Q1 2026 Gentex Corp Earnings Call

April 24, 2026

Operator: Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Gentex Reports Q1 2026 Financial Results Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question and answer session. To ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. I would now like to hand the conference over to your speaker today, Josh O'Berski, Vice President of Investor Relations.

Speaker #1: Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. After the speakers' presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question, please press star one one (*) on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced.

Speaker #1: To withdraw your question, please press star 11 again. I would now like to hand the conference over to your speaker today, Josh O'Berski, Vice President of Investor Relations.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Good morning, and thank you for joining us today for our first quarter 2026 earnings conference call. I'm Josh O'Berski, Gentex Vice President of Investor Relations, and with me today are Steve Downing, President and CEO; Neil Boehm, COO and CTO; and Kevin Nash, Vice President of Finance and CFO.

Josh O'Berski: Thank you. Good morning, and thank you for joining us today for our Q1 2026 earnings conference call. I'm Josh O'Berski, Gentex Vice President of Investor Relations, and with me today are Steve Downing, President and CEO, Neil Boehm, COO and CTO, and Kevin Nash, Vice President of Finance and CFO. Please note that a replay of this conference call webcast, along with edited transcripts, will be available following the call in the investors section of our website at ir.gentex.com. Before we begin, I'd like to remind you that many of the statements made during today's call are forward-looking and reflect our current expectations. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, including those described in our press release issued this morning and in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended 31 December 2025, as well as general economic conditions.

Speaker #1: Please note that a replay of this conference call webcast, along with edited transcripts, will be available following the call in the Investors section of our website at ir.gentex.com.

Speaker #1: Before I begin, I'd like to remind you that many of the statements made during today's call are forward-looking and reflect our current expectations. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, including those described in our press release issued this morning and in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as well as general economic conditions.

Josh O'Berski: These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, including those described in our press release issued this morning and in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended 31 December 2025, as well as general economic conditions. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements if risks and uncertainties materialize or if our assumptions prove to be incorrect. I'll now hand the call over to Steve Downing for our prepared remarks.

Speaker #1: Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements if risks and uncertainties materialize, or if our assumptions prove to be incorrect.

Josh O'Berski: Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements if risks and uncertainties materialize or if our assumptions prove to be incorrect. I'll now hand the call over to Steve Downing for our prepared remarks.

Speaker #1: I'll now hand the call over to Steve Downing for our prepared remarks.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Josh. For the first quarter of 2026, the company reported consolidated net sales of $675.4 million, a 17% increase compared to $576.8 million in the first quarter of last year, which did not include Vox.

Steve Downing: Thank you, Josh. For Q1 2026, the company reported consolidated net sales of $675.4 million, a 17% increase compared to $576.8 million in Q1 of last year, which did not include VOXX. VOXX contributed $88.6 million of revenue during the quarter, while core Gentex revenue totaled $586.8 million, which was a 2% increase despite global light vehicle production that declined more than 3% versus last year. Core Gentex revenue growth was driven by strength in advanced features across several regions, helping offset lower light vehicle production and ongoing unit volume headwinds. In North America, revenue increased approximately 6%, despite a 2% decline in light vehicle production, driven primarily by continued growth in penetration of FDM shipments. In Europe, Japan, and Korea, auto-dimming mirror unit shipments declined by approximately 8% versus last year.

Speaker #2: Vox contributed $88.6 million of revenue during the quarter, while core Gentex revenue totaled $586.8 million, which was a 2% increase despite global light vehicle production that declined more than 3% versus last year.

Speaker #2: Core Gentex revenue growth was driven by strength and advanced features across several regions, helping offset lower light vehicle production and ongoing unit volume headwinds.

Steve Downing: Core Gentex revenue growth was driven by strength in advanced features across several regions, helping offset lower light vehicle production and ongoing unit volume headwinds. In North America, revenue increased approximately 6%, despite a 2% decline in light vehicle production, driven primarily by continued growth in penetration of FDM shipments. In Europe, Japan, and Korea, auto-dimming mirror unit shipments declined by approximately 8% versus last year.

Speaker #2: In North America, revenue increased approximately 6%, despite a 2% decline in light vehicle production, driven primarily by continued growth and penetration of FDM shipments.

Speaker #2: In Europe, Japan, and Korea, auto-dimming mirror unit shipments declined by approximately 8% versus last year. However, revenue for these combined regions declined only 2%, reflecting favorable product mix driven by the successful launch of a cabin monitoring system in Europe and continued FDM growth.

Steve Downing: However, revenue for these combined regions declined only 2%, reflecting favorable product mix driven by the successful launch of a cabin monitoring system in Europe and continued FDM growth. In China, Q1 revenue totaled approximately $28 million, down 29% versus last year, reflecting the ongoing impact of tariffs on our exports to China. Overall, given the continued challenges facing many of our customers, our revenue growth continues to be driven by expanding electronic content and the adoption of new technologies. As an example, VOXX was a bright spot during the quarter, with revenue coming in approximately 9% above our beginning of quarter forecast, driven by stronger than anticipated sales in the premium audio segment. Consolidated gross margin for Q1 2026 was 33.8%, compared to 33.2% in Q1 last year.

Speaker #2: In China, first quarter revenue totaled approximately $28 million, down 29% versus last year, reflecting the ongoing impact of tariffs on our exports to China.

Speaker #2: Overall, given the continued challenges facing many of our customers, our revenue growth continues to be driven by expanding electronic content and the adoption of new technologies.

Steve Downing: Overall, given the continued challenges facing many of our customers, our revenue growth continues to be driven by expanding electronic content and the adoption of new technologies. As an example, VOXX was a bright spot during the quarter, with revenue coming in approximately 9% above our beginning of quarter forecast, driven by stronger than anticipated sales in the premium audio segment. Consolidated gross margin for Q1 2026 was 33.8%, compared to 33.2% in Q1 last year.

Speaker #2: As an example, Vox was a bright spot during the quarter, with revenue coming in approximately 9% above our beginning-of-quarter forecast, driven by stronger-than-anticipated sales in the premium audio segment.

Speaker #2: Consolidated gross margin for the first quarter of 2026 was 33.8%, compared to 33.2% in the first quarter of last year. Core GENTEX gross margin was 34%, representing an 80 basis point increase versus last year.

Steve Downing: Core Gentex gross margin was 34%, representing an 80 basis point increase versus last year. Gross margin benefited from operational efficiencies and favorable product mix, partially offset by the impact of tariff-related costs and higher commodity prices. Year-over-year, the company delivered nearly 200 basis points of operational gross margin improvement, driven by strong execution and product mix, despite the headwinds created by tariffs and commodity price increases. Q1 consolidated operating expenses totaled $105 million, compared to $78.7 million last year, which did not include VOXX. The increase was primarily due to the VOXX acquisition, which accounted for $23.2 million of the change, as well as $2.8 million of impairment charges. On a non-GAAP basis, Core Gentex adjusted operating expenses were $78.3 million, compared to $75 million in Q1 of last year, when we exclude impairment charges, acquisition-related costs, and severance.

Speaker #2: Gross margin benefited from operational efficiencies and favorable product mix, partially offset by the impact of tariff-related costs and higher commodity prices. Year over year, the company delivered nearly 200 basis points of operational gross margin improvement, driven by strong execution and product mix, despite the headwinds created by tariffs and commodity price increases.

Speaker #2: First quarter consolidated operating expenses totaled $105 million, compared to $78.7 million last year, which did not include Vox. The increase was primarily due to the Vox acquisition, which accounted for $23.2 million of the change, as well as $2.8 million of impairment charges.

Steve Downing: Q1 consolidated operating expenses totaled $105 million, compared to $78.7 million last year, which did not include VOXX. The increase was primarily due to the VOXX acquisition, which accounted for $23.2 million of the change, as well as $2.8 million of impairment charges. On a non-GAAP basis, Core Gentex adjusted operating expenses were $78.3 million, compared to $75 million in Q1 of last year, when we exclude impairment charges, acquisition-related costs, and severance.

Speaker #2: On a non-GAAP basis, core Gentex adjusted operating expenses were $78.3 million, compared to $75 million in the first quarter of last year, when we exclude impairment charges, acquisition-related costs, and severance.

Speaker #2: As Neil mentioned in the press release, we are incredibly busy with the launch of some of the most complex and innovative technologies in the company's history.

Steve Downing: As Neil mentioned in the press release, we are incredibly busy with the launch of some of the most complex and innovative technologies in the company's history. These launches include our Gen4 FDM, new CMOS imaging sensors, in-cabin monitoring platforms, dimmable visors, and large-area dimmable devices, along with multiple new VOXX automotive and premium audio launches. These efforts are occurring at the same time our customers have drastically increased their requirements around cybersecurity for many of our existing and new products. Despite this activity level, the company remains focused on operating expense discipline and continues to leverage available tools to meet customer commitments while maintaining modest expense growth. Consolidated income from operations for Q1 2026 was $123.7 million, compared to $113 million in the prior year period. Core Gentex income from operations totaled $117.9 million, representing a 4% year over year increase.

Speaker #2: These launches include our Gen4 FDM, new CMOS imaging sensors, in-cabin monitoring platforms, dimmable visors, and large-area devices, along with multiple new Vox automotive and premium audio launches.

Speaker #2: These efforts are occurring at the same time our customers have drastically increased their requirements around cybersecurity for many of our existing and new products.

Speaker #2: Despite this activity level, the company remains focused on operating expense discipline and continues to leverage available tools to meet customer commitments while maintaining modest expense growth.

Steve Downing: Despite this activity level, the company remains focused on operating expense discipline and continues to leverage available tools to meet customer commitments while maintaining modest expense growth. Consolidated income from operations for Q1 2026 was $123.7 million, compared to $113 million in the prior year period. Core Gentex income from operations totaled $117.9 million, representing a 4% year over year increase.

Speaker #2: Consolidated income from operations for the first quarter of 2026 was $123.7 million, compared to $113 million in the prior-year period. Core GENTEX income from operations totaled $117.9 million, representing a 4% year-over-year increase.

Speaker #2: On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted core Gentex income from operations was $121.4 million, compared to $116.8 million in the first quarter of last year. Total other loss for the quarter was $5.6 million, compared to other income of $0.6 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting lower investment income and impairment charges.

Steve Downing: On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted Core Gentex income from operations was $121.4 million, compared to $116.8 million in Q1 of last year. Total other loss for the quarter was $5.6 million, compared to other income of $0.6 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting lower investment income and impairment charges. The effective tax rate for Q1 of 2026 was 16.6%, compared to 16.5% last year. Consolidated net income was $98.5 million, compared to $94.9 million in Q1 of last year, driven by higher sales and improved profitability. On a non-GAAP basis, consolidated net income was $103.7 million, compared to $98 million last year. Earnings per diluted share were $0.46 for Q1 of 2026, compared to $0.42 last year, reflecting increased sales and improved profitability, partially offset by other losses.

Speaker #2: The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2026 was 16.6%, compared to 16.5% last year. Consolidated net income was $98.5 million, compared to $94.9 million in the first quarter of last year, driven by higher sales and improved profitability.

Steve Downing: The effective tax rate for Q1 of 2026 was 16.6%, compared to 16.5% last year. Consolidated net income was $98.5 million, compared to $94.9 million in Q1 of last year, driven by higher sales and improved profitability. On a non-GAAP basis, consolidated net income was $103.7 million, compared to $98 million last year. Earnings per diluted share were $0.46 for Q1 of 2026, compared to $0.42 last year, reflecting increased sales and improved profitability, partially offset by other losses. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted earnings per share were $0.48, compared to $0.43 for Q1 of last year. I will now hand the call over to Kevin for some further financial details.

Speaker #2: On a non-GAAP basis, consolidated net income was $103.7 million, compared to $98 million last year. Earnings per diluted share were $0.46 for the first quarter of 2026, compared to $0.42 last year.

Speaker #2: Reflecting increased sales and improved profitability, partially offset by other losses. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted earnings per share were $0.48, compared to $0.43 for the first quarter of last year.

Steve Downing: On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted earnings per share were $0.48, compared to $0.43 for Q1 of last year. I will now hand the call over to Kevin for some further financial details.

Speaker #2: I'll now hand the call over to Kevin for some further financial details.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Steve. GENTEX automotive net sales were $566.2 million in the first quarter of '26, up from $563.9 million in the first quarter of '25.

Kevin Nash: Thanks, Steve. Gentex automotive net sales were $566.2 million in Q1 2026, up from $563.9 million in Q1 2025, demonstrating revenue growth despite a quarter over quarter decline in light vehicle production and in base auto-dimming mirror unit shipments. The quarter over quarter increase in net sales reflects favorable product mix, new technology launches, and content gains with customers. Net sales from Gentex's other product lines, which includes electronically dimmable windows, fire protection products, medical devices, and biometrics, were $20.6 million in the first quarter, compared to $12.9 million in Q1 2025, which represents an increase of nearly 60%. This growth was driven by quarter over quarter increases of $3.4 million in aircraft window sales and $2.1 million in each of fire protection products, and biometric sales.

Speaker #3: Demonstrating revenue growth despite a quarter-over-quarter decline in light vehicle production, and in base auto-dimming mirror unit shipments. The quarter-over-quarter increase in net sales reflects favorable product mix, new technology launches, and content gains with customers.

Speaker #3: Net sales from GENTEX's other product lines, which include dimmable aircraft windows, fire protection products, medical devices, and biometrics, were $20.6 million in the first quarter, compared to $12.9 million in the first quarter of '25, which represents an increase of nearly 60%.

Kevin Nash: Net sales from Gentex's other product lines, which includes electronically dimmable windows, fire protection products, medical devices, and biometrics, were $20.6 million in the Q1, compared to $12.9 million in Q1 2025, which represents an increase of nearly 60%. This growth was driven by quarter over quarter increases of $3.4 million in aircraft window sales and $2.1 million in each of fire protection products, and biometric sales.

Speaker #3: This growth was driven by quarter-over-quarter increases of $3.4 million in aircraft window sales, and $2.1 million in each of fire protection products and biometric sales.

Speaker #3: Vox net sales contributed $88.6 million during the first quarter. And one year after the close of the acquisition, the integration is well underway, and the Vox business has now achieved profitability.

Kevin Nash: VOXX net sales contributed $88.6 million during Q1, and one year after the close of the acquisition, the integration is well underway and the VOXX business has now achieved profitability. The focus for the next 12 months will be on scaling product launches, expanding sales channels, and strengthening market position, while at the same time improving margins and lowering operating expenses. During Q1, the company repurchased 3.3 million shares for $71.6 million at an average price of $22.01. As of 31 March, approximately 32.6 million shares remain authorized under the repurchase program, and the company expects to continue to repurchase consistent with its capital allocation strategy. Turning to the balance sheet, our comparisons today are based on 31 March 2026 versus 31 December 2025. Starting with liquidity, cash and cash equivalents were $164.8 million at quarter end, up from $145.6 million at year-end.

Speaker #3: The focus for the next 12 months will be on scaling product launches, expanding sales channels, and strengthening market position, while at the same time improving margins and lowering operating expenses.

Speaker #3: During the first quarter, the company repurchased 3.3 million shares for $71.6 million at an average price of $22.01. As of March 31, approximately 32.6 million shares remain authorized under the repurchase program, and the company expects to continue to repurchase consistent with its capital allocation strategy.

Kevin Nash: As of 31 March, approximately 32.6 million shares remain authorized under the repurchase program, and the company expects to continue to repurchase consistent with its capital allocation strategy. Turning to the balance sheet, our comparisons today are based on 31 March 2026 versus 31 December 2025. Starting with liquidity, cash and cash equivalents were $164.8 million at quarter end, up from $145.6 million at year-end.

Speaker #3: Turning to the balance sheet, our comparisons today are based on March 31 of '26 versus December 31 of '25. Starting with liquidity, cash and cash equivalents were $164.8 million at quarter end, up from $145.6 million at year end.

Speaker #3: Short-term and long-term investments totaled $280.4 million, compared to $278.4 million at the end of '25. Accounts receivable was $419.5 million on March 31, compared to $368.5 million at year-end, reflecting higher first-quarter sales activity.

Kevin Nash: Short-term and long-term investments totaled $280.4 million, compared to $278.4 million at the end of 2024. Accounts receivable was $419.5 million on 31 March 2025, compared to $368.5 million at year-end, reflecting higher Q1 sales activity. Inventories totaled $523.5 million, up modestly from $516.3 million at year-end, driven by higher bill of material costs due to tariffs, and precious metal cost increases. Accounts payable was $276.6 million, compared to $248.9 million at year-end, primarily driven by month-end timing, and inventory purchases. Preliminary cash flow from operations for the quarter was $137.1 million, compared to $148.5 million in the prior year period, as higher net income was more than offset by those changes in working capital. Capital expenditures for Q1 were $17 million, compared to $36.7 million in Q1 of last year.

Speaker #3: Inventories totaled $523.5 million, up modestly from $516.3 million at year end, driven by higher bill of material costs due to tariffs and precious metal cost increases.

Speaker #3: Accounts payable was $276.6 million, compared to $248.9 million at year-end, primarily driven by month-end timing and inventory purchases. Preliminary cash flow from operations for the quarter was $137.1 million, compared to $148.5 million in the prior year period, as higher net income was more than offset by those changes in working capital.

Kevin Nash: Accounts payable was $276.6 million, compared to $248.9 million at year-end, primarily driven by month-end timing, and inventory purchases. Preliminary cash flow from operations for the quarter was $137.1 million, compared to $148.5 million in the prior year period, as higher net income was more than offset by those changes in working capital. Capital expenditures for Q1 were $17 million, compared to $36.7 million in Q1 of last year. Lastly, depreciation and amortization for the quarter was approximately $25.7 million, compared to $25.5 million in Q1 last year. I'll now hand the call over to Neil for a product update.

Speaker #3: Capital expenditures for the first quarter were $17 million, compared to $36.7 million in the first quarter of last year. Lastly, depreciation and amortization for the quarter was approximately $25.7 million, compared to $25.5 million in the first quarter of last year.

Kevin Nash: Lastly, depreciation and amortization for the quarter was approximately $25.7 million, compared to $25.5 million in Q1 last year. I'll now hand the call over to Neil for a product update.

Speaker #3: I'll now hand the call over to Neil for a product update.

Speaker #4: Thank you, Kevin. The first quarter of 2026 was another strong launch quarter. In the quarter, over 65% of the launches were advanced interior and exterior auto-dimming mirrors and electronic features.

Neil Boehm: Thank you, Kevin. Q1 2026 was another strong launch quarter. In the quarter, over 65% of the launches were advanced interior and exterior auto-dimming mirrors and electronic features. HomeLink, Full Display Mirror, and advanced feature exterior auto-dimming mirrors were the products driving the greatest growth of the advanced feature launches for the quarter. Within Q1, Gentex took part in several trade shows and customer events to demonstrate our products and capabilities. At ISC West, we demonstrated our suite of products aligned for the security and access control industry, highlighting our fire protection, biometric authentication, and smart home solution products. Between our PLACE and commercial fire protection products, our HomeLink smart home solutions, and our BioConnect and iLOQ brands, our product lines provided some great conversations with customers, installers, and industry professionals.

Speaker #4: HomeLink, Full Display Mirror, and advanced feature exterior auto-dimming mirrors were the products driving the greatest growth of the advanced feature launches for the quarter.

Speaker #4: Within the first quarter, Gentex took part in several trade shows and customer events to demonstrate our products and capabilities. At ISC West, we demonstrated our suite of products aligned for the security and access control industry, highlighting our fire protection, biometric authentication, and smart home solution products.

Neil Boehm: At ISC West, we demonstrated our suite of products aligned for the security and access control industry, highlighting our fire protection, biometric authentication, and smart home solution products. Between our PLACE and commercial fire protection products, our HomeLink smart home solutions, and our BioConnect and iLOQ brands, our product lines provided some great conversations with customers, installers, and industry professionals.

Speaker #4: Between our place and commercial fire protection products, our HomeLink smart home solutions, and our BioConnect and iLok brands, our product lines provided some great conversations with customers, installers, and industry professionals.

Speaker #4: Across our industries and in all regions of the world, we continue to see demand for localized production as a venue to offset tariffs and de-risk supply chain constraints.

Neil Boehm: Across our industries and in all regions of the world, we continue to see demand for localized production as a venue to offset tariffs and de-risk supply chain constraints. In China, this has created a substantial headwind in our markets. Globally, and especially for North America, it continues to create opportunities. Our deep expertise in high-end electronics manufacturing and assembly puts us in a unique position to participate in a number of these nearshoring opportunities. We remain optimistic about our ability to capitalize on a number of these opportunities. Our teams at Klipsch, Onkyo, and Integra have begun launching the products we showcased at CES. At Klipsch, the new Fives, Sevens, and Nines are now available for purchase and combine impressive sound performance with incredible design.

Speaker #4: In China, this has created a substantial headwind in our markets. But globally, and especially for North America, it continues to create opportunities. Our deep expertise in high-end electronics manufacturing and assembly puts us in a unique position to participate in a number of these nearshoring opportunities.

Neil Boehm: Our deep expertise in high-end electronics manufacturing and assembly puts us in a unique position to participate in a number of these nearshoring opportunities. We remain optimistic about our ability to capitalize on a number of these opportunities. Our teams at Klipsch, Onkyo, and Integra have begun launching the products we showcased at CES. At Klipsch, the new Fives, Sevens, and Nines are now available for purchase and combine impressive sound performance with incredible design.

Speaker #4: We remain optimistic about our ability to capitalize on a number of these opportunities. Our teams at Klipsch, Ankio, and Integra have begun launching the products we showcased at CES.

Speaker #4: At Klipsch, the new 5s, 7s, and 9s are now available for purchase, and combine impressive sound performance with incredible design. With a large number of new products still in development, we're excited to see how the balance of the year performs and how consumers react to these new products.

Neil Boehm: With a large number of new products still in development, we're excited to see how the balance of the year performs and how consumers react to these new products. While base mirror volumes remain pressured because of tariffs and global cost-cutting trends, our customers are deploying creative strategies to attempt to capitalize on consumer demand for technology. To that end, the team at Gentex remains focused on delivering the advanced features our customers and end consumers have grown to expect in their vehicles. Full Display Mirror remains a leading performer within the quarter, and we're well on our way to adding another 200,000 to 400,000 units versus last year's volume. Our driver monitoring solutions are also driving revenue growth, with our product currently shipping to Rivian, Volvo, and Polestar.

Speaker #4: While base mirror volumes remain pressured because of tariffs and global cost-cutting trends, our customers are deploying creative strategies to attempt to capitalize on consumer demand for technology.

Speaker #4: To that end, the team at Gentex remains focused on delivering the advanced features our customers and end consumers have grown to expect in their vehicles.

Neil Boehm: To that end, the team at Gentex remains focused on delivering the advanced features our customers and end consumers have grown to expect in their vehicles. Full Display Mirror remains a leading performer within the quarter, and we're well on our way to adding another 200,000 to 400,000 units versus last year's volume. Our driver monitoring solutions are also driving revenue growth, with our product currently shipping to Rivian, Volvo, and Polestar.

Speaker #4: Full Display Mirror remains a leading performer within the quarter, and we're well on our way to adding another 200,000 to 400,000 units versus last year's volume.

Speaker #4: Our driver monitoring solutions are also driving revenue growth, with our product currently shipping to Rivian, Volvo, and Polestar. We expect to begin shipping driver monitoring products for the next two OEM customers in the second quarter to early third quarter of 2026.

Neil Boehm: We expect to begin shipping driver monitoring products for the next two OEM customers in Q2 to early Q3 of 2026. Dimmable visor continues to gain customer interest, and our manufacturing teams are well on their way to getting production lines built to support the expected volumes from the first program launch, which will begin shipping in H2 of 2027. Vehicle production volumes for 2026 are slated to be flat to slightly down in our primary markets, and pressure from our OEM customers to reduce cost and decontent vehicles remains a threat. Gentex is well equipped with our product portfolio to continue outperforming our markets. Our pricing remains competitive, and our product quality and consumer demand for our advanced features provides growth opportunities at our customers.

Speaker #4: Dimmable visor continues to gain customer interest, and our manufacturing teams are well on their way to getting production lines built to support the expected volumes from the first program launch, which will begin shipping in the back half of 2027.

Speaker #4: Vehicle production volumes for 2026 are slated to be flat to slightly down in our primary markets, and pressure from our OEM customers to reduce cost and de-content vehicles remains a threat.

Neil Boehm: Vehicle production volumes for 2026 are slated to be flat to slightly down in our primary markets, and pressure from our OEM customers to reduce cost and decontent vehicles remains a threat. Gentex is well equipped with our product portfolio to continue outperforming our markets. Our pricing remains competitive, and our product quality and consumer demand for our advanced features provides growth opportunities at our customers.

Speaker #4: But Gentex is well equipped with our product portfolio to continue outperforming our markets. Our pricing remains competitive, and our product quality and consumer demand for our advanced features provide growth opportunities at our customers.

Speaker #4: Internally, our teams continue to focus on driving greater efficiency in our engineering and manufacturing processes, improving our component and supply chain pricing and availability, and balancing the evolving tariff impacts as we launch and support an increasingly complex array of technologies for the global market.

Neil Boehm: Internally, our teams continue to focus on driving greater efficiency in our engineering and manufacturing processes, improving our component and supply chain pricing and availability, and balancing the evolving tariff impacts as we launch and support an increasingly complex array of technologies for the global market. I remain highly confident in the team here at Gentex and their ability to continue to drive improvements while we advance and launch new technologies. Now I'll hand the call back over to Steve for guidance and closing remarks.

Speaker #4: I remain highly confident in the team here at Gentex and their ability to continue to drive improvements while we advance and launch new technologies.

Speaker #4: Now I'll head and call back over to Steve for guidance in closing remarks.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Neil. The company's light vehicle production forecast for the second quarter of 2026, and full years 2026 and 2027, are based on the mid-April 2026 S&P Global Mobility Outlook for North America, Europe, Japan, Korea, and China.

Steve Downing: Thanks, Neil. The company's light vehicle production forecast for Q2 2026 and full years 2026 and 2027 are based on the mid-April 2026 S&P Global Mobility Outlook for North America, Europe, Japan, Korea, and China. The S&P Global Mobility forecast for global light vehicle production for Q2 2026 is expected to decline 2% versus Q2 of last year, while light vehicle production in the company's primary markets is expected to be down over 3%. Full year 2026 production in the company's primary markets is also expected to decline 2% versus last year. Forecasted vehicle production volumes for Q2 2026 and calendar years 2026 and 2027 were included in our press release from earlier today.

Speaker #5: The S&P Global Mobility forecast for global light vehicle production for the second quarter of 2026 is expected to decline 2% versus the second quarter of last year, while light vehicle production in the company's primary markets is expected to be down over 3%.

Speaker #5: Full-year 2026 production in the company's primary markets is also expected to decline 2% versus last year. Forecasted vehicle production volumes for the second quarter of 2026 and calendar years 2026 and 2027 were included in our press release from earlier today.

Steve Downing: Full year 2026 production in the company's primary markets is also expected to decline 2% versus last year. Forecasted vehicle production volumes for Q2 2026 and calendar years 2026 and 2027 were included in our press release from earlier today. Consolidated revenue for 2026 is now expected to be between $2.65 and $2.75 billion. Consolidated gross margin is still anticipated to be between 34% and 35% for the year. Consolidated operating expenses, excluding severance and impairments, are forecasted at $410 to $420 million.

Speaker #5: Consolidated revenue for 2026 is now expected to be between $2.65 and $2.75 billion. Consolidated gross margin is still anticipated to be between 34% and 35% for the year. Consolidated operating expenses, excluding severance and impairments, are forecasted at $410 to $420 million. The effective tax rate is expected to be between 16% and 18%. Capital expenditures are projected at $125 to $140 million, and depreciation and amortization is expected to total $100 to $110 million.

Steve Downing: Consolidated revenue for 2026 is now expected to be between $2.65 and $2.75 billion. Consolidated gross margin is still anticipated to be between 34% and 35% for the year. Consolidated operating expenses, excluding severance and impairments, are forecasted at $410 to $420 million. The effective tax rate is expected to be between 16% and 18%. Capital expenditures are projected at $125 to $140 million. Depreciation and amortization is expected to total $100 to $110 million. Also, based on the S&P Global Mobility light vehicle production outlook and the company's estimates for premium audio, aerospace, medical, fire protection, and consumer electronics products, the company has updated its expected calendar year 2027 revenue range to be between $2.8 and $2.9 billion. As it relates to the recent invalidation of the IEEPA tariffs by the US Supreme Court, the company has not recognized any potential refund in its Q1 results.

Steve Downing: The effective tax rate is expected to be between 16% and 18%. Capital expenditures are projected at $125 to $140 million. Depreciation and amortization is expected to total $100 to $110 million. Also, based on the S&P Global Mobility light vehicle production outlook and the company's estimates for premium audio, aerospace, medical, fire protection, and consumer electronics products, the company has updated its expected calendar year 2027 revenue range to be between $2.8 and $2.9 billion. As it relates to the recent invalidation of the IEEPA tariffs by the US Supreme Court, the company has not recognized any potential refund in its Q1 results.

Speaker #5: Also, based on the S&P Global Mobility Light Vehicle Production Outlook and the company's estimates for premium audio, aerospace, medical, fire protection, and consumer electronics products, the company has updated its expected calendar year 2027 revenue range to be between $2.8 and $2.9 billion.

Speaker #5: As it relates to the recent invalidation of the IEPA tariffs by the U.S. Supreme Court, the company has not recognized any potential refund in its first quarter results.

Speaker #5: The company is in the process of assessing the potential impact of such invalidation and its eligibility and process for seeking refunds. As of March 31, the company estimates that approximately $15 million of tariff costs have been capitalized in inventory associated with IEPA tariffs, which had not yet been expensed as of that date.

Steve Downing: The company is in the process of assessing the potential impact of such invalidation in its eligibility and process for seeking refunds. As of 31 March, the company estimates that approximately $15 million of tariff costs have been capitalized in inventory associated with IEEPA tariffs, which had not yet been expensed as of that date. Since the inception of the IEEPA tariffs, the company, including VOXX, has directly paid a cumulative total of approximately $42 million, excluding amounts paid indirectly through suppliers, which was partially offset by approximately $5 million of costs recovered from customers to date. Given the evolving situation, the company has not recognized any potential refunds because of the difficulty in predicting whether any tariff refunds will be available, or whether the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will contest any tariff refund claims made by the company.

Speaker #5: Since the inception of the IEPA tariffs, the company, including Vox, has directly paid a cumulative total of approximately $42 million, excluding amounts paid indirectly through suppliers, which was partially offset by approximately $5 million of costs recovered from customers to date.

Steve Downing: Since the inception of the IEEPA tariffs, the company, including VOXX, has directly paid a cumulative total of approximately $42 million, excluding amounts paid indirectly through suppliers, which was partially offset by approximately $5 million of costs recovered from customers to date. Given the evolving situation, the company has not recognized any potential refunds because of the difficulty in predicting whether any tariff refunds will be available, or whether the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will contest any tariff refund claims made by the company.

Speaker #5: Given the evolving situation, the company has not recognized any potential refunds because of the difficulty in predicting whether any tariff refunds will be available, or whether the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency will contest any tariff refund claims made by the company.

Speaker #5: Based on first quarter performance and our current forecast for the remainder of the year, the company is increasing its current revenue guidance for the year, while maintaining the full-year gross margin guidance.

Steve Downing: Based on Q1 performance and our current forecast for the remainder of the year, the company is increasing its current revenue guidance for the year while maintaining the full-year gross margin guidance. New tariffs, which are currently temporary, have been reflected in our outlook, assuming they will be effective for the full year. The company is also facing new and ongoing cost pressures from key commodities, including a number of precious metals, petroleum-based products, and memory components. These headwinds have not resulted in material supply chain disruptions to date, and we will continue to pursue customer reimbursement opportunities and internal VAVE projects to reduce the impact these headwinds could have on gross margin performance. At the one-year anniversary of the VOXX acquisition, we are pleased with the cost improvements accomplished and how the teams continue to further integrate.

Speaker #5: New tariffs, which are currently temporary, have been reflected in our outlook, assuming they will be effective for the full year. The company is also facing new and ongoing cost pressures from key commodities, including a number of precious metals, petroleum-based products, and memory components.

Speaker #5: These headwinds have not resulted in material supply chain disruptions to date, and we will continue to pursue customer reimbursement opportunities and internal VAVE projects to reduce the impact these headwinds could have on gross margin performance.

Steve Downing: These headwinds have not resulted in material supply chain disruptions to date, and we will continue to pursue customer reimbursement opportunities and internal VAVE projects to reduce the impact these headwinds could have on gross margin performance. At the one-year anniversary of the VOXX acquisition, we are pleased with the cost improvements accomplished and how the teams continue to further integrate.

Speaker #5: At the one-year anniversary of the Vox acquisition, we are pleased with the cost improvements accomplished and how the teams continue to further integrate. We are also proud of the progress made across the organization as we begin to see the benefits of a shared strategy and expanded capabilities across the combined businesses.

Steve Downing: We're also proud of the progress made across the organization as we begin to see the benefits of a shared strategy and expanded capabilities across the combined businesses. As we look ahead, we remain focused on the disciplined execution of many technology launches, development initiatives, and R&D projects that are currently underway. Our focus on new technology is absolutely necessary to accelerate growth in a market where light vehicle production challenges remain. The effort spent on new technology launches is designed to provide above-market growth over the next few years, and when combined with our disciplined approach to managing operating expenses, we believe we have a winning formula to create shareholder returns.

Speaker #5: As we look ahead, we remain focused on the disciplined execution of many technology launches, development initiatives, and R&D projects that are currently underway. Our focus on new technology is absolutely necessary to accelerate growth in a market where light vehicle production challenges remain.

Steve Downing: Our focus on new technology is absolutely necessary to accelerate growth in a market where light vehicle production challenges remain. The effort spent on new technology launches is designed to provide above-market growth over the next few years, and when combined with our disciplined approach to managing operating expenses, we believe we have a winning formula to create shareholder returns.

Speaker #5: The effort spent on new technology launches is designed to provide above-market growth over the next few years, and when combined with our disciplined approach to managing operating expenses, we believe we have a winning formula to create shareholder returns.

Speaker #5: We are encouraged by the increased interest from our customers on Gen4, FDM, ICMS, dimmable visor, and large area devices, as well as several ongoing discussions with customers around becoming a strategic high-volume electronics supplier with a US operating footprint to help OEM customers mitigate tariff exposure and geopolitical risks that exist in the current supply base.

Steve Downing: We are encouraged by the increased interest from our customers on Gen4 FDM, ICMS, dimmable visor, and large area devices, as well as several ongoing discussions with customers around becoming a strategic high volume electronic supplier with a US operating footprint to help OEM customers mitigate tariff exposure and geopolitical risks that exist in the current supply base. That completes our prepared comments for today. We can now proceed to questions.

Speaker #5: That completes our prepared comments for today. We can now proceed to questions.

Speaker #6: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press *11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced.

Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press *11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press *11 again. One moment for questions. Our first question comes from Joseph Spak with UBS. You may proceed.

Speaker #6: To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. One moment for questions. Our first question comes from Joseph Spack with UBS. You may proceed.

Speaker #7: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Steve, I actually wanted to pick up right where you left off. You mentioned this interest in becoming a strategic high-volume electronics supplier.

Joseph Spak: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Steve, I actually wanted to pick up right where you left off. You mentioned this interest in becoming a strategic high volume electronic supplier. Can you give us some indication about how substantive the customer interest is? Are we talking about RFQs and formal sourcing decisions, or is this more exploratory? What type of incremental investment do you think this would take from your perspective? Maybe what types of products or end markets are we talking about, and how should investors begin to think about a potential return on that initiative?

Speaker #7: Can you give us some indication about how substantive the customer interest is? Are we talking about RFQs and formal sourcing decisions, or is this more exploratory? And what type of incremental investment do you think this would take from your perspective?

Speaker #7: Maybe, what types of products or end markets were you talking about, and how should investors begin to think about a potential return on that initiative?

Speaker #6: No, that's a great question. What I would say is we're right now with a couple of different OEMs. We're in the RFQ phase, so nothing's been sourced or awarded yet.

Steve Downing: No, it's a great question. What I would say is we're right now with a couple different OEMs. We're in the RFQ phase, so nothing's been sourced or awarded yet. Really what you're looking at is, and you can imagine inside of a vehicle, there's a lot of electronic modules that are sourced as either a tier two or tier three. Some of those vary in complexity. From a capital footprint, we believe over the next couple of years, it's a very light capital lift and definitely well inside of our capital guidance already for this year. Obviously, if that business were to expand significantly, then it would have a capital call, but it would be very much in line, if not a little less on a...

Speaker #6: But really what you're looking at is, and you can imagine inside of a vehicle, there's a lot of electronic modules that are sourced as either a tier two or tier three.

Speaker #6: Some of those are varying in complexity. But from a capital footprint, we believe over the next couple of years it's a very light capital lift and definitely well inside of our capital guidance already for this year.

Steve Downing: Some of those vary in complexity. From a capital footprint, we believe over the next couple of years, it's a very light capital lift and definitely well inside of our capital guidance already for this year. Obviously, if that business were to expand significantly, then it would have a capital call, but it would be very much in line, if not a little less on a... If you look at capital as a ratio to revenue, it would be actually a lower ratio than what we have currently with auto-dimming products.

Speaker #6: Obviously, if that business were to expand significantly, then it would have a capital it would have a capital call, but it would be very much in line if not a little less on a if you look at capital, as a ratio to revenue, it would be actually a lower ratio than what we have currently with auto dimming products.

Steve Downing: If you look at capital as a ratio to revenue, it would be actually a lower ratio than what we have currently with auto-dimming products.

Speaker #7: And just as a follow-up, do you see opportunities outside of automotive, and what do you think about your capabilities to be able to participate there?

Joseph Spak: Just as a follow-up, do you see opportunities outside of automotive? What do you think about your capabilities to be able to participate there?

Speaker #6: Yeah, absolutely. We see a lot of opportunities. Obviously, we're already making electronics in the aerospace industry, both for Boeing and Airbus. One of the things we believe is an opportunity is to continue to expand our aerospace footprint in the electronics space.

Steve Downing: Yeah. Absolutely. We see a lot of opportunities. Obviously, we're already making electronics in the aerospace industry, both for Boeing and Airbus. One of the things we believe is an opportunity is to continue to expand our aerospace footprint in the electronic space. It's also starting to bring in, with the addition of VOXX and Klipsch, we're starting to see opportunities in the consumer electronic space as well.

Speaker #6: But it's also starting to bring in—with the addition of Vox and Klipsch—we're starting to see opportunities in the consumer electronics space as well.

Speaker #7: Okay, and then just on the guidance, I was just wondering if you could help us sort of unpack, because you raised the revenue guidance.

Joseph Spak: Okay. Just on the guidance, I was just wondering if you could help us sort of unpack, because you raised revenue guidance by a little bit more than the beat. You did take a softer production view. Maybe what's sort of just driving that optimism over the rest of the year. Within the unchanged gross margin guidance, just maybe a comment or two on what you're seeing from an inflationary pressure perspective and how we should think about that sort of falling within the range from some higher costs or if there's internal offsets to some of those pressures.

Speaker #7: Looks like by a little bit more than the beat. You did take a softer production view. So maybe, what sort of is driving that optimism over the rest of the year?

Speaker #7: And then, within the unchanged gross margin guidance, just maybe a comment or two on what you're seeing from an inflationary pressure perspective, and how we should think about that falling within the range—whether that's from some higher costs, or if there are internal offsets to some of those pressures.

Speaker #6: Sure. So I'll start with the revenue question first. You're exactly right. I mean, we're seeing a lot of strength on the technology side and advanced features.

Steve Downing: Sure. I'll start with the revenue question first. You're exactly right. I mean, we're seeing a lot of strength on the technology side and advanced features, which is fortunately more than offsetting some of the headwinds on the light vehicle production side. Yeah, we tend to be pretty aligned with S&P where they're at. I know it's a little more pessimistic than what some other Tier 1s or OEMs would say production's going to look like. After several years of this and production declines, we tend to believe that these numbers make sense to us. We're a little conservative in terms of light vehicle production, but we do see good demand for our highest end products, especially Full Display Mirror and cabin monitoring.

Speaker #6: Which is fortunately more than offsetting some of the headwinds on the light vehicle production side. Yeah, we tend to be pretty aligned with S&P where they're at.

Speaker #6: I know it's a little more pessimistic than what some other tier ones or OEMs would say production is going to look like. After several years of this, and production declines, we tend to believe that these numbers make sense to us.

Steve Downing: I know it's a little more pessimistic than what some other Tier 1s or OEMs would say production's going to look like. After several years of this and production declines, we tend to believe that these numbers make sense to us. We're a little conservative in terms of light vehicle production, but we do see good demand for our highest end products, especially Full Display Mirror and cabin monitoring.

Speaker #6: And so we're a little conservative in terms of light vehicle production, but we do see good demand for our highest-end products, especially Full Display Mirror and Cabin Monitoring.

Speaker #6: And then, like Neil mentioned in his prepared comments, as we move into '27 and beyond—visors and large area devices—we're really starting to get a foothold there.

Steve Downing: Like Neil mentioned in his prepared comments, as we move into 2027 and beyond, visors and large-area dimmable devices, we're really starting to get a foothold there. We have the one award for visors already. I would say that by the end of this year, we fully expect that we'll have a couple more of those awards. We're pretty optimistic about longer term, what content will look like. We've known for a few years now that if we're tied just to light vehicle production, that was going to be a declining market. We've offset the challenges in China with growth in North America, and honestly, despite even though it's down a little in Europe, we're more than beating the market both in North America and in Europe, Japan, and Korea.

Speaker #6: And so, we have the one award for visors already. I would say that by the end of this year, we fully expect that we'll have a couple more of those awards.

Speaker #6: And so we're pretty optimistic about, longer-term, what content will look like, and we've known for a few years now that if we're tied just to light vehicle production, that was going to be a declining market.

Steve Downing: We've known for a few years now that if we're tied just to light vehicle production, that was going to be a declining market. We've offset the challenges in China with growth in North America, and honestly, despite even though it's down a little in Europe, we're more than beating the market both in North America and in Europe, Japan, and Korea.

Speaker #6: So, we've offset the challenges in China with growth in North America. And honestly, even though it's down a little in Europe, we're more than beating the market both in North America and in Europe, Japan, and Korea.

Speaker #6: On the margin side, yeah, we're definitely—there's a lot of headwinds right now in the space, especially if you look at it between the tariff situation, which is obviously very unpredictable at this stage. But between tariffs and then the cost increases we're seeing in precious metals...

Steve Downing: On the margin side, definitely there's a lot of headwinds right now in the space, especially if you look at it between the tariff situation, which is obviously very unpredictable at this stage, but between tariffs and then the cost increases we're seeing in precious metals. When we say that, we're really talking about metals that we have exposure to, silver, gold, ruthenium, very volatile pricing in the last 12 months. Those are definitely a headwind. Obviously you can read about this anywhere, but when you start talking about memory components, we're kind of back to where we were about three years ago, with definitely an inflationary market on the electronic side. All that said, when we look at our forecast, we have a lot of internal VAVEs and some positives as well.

Speaker #6: And when we say that, we're really talking about metals that we have exposure to: silver, gold, ruthenium. Very, very volatile pricing in the last 12 months.

Speaker #6: And so, those are definitely a headwind. And then, obviously, you can read about this anywhere, but when you start talking about memory components, we're kind of back to where we were about three years ago.

Steve Downing: Those are definitely a headwind. Obviously you can read about this anywhere, but when you start talking about memory components, we're kind of back to where we were about three years ago, with definitely an inflationary market on the electronic side. All that said, when we look at our forecast, we have a lot of internal VAVEs and some positives as well. We think we can weather that storm and still hit that margin guidance for the year.

Speaker #6: With definitely an inflationary market on the electronic side. But all that said, when we look at our forecast, we have a lot of internal VAVEs and some positives as well.

Speaker #6: So, we think we can weather that storm and still hit that margin guidance for the year.

Steve Downing: We think we can weather that storm and still hit that margin guidance for the year.

Speaker #7: Thanks for that, Collor. I appreciate it.

Joseph Spak: Thanks for that color. I appreciate it.

Speaker #6: Thanks, Joe.

Neil Boehm: Thanks, Joe.

Speaker #8: Thank you. Our next question comes from Luke Young with Baird. You may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from Luke Junk with Baird. You may proceed.

Speaker #9: Good, thanks for the tickling question. Maybe I'll start with the guidance revision, Steve. I just want to understand the walk-up a couple of points, relative to a little bit of a headwind from production period—a lot unclear in terms of the higher-tech products.

Luke Junk: Great. Thanks. I'll take one question. Maybe, yeah, I'll start with the guidance revision, Steve. Just want to understand the walk up a couple points relative to a little bit of a headwind from production. Hear you loud and clear in terms of the higher tech products. What I want to double click in is just your trim mix and vehicle mix year to date and anything that we should be aware of relative to your updated assumption or any customer specific dynamics that could impact incrementally your view of just underlying your shipments going through the year. Thank you.

Speaker #9: What I wanted to look at is just your trim mix and vehicle mix here today, and anything that we should be aware of relative to your updated assumptions or any customer-specific dynamics that could incrementally impact your view of underlying shipments going through the year.

Speaker #9: Thank you.

Speaker #6: Yeah, no, thanks, Luke. What I would say, especially on the vehicle mix side, is we're doing really well in terms of, despite some of the challenges and the overall sentiment in the market, demand for higher-end or well-equipped vehicles has continued to hold steady.

Steve Downing: Yeah. No, thanks, Luke. What I would say, especially on the vehicle mix side, we're doing really well in terms of, despite some of the challenges and the overall sentiment in the market, demand for higher end or well-equipped vehicles has continued to hold steady. That's the one for us. They're starting to see some incentives in the marketplace, but it's not over the top right now. What we've seen on the negative side is really decontenting on the lowest end vehicles, and that's where you'll see some of the challenges on the volume side, both ICE and OEC volumes, especially in lower cost markets where these features are nice to have, but if the consumer's not paying for them, OEMs are looking for a way to try to save money. That's the challenge is, how does that mix shape out over time, right?

Speaker #6: And that's the one for us. I mean, they're starting to see some incentives in the marketplace, but it's not over the top right now.

Steve Downing: What we've seen on the negative side is really decontenting on the lowest end vehicles, and that's where you'll see some of the challenges on the volume side, both ICE and OEC volumes, especially in lower cost markets where these features are nice to have, but if the consumer's not paying for them, OEMs are looking for a way to try to save money. That's the challenge is, how does that mix shape out over time, right?

Speaker #6: What we've seen on the negative side is really de-contenting on the lowest-end vehicles, and that's where you'll see some of the challenges on the volume side—both IEC and OEC volumes.

Speaker #6: Especially in lower-cost markets, where these features are nice to have, but if the consumer is not paying for them, OEMs are looking for a way to try to save money.

Speaker #6: And so that's the challenge—is how does that mix shape out over time, right? Does it continue to be moving toward lower-end vehicles, or are we going to continue to see demand on the higher-end and well-equipped vehicle side?

Steve Downing: Does it continue to be moving towards lower end vehicles or are we going to continue to see demand on the higher end and well-equipped vehicle side? What we're seeing right now and on the release side and even from our customers is that portion of the vehicle build that's focused on higher end consumers is holding up very well right now.

Speaker #6: What we're seeing right now, on the release side and even from our customers, is that the portion of the vehicle build that's focused on higher-end consumers is holding up very well right now.

Speaker #9: Cool. And then second, Neil, it’d be just great to get your perspective on larger device so far this year in terms of your internal efforts now that you finally have the equipment in-house, in terms of key progress markers, and just the iteration moving towards commercialization ultimately.

Luke Junk: Cool. Second, Neil, it'd be just great to get your perspective on large-area dimmable devices so far this year in terms of your internal efforts now that you finally have the equipment in-house in terms of key progress markers and just the iteration moving towards commercialization ultimately.

Speaker #6: Yeah, absolutely. Teams made some really good progress in the last two months with the equipment we talked about in the first, I guess, fourth quarter a couple of months ago.

Neil Boehm: Yeah, absolutely. The team's made some really good progress in the last 2 months with the equipment we talked about in the first, I guess, Q4, a couple of months ago. Equipment's up and running. Just got buy-off on it from the supplier, from the installation and fixing some of the process. We just started running our first passes of some material through it earlier this week. We probably have another month or 2 of kind of weeding out the process and really trying to get that tuned into what we need to be able to make good material. In the meantime, we're still utilizing our third-party sources, and still putting parts through construction, manufacturing, and validation to prove out the technology.

Speaker #6: Equipment's up and running. Just got buy-off on it from the supplier from the installation and fixing some of the process. We just started running our first passes of some material through it earlier this week.

Speaker #6: So we probably have another, I mean, I'll sum it as another month or two of kind of weeding out the process and really trying to get that tuned into what we need to be able to make good material.

Neil Boehm: We probably have another month or 2 of kind of weeding out the process and really trying to get that tuned into what we need to be able to make good material. In the meantime, we're still utilizing our third-party sources, and still putting parts through construction, manufacturing, and validation to prove out the technology.

Speaker #6: In the meantime, we're still utilizing our third-party sources, and still putting parts through construction, manufacturing, and validation to prove out the technology.

Speaker #7: Thank you for that. We'll stay tuned there. And lastly, just the electronics manufacturing opportunity. From a margin standpoint and the sorts of things you'd be looking at, Steve, it seems from a capital standpoint that's a pretty light lift, at least initially.

Luke Junk: Thank you for that. We'll stay tuned there. Lastly, just the electronics manufacturing opportunity, from a margin standpoint and the sorts of things you'd be looking at, Steve, it seems from a capital standpoint that's pretty light lift, at least initially. Would it be right to think this is sort of a typical margin opportunity as well, not anything that's in the realm of a contract manufacturing type relationship?

Speaker #7: Would it be right to think this is sort of a typical margin opportunity as well, not anything that's in the realm of a contract manufacturing-type relationship?

Speaker #6: Yeah, so if you pull the companies who are currently involved in this business, we're modeling a margin profile that's very similar to theirs.

Steve Downing: Yeah. If you pull the companies who are currently involved in this business, we're modeling margin profile that's very similar to theirs.

Speaker #7: Got it. I'll leave it there. Thank you.

Luke Junk: Got it. I'll leave it there. Thank you.

Speaker #6: Thanks, Luke.

Steve Downing: Thanks, Luke.

Speaker #8: Thank you. Our next question comes from Mark Delaney with Goldman Sachs. You may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from Mark Delaney with Goldman Sachs. You may proceed.

Speaker #10: Yes, good morning. Thank you for taking the questions. I was hoping to start with one on what you're seeing in a bit more detail with respect to auto production trends, to understand if you're basing your forecast on the latest S&P view of negative 2%.

Mark Delaney: Yes, good morning, and thank you for taking the questions. I was hoping to start with one on what you're seeing in a bit more detail with respect to auto production trends. I understand you're basing your forecast on the latest S&P view of -2%. Could you talk a bit more on what you're seeing with your own business by region? I understand some of the strength at the high end, but given the war in the Middle East, I am hoping you could help us better understand if you've seen any degradation in OEM schedules, maybe looking into H2. Thanks.

Speaker #10: But could you talk a bit more on what you're seeing with your own business by region, and help us understand some of the strengths at the high end?

Speaker #10: But given the war in the Middle East, I am hoping you could help us better understand if you've seen any degradation in OEM schedules, maybe looking into the back half of the year.

Speaker #10: Thanks.

Speaker #6: Yeah, thanks, Mark. What I would say first is that we haven't really seen any degradation due to the Iran situation. What we have seen over the last 18 months—really, the last couple of years—is definitely some weakening in the European market, especially with the traditional OEMs that we have our best content with.

Steve Downing: Yeah. Thanks, Mark. What I would say first is that we haven't really seen any degradation due to the Iran situation. What we have seen over the last 18 months, though, really the last couple of years, is definitely some weakening in the European market, especially with the traditional OEMs that we have our best content with. If you think about the German OEMs, that's usually where we've had our best book of business. There has been a trend towards lower-end vehicles in the European market, and so that has been a negative headwind we've been dealing with for the last couple of years. We don't see that worsening right now. It's kind of on the same plane as it was, and it has been.

Speaker #6: So if you think about the German OEMs, that's usually where we've had our best book of business. There has been a trend towards lower-end vehicles in the European market.

Steve Downing: If you think about the German OEMs, that's usually where we've had our best book of business. There has been a trend towards lower-end vehicles in the European market, and so that has been a negative headwind we've been dealing with for the last couple of years. We don't see that worsening right now. It's kind of on the same plane as it was, and it has been. We're not too negative that it's going to continue to worsen in Europe, but it's just not the uplift that we used to have, especially out of the German market.

Speaker #6: And so, that has been a negative headwind we've been dealing with for the last couple of years. We don't see that worsening right now.

Speaker #6: It's kind of on the same plane as it was. It has been. And so we're not too negative that it's going to continue to worsen in Europe, but it's just not the uplift that we used to have, especially out of the German market.

Steve Downing: We're not too negative that it's going to continue to worsen in Europe, but it's just not the uplift that we used to have, especially out of the German market.

Speaker #10: Understood. And my other question was also on the electronics opportunity you were describing. I understand you've had some RFQs out, but to the extent that those are successful, could you speak a bit more as to when you think you could start to see a financial impact from these engagements?

Mark Delaney: Understood. My other question was also on the electronics opportunity you were describing. I understand you've had some RFQs out, but to the extent that those are successful, could you speak a bit more as to when you think you could start to see a financial impact from these engagements? Thanks.

Speaker #10: Thanks.

Speaker #6: Yeah, I think right now most of what we're quoting is kind of like early 2008-type SOPs. There's always the possibility something could come in quicker.

Steve Downing: Yeah, I think right now, most of what we're quoting is kind of early 2028 type SOPs. There's always the possibility something could come in quicker. It probably wouldn't be material from a revenue standpoint if it did happen sooner. Really what we're targeting is that 2028 to 2029 to have a material level of revenue from that product line.

Speaker #6: It probably wouldn't be material from a revenue standpoint if it did happen sooner, but really, kind of what we're targeting is that 2008 to 2009, to have kind of a material level of revenue from that product line.

Speaker #10: Thank you.

Mark Delaney: Thank you.

Speaker #6: Thanks.

Steve Downing: Thanks, Mark.

Speaker #10: Thanks, Mark.

Speaker #8: Thank you. Our next question comes from David Wiston with Morningstar. You may proceed.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from David Whiston with Morningstar. You may proceed.

David Whiston: Thanks. Good morning. Just curious, for Q2, how are you balancing buybacks given what I see as a very cheap stock versus rising input costs in the Iran war?

Speaker #11: Thanks. Good morning. Just curious how, for Q2, how are you balancing buybacks, given what I see is a very cheap stock versus rising input costs in the Iran war?

Speaker #6: Yeah, so it's a great question, David. We would agree with you that this stock is definitely undervalued, at least given their performance. And so, we're going to continue to take advantage of that whenever possible.

Steve Downing: Yeah. Great question, David. We would agree with you. This stock is definitely undervalued, at least given their performance. We're going to continue to take advantage of that whenever possible. The good news is, if you look at how we fund share repurchases, it's all driven off of cash flow from operations. The conflict isn't really changing our financial performance. If it did, obviously, we'd have to slow down repurchases. We don't see anything really creating that type of financial problem with our ability to generate cash off the existing business.

Speaker #6: So the good news is if you look at if you look at how we fund share purchases, it's all driven off of cash flow from operations.

Speaker #6: So, the conflict isn't really changing our financial performance. If it did, obviously, we'd have to slow down repurchases, but we don't see anything really creating that type of financial problem with our ability to generate cash off the existing business.

Speaker #11: Okay. And on all the EV program cuts across the industry lately, has that caused any major volume problems for you guys versus your budget?

David Whiston: Okay. On all the EV program cuts across the industry lately, has that caused any major volume problems for you guys versus your budget?

Speaker #6: Yeah. There's definitely been some headwinds. I mean, we were anticipating some better content. If you look at that vehicle lineup that we typically have really strong content, including not only just IECs, but also OECs.

Steve Downing: Yeah, there's definitely been some headwinds. We were anticipating some better content. If you look at that vehicle lineup that we typically have really strong content, including not only just ICEs, but also OEMs. Those programs have pushed out, gotten canceled, and delayed. That definitely has taken some of the growth away that we were hoping for. It's not so substantive that it's causing a huge change to our forecast. It's just, you would have expected another 1% or 2% of growth, at least, if those launches had happened on time and at volume.

Speaker #6: And so as those programs have pushed out, gotten canceled, delayed, that definitely has taken some of the growth away that we were hoping for.

Speaker #6: But it's not so substantive that it's causing a huge change to our forecast. It's just you would have expected another percent or two of growth at least if those launches had happened on time and at volume.

Speaker #11: Okay. Thank you.

David Whiston: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #6: Thanks, David.

Steve Downing: Thanks, David.

Speaker #7: Thanks, David.

Speaker #8: Thank you. And as a reminder to ask a question, please press star 11 on your telephone. Our next question comes from James Piccarriello with BNP Paribas You May Proceed.

Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone. Our next question comes from James Picariello with BNP Paribas. You may proceed.

Speaker #12: Hey, good morning, everybody. I want to first ask about an update on the Vox integration and just how we should be thinking about the EBIT or EBITDA trajectory from here, right?

James Picariello: Hey, good morning, everybody. I want to first ask about an update on the VOXX integration and just how we should be thinking about the EBIT or EBITDA trajectory from here. Last year, for the full year, we saw adjusted EBIT of just over $10 million. We're almost at $6 million. Did I say billion? $10 million. $6 million for Q1.

Speaker #12: Last year, for the full year, we had we saw adjusted EBIT of just over $10 billion. We're almost at 6 million did I say billion?

Speaker #12: 10 million? 6 million for the first year.

Steve Downing: I like that number better. It was in yen. We knew.

Speaker #6: I like that number better. It was in yen. We knew.

Speaker #12: Six million. Almost six million just in the first quarter alone. So yeah, just any thoughts on how this trajectory looks from here?

James Picariello: Almost $6 million just in the Q1 alone. Yeah, just any thoughts on how this trajectory looks from here?

Speaker #6: Yeah. I mean, great question. I mean, I think there's been a lot of hard work. I mean, we were seeing a little bit of new growth from some of the new products that Steve mentioned.

Kevin Nash: Yeah. Great question. I think there's been a lot of hard work. We were seeing a little bit of new growth from some of the new products that Steve mentioned or Neil mentioned in the call. They typically carry higher margins, but their business is quite seasonal, so you expect a little bit of a dip probably in Q2 with a ramp in Q3 and Q4. If you annualize that Q1 number, that's our expectation from a pretax profitability call, mid to high twenties is what we're looking at this year with a ramp towards the end of the year into next year to get to our target of call it that 40 to 50.

Speaker #6: Or Neil mentioned in the call, they typically carry higher margins. But their business is quite seasonal, so you expect a little bit of a dip probably in Q2, with the ramp in Q3 and Q4.

Speaker #6: But if you annualize that first quarter number, that's our expectation from a pre-tax profitability call of mid to high 20s—6 is what we're looking at this year.

Speaker #6: With a ramp towards the end of the year into next year to get to our target of, call it, that 40 to 50.

Speaker #12: Right. Okay. No, that's great to hear. And then just on the contenting topic, I mean, I know it was it was touched on during the prepared remarks, but right, I view it as two buckets.

James Picariello: Right. Okay. No, that's great to hear. Just on the decontenting topic. I know it was touched on during the prepared remarks, but I view it as two buckets. Obviously, I care more about your view. You have a major global EV manufacturer and then some dynamics taking place in Europe. Can you just shed light on what the latest is there? Thanks.

Speaker #12: Obviously, I care more about your view, right? You have a major global EV manufacturer, and then some dynamics taking place in Europe. Can you just shed light on what the latest is there?

Speaker #12: Thanks.

Speaker #6: Yeah. I would say you're absolutely right. I mean, it is kind of breaks out that way. I mean, you have the trend of what's going on with EVs.

Steve Downing: Yeah. I would say you're absolutely right. It just kind of breaks out that way. You have the trend of what's going on with EVs and obviously, there's no doubt that a lot of the investment that went into that on the supplier side did not have the payout that we were hoping for from a development standpoint. The good news is most of our products are ambivalent as it relates to what the powertrain is. If we're launching a product for an OEM and they move from an EV to an ICE platform, we typically will have the same product on both of those. It's not like the development's completely wasted. However, the volume difference and the content may be different between an ICE platform and an EV platform. As it relates to geography, you're exactly right. There's definitely some trends in certain markets.

Speaker #6: And obviously, there's no doubt that a lot of the investment that went into that on the supplier side did not have the payout that we were hoping for from a development standpoint.

Speaker #6: The good news is, most of our products are ambivalent as it relates to what the powertrain is. So, if we're launching a product for an OEM and they move from an EV to an ICE platform, we typically will have the same product on both of those.

Steve Downing: If we're launching a product for an OEM and they move from an EV to an ICE platform, we typically will have the same product on both of those. It's not like the development's completely wasted. However, the volume difference and the content may be different between an ICE platform and an EV platform. As it relates to geography, you're exactly right. There's definitely some trends in certain markets.

Speaker #6: So it's not like the development's completely wasted. However, the volume difference and the content may be different between an ICE platform and an EV platform.

Speaker #6: And then as it relates to geographically, you're exactly right. I mean, there's definitely some trends in certain markets. Obviously, the China thing is very obvious of what it is.

Steve Downing: Obviously, the China thing is very obvious of what it is. Definitely have struggles there, geopolitically, even selling products into Chinese and domestic OEMs. On the flip side of that, probably the region that struggled the most, quite frankly, has been in Europe in terms of the content. Like I mentioned before in the Q&A session, the German OEMs, where we've traditionally had some of our best book of business, have definitely had some troubles over the last couple of years. We don't see that changing or correcting course anytime soon. That's where the focus on content and new technology is really important is for those customers. You can't count on just auto-dimming mirrors for growth with those OEMs.

Speaker #6: Definitely have struggles there. Geopolitically, even selling products into Chinese and domestic OEMs. But on the flip side of that, probably the region that struggled the most, quite frankly, has been in Europe.

Speaker #6: In terms of the content and like I mentioned before, in the Q&A session, the German OEMs where we've traditionally had some of our best book of business have definitely had some troubles over the last couple of years.

Speaker #6: And so we don't see that changing or correcting course anytime soon. And that's where the focus on content and new technology is really important is for those customers.

Steve Downing: We don't see that changing or correcting course anytime soon. That's where the focus on content and new technology is really important is for those customers. You can't count on just auto-dimming mirrors for growth with those OEMs. We have to continue to evolve, and that's where the in-cabin monitoring system and the visors are really starting to gain traction and attention from those customers. There's definitely a lot of interest there, and, like we said, and you've seen at CES, large-area device demand is there.

Speaker #6: So, if we want to, you can't count on just auto-dimming mirrors for growth with those OEMs. And so, we have to continue to evolve.

Steve Downing: We have to continue to evolve, and that's where the in-cabin monitoring system and the visors are really starting to gain traction and attention from those customers. There's definitely a lot of interest there, and, like we said, and you've seen at CES, large-area device demand is there. Right now we're in that engineering cycle where we have to get through this product, have to make sure it's robust before we feel comfortable launching it. We're much closer today than what we were anytime in the last couple of years. I think our confidence as a team, the durability of that product is surviving and lasting much better. We fixed literally thousands of issues that could have caused a program problem.

Speaker #6: And that's where the in-cabin monitoring system and the visors are really starting to gain traction and attention from those customers. And there's definitely a lot of interest there.

Speaker #6: And like we said, and you've seen at CES, large-area device demand is there. Right now, we're in that engineering cycle where we have to get through this product.

Steve Downing: Right now we're in that engineering cycle where we have to get through this product, have to make sure it's robust before we feel comfortable launching it. We're much closer today than what we were anytime in the last couple of years. I think our confidence as a team, the durability of that product is surviving and lasting much better. We fixed literally thousands of issues that could have caused a program problem. There's still challenges. There's no doubt, but we're definitely way further down that path than what we were this time last year.

Speaker #6: It has to make sure it's robust before we feel comfortable launching it. But we're much closer today than what we were anytime in the last couple of years.

Speaker #6: And so I think our confidence as a team, the durability of that product is surviving and lasting much better. I mean, we've fixed literally thousands of issues that could have caused a program problem.

Speaker #6: And there's still challenges. There's no doubt. But we're definitely way further down that path than what we were this time last year.

Steve Downing: There's still challenges. There's no doubt, but we're definitely way further down that path than what we were this time last year.

Speaker #12: Thanks, Steve.

James Picariello: Thanks, Steve.

Speaker #8: Thank you. I would now like to turn the call back over to Josh O'Berski for any closing remarks.

Operator: Thank you. I would now like to turn the call back over to Josh O'Berski for any closing remarks.

Speaker #13: Thank you, everyone, very much for your time, questions, and attention. We hope that you have a great weekend. This concludes our call.

Josh O'Berski: Thank you everyone very much for your time, questions, and attention. We hope that you have a great weekend. This concludes our call.

Operator: Thank you. This concludes the conference. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

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