| Summary Of Significant Accounting And Reporting Policies | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES The Company Gentex Corporation is a leading supplier of digital vision, connected car, dimmable glass, and fire protection products. The Company’s largest business segment involves designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing interior and exterior automatic-dimming automotive rearview mirrors and various electronic modules. The Company ships its product to all of the major automotive producing regions worldwide, which it supports with numerous sales, engineering and distribution locations worldwide. A substantial portion of the Company’s net sales and accounts receivable result from transactions with domestic and foreign automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers. Aircraft windows are sold for use by aircraft manufacturers and a Tier 1 supplier. The Company’s fire protection products are primarily sold to domestic distributors and original equipment manufacturers of fire and security systems. The Company does not require collateral or other security for trade accounts receivable. Significant accounting policies of the Company not described elsewhere are as follows: Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Gentex Corporation and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (together the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in bank accounts and money market funds that have daily liquidity. Allowance For Doubtful Accounts The Company reviews a monthly aging report of all accounts receivable balances starting with invoices outstanding over sixty days. In addition, the Company monitors information about its customers through a variety of sources including the media, and information obtained through on-going interaction between Company personnel and the customer. Based on the evaluation of the above information, the Company estimates its allowances related to customer receivables on historical credit and collections experience, customers current financial condition and the specific identification of other potential problems, including the economic climate. Actual collections can differ, requiring adjustments to the allowances, but historically such adjustments have not been material. The following table presents the activity in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts: Beginning Balance Net Additions/ (Reductions) to Costs and Expenses Deductions and Other Adjustments Ending Balance Year Ended December 31, 2018: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $ 2,714,533 $ — $ 32,114 $ 2,746,647 Year Ended December 31, 2017: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $ 2,917,424 $ — $ (202,891 ) $ 2,714,533 Year Ended December 31, 2016: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $ 2,663,477 $ — $ 253,947 $ 2,917,424 The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts primarily relates to financially distressed automotive customers. The Company continues to work with these financially distressed customers in collecting past due balances. Investments The Company follows the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, for its financial assets and liabilities, and for its non-financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities. This framework is intended to provide increased consistency in how fair value determinations are made under various existing accounting standards that permit, or in some cases, require estimates of fair-market value. This standard also expanded financial statement disclosure requirements about a company’s use of fair-value measurements, including the effect of such measurement on earnings. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. The Company’s common stocks and certain mutual funds are classified as available for sale and are stated at fair value based on quoted market prices, and as such are classified as Level 1 assets. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has sold/liquidated all of its positions in common stocks and mutual funds. The Company determines the fair value of its government securities, corporate bonds, and certain mutual funds by utilizing monthly valuation statements that are provided by its broker. The broker determines the investment valuation by utilizing the bid price in the market and also refers to third party sources to validate valuations, and as such are classified as Level 2 assets. The Company's certificates of deposit have remaining maturities of less than one year and are classified as available for sale, and are considered as Level 1 assets. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company made technology investments in certain non-consolidated third-parties for ownership interests of less than 20% . These investments do not have readily determinable fair values, and the Company has not identified any observable events that would cause adjustment of the valuation to date, and therefore these investments are held at cost at a total of $3.85 million as of December 31, 2018. These investments are classified within Long-Term Investments in the consolidated balance sheet and are not included within the tables below. Assets or liabilities that have recurring fair value measurements are shown below as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Total as of Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Description December 31, 2018 (Level I) (Level 2) (Level 3) Cash & Cash Equivalents $ 217,025,278 $ 217,025,278 $ — $ — Short-Term Investments: Certificate of Deposit 150,299,384 150,299,384 — — Government Securities 9,176,227 — 9,176,227 — Mutual Funds — — — — Corporate Bonds 6,967,700 — 6,967,700 — Other 2,219,688 2,219,688 — — Long-Term Investments: Corporate Bonds 60,369,930 — 60,369,930 — Government Securities 56,483,720 — 56,483,720 — Municipal Bonds 18,025,432 — 18,025,432 — Total $ 520,567,359 $ 369,544,350 $ 151,023,009 $ — Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Total as of Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Description December 31, 2017 (Level I) (Level 2) (Level 3) Cash & Cash Equivalents $ 569,734,496 $ 569,734,496 $ — $ — Short-Term Investments: Certificate of Deposit 130,000,000 130,000,000 — — Government Securities 9,011,130 — 9,011,130 — Mutual Funds 393,581 — 393,581 — Corporate Bonds 12,944,999 — 12,944,999 — Other 188,344 188,344 — — Long-Term Investments: — Corporate Bonds 3,018,720 — 3,018,720 — Common Stocks 15,703,371 15,703,371 — — Mutual Funds 34,681,337 34,681,337 — — Preferred Stock 1,178,991 1,178,991 — — Government Securities — — — — Total $ 776,854,969 $ 751,486,539 $ 25,368,430 $ — The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and market value of investment securities are shown as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : Unrealized 2018 Cost Gains Losses Market Value Short-Term Investments: Certificate of Deposit $ 150,299,384 $ — $ — $ 150,299,384 Government Securities 9,186,586 — (10,359 ) 9,176,227 Corporate Bonds 6,981,305 — (13,605 ) 6,967,700 Other 2,219,688 — — 2,219,688 Long-Term Investments: Corporate Bonds 60,659,498 50,340 (339,908 ) 60,369,930 Common Stocks — — — — Government Securities 56,280,552 205,553 (2,385 ) 56,483,720 Municipal Bonds 17,840,518 184,914 — 18,025,432 Government Securities — — — — Total $ 303,467,531 $ 440,807 $ (366,257 ) $ 303,542,081 Unrealized 2017 Cost Gains Losses Market Value Short-Term Investments: Certificate of Deposit $ 130,000,000 $ — $ — $ 130,000,000 Government Securities 9,024,777 — (13,647 ) 9,011,130 Mutual Funds 392,482 1,575 (476 ) 393,581 Corporate Bonds 12,952,229 — (7,230 ) 12,944,999 Other 188,344 — — 188,344 Long-Term Investments: Corporate Bonds 3,022,994 — (4,274 ) 3,018,720 Common Stocks 10,897,219 5,079,815 (273,663 ) 15,703,371 Mutual Funds 29,306,540 5,440,344 (65,547 ) 34,681,337 Preferred Stock 1,141,458 40,533 (3,000 ) 1,178,991 Total $ 196,926,043 $ 10,562,267 $ (367,837 ) $ 207,120,473 Unrealized losses on investments as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: Aggregate Unrealized Losses Aggregate Fair Value Less than one year $ 365,824 $ 68,722,980 Greater than one year 433 3,000,000 Total $ 366,257 $ 71,722,980 Unrealized losses on investments as of December 31, 2017 are as follows: Aggregate Unrealized Losses Aggregate Fair Value Less than one year $ 263,655 $ 31,223,557 Greater than one year 104,182 285,077 Total $ 367,837 $ 31,508,634 ASC 320, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities , as amended and interpreted, provides guidance on determining when an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company reviews its fixed income investments for any unrealized losses that would be deemed other-than-temporary and require the recognition of an impairment loss in income. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, the Company evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investments. Management also considers the type of security, related-industry and sector performance, as well as published investment ratings and analyst reports, to evaluate its portfolio. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded and new cost basis in the investment is established. If market, industry, and/or investee conditions deteriorate, the Company may incur future impairments. No investments were considered to be other-than-temporary impaired in 2018 and 2017 . Fixed income securities as of December 31, 2018 , have contractual maturities as follows: Due within one year $ 166,443,311 Due between one and five years 113,806,135 Due over five years 21,072,946 $ 301,322,392 Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable accounts payable, short and long term debt. The Company’s estimate of the fair values of these financial instruments approximates their carrying amounts at December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Inventories Inventories include material, direct labor and manufacturing overhead and are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or market. Inventories consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : 2018 2017 Raw materials $ 139,058,541 $ 139,272,129 Work-in-process 35,386,615 30,481,192 Finished goods 50,836,443 47,012,262 Total Inventory $ 225,281,599 $ 216,765,583 Estimated inventory allowances for slow-moving and obsolete inventories are based on current assessments of future demands, market conditions, evaluation of longer lead times for certain electronic components and related management initiatives. If market conditions or customer requirements change and are less favorable than those projected by management, inventory allowances are adjusted accordingly. Allowances for slow-moving and obsolete inventories (which are included, net, in the above inventory values) were $7.8 million and $6.6 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method, with estimated useful lives of 7 to 30 years for buildings and improvements, and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Depreciation expense was approximately $79.7 million , $77.0 million and $66.3 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets with definite lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company conducts its long-lived asset impairment analysis in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets . ASC 360-10-15 requires the Company to group assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. Patents The Company’s policy is to capitalize costs incurred to obtain patents. The cost of patents is amortized over their useful lives. The cost of patents in process is not amortized until issuance. The Company periodically obtains intellectual property rights, in the ordinary course of business, and the cost of the rights are amortized over their useful lives. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The Company performs an impairment review for its automotive reporting unit, which has been determined to be one of the Company’s reportable segments, using either a qualitative approach or quantitative approach which utilizes a fair value method that incorporates certain assumptions and judgments. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company performs a qualitative assessment (step 0) to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount. If not, no further goodwill impairment testing is performed. If so, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. However, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, an impairment change is recorded as the excess of the reporting units carrying value over its fair value. The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations which could result in an impairment charge in future periods if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its calculated fair value. For the qualitative assessment performed, management considers factors such as macro-economic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, and other company-specific events, amongst other factors, in making the determination as to whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount. Other than management's internal projections of future cash flows, the primary assumptions used in the step 1 and step 2 impairment tests are the weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth rates. Although the Company's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying business, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit. There have been no impairment charges booked currently or in prior periods in which goodwill existed. Indefinite lived intangible assets are also subject to annual impairment testing or more frequently if indicators of impairment are identified. Management judgment and assumptions are required in determining the underlying fair value of the indefinite lived intangible assets. While the Company believes the judgments and assumptions used in determining fair value are reasonable, different assumptions could change the estimated fair values and, therefore, impairment charges could be required, which could be material to the consolidated financial statements. The indefinite lived intangible assets were not impaired as a result of the annual test prepared by management for either period presented. Refer to Note 10, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for information regarding the impairment testing performed in calendar year 2018. Revenue Recognition The Company’s revenue is generated from sales of its products. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the term of a contract with the customer is satisfied, generally when the product is shipped and legal title has passed to the customer. The Company does not generate sales from arrangements with multiple deliverables. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , using the modified retrospective method. This guidance supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under US GAAP. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company has drafted its accounting policy for the new standard based on a detailed review of its business and contracts. Refer to Note 11, "Revenue" , for further information. Advertising and Promotional Materials All advertising and promotional costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to approximately $2.5 million , $2.6 million and $1.9 million , in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Repairs and Maintenance Major renewals and improvements of property and equipment are capitalized, and repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The Company incurred expenses relating to the repair and maintenance of p lant and equipment of approximately $28.9 million , $24.6 million and $22.1 million , in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Self-Insurance The Company is self-insured for a portion of its risk on workers’ compensation and employee medical costs. The arrangements provide for stop loss insurance to manage the Company’s risk. Such costs are accrued based on known claims and an estimate of incurred, but not reported (IBNR) claims. IBNR claims are estimated using historical lag information and other data provided by claims administrators. This estimation process is subjective, and to the extent that future results differ from original estimates, adjustments to recorded accruals may be necessary. Product Warranty The Company periodically incurs product warranty costs. Any liabilities associated with product warranty are estimated based on known facts and circumstances and are not significant at December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 . The Company does not offer extended warranties on its products. Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is based on the earnings reported in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. Such deferred income tax asset and liability computations are based on enacted tax laws and rates. The Company applies the provisions of ASC 740 as it relates to uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A threshold of more likely than not to be sustained upon examination is applied to uncertain tax positions. The Company deems the estimates related to this provision to be reasonable, however, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not vary from what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals. Earnings Per Share The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) for each of the last three years: 2018 2017 2016 Numerators: Numerator for both basic and diluted EPS, net income $ 437,883,097 $ 406,791,922 $ 347,591,276 Denominators: Denominator for basic EPS, weighted-average common shares outstanding 267,794,786 285,864,997 288,433,772 Potentially dilutive shares resulting from stock option plans 2,082,563 2,361,092 2,638,544 Denominator for diluted EPS 269,877,349 288,226,089 291,072,316 For the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , 698,019 shares, 910,105 shares, and 1,985,849 shares, respectively, related to stock option plans were not included in diluted average common shares outstanding because they were anti-dilutive. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) reflects the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. For the Company, comprehensive income represents net income adjusted for unrealized gains and losses on certain investments, derivatives, and foreign currency translation adjustments that are further detailed in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Foreign Currency Translation The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at year-end. Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange in effect during the year. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ investment. Gains and losses arising from re-measuring foreign currency transactions into the appropriate currency are included in the determination of net income. Stock-Based Compensation Plans The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation . As described more fully in Note 5, the Company provides compensation benefits under two stock option plans, a restricted stock plan, and an employee stock purchase plan. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes model, which requires the input of subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating (a) the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected term”), (b) the volatility of the Company’s common stock price over the expected term, (c) the number of options that will ultimately not complete their vesting requirements (“forfeitures”) and (d) expected dividends. Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amounts recognized on the consolidated condensed statements of operations. Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recent Accounting Standards Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , using the modified retrospective method. This guidance supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under US GAAP. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Based on the new guidance, the Company continues to recognize revenue at a particular point in time for the majority of its contracts with customers, which is generally when products are either shipped or delivered. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company has expanded its consolidated financial statement disclosures in order to comply with the disclosure requirements of the ASU beginning in the first quarter of 2018. These expanded disclosures are included in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilitie s. The standard amends various aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The most significant impact to our consolidated financial statements relates to the recognition and measurement of equity investments at fair value with changes recognized in net income. The amendment also updates certain presentation and disclosure requirements. The Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment in the first quarter of 2018 of $6,642,727 as a result of the implementation of this guidance, and as a result reclassified the net unrealized gain on available-for-sale equity securities as of January 1, 2018 from other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 is expected to increase volatility in net income as changes in the fair value of available-for-sale equity investments and changes in observable prices of equity investments without readily determinable fair values will be recorded in net income. Effective October 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The standard eliminates the second step from the above described goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. Under the new standard, the goodwill impairment charge will be the excess of the reporting unit's carrying value over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases , which requires balance sheet recognition of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets for most leases with terms of greater than 12 months. The Company will adopt the standard on the required effective date of January 1, 2019. The new guidance contained in the ASU stipulates that lessees need to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for substantially all leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability is equal to the present value of lease payments. Treatment in the consolidated statements of income is similar to the current treatment of operating and capital leases. The new guidance is effective on a modified retrospective basis for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company will expand its consolidated financial statement disclosures in order to comply with the disclosure requirements of the ASU beginning in the first quarter of 2019. The Company will adopt the standard using the transition option, "Comparatives under 840 option", established by ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements (ASU 2018-11). The Company expects the primary impact upon adoption of the lease standard will be the recording of a right-of-use asset and liability on the consolidated balance sheets in a range of approximately $2 million to $3 million |
