In This Article:
Gentex Corporation’s GNTX third-quarter 2024 earnings per share (EPS) of 53 cents beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 50 cents and increased 18% year over year.
This Zeeland-based automotive products supplier reported net sales of $609 million, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $611 million but rose 6% from the year-ago period. The company recorded a gross margin of 33.5%, reflecting a rise of 30 basis points from the third quarter of 2023 due to higher sales and reduced purchasing costs.
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Gentex Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Gentex Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Gentex Corporation Quote
Segmental Performance
The Automotive segment’s net sales — contributing the most to Gentex’s revenues — totaled $596.5 million in the third quarter, which was 5.7% higher than the $564.5 million reported in the year-ago quarter but missed our estimate of $614.4 million. In the reported quarter, auto-dimming mirror shipments in the North American market decreased 4% to 3,823,000 units. Shipments fell 3% year over year in the international markets to 8,399,000 units. Total shipments declined 3% to 12,221,000 units.
Other net sales, which include dimmable aircraft windows and fire protection products, increased from the year-ago quarter’s $11.3 million to $12 million but lagged our estimate of $12.4 million. Fire protection sales increased $1.8 million from the year-ago quarter’s figure. Dimmable aircraft window sales decreased $1.9 million from the year-ago quarter’s level.
Financial Tidbits
Total operating expenses rose 13.5% year over year to $78.3 million in third-quarter 2024. Engineering and R&D expenses increased to $48.2 million from $40.2 million. SG&A expenses rose to $30.1 million from $28.8 million recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
GNTX paid a dividend of 12 cents per share in the quarter. It repurchased 3.2 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $30.16 per share. As of Sept. 30, 2024, the company had nearly 10.1 million shares remaining for buyback, per its previously announced share repurchase plan. Gentex had cash and cash equivalents of about $179.6 million as of Sept. 30, 2024.
GNTX Revises 2024 Guidance
Gentex now expects 2024 net sales in the range of $2.35-$2.40 billion, down from the previous estimate of $2.40-$2.50 billion. The gross margin is projected in the band of 33.5-34%, down from the previous guidance of 34-34.5%. Capital expenditure is anticipated between $150 million and $175 million, down from the previous outlook of $175-$200 million. Operating expenses are estimated in the band of $295-$305 million.