EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 355811
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 355811_10-K_2021_0000355811-21-000006.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business.
(a)General Development of Business
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 also designs, develops and manufactures various electronics that are value added features to the interior and exterior automotive rearview mirrors 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 automotive producing regions worldwide, which it supports with numerous sales, engineering and distribution locations worldwide.
At its inception, the Company manufactured smoke detectors, a product line that has since evolved to include a variety of fire protection products. In the early 1980's, the Company introduced an interior electromechanical automatic-dimming rearview mirror as an alternative to the manual day/night rearview mirrors for automotive applications. In the late 1980's, the Company introduced an interior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirror for automotive applications. In the early 1990's, the Company introduced an exterior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirror for automotive applications. In the late 1990's, the Company began making volume shipments of three new exterior mirror sub-assembly products: thin glass flat; convex; and aspheric. In 2005, the Company began making volume shipments of its bezel-free exterior automatic dimming mirror. In 2010 the Company began delivering, electrochromic dimmable aircraft windows for the aviation industry. In 2013, the Company acquired HomeLink®, a wireless vehicle/home communications product that enables drivers to remotely activate garage door openers, entry door locks, home lighting, security systems, entry gates and other radio frequency convenience products for automotive applications, wherein the Company had previously been a licensee of HomeLink® and had been, since 2003, integrating HomeLink® into its interior automatic-dimming rearview mirrors.
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 many of its other electronic features, including, HomeLink® and HomeLink Connect® or the Integrated Toll Module®. The biometric system allows for added security and convenience for multiple drivers by adding an additional factor of authentication for increased security, when a driver (or passenger) enters a vehicle. The Company announced in January 2018 that it entered into an exclusive licensing agreement, in the ordinary course of business, with Fingerprint Cards AB to deploy its ActiveIRIS® iris-scanning biometric technology in automotive applications.
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.
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 2021, the Company will be continuing to work on the intelligent medical lighting system in order to assess system performance and work toward obtaining any necessary approvals.
In April 2020, the Company, in the ordinary course of business, acquired Vaporsens, Inc. ("Vaporsens"), which specializes in nanofiber chemical sensing research and development. This new nanofiber technology can detect a wide variety of chemicals, including explosives, drugs, volatile organic compounds ("VOCs"), toxic industrial chemicals, amines, and more. The core of Vaporsens’ chemical sensor technology is a net of nanofibers approximately one thousand times smaller in size than human hair. Their porous structure allows them to absorb targeted molecules from sampled gas and identify them via changes in their electrical resistance. The technology allows for the rapid detection of target chemicals with high sensitivity in the parts per billion and parts per trillion ranges. The Vaporsens technology has a wide variety of use cases in various markets and industries, with potential applications for automotive, aerospace, agriculture, chemical manufacturing, military and first responders, worker safety, food and beverage processing, and medical.
Automotive revenues represent approximately 98% of the Company's total revenue in 2020, mostly consisting of interior and exterior electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and automotive electronics.
(b)[Reserved]
(c)Narrative Description of Business
The Company designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and supplies digital vision, connected car, dimmable glass, and fire protection products, including: automatic-dimming and non-automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and electronics for the automotive industry; dimmable aircraft windows for the aviation industry; and commercial smoke alarms and signaling devices for the fire protection industry.
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, including the Full Display Mirror® product. The Company also ships interior non-automatic-dimming rearview mirrors with and without 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 can 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 available in its automatic-dimming applications.
The Company manufactures other automotive electronics products through HomeLink® applications in the vehicle including the rearview mirror, interior visor, overhead console, or center console. Certain of the Company's newer features can be located either in the rearview mirror or other locations in the vehicle. Additionally, as the Company
expands its Full Display Mirror® product and the Integrated Toll Module® system, rearward facing video cameras and integrated toll transponders are being produced and sold.
The Company produces rearview mirrors and electronics globally for automotive passenger cars, light trucks, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans for OEMs, automotive suppliers, and various aftermarket and accessory customers. Automotive rearview mirrors and electronics accounted for 98% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2020.
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, Xiamen Intretech, Licon, YanFeng, MirrorTech and the China automotive aftermarket. The Company also supplies electrochromic automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to certain of these rearview mirror competitors.
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 ("RCD") interior mirrors, FDM® interior mirrors, digital video recording solutions, exterior turn signals, side blind zone indicators and various other exterior mirror features that improve safety and field of view. Advanced features currently in development include: biometric authentication systems, hybrid and fully digital camera monitoring systems ("CMS"), driver and cabin monitoring systems, cabin sensing systems, touch screen displays for mirrors, and digital enhancements to displays to improve driver safety, among other things. Other automotive products currently in development include large area dimmable devices, which include sunroof and moonroof applications, driver and passenger windows and 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, Mazda, Mahindra & Mahindra, McLaren, Polaris, PSA/Opel Group, Renault/Nissan/Mitsubishi Group, Rivian Automotive, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota Motor Company, Volkswagen Group, as well as, shipments to domestic China manufacturers (Borgward, BYD, Chehejia, Chery, Great Wall Motors, Hongqi, NextEV, SAIC, and Skywell).
Revenues by major geographic area are disclosed in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Traditionally, new products and technologies have been restricted to high-end vehicles and premium trim/option packages. As consumer demand has continued to pursue the adoption of advanced technology, more OEMs have shifted to offer a variety of trim packages and option packages for each of their vehicles, creating a range of available pricing and technologies across their lineups. In some instances, Company products such as the FDM® appeal to consumers who are interested in new technology, while also resolving rearward vision limitations created by vehicle design changes that increase aerodynamics. The Company has contributed to this differentiation strategy, allowing OEMs to maximize profitability and optionality by providing a suite of profitable, mirror-based and in-vehicle technologies that consumers demand. As more consumers have become familiar with interior and exterior dimming mirrors, HomeLink®, SmartBeam®, FDM®, and other Company technologies, consumers have continued to select these technologies in their subsequent vehicles, driving further market and nameplate penetration as OEMs launch new vehicles and expand into new markets. Where OEMs had historically used Company technologies only to differentiate from one another, they have now begun to also use Company technologies to differentiate trim lines across their own nameplates. In new markets, emerging OEMs have recognized the need to include Company products in their vehicles to compete with global OEMs and to maximize per-vehicle profitability.
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 both 2020 and 2019. 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. Moreover, other companies have demonstrated products that are competitive to the Company's Full Display Mirror® system, and a small number of Chinese domestic mirror suppliers have begun marketing and selling these products, in low volume, within the domestic China Market. Further, a Japanese manufacturer (Murakami) has begun selling and marketing competitive Full Display Mirror® products in Japan. The Company acknowledges that dimming device (e.g., electrochromic) technology is the subject of research and development efforts by numerous third parties.
In November 2020, the Company announced a partnership, in the ordinary course of business, with PayByCar™, to pursue compatibility between the Company's Integrated Toll Module® and PayByCar's innovative payment solution that allows drivers to use their smartphones and toll transponder to fuel up at certain gas stations without using cash or a credit card. Compatibility between these two technologies can help to grow each company's respective consumer base while introducing new users to the benefits of the transactional vehicle.
In January 2021, the Company announced a partnership, in the ordinary course of business, with Simplenight to provide drivers and vehicle occupants with access to enhanced mobile capability for booking personalized entertainment and lifestyle experiences in addition to everyday purchases. Simplenight delivers a customizable and robust platform that enables brands to globally offer real-time book-ability across multiple categories such as dining, accommodations, attractions, events, gas, parking, shopping and more. The platform is unique in that it is designed to seamlessly integrate into automaker infotainment and navigation systems, as well as mobile applications and voice assistants. The Company plans to integrate Simplenight into its current and future connected vehicle technologies, including HomeLink®, the automotive industry’s leading car-to-home automation system. HomeLink® consists of vehicle-integrated buttons that can be programmed to operate a myriad of home automation devices. The Company is currently integrating Simplenight into its HomeLink Connect® app, which helps users program their HomeLink® buttons and control cloud-based devices from their vehicles.
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 and to potentially add new 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. The Company has also continued to invest in new technologies to improve the manufacturing processes. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company, in the ordinary course of business, completed the acquisition of Argil, Inc., which specializes in electrochromic technology and research and development, which the Company anticipates using to complement and expand its product offerings and leverage for manufacturing efficiencies. 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.
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.
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 primarily 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.
Nanofiber Products and Development
As noted, the Company completed the acquisition of Vaporsens in 2020. Again, Vaporsens specializes in nanofiber chemical sensing research and development.
Markets and Marketing. While no current commercialized product yet exists, this technology has the potential ability to sense explosives, toxic industrial chemicals, chemical warfare agents, drugs, consumer goods, and VOCs. This technology has a wide variety of use cases in various markets and industries, with potential applications for automotive, aerospace, agriculture, chemical manufacturing, military and first responders, worker safety, food and beverage processing, and medical applications.
Trademarks and Patents
The Company owns 38 U.S. Registered Trademarks and 719 U.S. Patents, of which 30 Registered Trademarks and 647 patents relate to electrochromic technology, automotive rearview mirrors, microphones, displays, cameras, sensor technology, smart lighting technology, and/or HomeLink® products. These Patents expire at various times between 2021 and 2044. 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 347 foreign Registered Trademarks and 1020 foreign patents, of which 331 Registered
Trademarks and 972 patents relate to electrochromic technology, automotive rearview mirrors, microphones, displays, cameras, sensor technology, and/or HomeLink® products. These patents expire at various times between 2021 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 58 U.S. Patents and 38 foreign patents that relate specifically to the Company’s variable dimmable windows. The U.S. Patents expire at various times between 2026 and 2038, while the foreign patents expire at various times between 2021 and 2037.
The Company owns 8 U.S. Registered Trademarks, 14 U.S. Patents, 16 foreign Registered Trademarks, and 10 foreign patents that relate to the Company’s fire protection products. The U.S. Patents expire at various times between 2021 and 2037, while the foreign patents expire at various times between 2022 and 2030. The Company believes that the competitive advantage provided by these patents is relatively small.
The Company also has in process 230 U.S. Patent applications, 424 foreign patent applications, and 14 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.
Human Capital Resources
As of February 1, 2021, the Company had 5,303 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.
The Company fosters a collaborative culture founded on devotion to quality and innovation. An inclusive environment is nurtured so that team members can perform, support each other, and continue to grow and learn, including on-the-job training.
This culture is supported by a competitive compensation system that goes beyond base salary and includes for virtually all employees: quarterly profit-sharing bonuses; an extensive stock options program, an employee stock purchase plan; 401(k) plan (or other retirement plan for non-US employees) with Company matching; and tuition reimbursement. Equity compensation is also paid to a significant number of employees. In keeping with the Company's core principle of ownership mentality, compensation is structured throughout the organization so that employees win when all of stakeholders win. The Company also provides a healthy and safe climate-controlled work environment that includes an on-site wellness center and on-site health clinic at its headquarters.
Evidence of the Company's commitment to inclusion is its cultivation of a world-class diversity, equity & inclusion ("DE&I") ethos that allows team members to make a lasting impact in the communities in which the Company operates, all while attracting and retaining diverse talent that can help propel the business forward. While the Company has an environment of equal employment opportunity related to recruitment, hiring, promotion, discipline, and other terms of employment, the commitment to have a skilled and diverse world class workforce goes beyond that.
The Company's DE&I initiatives are supported by the its Diversity Officer and DE&I Council, which helps implement specific diversity programs, supports internal training, and creates opportunities to spread awareness throughout the organization. The Company's DE&I Council is led by Mr. Joe Matthews, Diversity Officer and Vice President of Purchasing. Mr. Matthews has been honored as a Salute to Diversity Winner by Corp! Magazine.
As a part of DE&I initiatives, the Company maintains a growing list of business resource groups ("BRGs") comprised of individuals with similar interests or backgrounds that work internally to support one another, develop leadership skills, and enhance cultural awareness. Among current BRGs are Women at Gentex and Veterans at Gentex.
DE&I efforts at the Company extend to the supply base as well, where Company been recognized for ongoing efforts to increase supplier relationships with minority- and women-owned enterprises. In fact, the Company mentors certain such suppliers to help them develop the business systems and technologies necessary to support
future growth. The Company is a member of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Counsel and the Women's Business Enterprise Counsel - Great Lakes Region.
Hiring rates, voluntary and involuntary turnover rates, internal rates of hiring and promotion, and safety records are considered as measures of the Company's success in human capital management. While hiring and diversity policies are in place as a means to remain on track in terms of appropriate human resources management, the DE&I efforts have furthered the process of creating a welcoming environment so the Company can hire and retain the best people. The Company produces a sustainability report providing more information regarding diversity and corporate responsibility.
Forbes has named the Company as one of the "200 Best Small Companies" numerous times. Forbes also recently acknowledged the Company as a "Best Employer for Diversity." In addition, the Company is the recipient of an EPIC Diversity Visionary Award presented by a local Chamber of Commerce. Moreover, the Company's DE&I efforts related to actively developing and using minority, women, and veteran-owned suppliers have been acknowledged and recognized by multiple OEM customers. In fact, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. has specifically recognized the Company's efforts over the last 10 years to increase supplier relationships with minority business enterprises.
A charitable program run by Company employees has been established as a means to give back to the community. Employees are encouraged to organize on-site fundraisers and to spend time volunteering at worthy charitable organizations. Support is also provided to a number of minority organizations in keeping with the Company's DE&I efforts and to continue to build an even more diverse and skilled workforce.
The Company's Board of Directors has regular touchpoints with management regarding: employee engagement; workforce planning (including capabilities and skills development); safety; understanding workforce demographics and DE&I strategies; and corporate culture. The Board and management know the right talent is required to implement the Company's strategies. As such, the Board works with management appropriately regarding the approach to, and investment in, human capital that includes recruitment, talent development, retention, and diversity. The Board has access to all levels of employees in the Company in its efforts to properly oversee human resources issues.
The Board of the Company now has two women directors and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has taken concrete steps to improve Board diversity, including use of various resources and environments to identify qualified and diverse director candidates. Such candidates are contacted and interviewed in order to continue to build an even more diverse, qualified, and capable Board.
The Board has also implemented a Complaint Submission and Handling Policy for concerns to be raised as needed.
(d)[Reserved]
(e)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 a 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.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
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,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “hope,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “poised,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” and variations of such words and similar expressions. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond the Company’s control, and could
cause the Company’s results to differ materially from those described. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: changes in general industry or regional market conditions; changes in consumer and customer preferences for our products (such as cameras replacing mirrors and/or autonomous driving); our ability to be awarded new business; continued uncertainty in pricing negotiations with customers; loss of business from increased competition; changes in strategic relationships; customer bankruptcies or divestiture of customer brands; fluctuation in vehicle production schedules (including the impact of customer employee strikes); changes in product mix; raw material and other supply shortages; supply chain disruptions; our dependence on key management; our dependence on information systems; higher raw material, fuel, energy and other costs; unfavorable fluctuations in currencies or interest rates in the regions in which we operate; costs or difficulties related to the integration and/or ability to maximize the value of any new or acquired technologies and businesses; changes in regulatory conditions; warranty and recall claims and other litigation and customer reactions thereto; possible adverse results of pending or future litigation or infringement claims; changes in tax laws; import and export duty and tariff rates in or with the countries with which we conduct business; negative impact of any governmental investigations and associated litigation including securities litigation relating to the conduct of our business; the length and severity of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, including its impact across our business on demand, operations, and the global supply chain. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made.
The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or the rules of the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Accordingly, any forward-looking statement should be read in conjunction with the additional information about risks and uncertainties identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s latest Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, which risks and uncertainties now include the impacts of COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic that has affected, and will continue to affect, general economic and industry conditions, customers, suppliers, and the regulatory environment in which the Company operates. Includes content supplied by IHS Markit Light Vehicle Production Forecast of January 18, 2021 (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 98% of our net sales. The automotive industry has always been cyclical and highly impacted by levels of economic activity. The current economic environment continues to be uncertain, 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 COVID-19 pandemic. If automotive customers (including their Tier 1 suppliers) and suppliers experience plant shutdowns, work stoppages, strikes, 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 vehicle complexity increases, which can result in delays or cancellations of new vehicle platforms, package configurations, and inaccurate volume forecasts. This makes it challenging for us to forecast future sales and manage costs, inventory, capital, engineering, research and development, 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 2020 (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 have increased the Company's input costs, and have the potential to challenge the Company's competitive position in foreign markets. The continuance of these tariffs and/or escalation of disputes in the geopolitical environment could continue to interfere with automotive supply chains and may have a continued negative impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, and/or results of operations, especially since the Company primarily manufactures and ships from one location. We cannot predict what further action may be taken with respect to tariffs or trade relations between the U.S. and other governments, and any further changes in U.S. or international trade policy could have an adverse impact on our business.
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® system and other products. We acknowledge that dimming device (e.g., electrochromic) technology is the subject of research and development efforts by numerous third parties.
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 a safety feature that makes nighttime driving safer by maximizing a vehicle's high-beam usage, competition from multiple-function driver-assist products has already and could continue to impact the success of SmartBeam®.
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 monitoring systems for outside mirror replacements. On October 10, 2019, an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) was published seeking public comment on permitting camera-based rear visibility systems, as an alternative to inside and outside rearview mirrors required under Federal motor vehicle safety standard (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.
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.
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 systems to replace mirrors within Japan and European countries. Since January 2017, camera monitoring systems are also permitted as an 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 eight
automaker customers, which are General Motors, Subaru, Toyota, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Aston Martin, and FCA. 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 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 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, and/or results of operations could be negatively impacted.
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, successfully acquire identified targets or manage timing of acquisitions with capital obligations across our businesses. Additionally, we may not be successful in integrating acquired businesses into our existing operations, achieving projected synergies, and/or maximizing the value of acquired technologies and businesses. Competition for acquisition opportunities in the various industries in which we operate already exists and may increase, thereby potentially increasing our costs of making acquisitions or causing us to refrain from making further acquisitions. 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 devices, certain electronics, and fire protection products, although no single patent is necessarily required for the success of our products. The loss of any significant combination of patents and trade secrets regarding our products could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. Lack of intellectual property protection in a number of countries, including China, represents a current and on-going risk for the Company.
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 obtain intellectual property rights, in the ordinary 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 Company. Any of these adverse consequences could potentially have an effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.
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. As a result of just-in-time supply chains within our business and the automotive industry, disruptions in our supply chain are occurring due to the COVID-19 pandemic and can also occur due to natural disasters, other pandemics, work stoppages, strikes, bankruptcy, etc. Such circumstances are disrupting, and may further disrupt, our shipments to one or more automakers or Tier 1 customers, which adversely affects 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.
Government Regulations. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC") and adjoining countries. As a result, in August 2012 the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for 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, 2019, and 2020, 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 necessary for our products, the Company cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain necessary conflict minerals from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. 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 January 14, 2021, NHTSA issued a request for comment regarding NCAP with advanced driver assist features, including forward collision, lane keeping, blind spot detection and forward pedestrian impact avoidance technologies.
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.
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.
Fluctuations in Market Price. The market price for our common stock has fluctuated, ranging from a low closing price of $20.09 to a high closing price of $34.06 during calendar year 2020. The overall market and the price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate. There 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:
•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.
General Risk Factors
COVID-19 Pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has already significantly impacted worldwide economic and industry conditions and has had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, and/or results of operations. The COVID-19 pandemic began to materially impact the Company's operations late in the first quarter of 2020 and continues to affect our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations, by virtue of governmental authorities imposing mandatory closures, work-from-home orders, and social distancing protocols, as well as voluntary closures and other restrictions. Even as restrictions have eased and production has resumed by our customers in large part, production volumes have been, and are expected to continue to be, volatile.
The full extent of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, our customers, our supply chain, and our industries still depends on future developments, which remain highly uncertain, including the duration and severity of the current outbreak, subsequent outbreaks, and resulting actions taken by the Company or the various governments to contain or mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. These actions have already included, and could include more, work stoppages, quarantines, shutdowns, shelter-in-place orders or other limitations, which already have and could continue to: materially adversely affect the Company's ability to adequately staff and maintain our operations; impair our ability to sustain existing levels of financial liquidity; and impact the Company's business, financial condition, and/or results of operations. Additionally, if the negative global economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continue, overall customer demand may decrease, which could continue to have a material and adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and/or results of operations.
While we cannot predict the duration and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall negative financial impact to the Company's business, financial condition, and/or results of operations has been material, is not fully known, and is expected to last for an extended period of time.
Income Taxes. The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and other foreign jurisdictions. Changes in tax rates, adoption of new tax laws or other additional tax policies, and other proposals to reform United States and foreign tax laws could adversely affect the Company's operating results, cash flows, and financial condition. The Company’s domestic and international tax liabilities are dependent upon the location of earnings among these different jurisdictions.
Employees. Our business success depends on attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Throughout our Company, our ability to sustain and grow our business requires us to hire, retain and develop a highly skilled and diverse management team and workforce. 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 can cause, increased turnover. In addition, any unplanned turnover, inability to attract and retain key employees, including managers, or government mandated remote work could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.
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 as well as various economic conditions in these jurisdictions. Some of these countries are considered growth markets. International sales and operations, especially in growth markets, subject us to certain risks inherent in doing business abroad, including:
•Exposure to local economic, political and labor conditions;
• Unexpected changes in laws, regulations, trade or monetary or fiscal policy, including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and changes in the rate of inflation in the U.S. and other foreign countries;
• Tariffs (as discussed herein), quotas, customs and other import or export restrictions and other trade barriers;
•Natural disasters, political crises, and public health crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), which have caused 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 a corresponding impairment adjustment on investment 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.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties.
As of December 31, 2020 the Company operates primarily out of facilities in Zeeland and Holland, Michigan, which consist of manufacturing, warehouse, and office space. The Company also operates a chemistry lab facility in Zeeland, Michigan to support production. In addition, the Company operates overseas offices in Europe and Asia as further discussed below. The location, square footage and use of the most significant facilities at December 31, 2020 were as follows:
Owned Locations Square Footage Date of Acquisition/Build(1)
Use
Zeeland, MI 26,600 1970 Warehouse, Office
Zeeland, MI 161,200 1972 Manufacturing, Office
Zeeland, MI 70,000 1989 Manufacturing
Zeeland, MI 70,000 1989 Office
Zeeland, MI 359,100 1996 Manufacturing
Zeeland, MI 168,900 2000 Manufacturing
Zeeland, MI 334,000 2006 Manufacturing, Office
Zeeland, MI 100,000 2010 Manufacturing, Warehouse
Zeeland, MI 31,800 2011 Office
Zeeland, MI 349,600 2016 Manufacturing, Warehouse
Zeeland, MI 258,400 2018 Warehouse
Holland, MI 242,300 2012 Manufacturing, Warehouse
Erlenbach, Germany 90,000 2003 Office
Shanghai, China 25,000 2006 Office, Warehouse
Shanghai, China 85,000 2017 Office, Warehouse(2)
(1)Date of Acquisition/Build refers to first year of operations, and does not refer to subsequent additions or expansions.
(2)Light Assembly expected to begin at this location during 2022.
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 first quarter of 2021.
The Company additionally has leased sales and engineering offices throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia to support its sales and engineering efforts:
Country Number of Leased Offices
Germany 3
Japan 3
United States 2
United Kingdom 1
France 1
Sweden 1
Korea 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, as well as a research and development offices in Salt Lake City, Utah and Santa Clara, CA.
Capacity.
The Company believes its existing and planned facilities are currently suitable, adequate, and have the capacity required for current and near-term planned business. 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 2020, the Company shipped 26.1 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 2020, the Company shipped approximately 12.1 million exterior automatic-dimming mirrors.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
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.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
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, 2021, there were 2,095 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 2015 and reinvestment of dividends in all cases.
In March 2020, the Company's Board of Directors approved a continuing resolution to pay a quarterly dividend at an increased rate of $0.120 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.
The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during 2020:
Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased As Part of a Publicly Announced Plan* Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan*
January 2020 - $ - - 20,065,319
February 2020 1,945,036 29.40 1,945,036 18,120,283
March 2020 5,073,996 23.97 5,073,996 13,046,287
April 2020 - - - 13,046,287
May 2020 - - - 13,046,287
June 2020 - - - 13,046,287
July 2020 125,110 27.07 125,110 12,921,177
August 2020 525,295 27.38 525,295 12,395,882
September 2020 525,351 26.44 525,351 11,870,531
October 2020 400,230 28.04 400,230 11,470,301
November 2020 1,000,477 31.52 1,000,477 10,469,824
December 2020 1,050,558 33.55 1,050,558 9,419,266
Total 10,646,053 10,646,053
* See above paragraph with respect to the publicly announced share repurchase plan

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Net Sales $ 1,688,189 $1,858,897 $1,834,064 $1,794,873 $1,678,925
Net Income 347,564 424,684 437,883 406,792 347,591
Earnings Per Share (Fully Diluted) $ 1.41 $ 1.66 $ 1.62 $ 1.41 $ 1.19
Gross Profit Margin 35.9 % 37.0 % 37.6 % 38.7 % 39.8 %
Cash Dividends per Common Share $ 0.480 $ 0.460 $ 0.440 $ 0.390 $ 0.355
Total Assets $ 2,197,941 $ 2,168,803 $ 2,085,434 $ 2,352,054 $ 2,309,620
Long-Term Debt Outstanding at Year End $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 178,125

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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.
Percentage of Net Sales Percentage Change
2020 2019
Year Ended December 31, Vs Vs
2020 2019 2018 2019 2018
Net Sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % (9.2) % 1.4 %
Cost of Goods Sold 64.1 63.0 62.4 (7.5) 2.4
Gross Profit 35.9 37.0 37.6 (12.0) (0.3)
Operating Expenses:
Engineering, Research and Development 6.9 6.2 5.8 1.1 7.0
Selling, General and Administrative 5.3 4.6 4.1 5.7 13.1
Total Operating Expenses: 12.2 10.7 9.9 3.1 9.6
Operating Income 23.7 26.3 27.7 (18.2) (3.9)
Other Income/(Expense) 0.7 0.6 0.8 3.2 (14.7)
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes 24.4 26.9 28.5 (17.7) (4.1)
Provision for Income Taxes 3.8 4.1 4.6 (15.2) (10.0)
Net Income 20.6 % 22.8 % 23.9 % (18.2) % (3.0) %
Results of Operations: 2020 to 2019
Net Sales. In 2020, Company net sales decreased by $170.7 million, or 9% compared to the prior year. Net sales for 2020 were negatively impacted by lower than forecasted global vehicle production rates for calendar year 2020, which were down 16% on a year over year basis. The reduction in global light vehicle production and the Company's sales was impacted primarily a result of the global shutdowns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which primarily impacted the Company in the second quarter of 2020. Automotive net sales decreased as a result of an 11% decrease in automatic-dimming mirror shipments, from 42.9 million units in 2019 to 38.2 million units in 2020.
Other net sales decreased 17% to $40.0 million compared to the prior year, as dimmable aircraft window sales decreased 30% year over year and fire protection saw a decrease in net sales of 4% year over year. Dimmable aircraft window sales were impacted by production challenges the Company's customer faced.
Cost of Goods Sold. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold increased from 63.0% in 2019 to 64.1% in 2020. The year over year decrease in the gross profit margin was primarily the result of the Company's inability to leverage fixed overhead during the second quarter of 2020 as a result of COVID-19 related shutdowns and decreases in demand, as well as annual customer price reductions, which were partially offset by improvements in product mix related to Full Display Mirror® as well as purchasing cost reductions and structural cost reductions. On a year over year basis, the inability to leverage fixed overhead and annual customer price reductions each had a negative impact of approximately 150 - 250 basis points on gross profit margin. Purchasing cost reductions, product mix improvements, and structural cost reductions each independently had a positive impact on gross profit margin on a period over period basis of approximately 50 - 100 basis points.
Operating Expenses. Engineering, research and development expenses increased by $1.2 million or 1% from 2019 to 2020, representing 7% of net sales in 2020 versus 6% of net sales in 2019. E, R & D increased, primarily due to certain severance related costs incurred in the second quarter of 2020, which were partially offset by lower overall expense levels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $4.9 million or 6% from 2019 to 2020, but remained at 5% of net sales. The primary reason for the increase from 2019 to 2020 was due to severance related costs, wages and benefits, other resources associated with mitigation of the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and increased legal and professional fees associated with acquisitions of new technology described in Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Total Other Income/(Expense). Investment income decreased $4.2 million to $7.0 million for 2020 compared to $11.2 million for 2019 primarily due to decreases in interest income from fixed income investments. Other income - net increased $4.6 million in 2020 versus 2019, primarily due to an increase in gains on sales of debt investments on a year over year basis, as well as gains recognized on initial investments that were fully acquired during 2020, as further described in Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Taxes. The effective tax rate was 15.6% for year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 15.1% the prior year. The effective tax rates in 2020 and 2019 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate, primarily due to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction.
Net Income. Net income decreased by $77.1 million, or 18% year over year, primarily driven by the lower sales levels coming from the COVID-19 related shutdowns.
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 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-dimming mirrors.
Other net sales increase 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 is 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.
Taxes. The effective tax rate was 15.1% for year ended December 31, 2019 compared to 16.1% the prior year. The effective tax rate in 2019 and 2018 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate, primarily due to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction. 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.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s financial condition throughout the periods presented has remained very strong, in spite of a 16% decline in global light vehicle production from 2019 to 2020 and a 6% decline from 2018 to 2019.
The Company's cash and cash equivalents were $423.4 million, $296.3 million and $217.0 million as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company's cash and cash equivalents include amounts held by foreign subsidiaries of $7.4 million, $8.5 million and $8.3 million as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The Company's current ratio remained consistent at 5.5 as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020. 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.
Cash flow from operating activities was $464.5 million, $506.0 million and $552.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Cash flow from operating activities decreased $41.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the prior year, primarily due to decreased net income driven from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdowns. The reduction in net income was partially offset by changes in working capital. Cash flow from operating activities decreased $46.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to decreased net income and changes in working capital.
Cash flow provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $83.1 million to $26.4 million, compared with cash flow used for investing activities of $56.7 million, for the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to decreased investment purchases and additional maturities of fixed income investments during the year. Cash flow used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased by $129.1 million to $56.7 million, compared to 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.
Capital expenditures were $51.7 million, $84.6 million, and $86.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Capital expenditures for the year ended 2020 decreased by $32.9 million compared with the year ended 2019 as a result of cost cutting initiatives and financial discipline in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Capital expenditures for the year ended 2019 remained consistent with the year ended 2018.
Cash flow used for financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020, decreased $6.1 million to $363.9 million, compared to $370.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to a reduction in the amount of shares of common stock repurchased which totaled $288.5 million during the calendar year 2020 as compared to $331.5 million during the calendar year 2019. 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 during the calendar year 2019 as compared to $591.6 million during the calendar year 2018.
Short-term investments as of December 31, 2020 were $27.2 million, down from $140.4 million as of December 31, 2019 and long-term investments were $162.0 million as of December 31, 2020, up from $139.9 million as of December 31, 2019, due to changes in the Company's overall investment portfolio.
Accounts receivable as of December 31, 2020 increased $49.5 million compared to December 31, 2019, primarily due to the timing of sales within those years.
Inventories as of December 31, 2020, decreased $22.7 million compared to December 31, 2019, primarily due to decreased raw material inventory levels as a result of relatively high levels of production during the fourth quarter 2020.
Intangible Assets, net as of December 31, 2020 decreased $0.6 million compared to December 31, 2019, due to the amortization of definite lived intangible assets and patents, which was offset by acquisitions of additional intangible assets during the year, which is discussed further in Note 10 and Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accounts payable as of December 31, 2020, decreased $12.8 million compared to December 31, 2019, 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:
2020 2019 2018
Working Capital $ 801,593,707 $ 778,530,092 $ 681,769,335
Long Term Investments 162,028,068 139,909,323 137,979,082
Total $ 963,621,775 $ 918,439,415 $ 819,748,417
The increase in working capital as of December 31, 2020 compared to 2019, as well as the increase as of December 31, 2019 compared to 2018, is primarily due to cash flow from operations, which was partially offset by share repurchases, dividend payments and capital expenditures.
Please refer to Part II, Item 5, with regard to the Company's previously announced share repurchase plan.
Outlook
The Company utilizes the light vehicle production forecasting services of IHS Markit. The IHS Markit mid-January 2021 forecast for light vehicle production for calendar year 2021 are approximately 16.3 million units for North America, 19.0 million units for Europe, 12.0 million units for Japan and Korea, and 25.1 million units for China.
Based on the foregoing, the Company estimates that top line revenue for calendar year 2021 will be between $1.94 and $2.02 billion. All estimates are based on light vehicle production forecasts in the primary regions to which the Company ships product, as well as the estimated option rates for its mirrors and electronics on prospective vehicle models and anticipated product mix. The Company continues to see order rates and booked business that allow for these estimates with an expected vehicle production increase in 2021 as well as a modest increase in 2022 compared to 2021. Continuing uncertainties, including: impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic and industry conditions, including impacts on our customers and supply chain; 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 and potential tax law changes; OEM strategies and cost pressures; customer inventory management and the impact of potential automotive customer (including their Tier 1 suppliers) and supplier bankruptcies; work stoppages, strikes, etc., which could disrupt shipments to these customers, make forecasting difficult.
The Company is estimating that the gross profit margin will be between 39% and 40% for calendar year 2021. 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 2021, 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. During calendar year 2020, the Company made structural cost reductions of approximately $35 million on an annualized basis. Approximately 60% of these costs flow through cost of goods sold and have improved the Company's gross profit margin from recent historical levels.
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 $210 and $220 million for calendar year 2021, due in part to continued investments that support growth and launch of new business as well as development of new products, which are primarily staffing related. The Company 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 2021, 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.
Based on current light vehicle production forecasts, and the resultant forecast our automatic-dimming mirrors and electronics, the Company currently anticipates that 2021 capital expenditures will be between $85 and $95 million, a majority of which will be production equipment purchases. Capital expenditures for calendar year 2021 are currently anticipated to be financed from current cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash flows from operating activities.
The Company also estimates that depreciation and amortization expense for calendar year 2021 will be between $105 and $110 million.
The Company is further estimating that its tax rate will be between 16.0% and 18.0% for calendar year 2021 based on the current statutory rates.
In accordance with its previously announced share repurchase plan and capital allocation strategy, the Company intends to continue to repurchase additional shares of its common stock in 2021 and into the future depending on a number of factors, including: market, economic, and industry conditions; the market price of the Company's common stock; anti-dilutive effect on earnings; available cash; and other factors that the Company deems appropriate.
The Company is also providing top line revenue guidance for calendar year 2022. IHS Markit current forecasts for light vehicle production for calendar year 2022 are approximately 16.7 million units for North America, 20.1 million units for Europe,12.1 million units for Japan and Korea, and 26.0 million units for China. Based on these forecasts, the Company is estimating that revenue for calendar year 2022 will increase approximately 4% to 8% over current estimates provided for 2021 revenue. As noted above, continuing uncertainties make forecasting difficult.
Market Risk Disclosure
The Company is subject to market risk exposures of varying correlations and volatilities, including foreign exchange rate risk, and interest rate risk. 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 2020, approximately 7% of the Company’s net sales were invoiced and paid in foreign currencies (compared to 7% for calendar year 2019 and 8% for calendar year 2018). The Company currently expects that approximately 8% of the Company’s net sales in calendar year 2021 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, 2020.
Total Less than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More than 5 Years
Operating leases 3.2 1.7 1.5 - -
Purchase obligations 146.4 146.4 - - -
Dividends payable 29.2 29.2 - - -
Total 178.8 177.3 1.5
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.
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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. These estimates and assumptions are based on our historical experience, the terms of existing contracts, our evaluation of trends in the industry, 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.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
See "Market Risk Disclosure" in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Item 7).

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The following financial statements and reports of independent registered public accounting firm are filed with this report following the signature page:
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Document
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Selected quarterly financial data for the past two years appears in the following table:
Quarterly Results of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
First Second Third Fourth
2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019
Net Sales $ 453,762 $ 468,589 $ 229,926 $ 468,711 $ 474,639 $ 477,761 $ 529,864 $ 443,836
Gross Profit 156,587 169,645 43,945 176,538 188,237 180,321 216,675 161,805
Operating Income (Loss) 105,027 121,596 (6,738) 127,905 138,853 128,136 162,414 110,901
Net Income (Loss) 89,506 104,280 (2,374) 108,959 117,093 111,898 143,339 99,547
Basic Earnings (Loss) per share(1)
$ 0.36 $ 0.40 $ (0.01) $ 0.42 $ 0.48 $ 0.44 $ 0.58 $ 0.39
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per share(1)
$ 0.36 $ 0.40 $ (0.01) $ 0.42 $ 0.48 $ 0.44 $ 0.59 $ 0.39
(1)Basic and diluted earnings (loss) 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.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
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, 2020.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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, 2020, and have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective.
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, 2020.
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 risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in Part IV of this Form 10K.
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 have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to December 31, 2020.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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.
NAME AGE POSITION CURRENT POSITION HELD SINCE
Steve Downing 43 President and Chief Executive Officer January 2018
Neil Boehm 49 Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, Engineering February 2018
Kevin Nash 46 Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer February 2018
Matthew Chiodo 56 Vice President, Sales February 2018
Scott Ryan 40 Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary 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 employment arrangement are contained herein in Part III, Item 11 to this Form 10-K.
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.
Matthew Chiodo, the Company's Vice President of Sales, was appointed an executive officer effective February 15, 2018. Mr. Chiodo has been employed by the Company since 2001. Mr. Chiodo has been in his current role since January 2017 and previously served as Director of Sales for several years. Certain terms of Mr. Chiodo's employment arrangement are contained herein in Part III, Item 11 to this Form 10-K.
Scott Ryan was appointed as the Company's Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary on August 16, 2018. Mr. Ryan has been employed by the Company since 2010. Prior to his current position, he served as Assistant General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from June 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.
Information relating to directors appearing under the caption “Election of Directors” in the definitive Proxy Statement for 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and filed with the Commission within 120 days after the Company’s fiscal year end, December 31, 2020 (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.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
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 starting in 2018 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. Notwithstanding that intention, for the second straight year, at the request of the CEO and named executive officers, the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors did not increase named executive officer base salaries. In February of 2020, the request and decision not to change executive officer base salaries was made based on market conditions (including declining light vehicle production) even prior to the material negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdowns. In February of 2021, the request and decision not to change executive officer base salaries relates to the overall negative business environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the cost structure changes management made to deal with the same, the executive officers and the Board of Directors believe delaying base salary increases at this time is appropriate. In lieu thereof, the Board of Directors, based on a recommendation of the Compensation Committee, has provided the named executive officers additional potential upside under the Long-Term Plan as discussed below. As such, 2021 Base Salary for executive officers as approved by the Board of Directors is set forth below:
Executive Officer Position 2019 Base Salary 2020 Base Salary 2021 Base Salary
Steve Downing President and CEO $ 750,000 $ 750,000 $ 750,000
Neil Boehm VP, Engineering and CTO $ 407,000 $ 407,000 $ 407,000
Kevin Nash VP, Finance, CFO and Treasurer $ 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 400,000
Matt Chiodo VP, Sales $ 380,000 $ 380,000 $ 380,000
Scott Ryan VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary $ 350,000 $ 350,000 $ 350,000
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 certain 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. Since Annual Plan bonuses are based on a percentage of base salary, each executive officers' potential for bonuses reflects the fact that there have been no base salary increases for three years.
For our executive officers, the 2021 Annual Plan payout opportunities as a percentage of base salary applicable to each performance metric are shown in the table below:
Executive Officer Annual Plan Threshold Annual Plan Target Annual Plan Maximum
Steve Downing 50.0 % 100.0 % 200.0 %
Neil Boehm 37.5 % 75 % 150 %
Kevin Nash 37.5 % 75 % 150 %
Matt Chiodo 37.5 % 75 % 150 %
Scott Ryan 37.5 % 75 % 150 %
No changes were made to the Annual Plan target opportunities for executive officers in 2021, as it is believed the target and maximum opportunity levels remain appropriate. The foregoing payout opportunities are multiplied by the weighting factor of a particular performance metric to determine the amounts of cash bonuses payable to officers to the extent the threshold, target, or maximum for a performance metric is met or exceeded. To the extent performance exceeds the established threshold or target, as applicable, for any performance metric, but does not meet or exceed the established target or maximum, as applicable, linear interpolation is used to determine the pro rata portion of the performance bonus. The Compensation Committee also has discretion to increase (or decrease) such performance-based bonuses using its judgment, provided that bonuses are not in any event to exceed 250% of the applicable base salary.
Since its inception in 2019, the Annual Plan uses the same three key performance metrics and weighting: Revenue (weighted 33.33%), Operating Income (weighted 33.33%) and Earnings per Diluted Share (33.33%), since such metrics are not only appropriate measures of performance, but also 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. Generally, the target for the three performance metrics reflects a level of performance, which at the time set would be 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.
The above goals for setting target levels for each performance metric were affected because such target levels were established prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant negative impact on the macroeconomic environment and, in particular, on the Company's industries. The macroeconomic impact, including the impact on global light vehicle production, of the COVID-19 pandemic was entirely outside of the control of the officers of the Company. Had the very significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic been known when targets for performance metrics were set under the Annual Plan, that knowledge would have directly informed such target setting. Revenue, Operating Income, and Earnings per Diluted Share are intended to measure performance and align with overall business strategy in normal times.
After performance targets had been set and then the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic became widespread, the Compensation Committee met later in 2020 and 2021 to consider not only the macroeconomic environment and industry conditions, (especially decreased global light vehicle production), but also management's response thereto. That response included initiating and executing structural cost reductions of approximately $35 million on an annualized basis, all implemented in 2020 so the full impact of the same will be fully realized in 2021 and beyond. The benefits of those actions have already been seen through the Company's entire income statement in the second half of 2021. Given the changes that occurred in 2020 were outside of the control of officers, the performance metrics meant to incentivize operational performance did not necessarily appropriately reflect this performance as intended by the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors.
As such, in February of 2021, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, who subsequently approved (on February 18, 2021) a revision to pre-established targets under the Annual Plan for calendar year 2020, to ensure officers are properly acknowledged, recognized, rewarded, and, incentivized for operational performance and aligning the business with current realities and strategies for the benefit of all stakeholders. With that said, the Compensation Committee still desires performance-based compensation to be as objective as possible. As such, instead of using discretion with respect to adjusting targets for performance metrics under the Annual Plan, the Compensation Committee took into account the IHS Markit light vehicle production forecast estimates at the time the performance targets were set (which did not incorporate the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic since that was unknown), versus the actual global light vehicle production for the same time period. This percentage of change was then applied against the original targets for performance metrics as disclosed below for the Annual Plan:
IHS Markit Light Vehicle Production Forecast:
Region Actual 2020 Mid-January 2020 Forecast Unit Change % Change
North America 13.0 16.7 (3.7) (22.2) %
Europe 16.6 20.7 (4.1) (19.8) %
Japan/Korea 11.2 12.9 (1.7) (13.2) %
China 23.6 24.5 (0.9) (3.7) %
Other 10.1 13.8 (3.7) (26.8) %
Total 74.5 88.6 (14.1) (15.9) %
The Compensation Committee, before making any adjustments to targets for performance metrics, confirmed that threshold performance was in fact achieved for all performance metrics under the Annual Plan, notwithstanding relevant factors outside of management's control. Then, based on the 15.9% reduction from the IHS Markit mid-January 2020 global light vehicle production forecast for calendar year 2020 to actual global light vehicle production for calendar year 2020, the Compensation Committee and the Board adjusted the performance metrics for the Annual Plan as follows:
Annual Plan Performance Metrics:
Revenue Threshold Target Maximum
Original $ 1,554,207 $ 1,942,759 $ 2,331,311
COVID-19 related adjustment $ (247,176) $ (308,970) $ (370,765)
As Adjusted $ 1,307,031 $ 1,633,789 $ 1,960,546
Percentage Change (15.9) % (15.9) % (15.9) %
Operating Income Threshold Target Maximum
Original $ 409,970 $ 512,463 $ 614,956
COVID-19 related adjustment $ (65,200) $ (81,500) $ (97,801)
As Adjusted $ 344,770 $ 430,963 $ 517,155
Percentage Change (15.9) % (15.9) % (15.9) %
Earnings per Diluted Share Threshold Target Maximum
Original $ 1.44 $ 1.80 $ 2.16
COVID-19 related adjustment $ (0.23) $ (0.29) $ (0.35)
As Adjusted $ 1.21 $ 1.51 $ 1.81
Percentage Change (16.0) % (16.1) % (16.2) %
For 2020, target performance (along with thresholds, adjusted only for purposes of linear interpolation since all were exceeded in any event, and maximums) and actual results for the COVID-19 adjusted performance metrics are as follows:
Performance Metric Weight Threshold* Target* Maximum* Actual Performance*
Revenue 33.33 % $1,307,031 $1,633,789 $1,960,547 $1,677,861
Operating Income 33.33 % $344,770 $430,963 $517,156 $411,995
Earnings per Diluted Share 33.33 % $1.208 $1.510 $1.812 $1.460
* amounts in thousands (000) except for per share amounts. 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 COVID-19 adjustments to targets and performance of the named executive officers, the payments for 2020 under the Annual Plan are shown in the table below:
Executive Officer 2020 Annual Plan Performance Bonus 2020 Annual Plan Discretionary Bonus
Steve Downing $748,370 $0
Neil Boehm $304,587 $0
Kevin Nash $299,348 $0
Matt Chiodo $284,381 $0
Scott Ryan $261,930 $0
These Annual Plan results appropriately reflect management's excellent work in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, yet still align with comparable year-over-year bonuses paid generally to employees under the Company's profit-sharing plan. For 2021, 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.
2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan and Long-Term Incentive Program
The Company's 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan ("OIP") has been approved by shareholders. Pursuant to the OIP, the Company implemented the Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Long-Term Plan"). The Long-Term Plan provides officers, including our named executive officers, with incentive awards that serve an important role by balancing other applicable short-term goals with longer term shareholder value creation, while minimizing risk-taking behaviors that could negatively affect long-term results.
The Long-Term Plan uses three-year performance periods and selected performance objectives to determine equity incentive awards so as to balance short-term goals under the Annual Plan, with performance objectives associated with longer-term shareholder value creation under the Long-Term Plan. Under the Long-Term Plan, the Board of Directors and/or the Compensation Committee determines the amount of the 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 2021-2023 performance period under the Long-Term Incentive Plan:
Executive Officer Long-Term Plan Target Opportunity Percentage of Base Salary for 2021-2023
Steve Downing 285 %
Neil Boehm 185 %
Kevin Nash 185 %
Matt Chiodo 185 %
Scott Ryan 185 %
These Long-Term Plan Target Opportunity Percentages of Base Salary for 2021 - 2023 have increased from those applicable for 2020 - 2022 (which were 240% for Mr. Downing, 150% for Mr. Boehm, 140% for Mr. Nash, 130% for Mr. Chiodo and 125% for Mr. Ryan) in lieu of base salary increases as discussed above. Such changes are also appropriate in light of there being no changes to outstanding Long-Term Plan awards, though the Compensation Committee believes adjustments could be justified as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to achieve the aims of the Long-Term Plan.
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 (2021-2023) 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 awarded in 2021 for the named executive officers are shown in the table below:
Executive Officer Number of PSAs Awarded in 2021 (Target) for 2021-2023
Steve Downing 42,762
Neil Boehm 15,063
Kevin Nash 14,804
Matt Chiodo 14,064
Scott Ryan 12,954
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 2021, based on the target opportunities, for the executive officers are shown in the table below:
Executive Officer Number of RS Awarded in 2021 for 2021-2023
Steve Downing 18,327
Neil Boehm 6,456
Kevin Nash 6,345
Matt Chiodo 6,027
Scott Ryan 5,552
The Board of Directors approved and adopted the Israeli Appendix to the Company's shareholder approved 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan on February 18, 2021 and the same is included as an exhibit hereto. The Israeli Appendix allows for effective and efficient granting of Awards (as defined in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan) to Participants (as also defined in the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan) who are subject to taxation by the state of Israel. The Israeli Appendix does not expand the group of individuals eligible for Awards, but rather is intended to make Awards to those employed with the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary in Israel in a more tax efficient manner.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
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.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
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 incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
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.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)1. Financial Statements. See Part II, Item 8.
2. Financial Statements Schedules. None required or not applicable.
3. Exhibits. See Exhibit Index on Page 74.
(b)See (a) above.
(c)See (a) above.