Gentex's Q1 Earnings Meet Estimates, Revenues Decline Y/Y

Core Viewpoint - Gentex Corporation (GNTX) reported a decline in adjusted earnings per share (EPS) and net sales for the first quarter of 2025, indicating challenges in the automotive products market and an unfavorable product mix [1][2]. Financial Performance - GNTX's adjusted EPS for Q1 2025 was 43 cents, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate but down 8.5% year over year [1]. - The company reported net sales of $576.8 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $587 million and decreasing by 2.3% from the previous year [2]. - Gross margin fell to 33.2%, a decline of 110 basis points from Q1 2024, attributed to lower sales, an unfavorable product mix, and new tariff costs [2]. Segmental Performance - The Automotive segment, which is the largest revenue contributor, had net sales of $563.9 million, down from $577.6 million year over year and below the estimate of $570.4 million [3]. - Auto-dimming mirror shipments in North America decreased by 7% to 3,619,000 units, while international shipments fell by 8% to 7,923,000 units, leading to a total shipment decline of 7% to 11,542,000 units [3]. Other Sales and Products - Other net sales, including dimmable aircraft windows and fire protection products, increased slightly from $12.6 million to $12.9 million but were below the estimate of $15.2 million [4]. - Fire protection sales decreased by 1.5% year over year, and dimmable aircraft window sales fell by 15.5% year over year [4]. Operating Expenses - Total operating expenses rose by 8% year over year to $78.7 million in Q1 2025 [5]. - Engineering and R&D expenses increased to $45.92 million from $42.18 million in the same quarter of 2024, while SG&A expenses decreased to $29.93 million from $30.71 million [5]. Shareholder Returns and Cash Position - GNTX paid a dividend of 12 cents per share and repurchased 3.1 million shares at an average price of $24.52 per share [6]. - As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $286.6 million in cash and cash equivalents [6]. 2025 Guidance - GNTX revised its 2025 sales guidance to a range of $2.10-$2.2 billion for the primary market and $50-$120 million for the Chinese market, highlighting exposure to tariffs [6]. - The gross margin is projected to be between 33-34%, down from the previous guidance of 33.5-34.5% [7]. - Capital expenditure is anticipated to be between $100 million and $125 million, and operating expenses are estimated to be in the range of $300-$310 million [7].