held-to-maturity securities;

◼  General economic conditions continue to be of concern in many of the regions in which we do business, given that our primary 

industry is greatly impacted by overall general economic conditions. 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;

◼  Manufacturing yield issues may negatively impact our business, financial condition and/or results of operations; and

◼  Obligations and costs associated with addressing quality issues or warranty claims may adversely affect our business, financial condition 

and/or results of operations.

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. These provisions, however, could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control.

◼  Variations in our anticipated or actual operating results or the results of our competitors;

◼  Changes in investors’ or analysts’ perceptions of the risks and conditions of our business and in particular our primary industry;

◼  Intellectual property litigation and infringement claims;

◼  The size of the public float of our common stock;

◼  Market conditions, including the industry in which we operate; and

◼  General macroeconomic conditions.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None

Item 2. Properties.

As of December 31, 2019 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 to support production in Zeeland, Michigan. In addition, the 

Company operates overseas offices in Europe and Asia as further discussed below. The location, square footage and use of the most significant 

facilities at December 31, 2019 were as follows:

Owned Locations

Square Footage

Date of Acquisition/Build(1)

Use

Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI

Zeeland, MI

Holland, MI

Erlenbach, Germany

Shanghai, China

Shanghai, China

26,600

161,200

70,000

70,000

359,100

168,900

334,000

100,000

31,800

349,600

258,400

242,300

90,000

25,000

40,000

1970

1972

1989

1989

1996

2000

2006

2010

2011

2016

2018

2012

2003

2006

2017

Manufacturing, Office

Manufacturing, Office

Manufacturing

Office

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Manufacturing, Office

Manufacturing, Warehouse

Office

Manufacturing, Warehouse

Warehouse

Manufacturing, Warehouse

Office

Office, Warehouse

Office, Warehouse

(1)  Date of Acquistion/Build refers to first year of operations, and does not refer to subsequent additions or expansions.

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   32

33  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company began construction of a 36,000 square-foot addition to its main corporate office and manufacturing 

facility to expand its chemistry lab facilities. The total cost of this addition is estimated to be $10 million and will be funded from cash and cash 

equivalents on hand. The facility is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2020. 

The Company additionally has leased sales and engineering offices throughout Europe and Asia to support its sales and engineering efforts:

Country

Germany

Japan

United Kingdom

France

Sweden

Korea

Number of Leased Offices

3

3

1

1

1

1

The Company’s Automotive Products segment operates in virtually all of the foregoing facilities. The Company’s Other segment operates  

in certain Zeeland, Michigan facilities.

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. Nevertheless, the Company continues to evaluate longer term facilities needs. 

The Company estimates that it currently has building capacity to manufacture approximately 33 – 36 million interior automatic-dimming mirror 

units annually, based on current product mix. The Company evaluates equipment capacity on an ongoing basis and adds equipment as needed.  

In 2019, the Company shipped 29.6 million interior automatic-dimming mirrors.

The Company’s automotive exterior mirror manufacturing facility has an estimated building capacity to manufacture approximately 14 – 17 

million units annually, based on the current product mix. The Company evaluates equipment capacity on an ongoing basis and adds equipment  

as needed. In 2019, the Company shipped approximately 13.3 million exterior automatic-dimming mirrors.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

The Company is periodically involved in legal proceedings, legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business, including 

proceedings relating to product liability, intellectual property, safety and health, employment and other matters. Such matters are subject  

to many uncertainties and outcomes are not predictable. The 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.

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, 2020, there were 
2,238 record-holders of the Company’s common stock and restricted stock. See Item 12 of Part III with respect to “Equity Compensation  

Plan Information”, which is incorporated herein by reference. Stock Performance Graph: The following graph depicts the cumulative total return 

on the Company’s common stock compared to the cumulative total return on the Nasdaq Composite Index (all U.S. companies) and the Dow 

Jones U.S. Auto Parts Index (excluding tire and rubber makers). The graph assumes an investment of $100 on the last trading day of 2014 and 

reinvestment of dividends in all cases. 

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NASDAQ Composite

Dow Jones US Auto Parts

Gentex Corporation

In March 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a continuing resolution to pay a quarterly dividend at an increased rate of $0.115 

per share until the board takes other action with respect to the payment of dividends. The Company intends to continue to pay a quarterly cash 

dividend and will consider future dividend rate adjustments based on the Company’s financial condition, profitability, cash flow, liquidity and 

other relevant business factors. 

( B )   Not applicable.

( C )   The Company has in place and has announced a share repurchase plan. As previously disclosed, the Company may purchase authorized 
shares of its common stock under the plan based 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. 

The plan does not have an expiration date, but the Board of Directors reviews such plan periodically. 

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   34

35  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

 
 
 
The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during 2019:

Period

January 2019

February 2019

March 2019

April 2019

May 2019

June 2019

July 2019

August 2019

September 2019

October 2019

November 2019

December 2019

Total

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

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*

75,001

$

2,499,850

2,150,087

240,037

1,858,307

976,365

380,220

1,828,442

1,360,915

520,345

900,765

985,604

13,775,938

21.42

20.24

20.49

23.07

22.20

23.64

27.22

26.69

27.54

27.98

28.75

28.66

75,001

2,499,850

2,150,087

240,037

1,858,307

976,365

380,220

1,828,442

1,360,915

520,345

900,765

985,604

13,775,938

33,766,256

31,266,406

29,116,319

28,876,282

27,017,975

26,041,610

25,661,390

23,832,948

22,472,033

21,951,688

21,050,923

20,065,319

*    See above paragraph with respect to the publicly announced share repurchase plan

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

Percentage of  Net Sales

Year Ended December 31,

Percentage Change

2019

2018

2017

2019 Vs 2018

2018 Vs 2017

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

63.0

37.0

6.2

4.6

10.7

26.3

0.6

26.9

4.1

62.4

37.6

5.8

4.1

9.9

27.7

0.8

28.5

4.6

61.3

38.7

5.6

4.0

9.5

29.2

0.5

29.6

7.0

22.8%

23.9%

22.7%

1.4%

2.4

(0.3)

7.0

13.1

9.6

(3.9)

(14.7)

(4.1)

(10.0)

(3.0%)

2.2%

3.9

(0.6)

7.4

5.3

6.5

(2.9)

65.0

(1.8)

(32.7)

7.6%

Net Sales

Cost of Goods Sold

Gross Profit

Operating Expenses:

Engineering, Research and Development

Selling, General and Administrative

Total Operating Expenses:

Operating Income

Other Income/(Expense)

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes

Net Income

Results of Operations: 2019 to 2018

NET SALES. In 2019, Company net sales increased by $24.8 million, or 1% compared to the prior year. Net sales for 2019 were negatively 
impacted by: lower than forecasted global vehicle production rates for calendar year 2019, which were down 6% on a a year over year basis; 

and by approximately 1% from the strike at General Motors which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2019. Despite these negative impacts, 

automotive net sales increased as a result of a 3% increase in automatic-dimming mirror shipments, from 41.6 million units in 2018 to 42.9 

million units in 2019, due more so to growth within the Company’s domestic market than its international markets. North American automotive 

mirror shipments increased 8% in 2019 when compared with the prior year, primarily due to increased penetration of exterior automatic-

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

dimming mirrors. 

Net Sales

Net Income

Earnings Per Share (Fully Diluted)

Gross Profit Margin

Cash Dividends per Common Share

Total Assets

Long-Term Debt Outstanding at Year End

2019

1,858,897

424,684

1.66

37.0%

 0.460

2,168,803

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2018

1,834,064

437,883

1.62

37.6% 

0.440

2,085,434

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2017

1,794,873

406,792

1.41

38.7%

0.390

2,352,054

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2016

1,678,925

347,591

1.19

39.8%

0.355

2,309,620

— $ 

— $ 

— $ 

178,125

2015

1,543,618

318,470

 1.08

39.1%

0.335

2,148,673

225,625

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain items from the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income expressed  

as a percentage of net sales and the percentage change in the dollar amount of each such item from that in the indicated previous year.

Other net sales increased 13% to $48.4 million compared to the prior year, as dimmable aircraft window sales increased 19% year over year and 

fire protection saw an increase in net sales of 7% year over year.

COST OF GOODS SOLD. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold increased from 62.4% in 2018 to 63.0% in 2019, primarily due to 
annual customer price reductions that were not fully offset with purchasing cost reductions, as well as an increase in costs related to tariffs. 

Annual price reductions and tariffs independently impacted cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales by approximately 75 - 200 basis points. 

These negative impacts were partially offset by the impact of purchasing cost reductions and product mix impacts that independently impacted 

cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales by approximately 75 - 150 basis points. 

OPERATING EXPENSES. Engineering, research and development expenses increased by $7.6 million or 7% from 2018 to 2019, but remained  
at 6% of net sales. E, R & D increased, primarily due to increased staffing levels which continue to support growth and launch of new business, 

as well as development of new products.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $9.9 million or 13% from 2018 to 2019, representing 5% of net sales in 2019  

versus 4% of net sales in 2018. The primary reason for the increase from 2018 to 2019 was due to increased staffing levels, travel expenses,  

and professional fees.

TOTAL OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE). Investment income remained at $11.2 million for 2019 compared to 2018. Other income – net decreased 
$2.0 million in 2019 versus 2018, primarily due to a decrease in gains on sales of debt investments on a year over year basis.

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   36

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TAXES. The effective tax rate was 15.1% for year ended December 31, 2019 compared to 16.1% the prior year. The effective tax rates in 2019  
nd 2018 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate, primarily due to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction. In 2019,  

The Company’s current ratio increased from 5.0 as of December 31, 2018 to 5.5 as of December 31, 2019, reflecting the increase in working 

capital. The Company’s current ratio increased from 4.9 as of December 31, 2017, to 5.0 as of December 31, 2018, reflecting the repayment  

the effective tax rate differed from the statutory federal income tax rate also primarily due to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction.  

of $78 million of the Company’s long term debt, that was offset by share repurchases discussed herein.

The decrease in the effective tax rate year over year primarily relates to increase in the benefits derived from the Foreign Derived Intangible 

Income Deduction, Research & Development Credit and Stock Compensation Expense. 

NET INCOME. Net income decreased by $13.2 million, or 3% year over year, primarily due to the decrease in gross margin and increases in operating 
expenses primarily related to increased staffing levels.

Results of Operations: 2018 to 2017

NET SALES. In 2018, Company net sales increased by $39.2 million, or 2% compared to the prior year. Automotive net sales increased due 
to a 6% increase in automatic-dimming mirror shipments, from 39.3 million units in 2017 to 41.6 million units in 2018, primarily reflecting 

Cash flow from operating activities was $506.0 million, $552.4 million and $501.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 

2017, respectively. Cash flow from operating activities decreased $46.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the prior year, 

primarily due to decreased net income and changes in working capital. Cash flow from operating activities increased $51.4 million for the year 

ended December 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017, primarily due to increased net income which was partially offset by changes  

in working capital.

Cash flow used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased by $129.1 million to $56.7 million, compared with $185.8 

million, for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to decreased investment purchases, which was partially offset by a decrease in fixed 

income investment maturities during the year. Cash flow used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by $108.1 

increased overall penetration of automatic-dimming mirrors, primarily within the Company’s international markets. International automotive 

million to $185.8 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to increased investment purchases during the year. 

mirror unit shipments increased 7% in 2018 when compared with the prior year, primarily due to increased penetration of both interior and 

exterior automatic dimming mirrors to certain European and Japanese automakers. 

Capital expenditures were $84.6 million, $86.0 million, and $104.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. 

Capital expenditures for the year ended 2019 remained consistent with the year ended 2018, however, capital expenditures decreased by $18.0 

Other net sales increase 17% to $42.9 million compared to the prior year, as dimmable aircraft window sales increased 16% year over year, and 

million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the prior year primarily due to decreases in production equipment purchases and 

fire protection saw an increase in net sales of 8% year over year.

building related costs.

COST OF GOODS SOLD. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold increased from 61.3% in 2017 to 62.4% in 2018, primarily due to 
annual customer price reductions that were not fully offset with purchasing cost reductions, as well as the Company’s inability to leverage fixed 

Cash flow used for financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019, decreased $349.3 million to $370.0 million, compared to the year 

ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to a reduction in the amount of shares of common stock repurchased which totaled $331.5 million 

overhead costs due to lower than expected sales levels. Annual price reductions and fixed overhead costs independently impacted cost of goods 

during the calendar year 2019 as compared to $719.3 million during the calendar year 2018. Cash flow used for financing activities for the  

sold as a percentage of net sales by approximately 75 - 150 basis points. These negative impacts were partially offset by the impact of purchasing 

year ended December 31, 2018, increased $319.3 million to $719.3 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due  

cost reductions of 50 - 75 basis points.

to repurchases of common stock of $591.6 million during the calendar year 2018 compared to $231.4 million during the calendar year 2017.

OPERATING EXPENSES. Engineering, research and development expenses increased by $7.4 million or 7% from 2017 to 2018, but remained  
at 6% of net sales. E, R & D increased, primarily due to increased staffing levels which continue to support growth and launch of new business  

Short-term investments as of December 31, 2019 were $140.4 million, down from $169.4 million as of December 31, 2018 and long-term 

investments were $139.9 million as of December 31, 2019, up from $138.0 million as of December 31, 2018, due to changes in the Company’s 

as well as development of new products.

overall investment portfolio.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $3.8 million or 5% from 2017 to 2018, but remained at 4% of net sales. The primary 

Accounts receivable as of December 31, 2019 increased $21.9 million compared to December 31, 2018, primarily due to the timing of sales 

reason for the increase from 2017 to 2018 was due to increased staffing levels and travel expenses.

within each of the comparable periods.

TOTAL OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE). Investment income increased $1.8 million in 2018 versus 2017, primarily due to higher interest rates 
available for the Company’s investable funds. Other income – net increased $3.7 million in 2018 versus 2017, primarily due to decreased interest 

expense associated with the Company’s debt financing, as discussed further in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

TAXES. The effective tax rate was 16.1% for year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 23.5% the prior year. The effective tax rate in 2017 and 
2018 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate, primarily due to the domestic manufacturing deduction as well as the re-measurement 

of net deferred tax liabilities as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Act”). In 2018, the effective tax rate differed from the new 

statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction. The decrease in the effective tax rate  

in 2018 from the prior year was due to the change in statutory tax rate as passed in the Act to 21% from 35%.

NET INCOME. Net income increased by $31.1 million, or 8% year over year, primarily due to the lower effective tax rate on a year over year basis.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s financial condition throughout the periods presented has remained very strong, in spite of a 6% decline in global light vehicle 

production from 2018 to 2019.

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $296.3 million, $217.0 million and $569.7 million as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, 

respectively. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents include amounts held by foreign subsidiaries of $8.5 million, $8.3 million and $12.6 

million as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

Inventories as of December 31, 2019, increased $23.7 million compared to December 31, 2018, primarily due to increased raw material inventory 

levels to support first quarter 2020 production and sales forecasts, as well as higher levels of component inventory with longer lead-times.

Intangible Assets, net as of December 31, 2019 decreased $19.3 million compared to December 31, 2018, due to the amortization of definite 

lived intangible assets and patents, discussed further in in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounts payable as of December 31, 2019, increased $4.7 million compared to December 31, 2018, primarily due the timing of inventory and 

capital expenditure payments.

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. The following is a summary of working capital and long-term investments:

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   38

39  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

Working Capital

Long Term Investments

Total

$

$

2019

2018

2017

The Company also estimates that depreciation and amortization expense for calendar year 2020 will be between $105 and $110 million.

778,530,092

$

681,769,335

$

940,916,816

The Company is further estimating that its tax rate will be between 15.0% and 17.0% for calendar year 2020.

139,909,323

137,979,082

57,782,418

In accordance with its previously announced share repurchase plan and capital allocation strategy, the Company intends to continue to 

918,439,415

$

819,748,417

$

998,699,234

repurchase additional shares of its common stock in 2020 and into the future depending on a number of factors, including: market, economic, 

The increase in working capital as of December 31, 2019 is primarily due to cash flow from operations, which was partially offset by share 

repurchases, dividend payments and capital expenditures. The decrease in working capital as of December 31, 2018 compared to December 

31, 2017 is primarily due to increased share repurchases, dividend payments and capital expenditures, which in combination were more than 

provided by cash flow from operations.

Please refer to Part II, Item 5, with regard to the Company’s previously announced share repurchase plan.

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. 

The Company is also providing top line revenue guidance for calendar year 2021. IHS Markit current forecasts for light vehicle production 

for calendar year 2021 are approximately 16.5 million units for North America, 21.2 million units for Europe, 12.6 million units for Japan and 

Korea, and 25.3 million units for China. Based on these forecasts, the Company is estimating that revenue for calendar year 2021 will increase 

approximately 3% to 8% over current estimates provided for 2020 revenue. As noted above, continuing uncertainties make forecasting difficult.

Outlook

Market Risk Disclosure

The Company utilizes the light vehicle production forecasting services of IHS Markit. IHS Markit current forecasts for light vehicle production 

for calendar year 2020 are approximately 16.5 million units for North America, 20.7 million units for Europe, 12.9 million units for Japan and 

Korea, and 24.4 million units for China. 

The Company currently estimates that top line revenue for calendar year 2020 will be between $1.91 and $2.0 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 on prospective vehicle models and anticipated product mix. The Company continues to see order rates and booked business that 

allow for these estimates an expected vehicle production decrease in 2020 and only a modest increase in 2021 compared to 2020. Continuing 

uncertainties, including: light vehicle production levels; supplier part or material shortages; automotive plant shutdowns; sales rates in Europe, 

Asia and North America; challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical environments, including tariffs; 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, coronavirus, strikes, etc., which could disrupt shipments to these customers, make forecasting difficult. 

The Company is estimating that the gross profit margin will be between 36% and 37% for calendar year 2020. Historically, annual customer price 

reductions have placed significant pressure on gross margin on an annual basis. Given the current revenue forecast and projected product mix 

for 2020, the Company hopes it may be able to offset certain annual customer price reductions with purchasing cost reductions and operational 

efficiencies, but there is no certainty of being able to do so.

The Company also currently estimates that its operating expenses, which include engineering, research and development expenses and selling, 

general and administrative expenses, are expected to be between $205 and $215 million for calendar year 2020, due in part to increased staffing 

levels which continue to support growth and launch of new business as well as development of new products. The Company continues to invest 

heavily in technology directed at funding the development of its current product portfolio and create iterations of those products that help keep its 

products new and attractive to our customers. In addition, the Company has been investing heavily in the next wave of innovation, many of which 

were shown for the first time in 2020, and included new products for automotive, aerospace and developments in intelligent medical lighting.

The Company is a technology leader in the automotive industry, with a focus on developing uniquely designed solutions that are highly proprietary. 

The Company continues to make investments intended to maintain a competitive advantage in its current market as well as to use its core 

competencies to develop products that are applicable in other markets.

In light of on-going demand for our automatic-dimming mirrors and electronics, the Company currently anticipates that 2020 capital expenditures 

will be between $85 and $95 million, a majority of which will be production equipment purchases. Capital expenditures for calendar year 2020 are 

currently anticipated to be financed from current cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash flows from operating activities.

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. The Company does not currently believe such risks are 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. Because the Company sells its automotive mirrors throughout the world and automobile 

manufacturing is highly dependent on general economic conditions, it could be significantly affected by weak economic conditions in foreign 

markets that could reduce demand for its products.

Most of the Company’s non-U.S. sales are invoiced and paid in U.S. dollars; during calendar year 2019, approximately 7% of the Company’s 

net sales were invoiced and paid in foreign currencies (compared to 8% for calendar year 2018 and 8% for calendar year 2017). The Company 

currently expects that approximately 7% of the Company’s net sales in calendar year 2020 will be invoiced and paid in foreign currencies. The 

Company does not currently engage in hedging activities of foreign currencies.

The Company does not have any significant off-balance sheet arrangements or commitments that have not been recorded in its Consolidated 

Financial Statements. See the Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments below.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

The Company had the following contractual obligations and other commitments (in millions) as of December 31, 2019. 

Total

Less than 1 Year

1-3 Years

3-5 Years More than 5 Years

Operating leases

Purchase obligations

Dividends payable

Total

1.1

138.1

28.9

168.1

0.7

138.1

28.9

167.7

0.4

—

—

0.4

Purchase obligations are primarily for raw material inventory and capital equipment. 

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. Management also continually 

reviews its accounting policies and financial information disclosures. 

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   40

41  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Certain of our accounting policies require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and 

liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. 

The following financial statements and reports of independent registered public accounting firm are filed with this report following the signature page:

These estimates and assumptions are based on our historical experience, the terms of existing contracts, our evaluation of trends in the industry, 

Selected quarterly financial data for the past two years appears in the following table:

information provided by our customers and suppliers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. However, these 

estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to a degree of uncertainty. 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.

The Company considers an accounting estimate to be critical if:

◼  It requires management to make assumptions about matters that were uncertain at the time of the estimate, and

◼  Changes in the estimate or different estimates that could have been selected would have had a material impact on our financial 

condition or results of operations.

REVENUE RECOGNITION. The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers. Accordingly, revenue is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to 

be entitled in exchange for promised goods or services when it transfers those goods or services to customers. Sales are shown net of returns, 

which have not historically been significant. The Company does not generate sales from arrangements with multiple deliverables. The Company 

generally receives purchase orders from customers on an annual basis. Typically, such purchase order provide the annual terms, including pricing, 

related to a particular vehicle model. Purchase orders generally do not specify quantities. The Company recognizes revenue based on the pricing 

terms included in our annual purchase orders. 

As part of certain agreements, entered into in the ordinary course of business, the Company is asked to provide customers with annual price 

reductions. Such amounts are estimated and accrued as a reduction of revenue as products are shipped to those customers. For any shipments 

of product that may be subject to retroactive price adjustments that are then being negotiated, the Company records revenue based on the 

Company’s best estimate of the amount of consideration to which the entity will be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods 

to the customer. The Company’s best estimate requires significant judgment based on historical results and expected outcomes of ongoing 

negotiations with customers. The Company’s approach is to consider these adjustments to the contract price as variable consideration which is 

estimated based on the then most likely price amount. In addition, the Company has ongoing adjustments to our pricing arrangements with 

customers based on the related content, the cost of our products and other commercial factors. Such pricing accruals are adjusted as they are settled 

with our customers.

See also Item 13 of Part III with respect to “Certain Transactions”, which is incorporated herein. 

Quarterly Results of Operations (in thousands, except per share data)

First

Second

Third

Fourth

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

Net Sales

Gross Profit

$ 468,589

$ 465,420

$ 468,711 $ 454,981 $ 477,761

$ 460,253

$ 443,836

$ 453,409

169,645

172,628

176,538

172,804

180,321

172,990

161,805

172,044

Operating Income

121,596

128,515

127,905

126,683

128,136

127,428

110,901

125,499

Net Income

104,280

111,249

108,959

109,024

111,898

111,336

99,547

106,275

Basic Earnings per share(1)

Diluted Earnings per share(1)

$

$

0.40

0.40

$

$

0.40

0.40

$

$

0.42

0.42

$

$

0.40

0.40

$

$

0.44

0.44

$

$

0.42

0.42

$

$

0.39

0.39

$

$

0.41

0.41

(1) 

 Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each quarter presented. Therefore the sum of quarterly basic and diluted per share information may not equal 
annual basis and diluted earnings per share.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

As defined in Item 304 of Regulation S-K, there have been no changes in, or disagreements with, accountants during the 24-month period 

ended December 31, 2019.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision of and with the participation of the Company’s management, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal 

financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures ([as defined  

in Exchange Act Rules 13a – 15(e) and 15d – 15(e)]) as of December 31, 2019, and have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls  

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

and procedures are adequate and effective.

See “Market Risk Disclosure” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Item 7).

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in 

Exchange Act Rules 13a – 15(f ) and 15d – 15(f ). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal 

executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting 

based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 

Commission (2013 Framework)(the COSO criteria). Based on this assessment, management asserts that the Company has maintained effective 

internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. 

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   42

43  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any 

Matthew Chiodo, the Company’s Vice President of Sales, was appointed an executive officer effective February 15, 2018. Mr. Chiodo has been 

evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that  

employed by the Company since 2001. Mr. Chiodo has been in his current role since January 2017 and previously served as Director of Sales  

the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

for several years. Certain terms of Mr. Chiodo’s employment arrangement are contained herein in Part III, Item 11 to this Form 10-K. 

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, 

Scott Ryan was appointed as the Company’s Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary on August 16, 2018. Mr. Ryan has been 

an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in Part IV of this Form 10K. 

employed by the Company since 2010. Prior to his current position, he served as Assistant General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from June 

During the period covered by this annual report, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that 

have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, there 

2015 to August 2018. Prior to that he served as Patent Counsel from November 2013 to June 2015. Certain terms of Mr. Ryan’s employment 

arrangement are contained herein in Part III, Item 11 to this Form 10-K.

have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent 

Information relating to directors appearing under the caption “Election of Directors” in the definitive Proxy Statement for 2019 Annual 

to December 31, 2019.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

I
I
I
T
R
A
P
K
-
0
1

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Information about Our Executive Officers

The following table lists the names, ages, and positions of all of the Company’s executive officers at the time of this report. Officers are generally 

elected at the meeting of the Board of Directors following the annual meeting of shareholders. 

Meeting of Shareholders and filed with the Commission within 120 days after the Company’s fiscal year end, December 31, 2019 (the “Proxy 

Statement”), is hereby incorporated herein by reference. No changes were made to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend 

nominees for the Board of Directors. Any information concerning compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 

that may appear under the caption “Delinquent Section 16 Reports” in the definitive Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 

Information relating to the Company’s Audit Committee and concerning whether at least one member of the Audit Committee is an “audit 

committee financial expert” as that term is defined under Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K appearing under the caption “Corporate Governance 

– Audit Committee” in the definitive Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for Certain Senior Officers that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, 

and principal accounting officer. A copy of the Code of Ethics for Certain Senior Officers is available without charge, upon written request, from 

the Corporate Secretary of the Company, 600 N. Centennial Street, Zeeland, Michigan 49464 and on the Company’s website. The Company 

intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this Code 

of Ethics by posting such information on its website. Information contained in the Company’s website, whether currently posted or posted in the 

future, is not part of this document or the documents incorporated by reference in this document.

Name

Age

Position

Current Position Held Since

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

Steve Downing

Neil Boehm

Kevin Nash

Matthew Chiodo

Scott Ryan

42

48

45

55

39

President and Chief Executive Officer

Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, Engineering

January 2018

February 2018

Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

February 2018

Vice President, Sales

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

February 2018

August 2018

There are no family relationships among the officers listed in the preceding table.

Steve Downing was elected Chief Executive Officer effective as of January 1, 2018. Mr. Downing has been employed by the Company since 

2002. Prior to being elected Chief Executive Officer, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer from August 2017 to December 2017, 

as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from June 2015 to August 2017, and as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial 

Officer from May 2013 to June 2015. He served in a variety of roles before that time. Certain terms of Mr. Downing’s employment arrangement 

are contained herein in Part III, Item 11 to this Form 10-K.

Neil Boehm was appointed as the Company’s Vice President, Engineering and Chief Technology Officer as of February 15, 2018 and was also 

appointed an executive officer. Mr. Boehm has been employed by the Company since 2001. Prior to his current position, he served as the Company’s 

Vice President of Engineering, beginning in 2015 and before that served as Senior Director of Engineering. Certain terms of Mr. Boehm’s 

The information contained under the caption “Compensation Committee Report,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive 

Compensation,” “Director Compensation,” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” contained in the definitive 

Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The “Compensation Committee Report” shall not be deemed to be soliciting 

material or to be filed with the commission.

As previously disclosed, the Compensation Committee intended to move base salaries for officers, including named executive officers, toward 

the market median of the Company’s established peer group over a three-year period. At the request of the CEO and named executive officers, 

the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors have decided not to increase named executive officer base salaries at this time. In lieu 

thereof, the Board of Directors, based on a recommendation of the Compensation Committee, has provided the named executive officers additional 

upside under the Long-Term Plan as discussed below. As such, 2020 Base Salary as approved by the Board of Directors is set forth below: 

Executive Officer

Position

2019 Base Salary

2020 Base Salary

Steve Downing

President and CEO

Neil Boehm

Kevin Nash

VP, Engineering and CTO

VP, Finance, CFO and Treasurer

Matt Chiodo

VP, Sales

$

$

$

$

$

750,000

407,000

400,000

380,000

350,000

$

$

$

$

$

750,000

407,000

400,000

380,000

350,000

employment arrangement are contained herein in Part III, Item 11 to this Form 10-K.

Scott Ryan

VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Kevin Nash was appointed as the Company’s Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer, effective as of February 15, 2018. 

He is also the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Nash has been employed by the Company since 1999. Prior to his current position,  

he served as the Company’s Vice President of Accounting and Chief Accounting Officer, beginning in 2014 and before that served as Director 

of Accounting and Chief Accounting Officer. Certain terms of Mr. Nash’s employment arrangement are contained herein in Part III, Item 11  

to this Form 10-K.

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   44

45  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

 
 
 
Amended and Restated Annual Incentive Performance-Based Bonus Plan

The Board of Directors previously approved the Amended and Restated Annual Incentive Performance-Based Bonus Plan (the “Annual 

Plan”) to further emphasize performance-based compensation. In lieu of participating in the profit-sharing bonus paid to all employees, the 

Annual Plan provides potential cash-based bonuses for officers based on the achievement of three key performance metrics: Revenue (33.33% 

weighting); Operating Income (33.33% weighting); and Earnings per Diluted Share (33.33% weighting). The Annual Plan covers all officers, 

including named executive officers. 

At the beginning of each year, the Compensation Committee reviews and approves a cash bonus target for each officer, as a percentage of base 

salary for the year. The CEO may earn from 0% - 200% of base salary. The non-CEO named executive officers may earn from 0% to 150% of 

their base salaries. All performance-related targets are set by, and achievement of targets are approved by, the Compensation Committee and/or 

the Board of Directors.

For our executive officers, the 2019 Annual Plan payout opportunities as a percentage of base salary applicable to each performance metric are 

shown in the table below:

Executive Officer

Steve Downing

Neil Boehm

Kevin Nash

Matt Chiodo

Scott Ryan

Annual Plan Threshold

Annual Plan Target

Annual Plan Maximum

50%

37.5%

37.5%

37.5%

37.5%

100%

75%

75%

75%

75%

200%

150%

150%

150%

150%

Performance Metric

Revenue

Operating Income

Weight

Threshold*

Target*

Maximum* Actual Performance*

33.33%  $ 

1,504,000  $ 

1,880,000  $ 

2,256,000  $ 

1,858,897

33.33%  $ 

411,300  $ 

514,126  $ 

616,951  $ 

Earnings per Diluted Share

33.33%  $ 

1.384  $ 

1.730  $ 

2.076  $ 

505,447

1.733

* 

 Amounts in thousands (000) except for per share amounts. Amounts may be modified in the discretion of the Compensation Committee as appropriate to ensure the performance 

metrics are not unsuitable. Threshold, Target, and Maximum for Operating Income and Earnings per Diluted Share were adjusted to address the estimated impact of tariffs and the 

Actual Performance was similarly adjusted with respect to the actual impact of tariffs.

Based on actual Revenue, Operating Income, and Earnings per Diluted Share results compared to the pre-established targets (adjusted for the 

impact of tariffs) and performance of the named executive officers, the payments for 2019 under the Annual Plan are shown in the table below:

Executive Officer

Steve Downing

Neil Boehm

Kevin Nash

Matt Chiodo

Scott Ryan

2019 Annual Plan Performance Bonus

2019 Annual Plan Discretionary Bonus

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

735,272

299,256

294,109

279,403

257,345

$ 

$ 

$ 

$

$

0

0

0

0

0

For 2020, the Compensation Committee has established thresholds, targets, and maximums for Revenue, Operating Income, and Earnings per 

Diluted Share (adjusted for the impact of tariffs) as the Annual Plan performance metrics.

No changes were made to the Annual Plan target opportunities for executive officers in 2020, as the target and maximum opportunity levels 

were appropriate based on the competitive pay range for each position. The foregoing payout opportunities are multiplied by the weighting factor 

2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan and Long-Term Incentive Program

of a particular performance metric to determine the amounts of cash bonuses payable to officers to the extent the threshold, target, or maximum 

The Company’s 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“OIP”) has been approved by shareholders. Pursuant to the OIP, the Company implemented 

for a performance metric is met or exceeded. To the extent performance exceeds the established threshold or target, as applicable, for any 

the Long-Term Incentive Plan (the”Long-Term Plan”). The Long-Term Plan provides officers, including our named executive officers, with 

performance metric, but does not meet or exceed the established target or maximum, as applicable, linear interpolation is used to determine the 

incentive awards that serve an important role by balancing other applicable short-term goals with longer term shareholder value creation, while 

pro rata portion of the performance bonus. The Compensation Committee also has discretion to increase (or decrease) such performance-based 

minimizing risk-taking behaviors that could negatively affect long-term results. 

bonuses using its judgment, provided that bonuses are not in any event to exceed 250% of the applicable base salary.

The Long-Term Plan uses three-year performance periods and selected performance objectives to determine equity incentive awards so as to 

In 2019 and 2020, the Annual Plan uses the same three key performance metrics and weighting: Revenue (weighted 33.33%), Operating Income 

balance short-term goals under the Annual Plan, with performance objectives associated with longer-term shareholder value creation under 

(weighted 33.33%) and Earnings per Diluted Share (33.33%), since such metrics are not only appropriate measures of performance, but also 

the Long-Term Plan. Under the Long-Term Plan, the Board of Directors and/or the Compensation Committee determines the amount of the 

align with the Company’s overall business strategy.

In determining whether annual cash bonuses are paid under the Annual Plan, actual performance for the year is measured against specified target 

levels for each performance metric. The target for the three performance metrics reflects a level of performance, which at the time set was anticipated 

to be challenging but achievable. The threshold level is set to be reflective of performance at which the Compensation Committee believed a portion 

of the award opportunity should be earned. The maximum level was set well above the target, requiring significant achievements and reflecting 

performance at which the Compensation Committee believed an additional 100% of the target award was warranted.

For 2019, pre-established target performance (along with pre-established thresholds and maximums) and actual results for the performance 

metrics are as follows:

long-term incentive awards. Each officer’s award opportunity is based on a target dollar value (determined toward the very beginning of the 

performance period) as a percentage of base salary assigned to his or her position based on market comparisons for similar positions, using both 

a peer group and general industry market data. The following target opportunities apply for the 2020-2022 performance period under the Long-

Term Incentive Plan:

Executive Officer

Steve Downing

Neil Boehm

Kevin Nash

Matt Chiodo

Scott Ryan

Long-Term Plan Target Opportunity  
Percentage of Base Salary for 2020-2022

240%

150%

140%

130%

125%

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   46

47  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

These Long-Term Plan Target Opportunity Percentage of Base Salary for 2020 - 2022 have increased from those applicable for 2019 - 2021 

(which were 200% for Mr. Downing and 100% for other named executive officers) in lieu of base salary increases as discussed above.

Achievement at threshold performance yields 50% of the target award and achievement of the maximum performance yields another 100% of 

the target award. To the extent performance exceeds the established threshold or target, as applicable, for an applicable performance objective, 

but does not meet or exceed the established target or maximum, as applicable, linear interpolation is used to determine the pro rata portion of 

such award.

Seventy percent (70%) of the total value of the target long-term incentive opportunity is delivered through performance share awards (“PSAs”) 

and the other thirty percent (30%) through restricted stock (“RS”). Both PSAs and RS are forms of performance-based incentive compensation 

because PSAs involve performance objectives that provide direct alignment with shareholder interests and the value of RS fluctuates based  

on stock price performance.

In addition to requiring achievement of performance objectives in respect of PSAs, PSAs and RS require the executive officers to remain 

employed with the Company for three years from the grant date (unless the executive officer attains retirement age, departs for good reason,  

dies, or becomes disabled or a change in control occurs whereby an award may be paid or partially paid). 

Performance Shares

The Long-Term Plan is designed to provide PSAs for officers, including our named executive officers. PSAs are tied to the achievement of two 

performance objectives, each weighted equally: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and return on invested 

capital (ROIC), in each case adjusted as determined by the Compensation Committee. Each performance objective is based on a three-year 

performance period (2020-2022) with a performance range that can result in PSAs of 0% for failure to achieve threshold, 50% of target for 

achieving threshold, to 200% of the target opportunity for achieving maximum.

EBITDA drives the ability to commit resources to continued growth, but is also a measure of ability to provide shareholder return. It also drives 

profitable sales growth and optimizes the Company’s cost structure. ROIC ensures management uses the Company’s capital in an effective 

manner that drives shareholder value. Since the value of PSAs is tied to the Company’s actual performance in financial objectives, it aligns the 

officers’ interests with those of shareholders. The target opportunities of PSAs for the named executive officers are shown in the table below:

Restricted Stock Awards

The other 30% of the total value of the long-term incentive opportunity consists of RS awards. RS incentivizes and rewards executives for 

improving long-term stock value and serves as a retention tool. Under the Long-Term Plan, RS will generally be granted in February to officers, 

including our named executive officers, and cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant. The RS awarded in 2020, based on the  

target opportunities, for the executive officers are shown in the table below:

Executive Officer

Steve Downing

Neil Boehm

Kevin Nash

Matt Chiodo

Scott Ryan

Number of RS Awarded in 2020 for 2020-2022

17,792

6,035

5,535

4,883

4,325

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters.

The information contained under the captions “Common Stock Ownership of Management,” “Common Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial 

Owners,” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” contained in the definitive Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 

There are no arrangements known to the registrant, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information contained under the caption “Certain Transactions” contained in the definitive Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated 

herein by reference. The information contained under the caption “Election of Directors” contained in the definitive Proxy Statement is hereby 

Executive Officer

Number of PSAs Awarded in 2020 (Target) for 2020-2022

incorporated herein by reference.

Steve Downing

Neil Boehm

Kevin Nash

Matt Chiodo

Scott Ryan

41,516

14,081

12,916

11,394

10,091

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fee and Services.

Information regarding principal accounting fees and services set forth under the caption “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors 

– Principal Accounting Fees and Services” in the definitive Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Information concerning 

the policy adopted by the Audit Committee regarding the pre-approval of audit and non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent 

auditors set forth under the caption “Corporate Governance – Audit Committee” in the definitive Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein 

by reference.

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   48

49  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Gentex Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Gentex Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gentex Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 

We have audited Gentex Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 based on criteria established  

2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ investment and cash flows for each of the three years 

in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework)  

in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the 

(the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Gentex Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control 

consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the 

over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the COSO criteria.

results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted 

accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated 

balance sheets of Gentex Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the  

income, shareholders’ investment and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and our report 

Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework 

issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 26, 2020 

dated February 26, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion 

expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal 

control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial 

express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB 

statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company  

and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations  

in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 

assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures  

assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. 

to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.  

Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included 

evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial 

statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated 

or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements 

and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our 

opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate 

opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Revenue - Estimate of Variable Consideration

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and 

evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary 

in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and  

the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over  

financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect  

the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 

of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only  

in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection  

of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MATTER As discussed in Notes 1 and 11 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company occasionally enters 
into sales contracts with its customers that provide for annual price reductions over the production life of a particular part. Prices may also be adjusted  

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of 

effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance  

on an ongoing basis to reflect changes in product content, product cost and other commercial factors.

with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Auditing the accounting for and the completeness of the amount of revenue that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for its products  

(for arrangements containing annual price reductions) is judgmental due to the unique facts and circumstances involved with each revenue arrangement, 

as well as on-going commercial negotiations with customers.
HOW WE ADDRESSED THE MATTER IN OUR AUDIT We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of 
controls over annual price reductions. This included testing controls over the Company’s process to identify and evaluate customer contracts that contain 

matters that impact revenue recognition, as well as testing controls relating to the completeness and measurement of revenue related to those sales contracts.

Our audit procedures included, among others, testing the completeness and valuation of the Company’s price reductions, including interviews of 

executive and commercial management personnel responsible for negotiations with customers, inspecting communications between the Company and its 

customers related to the price reductions, and testing manual price reduction entries recorded using lower materiality thresholds for our testing purposes.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999 

Grand Rapids, Michigan 

FEBRUARY 26, 2020

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999 

Grand Rapids, Michigan 

FEBRUARY 26, 2020

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   50

51  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

GENTEX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

V
I
T
R
A
P
K
-
0
1

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

Short-term investments

Accounts receivable, net

Inventories, net

Prepaid expenses and other

Total current assets

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

Land, buildings and improvements

Machinery and equipment

Construction-in-process

Total Plant and Equipment

Less- Accumulated depreciation

Net Plant and Equipment

OTHER ASSETS:

Goodwill

Long-term investments

Intangible assets, net

Patents and other assets, net

Total Other Assets

TOTAL ASSETS

2019

2018

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

2019

2018

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

$ 

296,321,622 $ 

217,025,278

Accounts payable

$ 

97,553,917 $ 

92,810,316

140,384,053

235,410,326

248,941,855

29,319,036

950,376,892

344,231,180

843,439,691

39,456,490

169,412,999

213,537,799

225,281,599

25,672,579

850,930,254

340,910,332

838,887,032

18,156,423

1,227,127,361

1,197,953,787

(728,811,261)

(699,480,021)

498,316,100

498,473,766

307,365,845

139,909,323

250,375,000

22,460,033

720,110,201

307,365,845

137,979,082

269,675,000

21,010,121

736,030,048

Accrued liabilities:

Salaries, wages and vacation

Income taxes

Royalties

Dividends payable

Other

Total current liabilities

OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

TOTAL LIABILITIES

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT:

16,385,833

24,952

17,371,829

28,896,914

11,613,355

15,860,073

4,293,608

16,174,041

28,526,147

11,496,734

171,846,800

169,160,919

7,414,424

51,454,149

230,715,373

—

54,521,489

223,682,408

Common stock, par value $.06 per share; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 251,277,515 
and 259,328,613 shares issued and outstanding in 2019 and 2018 respectively.

15,076,651

15,559,717

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

Unrealized gain on investments

Cumulative translation adjustment

807,928,139

745,324,144

1,116,372,133

1,102,468,137

1,095,486

(2,384,589)

74,549

(1,674,887)

1,938,087,820

1,861,751,660

$ 

2,168,803,193

$ 

2,085,434,068

Total shareholders’ investment

TOTAL LIABILITES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

$ 

2,168,803,193

$ 

2,085,434,068

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   52

53  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

 
 
GENTEX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME  

GENTEX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

0.2917 in

0.5417 in

0.8334 in

NET SALES

COST OF GOODS SOLD

Gross profit

OPERATING EXPENSES:

2019

2018

2017

2019

2018

2017

$

1,858,897,406 $

1,834,063,697 $

1,794,872,578

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

1,170,589,437

1,143,597,005

1,100,344,312

Net income

$

424,683,939 $

437,883,097

$

406,791,922

688,307,969

690,466,692

694,528,266

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash  
provided by operating activities:

Engineering, research and development

114,687,309

107,134,862

Depreciation and amortization

104,702,974

102,186,814

Selling, general and administrative

Total operating expenses

Income from operations

OTHER INCOME:

Investment income

Other income (expense), net

Total other income

Income before provision for income taxes

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

NET INCOME

EARNINGS PER SHARE:

Basic

Diluted

Cash Dividends Declared per Share

85,083,056

199,770,365

488,537,604

11,230,696

647,034

11,877,730

500,415,334

75,731,395

75,206,283

182,341,145

508,125,547

11,262,385

2,659,015

13,921,400

522,046,947

84,163,850

99,726,438

71,443,476

171,169,914

523,358,352

9,442,387

(1,004,035

8,438,352

531,796,704

125,004,782

$

$

$

$

424,683,939 $

437,883,097 $

406,791,922

1.67 $

1.66 $

0.460 $

1.64 $

1.62 $

0.440 $

1.42

1.41

0.390

GENTEX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Gain on disposal of assets

Loss on disposal of assets

Gain on sale of investments

Loss on sale of investments

Deferred income taxes

Stock based compensation expense related to employee 
stock options, employee stock purchases and restricted stock

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Prepaid expenses and other

Accounts payable

Accrued liabilities

Net cash flows from operating activities

CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Activity in available-for-sale securities:

Sales proceeds

Maturities and calls

Purchases

(155,150)

588,941

(660,643)

176,360

(3,358,537)

(577,200)

108,927

(2,538,729)

532,494

(4,414,739)

99,570,908

(188,150)

299,174

(1,309,166)

375,388

(14,996,179)

21,671,192

18,305,981

18,376,965

(21,872,527)

(23,660,256)

(3,646,457)

4,743,601

2,753,427

17,583,989

(8,516,016)

(11,268,677)

2,911,849

220,856

(19,530,043)

(27,454,146)

16,183,673

9,934,837

12,947,597

505,966,864

552,418,646

501,002,780

57,139,135

125,013,589

55,248,551

181,892,136

30,207,523

23,100,000

(153,257,603)

(332,106,362)

(29,874,960)

Net income

$

424,683,939

$

437,883,097

$

406,791,922

Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAX:

(Increase) Decrease in other assets

2,001,315

(3,027,263)

738,093

(5,603,042)

249,757

2,646,029

2019

2018

2017

Plant and equipment additions

(84,580,255)

(85,990,570)

(104,040,919)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(709,702)

(2,319,917)

Unrealized gains on derivatives

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

Expense for income taxes related to components of other  
comprehensive income (loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

—

1,292,325

582,623

271,388

311,235

(2,106,091)

11,133,661

44,903

2,668,973

Issuance of common stock from stock plan transactions

Cash dividends paid

Repurchases of common stock

(2,150,994)

8,464,688

Net cash used for financing activities

98,767

115,059

3,508,029

1,721,933

5,903,699

Net cash used for investing activities

(56,711,082)

(185,821,194)

(77,712,570)

CASH FLOWS USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Repayment of long-term debt

—

(78,000,000)

(107,625,000)

77,821,151

(116,309,197)

(331,471,392)

(369,959,438)

79,296,344

217,025,278

66,837,820

(116,566,639)

(591,577,851)

(719,306,670)

(352,709,218)

569,734,496

47,770,467

(108,815,040)

(231,363,216)

(400,032,789)

23,257,421

546,477,075

$

296,321,622 $

217,025,278

$

569,734,496

Comprehensive income

$

424,995,174

$

435,732,103

$

415,256,610

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   54

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GENTEX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. There may be some differences due to rounding.

BALANCE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2017

Issuance of common stock

Repurchases of common stock

 Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, employee stock purchases and restricted stock

Dividends declared ($.39 per share)

Net income

Other comprehensive income

BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017

Issuance of common stock

Repurchases of common stock

 Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, employee stock purchases and restricted stock

Impact of ASU 2016-01 adoption

Dividends declared ($.44 per share)

Net income

Other comprehensive (loss)

BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2018

Issuance of common stock

Repurchases of common stock

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, employee stock purchases and restricted stock

Dividends declared ($.46 per share)

Net income

Other comprehensive income

BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019

Common  
Stock Shares

287,737,516

4,498,729

(11,954,924)

—

—

—

—

280,281,321

5,496,659

(26,449,367)

—

—

—

—

—

259,328,613

5,724,840

(13,775,938)

—

—

—

—

Common
Stock Amount

Additional
Paid-In Capital

Retained Earnings

Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total Shareholders’
Investment

$

17,264,251

$

683,446,463

$

1,210,984,825

$

(1,271,305)

$

1,910,424,234

269,923

(717,295)

47,500,544

—

(25,813,300)

(204,832,621)

—

—

—

—

18,376,965

—

—

—

—

(110,946,799)

406,791,922

—

—

—

—

—

—

8,464,688

47,770,467

(231,363,216)

18,376,965

(110,946,799)

406,791,922

8,464,688

$

16,816,879

$

723,510,672

$

1,301,997,327

$

7,193,383

$

2,049,518,261

329,801

66,508,019

—

(1,586,963)

(63,000,528)

(526,990,360)

—

—

—

—

—

18,305,981

—

—

—

—

—

6,642,727

(117,064,654)

437,883,097

—

—

—

—

66,837,820

(591,577,851)

18,305,981

(6,642,727)

—

—

—

(2,150,994)

(117,064,654)

437,883,097

(2,150,994)

$

15,559,717

$

745,324,144

$

1,102,468,137

$

(1,600,338)

$

1,861,751,660

343,490

(826,556)

77,477,661

—

(36,544,858)

(294,099,978)

—

—

—

—

21,671,192

—

—

—

—

(116,679,965)

424,683,939

—

—

—

—

—

—

77,821,151

(331,471,392)

21,671,192

(116,679,965)

424,683,939

311,235

311,235

251,277,515

$

15,076,651

$

807,928,139

$

1,116,372,133

$

(1,289,103)

$

1,938,087,820

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   56

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( 1 )   S U M M A R Y   O F   S I G N I F I C A N T   A C C O U N T I N G   A N D   R E P O R T I N G   P O L I C I E S

Investments

The Company

Gentex Corporation including its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a leading supplier of digital vision, connected car, dimmable 

glass, and fire protection products. The Company’s largest business segment involves designing, developing, manufacturing, marketing, and 

supplying automatic-dimming rearview and non-dimming mirrors and various electronic modules for the automotive industry. The Company 

ships its product to all of the major automotive producing regions worldwide, which it supports with numerous sales, engineering and 

distribution locations worldwide. 

A substantial portion of the Company’s net sales and accounts receivable result from transactions with domestic and foreign automotive 

manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers. The Company also designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and supplies dimmable aircraft windows for  

the aviation industry and commercial smoke alarms and signaling devices for the fire protection products industry. The Company does not 

require collateral or other security for trade accounts receivable.

Significant accounting policies of the Company not described elsewhere are as follows:

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Gentex Corporation and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany 

accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in bank accounts and money market funds that have daily liquidity.

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts

The Company reviews a monthly aging report of all accounts receivable balances starting with invoices outstanding over sixty days. In addition, 

the Company monitors information about its customers through a variety of sources including the media, and information obtained through on-

The Company follows the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, for its financial assets and liabilities, and for its 

non-financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring the fair value of assets 

and liabilities. This framework is intended to provide increased consistency in how fair value determinations are made under various existing 

accounting standards that permit, or in some cases, require estimates of fair-market value. This standard also expanded financial statement 

disclosure requirements about a company’s use of fair-value measurements, including the effect of such measurement on earnings. The cost  

of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

The Company determines the fair value of its government securities, asset-backed securities, corporate bonds, and certain mutual funds by 

utilizing monthly valuation statements that are provided by its broker. The broker determines the investment valuation by utilizing the bid price 

in the market and also refers to third party sources to validate valuations, and as such are classified as Level 2 assets.

The Company’s certificates of deposit are classified asavailable for sale, and are considered as Level 1 assets. These investments are carried at cost, 

which approximates fair value.

The Company will also periodically make technology investments in certain non-consolidated third-parties. These equity investments are 

accounted for in accordance with ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities. Equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair 

values, and where the Company has not identified any observable events that would cause adjustment of the valuation to date, are held at cost. 

These technology investments totaled $9.0 million and $3.9 million as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. These 

investments are classified within Long-Term Investments in the consolidated balance sheet and are not included within the tables below.

Assets or liabilities that have recurring fair value measurements are shown below as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

Description

December 31, 2019

(Level I)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

Quoted Prices in
Actcive Markets for 
Identical Assets

Significant Other
Observable Inputs

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

going interaction between Company personnel and the customer. Based on the evaluation of the above information, the Company estimates its 

Cash & Cash Equivalents

$

296,321,622 $

296,321,622 $

— $

allowances related to customer receivables on historical credit and collections experience, customers current financial condition and the specific 

identification of other potential problems, including the economic climate. Actual collections can differ, requiring adjustments to the allowances, 

but historically such adjustments have not been material.

The following table presents the activity in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts:

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

$

$

$

Beginning
Balance

Net Additions/
(Reductions) to 
Costs and Expenses

Deductions and 
Other Adjustments

Ending Balance

2,746,647

$

— $

(295,354)

$

2,451,293

2,714,533

$

— $

32,114

$

2,746,647

2,917,424

$

— $

(202,891)

$

2,714,533

The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts primarily relates to financially distressed automotive customers. The Company continues  

to work with these financially distressed customers in collecting past due balances.

Short-Term Investments:

Certificate of Deposit

Corporate Bonds

Government Securities

Other

Long-Term Investments:

Asset-backed Securities

Certificate of Deposit

Corporate Bonds

Government Securities

Municipal Bonds

50,099,795

29,219,685

58,432,823

2,631,750

25,791,029

3,557,798

22,815,998

6,088,190

72,638,690

50,099,795

—

—

2,631,750

—

29,219,685

58,432,823

—

—

25,791,029

3,557,798

—

—

—

—

22,815,998

6,088,190

72,638,690

Total

$

567,597,380 $

352,610,965 $

214,986,415

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   58

59  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

Description

December 31, 2018

(Level I)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Certificate of Deposit

$

150,299,384 $

— $

— $

150,299,384

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets

Significant Other
Observable Inputs

Significant
Unobservable Inputs

2018

Short-Term Investments:

Unrealized

Cost

Gains

Losses

Market Value

Cash & Cash Equivalents

Short-Term Investments:

217,025,278 $

217,025,278 $

— $

Certificate of Deposit

150,299,384

150,299,384

Corporate Bonds

Government Securities

Other

Long-Term Investments:

Corporate Bonds

Municipal Bonds

Government Securities

6,967,700

9,176,227

2,219,688

60,369,930

18,025,432

56,483,720

—

—

2,219,688

—

—

—

—

6,967,700

9,176,227

—

60,369,930

18,025,432

56,483,720

Total

$

520,567,359 $

369,544,350 $

151,023,009

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and market value of investment securities are shown as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:

Government Securities

Corporate Bonds

Other

Long-Term Investments:

Corporate Bonds

Common Stocks

Municipal Bonds

Government Securities

9,186,586

6,981,305

2,219,688

60,659,498

—

17,840,518

56,280,552

—

—

—

50,340

—

184,914

205,553

(10,359)

(13,605)

—

9,176,227

6,967,700

2,219,688

(339,908)

60,369,930

—

—

(2,385)

—

18,025,432

56,483,720

Total

$

303,467,531 $

440,807 $

(366,257)

$

303,542,081

Unrealized losses on investments as of December 31, 2019 are as follows:

2019

Short-Term Investments:

Unrealized

Less than one year

Greater than one year

Cost

Gains

Losses

Market Value

Total

Aggregate Unrealized Losses

Aggregate Fair Value

$

$

587,564

—

587,564

$

$

90,721,081

—

90,721,081

Certificate of Deposit

$

50,099,795 $

— $

— $

50,099,795

Unrealized losses on investments as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

Corporate Bonds

Government Securities

Other

Long-Term Investments:

Asset-backed Securities

Certificate of Deposit

Corporate Bonds

Government Securities

Municipal Bonds

29,025,624

58,343,911

2,631,750

25,971,156

3,500,000

22,306,130

6,012,705

71,997,996

194,061

99,917

—

—

58,808

509,868

75,485

—

(11,005)

—

(180,127)

(1,010)

—

—

1,036,116

(395,422)

29,219,685

58,432,823

2,631,750

25,791,029

3,557,798

22,815,998

6,088,190

72,638,690

Total

$

269,889,067 $

1,974,255 $

(587,564)

$

271,275,758

Less than one year

Greater than one year

Total

$

$

365,824

$

433

366,257

$

68,722,980

3,000,000

71,722,980

Aggregate Unrealized Losses

Aggregate Fair Value

ASC 320, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, as amended and interpreted, provides guidance on determining  

when an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company reviews its fixed income investments for any unrealized losses that 

would be deemed other-than-temporary and require the recognition of an impairment loss in income. If the cost of an investment exceeds 

its fair value, the Company evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than 

cost, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investments. Management also considers the type of security, related-industry  

and sector performance, as well as published investment ratings and analyst reports, to evaluate its portfolio. Once a decline in fair value  

is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded and new cost basis in the investment is established. If  

market, industry, and/or investee conditions deteriorate, the Company may incur future impairments. No investments were considered  

to be other-than-temporarily impaired in 2019 and 2018.

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61  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

Fixed income securities as of December 31, 2019, have contractual maturities as follows: 

Patents

Due within one year

Due between one and five years

Due over five years

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

$

$

137,752,302

43,125,222

87,766,483

268,644,007

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and short and 

long-term debt. The Company’s estimate of the fair values of these financial instruments approximates their carrying amounts at December 31, 

2019 and 2018.

Inventories

The Company’s policy is to capitalize costs incurred to obtain patents. The cost of patents is amortized over their useful lives. The cost of patents 

in process is not amortized until issuance. The Company periodically obtains intellectual property rights, in the ordinary course of business, and 

the cost of the rights are amortized over their useful lives.  

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. The Company reviews goodwill 

for impairment during the fourth quarter on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill 

might be impaired. The Company performs an impairment review for its automotive reporting unit, which has been determined to be one of the 

Company’s reportable segments, using either a qualitative approach or quantitative approach which utilizes a fair value method that incorporates 

certain assumptions and judgments. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an 

orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company performs a qualitative assessment (step 0) to determine 

whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If not, no further goodwill impairment testing 

is performed. If so, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit using step 1 and step 2 tests. If the fair value of the reporting unit  

Inventories include material, direct labor and manufacturing overhead and are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or net 

is greater than its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. However, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than  

realizable value. Inventories consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:

its carrying amount, an impairment change is recorded as the excess of the reporting units carrying value over its fair value.

Raw materials

Work-in-process

Finished goods

Total Inventory

$

$

2019

164,974,553

$

33,069,255

50,898,047

248,941,855

$

2018

139,058,541

35,386,615

50,836,443

225,281,599

Estimated inventory allowances for slow-moving and obsolete inventories are based on current assessments of future demands, market 

conditions, evaluation of longer lead times for certain electronic components and related management initiatives. If market conditions 

The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations 

which could result in an impairment charge in future periods if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its calculated fair value. For  

the qualitative assessment performed, management considers factors such as macro-economic conditions, industry and market considerations, 

overall financial performance, and other company-specific events, amongst other factors, in making the determination as to whether it is more 

likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. Other than management’s internal projections of future cash 

flows, the primary assumptions used in the step 1 and step 2 impairment tests are the weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth 

rates. Although the Company’s cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with 

the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying business, there are significant judgments in determining the expected 

future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit. There have been no impairment charges recorded currently or in prior periods in which 

or customer requirements change and are less favorable than those projected by management, inventory allowances are adjusted accordingly. 

goodwill existed.

Allowances for slow-moving and obsolete inventories (which are included, net, in the above inventory values) were $7.6 million and $7.8 million  

at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed for financial reporting purposes using the straight-

line method, with estimated useful lives of 7 to 30 years for buildings and improvements, and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. 

Depreciation expense was approximately $82.3 million, $79.7 million and $77.0 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Indefinite lived intangible assets are also subject to annual impairment testing or more frequently if indicators of impairment are identified. 

Management judgment and assumptions are required in determining the underlying fair value of the indefinite lived intangible assets. While 

the Company believes the judgments and assumptions used in determining fair value are reasonable, different assumptions could change the 

estimated fair values and, therefore, impairment charges could be required, which could be material to the consolidated financial statements.  

The indefinite lived intangible assets were not impaired as a result of the annual test prepared by management for either period presented.

Refer to Note 10, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for information regarding the impairment testing performed in calendar year 2019.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

Revenue Recognition

The Company reviews long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets with definite lives, for impairment 

whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company conducts its long-

lived asset impairment analysis in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. ASC 360-10-15 requires 

the Company to group assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other 

assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not 

indicate the carrying amount of the asset is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the 

asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. 

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. 

Accordingly, revenue is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for 

promised goods or services when it transfers those goods or services to customers. Sales are shown net of returns, which have not historically 

been significant. The Company does not generate sales from arrangements with multiple deliverables. The Company generally receives purchase 

orders from customers on an annual basis. Typically, such purchase order provide the annual terms, including pricing, related to a particular 

vehicle model. Purchase orders generally do not specify quantities. The Company recognizes revenue based on the pricing terms included in our 

annual purchase orders. 

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   62

63  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

As part of certain agreements, entered into in the ordinary course of business, the Company is asked to provide customers with annual price 

reductions. Such amounts are subject to estimate and are accrued as a reduction of revenue as products are shipped to those customers. For any 

shipments of product that may be subject to retroactive price adjustments that are then being negotiated, the Company records revenue based 

on the Company’s best estimate of the amount of consideration to which the entity will be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised 

goods to the customer. The Company’s best estimate requires significant judgment based on historical results and expected outcomes of ongoing 

negotiations with customers. The Company’s approach is to consider these adjustments to the contract price as variable consideration which  

is estimated based on the then most likely price amount. In addition, the Company has ongoing adjustments to our pricing arrangements with 

customers based on the related content, the cost of our products and other commercial factors. Such pricing accruals are adjusted as they are 

Year ending December 31,

2020

2021

2022

2023

Thereafter

settled with our customers. Refer to Note 11, “Revenue”, for further information.

Total future minimum lease payments

Advertising and Promotional Materials

All advertising and promotional costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to approximately $3.0 million, $2.5 million and $2.6 million,  

in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Repairs and Maintenance

Major renewals and improvements of property and equipment are capitalized, and repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The 

Company incurred expenses relating to the repair and maintenance of plant and equipment of approximately $28.9 million, $28.9 million  

and $24.6 million, in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured for a portion of its risk on workers’ compensation and employee medical costs. The arrangements provide for stop 

loss insurance to manage the Company’s risk. Such costs are accrued based on known claims and an estimate of incurred, but not reported 

(IBNR) claims. IBNR claims are estimated using historical lag information and other data provided by claims administrators. This estimation 

process is subjective, and to the extent that future results differ from original estimates, adjustments to recorded accruals may be necessary.

Product Warranty

The Company periodically incurs product warranty costs. Any liabilities associated with product warranty are estimated based on known facts and 

circumstances and are not significant at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. The Company does not offer extended warranties on its products.

Income Taxes

Less imputed interest

Total

Earnings Per Share

last three years:

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE

Net Income

Less: Allocated to participating securities(1)

Net Income available to common shareholders

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

Net Income per share - Basic

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

Allocation of Net Income used in basic computation

The provision for income taxes is based on the earnings reported in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax assets and 

Reallocation of undistributed earnings

liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in deductible or 

taxable amounts in the future. Such deferred income tax asset and liability computations are based on enacted tax laws and rates. The Company 

applies the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes, as it relates to uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial 

statements. A threshold of more likely than not to be sustained upon examination is applied to uncertain tax positions. The Company deems  

Net Income available to common shareholders - Diluted

Number of shares used in basic computation

Additional weighted average dilutive common stock equivalents

the estimates related to this provision to be reasonable, however, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not vary 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

from what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals.

Net income per share - Diluted

$

$

$

786,807

297,316

145,154

19,296

15,105

1,263,678

(84,964)

1,178,714

2019

2018

2017

424,683,939

$

437,883,097 $

406,791,922

5,028,813

—

—

419,655,126

$

437,883,097 $

406,791,922

251,766,382

267,794,786

285,864,997

1.67

$

1.64 $

1.42

419,655,126

$

437,883,097 $

406,791,922

21,104

21,007

19,398

419,676,230

$

437,904,104 $

406,811,320

251,766,382

267,794,786

285,864,997

1,506,608

2,082,563

2,361,092

253,272,990

269,877,349

288,226,089

1.66

$

1.62 $

1.41

$

$

$

$

$

$

The Company has unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive non-forfeitable dividends, which are considered participating 

securities under ASC 260, Earnings Per Share. The Company allocates earnings to participating securities and computes earnings per share using 

the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net income per share is computed by dividing net income allocated to common shareholders  

by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In applying the two-class method, net income is allocated to both 

common shares and participating securities based on their respective weighted average shares outstanding for the period. 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share under the two-class method for each of the 

Leases

The Company has operating leases for corporate offices, warehouses, vehicles, and other equipment, which are included within “Plant and 

Equipment” section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 5 years. The weighted average 

remaining lease term for operating leases as of December 31, 2019 was 2 years, with a weighted average discount rate of 2.9%. Future minimum 

lease payments for operating leases as of December 31, 2019 were as follows:

(1) 

 While there were participating securities in 2018 and 2017, they did not have a material impact on the twoclass EPS calculation. Net income allocated to participating securities  
in 2018 and 2017 was $3,836,536 and $2,562,473, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, 247,855 shares, 698,019 shares, and 910,105 shares, respectively, related to stock option 

plans were not included in diluted average common shares outstanding because they were anti-dilutive.

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   64

65  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(2) DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Comprehensive income (loss) reflects the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and 

circumstances from non-owner sources. For the Company, comprehensive income represents net income adjusted for unrealized gains and 

losses on certain investments, derivatives, and foreign currency translation adjustments that are further detailed in Note 9 to the Consolidated 

Financial Statements.

Foreign Currency Translation

On October 15, 2018, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with PNC as the administrative agent and sole lender.

Pursuant to this Credit Agreement, the Company has access to a $150 million senior revolving credit facility (“Revolver”). Under the terms of 

the Credit Agreement, the Company is entitled to further request an additional aggregate principal amount of up to $100 million, subject to the 

satisfaction of certain conditions. In addition, the Company is entitled to the benefit of Swing Loans from amounts otherwise available under 

the Revolver in the aggregate principal amount of up to $20 million and to request Letters of Credit from amounts otherwise available under 

the Revolver in the aggregate principle amount up to $20 million, both subject to certain conditions. The obligations of the Company under the 

The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional 

Credit Agreement are not secured, but are subject to certain covenants. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no outstanding balances 

currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at year-end. Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate 

on the Revolver. The Revolver expires on October 15, 2023.

of exchange in effect during the year. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ investment. Gains 

and losses arising from re-measuring foreign currency transactions into the appropriate currency are included in the determination of net income.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and certain covenants that place certain limitations on the Company.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with its covenants under the Credit Agreement.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, Compensation - Stock 

(3) INCOME TAXES

Compensation. As described more fully in Note 5, the Company provides compensation benefits under an omnibus incentive plan, two other 

stock option plans, another restricted stock plan, and an employee stock purchase plan. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes model, which 

The provision for income taxes is based on the earnings reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company recognizes 

requires the input of subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating (a) the length of time employees will retain their vested stock 

deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial 

options before exercising them (“expected term”), (b) the volatility of the Company’s common stock price over the expected term, (c) the number 

statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the cumulative temporary 

of options that will ultimately not complete their vesting requirements (“forfeitures”) and (d) expected dividends. Changes in the subjective 

differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income  

assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amounts recognized  

in years which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred income tax expense is measured by the net change  

on the consolidated condensed statements of operations.

in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year.

Estimates

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”), a tax reform bill signed into law in 2017, reduced the current federal income tax rate for corporations 

to 21% from 35%, among other things. The rate reduction was effective as of January 1, 2018, and as written is permanent. The Act caused the 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management  

Company’s deferred income taxes to be revalued during calendar year 2017, resulting in a reduction to income tax expense of $38.4 million in 

to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at  

that period. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through income tax expense. The one time 

the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ 

transition tax calculation, a separate provision of the Act, was also competed and was not material.

from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Standards

The foreign components of income before the provision for income taxes were not material for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 

2017. The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases, which provides guidance for lease 

accounting. The new guidance contained in the ASU stipulates that lessees will need to recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease 

Currently payable:

liability for substantially all leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability will be equal to the present value 

of lease payments. Treatment in the consolidated statements of income will be similar to the historical treatment of operating and capital leases. 

The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet or consolidated income statement. 

Disclosures are now required to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash 

flows arising from leases.

Federal

State

Foreign

Total

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit 

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:

2019

2018

2017

$

73,563,685

$

83,010,387 $

133,166,194

3,765,929

1,468,018

3,743,781

1,776,837

3,984,000

2,440,000

78,797,632

88,531,005

139,590,194

Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard requires a change in the measurement approach for credit losses on financial assets measured 

on an amortized cost basis from an incurred loss method to an expected loss method, thereby eliminating the requirement that a credit loss be 

considered probable to impact the valuation of a financial asset measured on an amortized cost basis. The standard requires the measurement of 

expected credit losses to be based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and a reasonable 

and supportable forecast that affects the collectability of the related financial asset. It also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale 

debt securities and provides a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination.  

The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet or consolidated income statement. 

Primarily federal

Provision for income taxes

(3,066,237)

(4,367,155)

(14,585,412)

$

75,731,395

$

84,163,850 $

125,004,782

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   66

67  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

The effective income tax rates are different from the statutory federal income tax rates for the following reasons:

If recognized, unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate.

Statutory federal income tax rate

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

Domestic production exclusion

Research tax credit

Increase in reserve for uncertain tax provisions

Change in tax rate on deferred taxes

Foreign tax credit

Foreign derived intangible income deduction

Stock compensation

Other

Effective income tax rate

2019

21.0%

0.6

—

(1.1)

0.3

—

(0.1)

(4.8)

(1.1)

0.3

2018

21.0%

0.6

—

(0.8)

0.1

0.5

(0.1)

(4.6)

(1.0)

0.4

2017

35.0%

0.5

(2.8)

(0.8)

0.1

(7.2)

(0.8)

—

(1.0)

0.5

15.1%

16.1%

23.5%

The tax effect of temporary differences which give rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018, are as follows: 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits through the provision for income taxes. The Company has 

accrued approximately $574,000, $315,000, and $433,000 for interest as of December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Interest recorded 

during 2019, 2018 and 2017 was not considered significant.

The Company is also subject to periodic and routine audits in both domestic and foreign tax jurisdictions, and it is reasonably possible  

that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits could change as a result of an audit. 

Based on the current audits in process, the payment of taxes as a result of audit settlements, and the completion of tax examinations,  

the Company does not expect these to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

For the majority of tax jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations  

by tax authorities for years before 2015.

(4) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The Company has a 401(k) retirement savings plan in which substantially all of its employees may participate. The plan includes a provision  

for the Company to match a percentage of the employee’s contributions at a rate determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. In 2019, 

2018 and 2017 the Company’s contributions were approximately $8.7 million, $8.2 million and $7.7 million, respectively. The increase in each  

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

of the years was due to increased employee participation in the plan. 

The Company does not provide health care benefits to retired employees.

ASSETS:

Accruals not currently deductible

Stock based compensation

Other

Total deferred income tax assets

LIABILITIES:

Excess tax over book depreciation

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Other

Total deferred income tax liability

Net deferred income taxes

$

$

$

$

6,478,146 $

9,100,745

66,830

5,111,242

9,586,372

356,039

15,645,721 $

15,053,653

(30,725,471)

(27,799,640)

(6,171,628)

(2,403,131)

(39,835,025)

(23,341,226)

(5,089,042)

(1,309,849)

(67,099,870) $

(69,575,142)

(51,454,149) $

(54,521,489)

The Gentex Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) is intended to enhance retirement 

savings among a select group of management or highly compensated employees who contribute significantly to the success of the Company.  

It is also intended to constitute an unfunded non-qualified deferred compensation plan described in Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3), and 401(a)(1)  

of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). Only select management and highly compensated employees, 

including executive officers, are eligible to participate. The Deferred Compensation Plan is administered by a committee who shall approve 

designation of any participants and may also remove participants. 

Participants may elect, on a pre-tax basis, to defer receipt of compensation by making an election in accordance with the terms of the Deferred 

Compensation Plan. Participants are immediately vested in their own deferrals and related earnings. The Company may, but is not required, to 

match participant deferrals. Participants are generally vested in any such matching contributions 50% after two years but before three years of 

service and 100% after three years of service. A participant’s vested credit balance under the Deferred Compensation Plan will generally be paid 

on the earliest to occur of: a separation from service; a fixed date or event; a change of control; or a plan termination. A participant can elect 

whether to receive his or her vested credit balance in a lump sum on the relevant payment date or in installments thereafter. 

(5) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

At December 31, 2019, the Company had two equity incentive plans under which awards are made, which include the Gentex Corporation 2019 

Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2019 Omnibus Plan”), and an employee stock purchase plan. Those plans and any material amendments thereto have 

Income taxes paid in cash were approximately $74.9 million, $86.9 million and $126.0 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

2019

2018

2017

previously been approved by shareholders. 

Beginning of year

$

4,678,000

$

4,435,000

$

3,408,000

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

Additions for tax positions in prior years

Reductions for tax positions in prior years

1,695,000

657,000

(38,000)

1,677,000

283,000

(163,000)

Reductions as a result of completed audit examinations

—

(1,554,000)

Reductions as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations

(600,000)

—

End of year

$

6,392,000

$

4,678,000

$

941,000

289,000

(63,000)

—

(140,000)

4,435,000

The 2019 Omnibus Plan provides for the potential awards to: i) employees; and ii) non-employee directors of the Company or its subsidiaries, 

which potential awards may be stock options, both incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, appreciation rights, restricted stock, 

restricted stock units, performance share awards and performance units, and other awards that are stock-based, cash-based or a combination 

of both. The 2019 Omnibus Plan replaced the Company’s Employee Stock Option Plan, Second Restricted Stock Plan, and Amended and 

Restated Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “Prior Plans”), which were also approved by shareholders. Any existing awards 

previously granted under the Prior Plans remain outstanding in accordance with their terms and are governed by the Prior Plans as applicable.

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   68

69  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan

The 2019 Omnibus Plan covers 45,000,000 shares of common stock. The purpose of the 2019 Omnibus Plan is to attract and retain employees, 

officers, and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries and to motivate and provide such persons incentives and rewards for performance.  

Shares (000) Wtd. Avg. Ex. Price

Wtd. Avg. Remaining 
Contract Life

Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (000)

2018

As of December 31, 2019, 4,919,256 shares (net of shares from canceled/expired options) have been issued under the 2019 Omnibus Plan, which 

Outstanding at Beginning of Year

11,837

$

(1)  Represents the Company’s estimated cash dividend yield over the expected term of option grant.

are presented in the table below:

(2)   Amount is determined based on analysis of historical price volatility of the Company’s common stock. The expected volatility is based on the daily percentage change in the price  

includes stock options (at a set conversion rate), restricted shares, and performance share awards.

EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS

The Employee Stock Option Plan allowed the Company to grant up to 24,000,000 shares of common stock under the plan, prior to its replacement 

by the 2019 Omnibus Plan.

The Company has granted options on 796,635 shares (net of shares from canceled/expired options) under the 2019 Omnibus Plan and 

12,903,592 shares (net of shares from canceled/expired options) under the prior plan through December 31, 2019. Under each of such plans,  

the option exercise price equals the stock’s market price on date of grant. The options vest after one to five years, and expire after five to ten years.

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following 

weighted-average assumptions for the indicated periods:

Dividend yield(1)

Expected volatility(2)

Risk-free interest rate(3)

Expected term of options (in years)(4)

2019

2.0%

23.9%

1.8%

4.2

2018

2.1%

26.0%

2.7%

4.2

Weighted-average grant-date fair value

$

4

$

5

$

2017

2.1%

26.7%

2.0%

4.2

4

of the stock over a period equal to the expected term of the option grant.

(3)  Represents the U.S. Treasury yield over the expected term of the option grant.

(4)   Represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. Based on analysis of historical option exercise activity, the Company has determined that all 

employee groups exhibit similar exercise and post-vesting termination behavior.

As of December 31, 2019, there was $6,316,567 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option awards which is expected to be recognized 

over the remaining vesting periods, with a weighted-average period of 1.90 years.

A summary of the status of the Company’s employee stock option plan at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, and changes during the same 

periods are presented in the tables below.

Shares (000) Wtd. Avg. Ex. Price

Wtd. Avg. Remaining 
Contract Life

Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (000)

2019

Outstanding at Beginning of Year

8,944

$

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at End of Year

Exercisable at End of Year

1,049

(4,402)

(156)

5,435

1,859

$

18

25

16

20

20

18

$

$

$

3.1 Yrs

2.2 Yrs

36,294

47,170

20,484

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at End of Year

Exercisable at End of Year

1,613

(4,278)

(228)

8,944

4,101

$

16

22

15

18

18

16

2017

$

$

$

2.8 Yrs

1.7 Yrs

38,097

24,881

16,162

Shares (000) Wtd. Avg. Ex. Price

Wtd. Avg. Remaining 
Contract Life

Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (000)

Outstanding at Beginning of Year

14,252

$

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at End of Year

Exercisable at End of Year

1,295

(3,476)

(234)

11,837

5,297

$

15

20

13

16

16

15

$

25,156

2.7 Yrs $

2 Yrs $

58,202

32,152

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested employee stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, 

2019

2018

Shares
(000)

4,842

$

1,049

(2,165)

(151)

3,575

$

Wtd. Avg
Grant Date
Fair Value

4

4

4

4

4

Shares
(000)

6,540

$

1,613

(3,089)

(222)

4,842

$

Wtd. Avg
Grant Date
Fair Value

4

5

4

4

4

2017

Shares
(000)

9,397 $

1,295

(3,941)

(211)

6,540 $

Wtd. Avg
Grant Date
Fair Value

4

4

4

4

4

Nonvested Stock Options  
at Beginning of Year

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Nonvested Stock Options  
at End of Year

Restricted Shares

The Company’s Second Restricted Stock Plan provided for a maximum number of shares that may be subject to awards of 9,000,000 shares, 

prior to its replacement by the 2019 Omnibus Plan.

Restricted shares awarded under either that plan or the 2019 Omnibus Plan entitle the shareholder to all rights of common stock ownership 

except that the shares may not be sold, transferred, pledged, exchanged or otherwise disposed of during the restriction period. The restriction 

period is determined by a committee, appointed by the Board of Directors, but may not exceed ten years. The Company has issued 854,633 

shares under the 2019 Omnibus Plan and 5,762,672 shares under the prior plan as of December 31, 2019, and has 3,315,482 shares outstanding 

under such plans.

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   70

71  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

773,698

20.68 - 28.98

762,749

20.21 - 23.14

628,015

18.97 - 21.33

REVENUE:

2019

2018

2017

1 Year

3 Years

4 Years

5 Years

Vesting Period(1)

Shares Granted

Market Price at 
Vesting Date

Shares Granted

Market Price at 
Vesting Date

Shares Granted

Market Price at 
Vesting Date

2019

2018

2017

39,627

$

64,718

22.19

20.40

— $

—

—

—

— $

—

—

—

254,988

20.68 - 28.98

279,420

20.21 - 23.14

228,630

18.97 - 21.33

1,133,031

$20.40 - 28.98

1,042,169

$20.21 - 23.14

856,645

$18.97 - 21.33

(1)     Each of these awards cliff vest after the restriction period with no additional restrictions. 

As of December 31, 2019, there was unearned stock-based compensation of $47,139,370 associated with these restricted stock grants. The unearned 

stock-based compensation related to these grants is being amortized to compensation expense over the applicable restriction periods. Amortization 

expense of restricted stock for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $13,770,917, $8,841,985, and $5,353,339 respectively.

Performance Shares 

Performance shares awarded under the 2019 Omnibus Plan are considered performance condition awards as attainment is based on the 

Company’s performance relative to pre-established metrics. The fair value of such performance share awards was determined using the 

Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant. The expected attainment of the metrics for these awards is then analyzed each reporting 

period, and the related expense is adjusted based on expected attainment, if the then expected attainment differs from previous expectations.  

The cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a change in expected attainment is recognized in the period of change. As of December 31, 

2019, the Company had unearned stock-based compensation of $2,224,328 associated with these performance share grants. The unearned  

stock-based compensation related to these grants is being amortized to compensation expense over the applicable performance periods. 

Amortization expense from performance share grants for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $897,136. No amortization expense for 

performance share grants was incurred in 2018 or 2017, as no such awards were issued or outstanding.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In 2013, the Gentex Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan covering 2,000,000 shares of common stock was approved by the shareholders, 

replacing a prior plan. Under such plan, the Company sells shares at 85% of the stock’s market price at the date of purchase. Under ASC 718,  

the 15% discounted value is recognized as compensation expense. The following table summarizes shares sold to employees under the 2013 Plan 

in the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

Plan

2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

2019

173,013

2018

177,846

2017

175,479

Cumulative Shares 
Issued in 2019

Weighted Average 
Fair Value 2019

1,145,856

$

21.40

( 6 )   C O N T I N G E N C I E S

The Company is periodically involved in legal proceedings, legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business, including 

proceedings relating to product liability, intellectual property, safety and health, employment and other matters. Such matters are subject to many 

uncertainties and outcomes are not predictable. The Company does not believe, however, that at the current time there are 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.

( 7 )   S E G M E N T   R E P O R T I N G

ASC 280, Segment Reporting, requires that a public enterprise report financial and descriptive information about its reportable operating 

segments subject to certain aggregation criteria and quantitative thresholds. Operating segments are defined by ASC 280 as components of an 

enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-makers in deciding 

how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

Automotive Products

United States

Germany

Japan

Mexico

Other Countries

Other

Total

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

Automotive Products

Other

Total

ASSETS:

Automotive Products

Other

Corporate

Total

DEPRECIATION & AMORTIZATION:

Automotive Products

Other

Corporate

Total

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES:

Automotive Products

Other

Corporate

Total

$

569,939,756 $

583,672,971

$

567,492,812

296,276,971

225,577,146

160,967,900

557,775,114

48,360,519

333,002,878

209,311,790

106,111,515

559,099,142

42,865,401

351,123,204

185,261,067

93,603,796

560,646,589

36,745,110

1,858,897,406 $

1,834,063,697

$

1,794,872,578

473,546,112 $

495,471,799

$

512,895,699

14,991,492

12,653,748

10,462,653

488,537,604 $

508,125,547

$

523,358,352

1,463,030,286 $

1,449,910,935

$

1,472,061,650

16,000,669

14,333,098

9,576,514

689,772,238

621,190,035

870,415,748

2,168,803,193 $

2,085,434,068

$

2,352,053,912

97,520,972 $

97,279,052

$

95,378,100

481,861

6,700,141

422,844

4,484,918

300,935

3,891,873

104,702,974 $

102,186,814

$

99,570,908

63,537,512 $

84,337,455

$

82,703,576

1,704,045

19,338,698

1,447,494

205,621

170,357

21,166,986

84,580,255 $

85,990,570

$

104,040,919

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   72

73  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

 
Other includes Dimmable Aircraft Windows and Fire Protection Products. Major product line revenues included within these segments are as follows:

( 9 )   C O M P R E H E N S I V E   I N C O M E

Automotive Products

Automotive Mirrors

HomeLink Modules*

Total Automotive Products

Other Products Revenue

Total Revenue

2019

2018

2017

$

$

$

$

1,638,600,272 $

1,598,589,777

$

1,573,222,820

171,936,615

192,608,519

184,904,648

1,810,536,887 $

1,791,198,296

48,360,519 $

42,865,401

1,858,897,406 $

1,834,063,697

$

$

$

1,758,127,468

36,745,110

1,794,872,578

Comprehensive income reflects the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances 

from non-owner sources. For the Company, comprehensive income represents net income adjusted for unrealized gains and losses on certain 

investments, foreign currency translation adjustments, and unrealized movement in derivative financial instruments designated as hedges.

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

Balance at beginning of period

$

(1,674,887) $

645,030 $

(2,862,999)

For the Twelve Months ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

*  Excludes HomeLink revenue integrated into automotive mirrors. 

Corporate assets are principally cash and cash equivalents, investments, deferred income taxes and corporate fixed assets. Depreciation & 

Amortization on corporate fixed assets are allocated as appropriate to the Automotive and Other segments when reviewing operating results. 

Substantially all long-lived assets are located in the U.S.

Automotive Products revenues in the “Other countries” category are sales to customer automotive manufacturing plants in Korea, Mexico, 

Canada, Hungary, China, and the United Kingdom as well as other foreign automotive customers. Most of the Company’s non-U.S. sales are 

invoiced and paid in U.S. dollars. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, approximately 7%, 8% and 8% of the Company’s 

net sales were invoiced and paid in foreign currencies, respectively.

In 2019, the Company had three automotive customers (including direct sales to OEM customers and sales through their Tier 1 suppliers), 

which individually accounted for 10% or more of net sales as follows:

Toyota Motor Company

Volkswagen Group

General Motors

Daimler Group

Ford Motor Company

2019

2018

2017

#  Less than 10 percent.

13%

13%

12%

14%

15%

15%

11%

#

#

#

10%

10%

#

#

10%

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

Net current-period change

Balance at end of period

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:

Balance at beginning of period

ASU 2016-01 adoption impact

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other  
comprehensive income

Net current-period change

Balance at end of period

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives:

Balance at beginning of period

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other  
comprehensive income

Net current-period change

Balance at end of period

(709,702)

(709,702)

(2,384,589)

74,549

—

1,403,521

(2,319,917)

(2,319,917)

(1,674,887)

6,626,379

(6,642,727)

1,675,823

(382,584)

(1,584,926)

1,020,937

1,095,486

(6,551,830)

74,549

—

—

—

—

—

(78,026)

175,308

(97,282)

78,026

—

( 8 )   Q U A R T E R LY   F I N A N C I A L   I N F O R M A T I O N   ( U N A U D I T E D )

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, end of period

$

(1,289,103) $

(1,600,338) $

The following table sets forth selected financial information for all of the quarters during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018  

(in thousands, except per share data):

All amounts are shown net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.

3,508,029

3,508,029

645,030

2,788,975

—

4,444,360

(606,956)

3,837,404

6,626,379

(1,197,281)

248,042

871,213

1,119,255

(78,026)

7,193,383

First

Second

Third

Fourth

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

Net Sales

Gross Profit

$

468,589 $

465,420

$

468,711 $

454,981

$

477,761 $

460,253

$

443,836 $

453,409

169,645

172,628

176,538

172,804

180,321

172,990

161,805

172,044

Operating Income

121,596

128,515

127,905

126,683

128,136

127,428

110,901

125,499

Net Income

104,280

111,249

108,959

109,024

111,898

111,336

99,547

106,275

Earnings Per Share  
(Basic)(1)

Earnings Per Share  
(Diluted)(1)

$

$

0.40 $

0.40

$

0.42 $

0.40

$

0.44 $

0.42

$

0.39 $

0.41

0.40 $

0.40

$

0.42 $

0.40

$

0.44 $

0.42

$

0.39 $

0.41

(1) 

 Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each quarter presented. Therefore the sum of quarterly basic and diluted per share information may not equal 
annual basis and diluted earnings per share.

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   74

75  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

The following table presents details of reclassifications out of other comprehensive income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 

As of December 31, 2018:

2018 and 2017.

Details about Accumulated Other  
Comprehensive Income Components

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale  
debt securities

Realized gain on sale of securities

Provision for income taxes

Total reclassifications for the period

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives

Realized loss on interest rate swap

Provision for income taxes

Total reclassifications for the period

$

$

$

$

$

For the Twelve Months ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

Affected Line item in the Statement 
of Consolidated Income

484,283

$

2,006,235

$

933,778

Other income (expense), net

(101,699)

(421,309)

(326,822)

Provision for Income Taxes

382,584

$

1,584,926

$

606,956

Net of tax

— $

123,142

$

(1,340,329)

Other income (expense), net

—

(25,860)

469,116

Provision for Income Taxes

— $

97,282

382,584

$

1,682,208

$

$

(871,213)

Net of tax

(264,257)

Net of tax

( 1 0 )   G O O D W I L L   A N D   I N T A N G I B L E   A S S E T S

Other Intangible Assets

Gross

Accumulated  
Amortization

Net

HomeLink Trade Names and Trademarks

$

52,000,000

$

— $

52,000,000

HomeLink Technology

180,000,000

(78,750,000)

Existing Customer Platforms

Exclusive Licensing Agreement

43,000,000

96,000,000

(22,575,000)

$

$

101,250,000

20,425,000

— $

96,000,000

Assumed  
Useful Life

Indefinite

12 years

10 years

Indefinite

Total other identifiable intangible assets

371,000,000

(101,325,000)

269,675,000

Accumulated amortization on patents and intangible assets was approximately $143.1 million and $122.3 million at December 31, 2019 and 

2018, respectively. Amortization expense on patents and other intangible assets was approximately $22.4 million, $22.5 million, and $22.5 

million in calendar years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. At December 31, 2019, patents had a weighted average amortized life of 10 years.

Excluding the impact of any future acquisitions, the Company anticipates amortization expense including patents and other intangible assets 

for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021 to be approximately $22 million annually, approximately $21 million for the year 

ended December 31, 2022, approximately $19 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, and approximately $16 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2024.

( 1 1 )   R E V E N U E

The Company recorded Goodwill of $307.4 million related to the HomeLink acquisition, which occurred in September 2013. The carrying value 

The following table shows the Company’s Automotive and Other Products revenue disaggregated by geographical location for Automotive 

of Goodwill as of both December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $307.4 million as set forth in the table below.

Products for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:

Balance as of December 31, 2018

Acquisitions

Divestitures

Impairments

Other

Carrying Amount

$

307,365,845

—

—

—

—

Balance as of December 31, 2019

$

307,365,845

The Company reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in 

circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The Company has not recognized any impairment of goodwill in the current or prior 

periods. The Company continuously monitors for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining  

fair value thus resulting in the need for interim testing, including long-term revenue growth projections, profitability, discount rates, recent 

market valuations from transactions by comparable companies, volatility in the Company’s market capitalization, and general industry, market 

Revenue

Automotive Products

U.S.

Germany

Japan

Mexico

Other

Total Automotive Products

Other Products (U.S.)

Total Revenue

For the Twelve Months ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

$

569,939,756

$

583,672,971

$

567,492,812

296,276,971

225,577,146

160,967,900

557,775,114

333,002,878

209,311,790

106,111,515

559,099,142

351,123,204

185,261,067

93,603,796

560,646,589

$

$

1,810,536,887

$

1,791,198,296

$

1,758,127,468

48,360,519

42,865,401

36,745,110

1,858,897,406

$

1,834,063,697

$

1,794,872,578

and macro-economic conditions. No such events or circumstances that negatively impacted the key assumptions were noted in 2019.

Revenue by geographic area may fluctuate based on many factors, including: exposure to local economic, political and labor conditions; unexpected 

The Intangible Assets and related change in carrying values are set forth in the table below as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

As of December 31, 2019:

Other Intangible Assets

Gross

Accumulated  
Amortization

Net

HomeLink Trade Names and Trademarks

$

52,000,000

$

— $

52,000,000

HomeLink Technology

180,000,000

(93,750,000) $

86,250,000

Existing Customer Platforms

Exclusive Licensing Agreement

43,000,000

96,000,000

(26,875,000) $

16,125,000

— $

96,000,000

Total other identifiable intangible assets

371,000,000

(120,625,000)

250,375,000

Assumed  
Useful Life

Indefinite

12 years

10 years

Indefinite

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; and tariffs, quotas, customs and other import or export restrictions and other trade barriers.

The following table disaggregates the Company’s Automotive and Other revenue by major source for the twelve month periods ended December 

31, 2019 and 2018:

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   76

77  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

Revenue

Automotive Segment

Automotive Mirrors & Electronics

HomeLink Modules*

Total Automotive Products

Other Segment

Fire Protection Products

Windows Products

Total Other

For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,

2019

2018

HOMELINK MODULES. The Company manufactures and sells HomeLink Modules individually, as well as in combination with the automotive 
mirrors and other advanced features, as described above. For the majority of automotive products, transfer of control and revenue recognition 

occurs when the Company ships the product from the manufacturing facility to the customer.

$

$

$

$

1,638,600,272

171,936,615

1,810,536,887

23,740,261

24,620,258

48,360,519

$

$

$

$

1,598,589,777

192,608,519

1,791,198,296

22,109,784

20,755,617

42,865,401

Other Segment

DIMMABLE AIRCRAFT WINDOWS. The Company supplies variable dimmable windows for the passenger compartment on the Boeing 787 
Dreamliner Series of Aircraft. For dimmable aircraft windows, transfer of control and revenue recognition occurs when the Company ships  

the product from the manufacturing facility to the customer. Payment terms on dimmable aircraft window sales range from 30 days to 45 days. 

FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS. The Company manufactures photoelectric smoke detectors and alarms, visual signaling alarms, electrochemical 
carbon monoxide detectors and alarms, audible and visual signaling alarms, and bells and speakers for use in fire detection systems in office 

buildings, hotels, and other commercial and residential buildings. For fire protection parts, transfer of control and revenue recognition occurs 

when the Company ships the product from the manufacturing facility to the customer. Payment terms on fire protection part sales to customers 

*  Excludes HomeLink revenue related to HomeLink modules integrated into automotive mirrors.

range from 30 days to 75 days. 

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied. Such recognition generally occurs with 

the transfer of control of the products at a point in time. The Company’s automotive OEM contracts generally include Long Term Supply 

Agreements (“LTSA”) entered into in the ordinary course of business and Purchase Orders (“PO”) whereby the LTSA sometimes stipulates the 

pricing and delivery terms and is evaluated together with a PO, which identifies the quantity, timing, and the type of product to be transferred. 

Certain customer contracts do not always have an LTSA, in which case, the contracts are governed by the PO from the customer in conjunction 

with other mutually agreed upon terms and conditions.

The Company does not generate revenue from arrangements with multiple deliverables. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration 

the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods excluding revenue amounts that are transferred to third parties, such as sales, 

value add, and other taxes the Company collects concurrently with revenue-producing activities. The Company does not incur any incremental 

cost to obtain contracts. Costs are incurred to fulfill contracts with the OEM. However, such costs are accounted for under ASC 340-10, and  

are not treated as fulfillment costs under ASC 340-40.

Automotive Products Segment

AUTOMOTIVE REARVIEW MIRRORS AND ELECTRONICS. The Company manufactures interior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview 
mirrors that darken to reduce glare and improve visibility for the driver. These electronic interior mirrors can also include additional electronic 

features such as compass, microphones, HomeLink, lighting assist and driver assist forward safety camera systems, various lighting systems, 

various telematics systems, ITM systems, and a wide variety of displays. The Company also ships interior non-automatic-dimming rearview 

mirrors with features. The Company’s interior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors also power the application of the Company’s 

exterior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors that darken to reduce glare and improve visibility for the driver. These electronic 

exterior mirrors typically range in size and shape per automaker specification, but also include additional features such as turn signal indicators, 

side blind zone indicators, and courtesy lighting. The Company also ships exterior non-automatic-dimming rearview mirrors with similar 

electronic features as what is available in its automatic-dimming applications. The Company manufactures other automotive electronics products 

both inside and outside of the rearview mirror through HomeLink applications in the vehicle including the rearview mirror, interior visor, 

overhead console, or center console.

For the majority of automotive products, transfer of control and revenue recognition occurs when the Company ships the product from the 

manufacturing facility to the customer. The Company generally receives payment equal to the price that applies at the time of invoice for most 

automotive product sales. For any shipments of product that may be subject to retroactive price adjustments that are then being negotiated, the 

Company records revenue based on the Company’s best estimate of the amount of consideration to which the entity will be entitled in exchange  

for transferring the promised goods to the customer. The Company’s best estimate requires significant judgment based on historical results and 

expected outcomes of ongoing negotiations with customers. The Company’s approach is to consider these adjustments to the contract price as 

variable consideration which is estimated based on the then most likely price amount. Payment terms on automotive part sales to customers range 

from 15 days to 90 days. Estimated revenue is adjusted at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration expected to be received 

changes or when the consideration becomes fixed.

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   78

79  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

15-year summary of financial data

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

$ 1,858,897 

$ 1,834,064 

$ 1,794,873 

$ 1,678,925 

$ 1,543,618 

$ 1,375,501 

$ 1,171,864 

$ 1,099,560 

$ 1,023,762 

 $ 816,263 

 $ 544,523 

 $ 623,800 

 $ 653,933 

 $ 572,267 

 $ 536,484 

Research and development expenses

114,687 

107,135 

Selling, general & administrative expenses

85,083 

75,206 

Net Sales

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit

Gross profit margin

Operating income 

Percent of net sales

Interest expense

Other income (expense)

Income before taxes

Percent of net sales

Income taxes

Tax rate

Net income 

Percent of net sales

Return on average equity

Earnings per share - diluted 

Price/earnings ratio range

Weighted average common  
shares outstanding - diluted

Capital expenditures
FINANCIAL POSITION AT YEAR-END

1,170,589 

1,143,597 

1,100,344 

1,010,473 

688,308 

690,467 

694,528 

668,452 

37.0%

37.6%

38.7%

99,726 

71,443 

39.8%

94,238 

62,471 

939,842 

603,776 

39.1%

88,393 

56,617 

836,611 

538,890 

39.2%

84,176 

55,880 

741,131 

430,733 

36.8%

76,495 

49,496 

726,741 

372,819 

33.9%

85,004 

 53,360(4) 

35.3%

81,634 

48,578 

36.2%

64,100 

40,618 

488,538 

508,126 

523,358 

511,743 

458,766 

398,834 

304,742 

 234,455(4) 

231,368 

 190,972 

26.3%

 296 

12,174 

27.7%

 927 

14,849 

29.2%

 4,371 

12,809 

30.5%

 5,684 

 4,501 

29.7%

 4,439 

 9,264 

29.0%

 3,501 

19,993 

26.0%

 937 

24,259 

21.3%

22.6%

23.4%

 - 

 - 

 - 

662,182 

 520,573 

 366,968 

 420,673 

 426,236 

 373,163 

 337,844 

361,580 

 295,690 

 177,555 

 203,127 

 227,697 

 199,104 

 198,640 

32.6%

47,128 

35,808 

94,619 

17.4%

 - 

32.6%

51,889 

34.8%

50,715 

 42,425(3) 

 38,166(1) 

34.8%

41,774 

30,883 

37.0%

35,059 

27,286 

 108,813 

 138,816 

 126,447 

 136,295 

17.4%

21.2%

22.1%

25.4%

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

15,170 

13,064 

12,468 

1,733 

(16,618)

40,923 

32,527 

23,600 

500,415 

522,047 

531,797 

510,561 

463,591 

415,326 

328,064 

249,626 

244,432 

 203,440 

26.9%

75,731 

15.1%

28.5%

29.6%

30.4%

30.0%

30.2%

84,164 

125,005 

162,969 

145,122 

126,722 

16.1%

23.5%

31.9%

31.3%

30.5%

28.0%

105,134 

32.0%

22.7%

81,039 

32.5%

23.9%

79,764 

32.6%

24.9%

65,706 

32.3%

424,684 

437,883 

406,792 

347,591 

318,470 

288,605 

222,930 

168,587 

164,668 

 137,734 

22.8%

22.4%

$ 1.66 

 18-12 

23.9%

22.4%

$ 1.62 

 15-11 

22.7%

20.5%

$ 1.41 

 16-12 

20.7%

19.1%

$ 1.19 

 17-11 

20.6%

19.3%

$ 1.08 

 18-12 

21.0%

19.9%

$ 0.98 

 19-14 

19.0%

18.2%

$ 0.77 

 22-12 

15.3%

15.7%

$ 0.59 

 27-12 

16.1%

17.1%

$ 0.57 

 31-19 

16.9%

16.9%

 $ 0.49 

 31-17 

96,352 

17.7%

31,715 

32.9%

64,637 

11.9%

9.0%

 $ 0.24 

 39-15 

92,195 

 179,739 

 158,974 

 159,895 

14.8%

30,107 

32.7%

62,088 

10.0%

8.2%

 $ 0.22 

 44-15 

27.5%

57,609 

32.1%

27.8%

50,213 

31.6%

29.8%

50,367 

31.5%

 122,130(2) 

 108,761 

 109,528 

18.7%

16.2%

 $0.43(2) 

 27-17 

19.0%

14.1%

 $ 0.37 

 29-17 

20.4%

13.5%

 $ 0.35 

 29-22 

253,273 

269,877 

288,226 

291,072 

296,238 

293,400 

288,548 

287,936 

288,554 

 281,472 

 275,291 

 282,010 

 288,140 

 296,988 

 314,062 

84,580 

85,991 

104,041 

120,956 

97,942 

72,519 

55,380 

117,474 

120,178 

46,862 

21,131 

45,524 

54,524 

48,193 

53,533 

Cash and short-term investments

$ 436,706 

$ 386,438 

$ 722,273 

$ 723,498 

$ 556,105 

$ 497,431 

$ 309,592 

$ 450,482 

$ 418,795 

 $ 434,797 

 $ 353,232 

 $ 323,484 

$ 397,989 

 $ 328,228 

 $ 507,014 

Long-term investments

Total current assets

Total current liabilities

Working capital

Plant and equipment - net

Total assets

139,909 

950,377 

171,847 

778,530 

498,316 

137,979 

 57,782,418 

49,894 

850,930 

1,184,564 

1,154,989 

169,161 

681,769 

498,474 

243,647 

149,858 

940,917 

1,005,131 

492,479 

465,822 

95,157 

984,009 

131,007 

853,002 

412,720 

114,643 

856,638 

133,431 

723,207 

373,391 

107,006 

601,186 

119,980 

481,206 

357,021 

141,834 

744,663 

128,168 

 129,091 

 109,155 

81,349 

 155,384 

 146,216 

 132,525 

752,293 

 655,269 

 505,414 

 457,152 

 528,494 

 446,878 

 618,988 

87,957 

100,695 

72,089 

58,638 

49,472 

68,363 

57,363 

58,088 

656,706 

349,938 

651,598 

 583,181 

 446,776 

 407,680 

 460,131 

 389,515 

 560,900 

282,542 

 205,108 

 197,530 

 214,952 

 205,610 

 184,134 

 164,030 

2,168,803 

2,085,434 

2,352,054 

2,309,620 

2,148,673 

2,022,540 

1,764,088 

1,265,691 

1,163,772 

 1,002,691 

 822,603 

 763,103 

 898,023 

 785,028 

 922,646 

Long-term debt, including current maturities

 -

 -

78,000 

185,625 

225,625 

258,125 

265,625 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Shareholders’ investment

Debt/equity ratio  
(including current maturities)

Common shares outstanding

Book value per share

1,938,088 

1,861,752 

2,049,518 

1,910,424 

1,722,517 

1,571,412 

1,327,604 

1,120,961 

1,027,119 

 893,531 

 735,929 

 698,596 

 806,812 

 702,694 

 841,595 

 -

 -

0.04 

0.10 

0.15 

0.20 

0.23 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

251,278 

259,329 

280,281 

287,738 

291,338 

295,248 

291,156 

286,152 

288,140 

 284,584 

 276,678 

 275,268 

 289,508 

 284,952 

 312,088 

$ 8 

$ 7 

$ 7 

$ 7 

$ 6 

$ 5 

$ 5 

$ 4 

$ 4 

$ 3 

$ 3 

$ 3 

$ 3 

$ 2 

$ 3 

Cash Dividend declared per share

 $ 0.460 

$ 0.440 

$ 0.390 

 $ 0.355 

 $ 0.335 

 $ 0.310 

$ 0.280 

 $ 0.260 

 $ 0.240 

$ 0.220 

$ 0.220 

$ 0.215 

$ 0.200 

$ 0.185 

$ 0.175 

(1)  Includes litigation judgment of $2,885,000 in 2007. 
(2)  Litigation judgment negatively impacted net income by $1,900,000 (after tax) and earnings per share by $0.01. 
(3)  Includes an increase in allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,800,000 
(4)  Includes litigation settlement of $5,000,000 (pre tax) in 2012.

In thousands, except Gross profit margin, Percent of net sales on Income and Net Income, Tax rate, Return on average equity, Per share data, Price/earnings ratio and Debt/Equity ratio. 

All per share data has been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock splits effected in the form of 100 percent common stock dividends issued to shareholders in June 1993, June 1996, 

June 1998, May 2005 and December 2014.

2019 ANNUAL REPO RT   80

81  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

DIRECTORS

Mr. James Wallace, Board Chair

Ms. Leslie Brown

Mr. Gary Goode

Mr. James Hollars

Mr. John Mulder

Mr. Richard Schaum

Mr. Frederick Sotok

Ms. Kathleen Starkoff

Mr. Brian Walker

COMMITTEES 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Mr. Richard Schaum, Committee Chair

Mr. Gary Goode

Mr. James Wallace

NOMINATING AND   

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Mr. James Wallace, Committee Chair

Ms. Leslie Brown

Mr. Gary Goode

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Mr. Gary Goode, Committee Chair

Mr. Richard Schaum

Mr. Frederick Sotok

Ms. Kathleen Starkoff

CORPORATE DATA

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

GENTEX COMMON STOCK

OFFICERS

GENTEX CORPORATION

The Company’s stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select Market 

Steve Downing, President & Chief Executive Officer

600 N. Centennial Street

Zeeland, Michigan 49464

www.gentex.com

under the symbol GNTX. The Company does not have a direct 

Kevin Nash, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, & Vice President of Finance

stock purchase plan or dividend reinvestment policy. Shares of the 

Neil Boehm, Chief Technology Officer & Vice President of Engineering

Company’s stock may be purchased through a stock broker or other 

Scott Ryan, Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

registered securities representative.

Matt Chiodo, Vice President of Sales

Brad Bosma, Vice President of Vision Systems and Dimmable Glass

Paul Flynn, Vice President of Operations

Matt Fox, Vice President of Mechanical Engineering

Sue Franz, Vice President of Chemical Technologies

Ken Horner, Vice President of Quality

Joe Matthews, Diversity Officer and Vice President of Purchasing

Angela Nadeau, Vice President of Commercial Management

Robert Vance, Vice President of New Markets

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

Josh O’Berski 

Director of Investor Relations 

616.772.1590 x5814

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

171 Monroe Avenue, NW, Suite 600

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

www.ey.com

TRANSFER AGENT

AST

6201 15th Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11219

www.amstock.com

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2020 @ 4:30 PM

The Pinnacle Center

3330 Highland Drive, Hudsonville, Michigan

VOTE YOUR SHARES ONLINE

https://proxyvote.com

2019 ANNUAL  REPO RT   82

83  G ENT EX CORPO RAT ION

OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,  
AND COMMITTEES

600 N. Centennial Street
Zeeland, Michigan 49464

616.772.1800
gentex.com | gentextech.com

© 2020 Gentex Corporation 

Gentex®, A Smarter Vision®, Full Display Mirror®, FDM®, ITM®, Integrated Toll Module®, ITM (design)™,  

HomeLink®, HomeLink (house design)®, HomeLink Connect™, and SmartBeam® are all trademarks  

of Gentex Corporation. The products referenced in this report may not be approved in all jurisdictions.