Gentherm Inc (THRM)
SIC breadcrumb: Manufacturing > Transportation Equipment > SIC 3714 Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=903129. Latest filing source: 0001193125-26-059602.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read THRM's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read THRM's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,498,602,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-19 |
| Net income | 18,285,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-19 |
| Assets | 1,396,429,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-19 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-19. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000903129.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2014 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 917,600,000 | 993,991,000 | 1,048,505,000 | 971,684,000 | 913,098,000 | 1,046,150,000 | 1,204,656,000 | 1,469,076,000 | 1,456,124,000 | 1,498,602,000 | |
| Net income | 76,598,000 | 35,227,000 | 41,899,000 | 48,866,000 | 59,690,000 | 93,434,000 | 24,441,000 | 40,343,000 | 64,947,000 | 18,285,000 | |
| Operating income | 106,119,000 | 97,098,000 | 72,788,000 | 84,260,000 | 89,217,000 | 115,006,000 | 48,307,000 | 77,439,000 | 107,015,000 | 82,700,000 | |
| Gross profit | 295,037,000 | 319,195,000 | 304,858,000 | 288,335,000 | 268,104,000 | 303,631,000 | 273,650,000 | 351,624,000 | 366,431,000 | 362,176,000 | |
| Diluted EPS | 2.09 | 0.96 | 1.16 | 1.47 | 1.81 | 2.79 | 0.73 | 1.22 | 2.06 | 0.59 | |
| Operating cash flow | 108,400,000 | 49,880,000 | 118,434,000 | 118,803,000 | 110,695,000 | 143,076,000 | 14,947,000 | 119,265,000 | 109,646,000 | 116,791,000 | |
| Capital expenditures | 66,316,000 | 50,785,000 | 41,541,000 | 23,729,000 | 17,219,000 | 38,468,000 | 39,703,000 | 37,602,000 | 73,314,000 | 55,673,000 | |
| Share buybacks | 1,113,000 | 5,326,000 | 148,074,000 | 63,283,000 | 9,092,000 | 20,000,000 | 91,094,000 | 51,585,000 | 10,015,000 | ||
| Assets | 843,030,000 | 883,405,000 | 803,047,000 | 738,832,000 | 1,022,839,000 | 935,343,000 | 1,239,300,000 | 1,234,371,000 | 1,247,556,000 | 1,396,429,000 | |
| Liabilities | 382,625,000 | 329,531,000 | 323,348,000 | 254,736,000 | 436,508,000 | 281,537,000 | 567,027,000 | 589,649,000 | 630,609,000 | 676,106,000 | |
| Stockholders' equity | 460,405,000 | 553,874,000 | 479,699,000 | 484,096,000 | 586,331,000 | 653,806,000 | 672,273,000 | 644,722,000 | 616,947,000 | 720,323,000 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 177,187,000 | 103,172,000 | 39,620,000 | 50,443,000 | 268,345,000 | 190,606,000 | 153,891,000 | 149,673,000 | 134,134,000 | 160,833,000 | |
| Free cash flow | 42,084,000 | -905,000 | 76,893,000 | 95,074,000 | 93,476,000 | 104,608,000 | -24,756,000 | 81,663,000 | 36,332,000 | 61,118,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2014 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 8.35% | 3.54% | 4.00% | 5.03% | 6.54% | 8.93% | 2.03% | 2.75% | 4.46% | 1.22% | |
| Operating margin | 11.56% | 9.77% | 6.94% | 8.67% | 9.77% | 10.99% | 4.01% | 5.27% | 7.35% | 5.52% | |
| Return on equity | 16.64% | 6.36% | 8.73% | 10.09% | 10.18% | 14.29% | 3.64% | 6.26% | 10.53% | 2.54% | |
| Return on assets | 9.09% | 3.99% | 5.22% | 6.61% | 5.84% | 9.99% | 1.97% | 3.27% | 5.21% | 1.31% | |
| Liabilities / equity | 0.83 | 0.59 | 0.67 | 0.53 | 0.74 | 0.43 | 0.84 | 0.91 | 1.02 | 0.94 | |
| Current ratio | 2.50 | 2.69 | 2.53 | 2.39 | 3.12 | 2.66 | 2.39 | 2.12 | 2.01 | 1.92 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
Operating margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Income statement bridge from reported figures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Revenue: accession 0001193125-26-059602; concept RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax; source concepts us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax | Gross profit: accession 0001193125-26-059602; concept GrossProfit; source concepts us-gaap:GrossProfit | Operating income: accession 0001193125-26-059602; concept OperatingIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss | Net income: accession 0001193125-26-059602; concept ProfitLoss; source concepts us-gaap:ProfitLoss
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001193125-26-059602; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001193125-26-059602; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001193125-26-059602; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: ProfitLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:ProfitLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: GrossProfit. Source concepts: us-gaap:GrossProfit.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-059602; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-07-23. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000903129.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | 0.29 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | 0.24 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | -0.05 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-06-30 | -1,551,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 366,195,000 | 0.48 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 366,933,000 | 18,087,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 356,015,000 | 14,785,000 | 0.47 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-03-31 | 14,785,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 375,683,000 | 0.60 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-06-30 | 18,876,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 371,512,000 | 0.51 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 352,914,000 | 15,321,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 353,854,000 | -128,000 | 0.00 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-03-31 | -128,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 375,090,000 | 0.02 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-06-30 | 477,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 386,870,000 | 0.49 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 382,788,000 | 2,987,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 393,706,000 | 4,218,000 | 0.14 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2026-Q2 | 2026-03-31 | 4,218,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2026-Q2 | 2026-06-30 | 416,166,000 | 0.14 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-06-30; accession 0001193125-26-314184; filed 2026-07-23. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001193125-26-173920; filed 2026-04-23. Concept: ProfitLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:ProfitLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-06-30; accession 0001193125-26-314184; filed 2026-07-23. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001193125-26-314184.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent our goals, beliefs, plans and expectations about our prospects for the future and other future events, such as: the expected light vehicle production in the Company’s key markets; the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, the components of and our execution of our strategic plan, product and technology development and manufacturing footprint optimization restructuring plans; our operating performance; long-term consumer and technological trends in the automotive industry and our related market opportunity for our existing and new products and technologies; the competitive landscape; the impact of global tax reform legislation and other regulatory matters; the sufficiency of our cash balances and cash generated from operating, investing and financing activities for our future liquidity and capital resource needs; capital allocation strategies; our ability to finance sufficient working capital; and significant matters related to the Modine Transaction, including the expected closing timing and structure thereof, the ability of the parties to complete such transaction and planned actions to satisfy the closing conditions, the expected benefits thereof, the tax consequences thereof and the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, including integration activities. Reference is made in particular to forward-looking statements included in this “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”. Such statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “continue”, or similar terms, variations of such terms or the negative of such terms.
The forward-looking statements included in this Report are made as of the date hereof or as of the date specified herein and are based on management’s reasonable expectations and beliefs. In making these statements we rely on assumptions and analyses based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, third-party information and projections from sources that management believes to be reputable, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from that described in the forward-looking statements.
In addition, with reasonable frequency, we have entered into business combinations, acquisitions, divestitures, strategic investments and other significant transactions. Except as specifically noted for the Modine Transaction, such forward-looking statements do not include the potential impact of any such transactions that may be completed after the date hereof, each of which may present material risks to the Company’s future business and financial results. Except as required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the consolidated condensed financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Report and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Overview
Gentherm Incorporated is a global market leader of innovative thermal management and pneumatic comfort technologies. Our automotive products include Climate Control Seats (CCS®), Climate Control Interiors (CCI™), Lumbar and Massage Comfort Solutions, Valve Systems, and Climate and Comfort Electronics. We operate in locations aligned with our major customers’ product strategies to provide locally enhanced design, integration and production capabilities. Our medical products include patient temperature management systems that can be found in hospitals throughout the world.
Our Automotive sales are driven by the number of light vehicles produced by the OEMs primarily in our key markets of North America, Europe, China, Japan and South Korea, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive light vehicles, our product content per vehicle, and other factors that may limit or otherwise impact production by us, our supply chain and our customers. Historically, new vehicle demand and product content (i.e. vehicle features) have been driven by macroeconomic and other factors, such as interest rates, automotive manufacturer and dealer sales incentives, fuel prices, consumer confidence, employment levels, income growth trends and government incentives. Vehicle content has also been driven by trends in consumer preferences. We believe our diversified OEM customer base and geographic revenue base, along with our flexible cost structure, have well positioned us to withstand the impact of industry downturns and benefit from industry upturns in the ordinary course. Our industry is increasingly
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progressing towards a focus on human comfort, health and wellness, which is evidenced by increasing adoption rates for comfort products. Gentherm is an independent partner that can cooperate with any combination of the vehicle OEMs and seat manufacturers globally, to create innovative and unique configurations that adapt to industry trends.
IME Acquisition
On July 1, 2026, the Company completed its acquisition of Innovative Medical Equipment, LLC (“IME”). IME, headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, is a provider of the ThermaZone® thermal therapy device. ThermaZone is a non-opioid thermal therapy solution designed to support pain management and recovery through controlled hot-and-cold therapy. The Company acquired all of the membership interests in IME for $34.0 million, net of cash and debt, and subject to customary adjustments related to IME’s net working capital as of the closing date. The purchase price may be increased after closing by up to $1.0 million upon the achievement of a specified performance milestone. The transaction was funded through a combination of the Company’s existing cash balances and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, as defined below.
Modine Transaction
On January 29, 2026, the Company, entered into definitive agreements to combine the Performance Technologies business (“Performance Technologies”) of Modine Manufacturing Company, a Wisconsin corporation (“Modine”), with Gentherm (the “Modine Transaction”). The Modine Transaction is structured as a Reverse Morris Trust transaction, where a wholly owned subsidiary of Modine (“SpinCo”), owning Performance Technologies, will be spun off to Modine shareholders (the “Distribution”) and simultaneously merged with a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). The transaction was valued at approximately $1,000.0 million as of the date of signing, based on specified assumptions. Shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the Merger are expected to own approximately 60.0% of the combined company and Modine shareholders are expected to own approximately 40.0% of the combined company, on a fully diluted basis, without taking into account any overlapping shareholder ownership and subject to adjustment.
Prior to and as a condition of, the Distribution, Modine will receive a cash distribution from SpinCo of $210.0 million subject to adjustment for cash, working capital and indebtedness of SpinCo, and subject to decrease if additional shares of Common Stock will be issued to Modine shareholders to support the intended tax-free treatment of the Distribution to Modine shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes (the “SpinCo Cash Distribution”).
The transaction is expected to close by early fourth quarter of 2026, subject to various closing conditions, including specified approvals by the Company’s shareholders, a customary IRS tax ruling and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
The Merger Agreement contains specified termination rights for the Company and Modine, including a right allowing the Company or Modine to terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger has not been consummated on or prior to March 31, 2027 (which date may be extended to June 30, 2027 in the event that required regulatory approvals have not been received). Additionally, the Merger Agreement requires the Company to pay Modine a termination fee of $45.0 million if the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances.
In connection with the Merger Agreement, the Company, SpinCo and a financial institution executed a 364-day bridge loan facility commitment letter, pursuant to which such financial institution committed (i) to provide bridge financing of $290.0 million to fund dividends, fees and expenses related to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (“Bridge Facility”) and (ii) to the Company a backstop of the Company’s credit agreement (“Backstop Commitment”).
On February 24, 2026, the Company amended its credit agreement to permit the Modine Transaction, which terminated the Backstop Commitment. On June 29, 2026, SpinCo replaced the Bridge Facility with permanent financing by entering into a credit agreement, providing for a delayed-draw term loan facility with aggregate commitments of up to $250.0 million (the "Senior Credit Facility"). Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility are expected to be funded on the closing date of the Modine Transaction and used to fund the SpinCo Cash Distribution and to pay certain other amounts required under the Merger Agreement.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company incurred $2.1 million and $5.1 million, respectively, of fees associated with the Bridge Facility, Backstop Commitment and Senior Credit Facility. Such fees are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
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Recent Trends
Tariffs and Global Trade Environment
Since March 2025, the U.S. government has periodically announced additional significant tariffs on various goods imported to the U.S. and other countries have periodically announced reciprocal tariffs on goods imported to such countries, including goods used by or manufactured by us. There has been significant uncertainty resulting from the implementation, termination and/or conditional pause of these additional tariffs. In February 2026, the Supreme Court of the U.S. issued a ruling striking down certain tariffs previously imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”). During the second quarter of 2026, we submitted claims for refunds of IEEPA tariffs previously paid. Refunds received through June 30, 2026 were not material. The U.S. presidential administration subsequently invoked additional tariffs under other laws resulting in a rapidly changing tariff environment. At this time we cannot reasonably estimate the total financial impact of this ruling. Further, it is reasonably possible that new or additional tariffs will be periodically announced in the future given the current global trade environment. We continue to monitor and evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of these tariffs and heightened global trade disputes. Ou
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, our consolidated financial statements (and notes related thereto) and other more detailed financial information appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. Further, you should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. See also “Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report.
Overview
Gentherm Incorporated is a global market leader of innovative thermal management and pneumatic comfort technologies. Our automotive products include Climate Control Seats (CCS®), Climate Control Interiors (CCI™), Lumbar and Massage Comfort Solutions, Valve Systems, and Climate and Comfort Electronics. We operate in locations aligned with our major customers’ product strategies to provide locally enhanced design, integration and production capabilities. Our medical products include patient temperature management systems that can be found in hospitals throughout the world.
Our Automotive sales are driven by the number of light vehicles produced by the OEMs primarily in our key markets of North America, Europe, China, Japan and South Korea, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive light vehicles, our product content per vehicle, and other factors that may limit or otherwise impact production by us, our supply chain and our customers. Historically, new vehicle demand and product content (i.e. vehicle features) have been driven by macroeconomic and other factors, such as interest rates, automotive manufacturer and dealer sales incentives, fuel prices, consumer confidence, employment levels, income growth trends and government incentives. Vehicle content has also been driven by trends in consumer preferences. We believe our diversified OEM customer base and geographic revenue base, along with our flexible cost structure, have well positioned us to withstand the impact of industry downturns and benefit from industry upturns in the ordinary course. Our industry is increasingly progressing towards a focus on human comfort, health and wellness, which is evidenced by increasing adoption rates for comfort products. Gentherm is an independent partner that can cooperate with any combination of the vehicle OEMs and seat manufacturers globally, to create innovative and unique configurations that adapt to industry trends.
Modine Transaction
On January 29, 2026, the Company entered into definitive agreements with Modine, SpinCo and Merger Sub with respect to a Reverse Morris Trust transaction, and pursuant to and subject to the terms and conditions of such definitive agreements, (i) Modine will transfer (or cause to be transferred) and SpinCo will accept and assume (or cause to be accepted and assumed) all of the rights, titles and interests to and under certain assets and liabilities relating to Performance Technologies, (ii) Modine will execute the Spin-Off and make the Distribution of SpinCo Common Stock to its shareholders and (iii) following the Distribution, Merger Sub will be merged with and into SpinCo. The Modine Transaction was unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both Modine and the Company.
Upon completion of the Merger, SpinCo will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. In addition, shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the Merger will own approximately 60.0% and former SpinCo shareholders as of the Distribution will own approximately 40.0% of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock on a fully diluted basis.
The definitive agreements entered into in connection with the Modine Transaction include (i) Merger Agreement, including the forms of specified ancillary agreements to be entered into as of closing, and (ii) the Separation Agreement.
Prior to and as a condition of, the Distribution, SpinCo will make a cash payment to Modine of $210 million (the “SpinCo Cash Distribution”), subject to adjustment for cash, working capital and indebtedness of SpinCo and subject to decrease if additional shares of Common Stock will be issued to Modine shareholders to support the intended tax-free treatment of the Distribution to Modine’s shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
On January 29, 2026, SpinCo and the Company executed a 364-day bridge loan facility commitment letter with a financial institution, pursuant to which such financial institution committed to provide up to $790 million in aggregate (collectively, the “Bridge Facilities”) to SpinCo and the Company. The commitment letter provides funding for the SpinCo Cash Distribution. The commitment
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letter also provides funding to the Company to backstop capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) while the Company seeks lender consent for the Modine Transaction, to pay a special dividend to the Company’s shareholders, if necessary to support the intended tax-free treatment of the Distribution to Modine shareholders, and to pay fees and expenses of the Modine Transaction. The Bridge Facility is expected to be replaced with permanent financing. If the Modine Transaction is consummated, any indebtedness incurred by SpinCo under the Bridge Facility or the permanent financing will become indebtedness of a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
The Modine Transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to various closing conditions, including specified approvals by the Company’s shareholders, completion of financing for SpinCo, a customary IRS tax ruling, receipt of required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
Recent Trends
Tariffs and Global Trade Environment
Since March 2025, the U.S. government has periodically announced additional significant tariffs on various goods imported to the U.S. and other countries have periodically announced reciprocal tariffs on goods imported to such countries, including goods used by or manufactured by us. There has been significant uncertainty resulting from the implementation, termination and/or conditional pause of these additional tariffs, as well as related litigation challenging the legality of some tariffs. Further, it is reasonably possible that new or additional tariffs will be periodically announced in the future given the current global trade environment. We continue to monitor and evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of these tariffs and heightened global trade disputes. Our business model of regionally-focused manufacturing and delivery limits the global impact of certain trade restrictions and tariffs. Further, the majority of our supply components are not currently subject to the additional tariffs or are compliant with exceptions, and we believe that we can generally mitigate the direct impact of any such tariffs currently in effect by directly or indirectly passing the additional costs through to customers. We are taking and will continue to take additional actions to mitigate any direct and indirect impacts.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the additional tariffs did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. However, these matters are changing rapidly and there is significant uncertainty as to how long and to what degree that Gentherm and the automotive industry will be impacted by these or other additional tariffs, the adverse global trade environment and the resulting economic uncertainty.
Global Conditions
The global automotive light vehicle industry is impacted by a number of factors, including global and regional economic conditions. At times in recent years, the global economy has experienced significant volatility, inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions, which have a widespread adverse effect on the global automotive industry. These macroeconomic conditions have resulted in fluctuating demand and production disruptions, facility closures, labor shortages, work stoppages, and increased prices of inputs to our products. Although some supply chain conditions have steadily improved and certain inflationary pressures have moderated, rising costs of materials, labor, equipment and other inputs used to manufacture and sell our products, including freight and logistics costs, have impacted, and may in the future impact, operating costs and operating results. We continue to employ measures to mitigate the impact of cost increases through identification of sourcing and manufacturing efficiencies where possible. However, we have been unable to fully mitigate or pass through the increases in our operating costs, which may continue in the future.
We are exposed to foreign currency risk due to the translation and remeasurement of the results of certain international operations into U.S. dollars as part of the consolidation process. Therefore, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can create volatility in the results of operations and may adversely affect our financial condition.
We have a global manufacturing footprint that enables us to serve our customers in the regions they operate and shift production between regions to remain competitive. There have been various ongoing geopolitical conflicts, such as the current conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East and heightened tensions in the Red Sea and in the South China Sea. These conflicts have interrupted ocean freight shipping and if prolonged or intensified, could have a substantial adverse effect on our financial results. Further, it is reasonably possible that certain political pressures, such as changes to international trade agreements, increases in tariffs, import quotas or other trade restrictions or actions, including export controls and other retaliatory responses to such actions, could continue to affect the operations of our OEM customers, resulting in reduced automotive production in certain regions or shifts in the
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mix of production to higher cost regions. See “—Tariffs and Global Trade Environment” above for further information on the impact of tariffs and the global trade environment in 2025. We, like other manufacturers, have a high proportion of fixed structural costs, and therefore relatively small changes in industry vehicle production can have a substantial effect on our financial results.
Light Vehicle Production Volumes
Our sales are driven by the number of vehicles produced by the automotive manufacturers, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive vehicles, and our content per vehicle, and other factors that may limit or otherwise impact production by us, our supply chain and our customers. According to the forecasting firm S&P Global Mobility (February 2026 release), global light vehicle production in 2025 in the Company’s key markets of North America, Europe, China, Japan and South Korea, as compared to 2024, are shown below (in millions of units):
| 2025 | 2024 | % Change | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 15.3 | 15.4 | (1.2 | )% | ||||||||
| Europe | 17.0 | 17.2 | (0.8 | )% | ||||||||
| Greater China | 33.1 | 30.1 | 10.0 | % | ||||||||
| Japan / South Korea | 12.1 | 12.0 | 0.8 | % | ||||||||
| Total light vehicle production volume in key markets | 77.5 | 74.7 | 3.7 | % |
The S&P Global Mobility report (February 2026 release) forecasted light vehicle production volume in the Company’s key markets for full year 2026 to decrease to 76.7 million units, a 1.0% decrease from full year 2025 light vehicle production volumes. Forecasted light vehicle production volumes are a component of the data we use in forecasting future business. However, these forecasts generally are updated monthly, and future forecasts have been and may continue to be significantly different from period to period due to changes in macroeconomic conditions or matters specific to the automotive industry. Further, due to differences in regional product mix at our manufacturing facilities, as well as material production schedules from our customers for our products on specific vehicle programs, our future forecasted results do not directly correlate with the global and/or regional light vehicle production forecasts of S&P Global Mobility or other third-party sources.
New Business Awards
We believe that innovation is an important element to gaining market acceptance of our products and strengthening our market position. During 2025, we secured an estimated $2,200 million of automotive new business awards. Automotive new business awards represent the aggregate projected lifetime revenue of new awards provided by our customers to Gentherm in the applicable period, with the value based on the price and volume projections received from each customer as of the award date. Although automotive new business awards are not firm customer orders, we believe that new business awards are an indicator of future revenue. New business awards are not projections of revenue or future business as of December 31, 2025, the date of this Annual Report or any other date. Customer projections regularly change over time, and we do not update our calculation of any new business award after the date initially communicated. Automotive new business awards in 2025 also do not reflect, in particular, the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges on future business. Revenues resulting from automotive new business awards also are subject to additional risks and uncertainties as described in Item 1 under “Forward-Looking Statements” of this Annual Report.
Stock Repurchase Program
In June 2024, the Board of Directors authorized the 2024 Stock Repurchase Program to commence upon expiration of the Company’s prior stock repurchase program on June 30, 2024. Under the 2024 Stock Repurchase Program, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $150.0 million of its issued and outstanding Common Stock over a three-year period, expiring June 30, 2027. Repurchases under the 2024 Stock Repurchase Program may be made, from time to time, in amounts and at prices the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, debt covenants and other considerations. Any such repurchases may be executed using open market purchases, accelerated share repurchase programs, privately negotiated agreements or other transactions. Repurchases may be funded from cash on hand, available borrowings or proceeds from potential debt or other capital markets sources.
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During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company repurchased $10.0 million of Common Stock with an average price paid per share of $26.24. The 2024 Stock Repurchase Program had $110.1 million of repurchase authorization remaining as of December 31, 2025.
Reportable Segments
The Company has two reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Automotive and Medical. See Note 19, “Segment Reporting,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for a description of our reportable segments as well as their proportional contribution to the Company’s reported product revenues, operating income and depreciation and amortization.
Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2024
This section discusses our consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. For a detailed discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, see Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” under “Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to December 31, 2023” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 19, 2025.
The results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, in thousands, were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Product revenues | $ | 1,498,602 | $ | 1,456,124 | $ | 42,478 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | 1,136,426 | 1,089,693 | (46,733 | ) | ||||||||
| Gross margin | 362,176 | 366,431 | (4,255 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Net research and development expenses | 94,759 | 88,697 | (6,062 | ) | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 170,045 | 155,108 | (14,937 | ) | ||||||||
| Restructuring expenses, net | 12,476 | 13,110 | 634 | |||||||||
| Loss on sale of land and building, net | 2,196 | — | (2,196 | ) | ||||||||
| Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment | — | 2,501 | 2,501 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 279,476 | 259,416 | (20,060 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating income | 82,700 | 107,015 | (24,315 | ) | ||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (13,811 | ) | (15,300 | ) | 1,489 | |||||||
| Foreign currency (loss) gain | (28,415 | ) | 9,599 | (38,014 | ) | |||||||
| Other (loss) income | (4,639 | ) | 951 | (5,590 | ) | |||||||
| Earnings before income tax | 35,835 | 102,265 | (66,430 | ) | ||||||||
| Income tax expense | 17,550 | 37,318 | 19,768 | |||||||||
| Net income | $ | 18,285 | $ | 64,947 | $ | (46,662 | ) |
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Product revenues by product category, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 (a) | % Change | ||||||||||
| Climate Control Seats | $ | 793,314 | $ | 771,310 | 2.9 | % | ||||||
| Lumbar and Massage Comfort Solutions | 212,182 | 178,584 | 18.8 | % | ||||||||
| Climate Control Interiors | 197,901 | 186,972 | 5.8 | % | ||||||||
| Climate and Comfort Electronics | 29,664 | 17,363 | 70.8 | % | ||||||||
| Automotive Climate and Comfort Solutions | 1,233,061 | 1,154,229 | 6.8 | % | ||||||||
| Valve Systems | 96,877 | 105,056 | (7.8 | )% | ||||||||
| Other Automotive | 118,888 | 146,993 | (19.1 | )% | ||||||||
| Subtotal Automotive segment | 1,448,826 | 1,406,278 | 3.0 | % | ||||||||
| Medical segment | 49,776 | 49,846 | (0.1 | )% | ||||||||
| Total Company | $ | 1,498,602 | $ | 1,456,124 | 2.9 | % |
(a)
Product categories have been modified, and prior-period amounts have been recast to conform with the current period presentation. Climate Control Seats (CCS) includes CCS Heat (previously Seat Heaters), CCS Vent/CCS Active (previously CCS) and CCS Neck Conditioners (previously included in Other Automotive). Climate Control Interiors (CCI) includes CCI Steering Wheel Heat and CCI Interior Heat (previously included in Other Automotive). Other Automotive includes Automotive Cables, Battery Performance Solutions, non-automotive electronics and contract manufacturing electronics (previously classified as Electronics).
Product Revenues
Below is a summary of our product revenues, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | Variance Due To: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | Automotive Volume | FX | Pricing/ Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenues | $ | 1,498,602 | $ | 1,456,124 | $ | 42,478 | $ | 37,131 | $ | 16,727 | $ | (11,380 | ) | $ | 42,478 |
Product revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased 2.9% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in product revenues is due to favorable automotive volumes and favorable foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Euro, partially offset by unfavorable pricing and unfavorable currency impacts primarily attributable to the Chinese Renminbi and Korean Won.
Cost of Sales
Below is a summary of our cost of sales and gross margin, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | Variance Due To: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | Automotive Volume | FX | Operational Performance | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 1,136,426 | $ | 1,089,693 | $ | (46,733 | ) | $ | (27,128 | ) | $ | (8,276 | ) | $ | 3,289 | $ | (14,618 | ) | $ | (46,733 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 362,176 | 366,431 | (4,255 | ) | 10,003 | 8,451 | 3,289 | (25,998 | ) | (4,255 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin - Percentage of product revenues | 24.2 | % | 25.2 | % |
Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased by 4.3% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in cost of sales is primarily due to higher automotive volumes, unfavorable foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Euro, higher quality costs and higher labor costs, partially offset by material purchasing savings.
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Net Research and Development Expenses
Below is a summary of our net research and development expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | $ | 125,398 | $ | 117,826 | $ | (7,572 | ) | |||||
| Reimbursed research and development expenses | (30,639 | ) | (29,129 | ) | 1,510 | |||||||
| Net research and development expenses | $ | 94,759 | $ | 88,697 | $ | (6,062 | ) | |||||
| Percentage of product revenues | 6.3 | % | 6.1 | % |
Net research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased 6.8% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in net research and development expenses is primarily related to higher employee compensation and tooling and development expenses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Below is a summary of our selling, general and administrative expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 170,045 | $ | 155,108 | $ | (14,937 | ) | |||||
| Percentage of product revenues | 11.3 | % | 10.7 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased 9.6% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. Merger and acquisition expenses were $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. The remaining increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily related to higher expenses for leases, leadership transition, information technology and employee compensation and unfavorable foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Euro and Mexican Peso.
Restructuring Expenses, net
Below is a summary of our restructuring expenses, net, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Restructuring expenses, net | $ | 12,476 | $ | 13,110 | $ | 634 |
Restructuring expenses, net primarily relate to discrete restructuring activities focused on optimizing our manufacturing footprint and cost structure. See Note 4, "Restructuring" in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
Loss on Sale of Land and Building, net
Below is a summary of our loss on sale of land and building, net, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Loss on sale of land and building, net | $ | 2,196 | $ | — | $ | (2,196 | ) |
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Loss on sale of land and building, net for the year ended December 31, 2025 is primarily due to the sale of our former headquarters building in Northville, Michigan in January 2025.
Impairment of Intangible Assets and Property and Equipment
Below is a summary of our impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment | $ | — | $ | 2,501 | $ | 2,501 |
Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2024 related to equipment determined to have no future use.
Interest Expense, net
Below is a summary of our interest expense, net, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | (13,811 | ) | $ | (15,300 | ) | $ | 1,489 |
The decrease in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to 2024 is primarily related to a lower average borrowing on the Revolving Credit Facility and the change in fair value of an interest rate swap derivative in the prior year period.
Foreign Currency (Loss) Gain
Below is a summary of our foreign currency gain (loss), in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Foreign currency (loss) gain | $ | (28,415 | ) | $ | 9,599 | $ | (38,014 | ) |
Foreign currency loss for the year ended December 31, 2025 included net realized foreign currency gain of $1.8 million and unrealized net foreign currency loss of $30.3 million.
Foreign currency gain for the year ended December 31, 2024 included net realized foreign currency loss of $1.1 million and unrealized net foreign currency gain of $10.7 million.
Other (Loss) Income
Below is a summary of our other (loss) income, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Other (loss) income | $ | (4,639 | ) | $ | 951 | $ | (5,590 | ) |
The decrease is primarily driven by non-cash impairment charges related to our non-consolidated equity investments during the year ended December 31, 2025. See Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
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Income Tax Expense
Below is a summary of our income tax expense, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 17,550 | $ | 37,318 | $ | 19,768 |
Income tax expense was $17.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, on earnings before income tax of $35.8 million, representing an effective tax rate of 49.0.%. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of global intangible low tax income ("GILTI"), withholding taxes, unfavorable tax effects of equity vesting and other non-deductible expenses, partially offset by the impact of income taxes on foreign earnings at tax rates varying from the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate, research and development credits, and incentive tax rates in various jurisdictions.
Income tax expense was $37.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, on earnings before income tax of $102.3 million, representing an effective tax rate of 36.5%. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of GILTI, withholding taxes, other non-deductible expenses, and the settlement of a prior period tax audit, partially offset by the impact of income taxes on foreign earnings at tax rates varying from the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate, research and development credits and incentive tax rates in various jurisdictions.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operations and borrowings available under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Our cash requirements consist principally of working capital, capital expenditures, research and development, operating lease payments, income tax payments and general corporate purposes. We generally reinvest available cash flows from operations into our business, while opportunistically utilizing our authorized stock repurchase program. Further, we continuously evaluate acquisition and investment opportunities that will enhance our business strategies.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $160.8 million of cash and cash equivalents and $307.9 million of availability under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. We may issue debt or equity securities, which may provide an additional source of liquidity. However, there can be no assurance equity or debt financing will be available to us when we need it or, if available, the terms will be satisfactory to us and not dilutive to our then-current shareholders.
We continue to expect to be able to move funds between different countries to manage our global liquidity needs without material adverse tax implications, subject to current monetary policies and the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. We utilize a combination of strategies, including dividends, cash pooling arrangements, intercompany loan repayments and other distributions and advances to provide the funds necessary to meet our global liquidity needs. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to Gentherm Incorporated. As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries totaled $103.1 million. If additional non-U.S. cash was needed for our U.S. operations, we may be required to accrue and pay withholding if we were to distribute such funds from non-U.S. subsidiaries to the U.S.; however, based on our current liquidity needs and strategies, we do not anticipate a need to accrue and pay such additional amounts.
We currently believe that our cash and cash equivalents and borrowings available under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and cash flows from operations will be adequate to meet anticipated cash requirements for at least the next twelve months and the foreseeable future.
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Cash and Cash Flows
The table below summarizes our cash activity for each of the last two fiscal years (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $ | 134,134 | $ | 149,673 | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 116,791 | 109,646 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (52,398 | ) | (53,531 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (42,483 | ) | (51,705 | ) | ||||
| Foreign currency effect on cash and cash equivalents | 4,789 | (19,949 | ) | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 160,833 | $ | 134,134 |
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $116.8 million and $109.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 consisted primarily of net income of $18.3 million, increased by $110.2 million for non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization, unrealized stock based compensation, provisions for inventory, loss on disposition of property and equipment and other, including unrealized foreign currency loss, $27.6 million related to increase in accounts payable and $13.9 million for changes in net other assets and liabilities, partially offset by $22.3 million for non-cash deferred income taxes, $21.6 million of change in inventory and $9.3 million change in accounts receivable. Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 consisted primarily of net income of $64.9 million, increased by $82.9 million for non-cash charges for depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation, deferred income taxes, impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment and provision for inventory, partially offset by $35.5 million related to changes in assets and liabilities, $1.6 million for a gain on disposition of property and equipment and $1.1 million of other.
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $52.4 million and $53.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily included capital expenditures of $55.7 million and technology investments of $1.2 million, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of property and equipment of $3.8 million and proceeds from deferred purchase price of factored receivables of $0.7 million. Cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily included capital expenditures of $73.3 million and technology investments of $1.0 million, partially offset by proceeds from deferred purchase price of factored receivables of $12.9 million and proceeds from the sale of property and equipment of $7.9 million.
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $42.5 million and $51.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Cash flows used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily included $31.1 million net repayments of debt, $10.0 million of cash paid for the repurchase of Common Stock and $1.3 million paid for employee taxes related to the net settlement of restricted stock units that vested during the year. Cash flows used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily included $2.6 million net repayments of debt, $51.6 million of cash paid for the repurchase of Common Stock and $3.3 million paid for employee taxes related to the net settlement of restricted stock units that vested during the year, partially offset by $5.8 million of proceeds from the exercise of Common Stock options.
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Debt
The following table summarizes the Company’s debt at December 31, 2025 and 2024 (dollars in thousands):
| December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest Rate | Principal Balance | Interest Rate | Principal Balance | ||||||||||||
| Revolving Credit Facility (U.S. Dollar denominations) | 4.95 | % | $ | 189,000 | 5.86 | % | $ | 220,000 | |||||||
| Finance leases | 3.34 | % | 73 | 3.46 | % | 201 | |||||||||
| Total debt | 189,073 | 220,201 | |||||||||||||
| Less: current maturities | (73 | ) | (137 | ) | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, less current maturities | $ | 189,000 | $ | 220,064 |
Credit Agreement
Gentherm, together with certain of its subsidiaries, maintains a revolving credit note (“Revolving Credit Facility”) under its Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with a consortium of lenders and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent (the "Agent"). The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was entered into on June 10, 2022 and amends and restates in its entirety the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 27, 2019, by and among Gentherm, certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto and the Agent. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement has a maximum borrowing capacity of $500 million and matures on June 10, 2027. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains covenants, that, among other things, (i) prohibit or limit the ability of the borrowers and any material subsidiary to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, pay dividends, make certain types of investments (including acquisitions), enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, prepay other indebtedness, sell assets or enter into certain other transactions outside the ordinary course of business, and (ii) require that Gentherm maintain a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (based on consolidated EBITDA for the applicable trailing four fiscal quarters) as of the end of any fiscal quarter.
Finance Leases
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there was $0.1 million and $0.2 million of outstanding finance leases, respectively.
Modine Transaction
On January 29, 2026, the Company and SpinCo executed a 364-day bridge loan facility commitment letter with Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays Bank”), pursuant to which Barclays Bank has committed financing to the Company and SpinCo of $790 million in the aggregate, including (i) $290 million to fund the SpinCo Distribution, to pay a special dividend to the Company’s shareholders, if necessary to support the intended tax-free treatment of the Distribution to Modine shareholders, and to pay fees and expenses of the Modine Transaction, and (ii) $500 million to backstop capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility while the Company seeks lender consent for the Modine Transaction. The Bridge Facility is expected to be replaced with permanent financing. If the Modine Transaction is consummated, any indebtedness incurred by SpinCo under the Bridge Facility or the permanent financing will become indebtedness of a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
Material Cash Requirements
The following table summarizes current and long-term material cash requirements as of December 31, 2025, which we expect to fund primarily with operating cash flows. We have not included amounts for material and component purchase obligations related to
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standard recurring purchases of materials for use in our manufacturing operations as these amounts are generally consistent from year to year, closely reflect our levels of production, and are not long-term in nature.
| Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material Cash Requirements (in thousands) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1 to 3 years | 3 to 5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt obligations (1) | $ | 189,073 | $ | 73 | $ | 189,000 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||
| Operating lease obligations (2) | 78,056 | 12,113 | 16,158 | 12,744 | 37,041 | ||||||||||||||
| Capital commitments (3) | 7,272 | 7,272 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 274,401 | $ | 19,458 | $ | 205,158 | $ | 12,744 | $ | 37,041 |
(1)
Long-term debt obligations do not include an amount payable for interest. See Note 8, “Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
(2)
See Note 7, “Leases,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
(3)
Capital commitments is comprised of commitments for capital expenditures. Such commitments are typically less than one year.
Restructuring
In July 2025, we committed to a restructuring plan to further optimize our manufacturing footprint by realigning our global manufacturing capacity. We expect to incur cash restructuring costs of between $3 million and $4 million for employee severance and retention costs and $1 million of other transition costs primarily for machinery and equipment move and set up costs. Additionally, we expect to incur capital expenditures of between $1 million and $2 million.
In February 2025, we committed to a restructuring plan to further optimize our manufacturing footprint by realigning our manufacturing capacity in Europe. We expect to incur cash restructuring costs of between $4 million and $6 million for employee severance and retention costs and between $2 million and $3 million of other transition costs primarily for machinery and equipment move and set up costs. Additionally, we expect to incur capital expenditures of between $1 million and $2 million.
In February 2025, we committed to an additional restructuring plan to further optimize our manufacturing footprint by realigning our manufacturing capacity in Asia. We expect to incur cash restructuring costs of between $2 million and $3 million for employee severance and retention costs and $1 million of other transition costs primarily for machinery and equipment move and set up costs. Additionally, we expect to incur capital expenditures of between $2 million and $3 million.
See Note 4, “Restructuring,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information regarding these plans.
Capital Expenditures
We anticipate capital expenditures in fiscal year 2026 of approximately $45 million to $55 million. We will continue to support organic growth through capacity expansion in our facilities and make capital improvements as necessary. We believe cash on hand, cash generated from operations, and the borrowing capacity available under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement will be sufficient to support our capital expenditures.
Other Commitments
In December 2021, the Company committed to make a $5 million investment in Autotech Fund III, L.P., pursuant to a limited partnership agreement. As a limited partner, the Company will periodically make capital contributions toward this total commitment amount over the expected ten year life of the fund. The Company has made contributions of approximately $2.9 million to the Autotech Fund III, LP as of December 31, 2025. Timing of the remaining $2.1 million of capital contributions is unknown and therefore amounts have been excluded from the Material Cash Requirements table above.
Effects of Inflation
The automotive component supply industry has historically been subject to inflationary pressures with respect to materials and labor. At times in recent years, the automotive industry has experienced significant volatility in the costs of certain materials and
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components, labor and transportation. Although supply chain conditions have steadily improved and certain inflationary pressures have moderated, rising costs of materials, labor, equipment and other inputs used to manufacture and sell our products, including freight and logistics costs, have impacted, and may in the future impact, operating costs and operating results. Although the Company has developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of higher material component costs and transportation costs through sourcing and manufacturing efficiencies where possible, these strategies together with commercial negotiations with Gentherm's customers and suppliers have not fully offset to date and may not fully offset our future cost increases. Such inflationary cost increase may increase the cash required to fund our operations by a material amount.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management was required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on our historical experience, the terms of existing contracts, our evaluation of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers and suppliers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. These estimates and assumptions are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material to our financial statements.
We have identified the following estimates as our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that are most important to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments. Information regarding our other significant accounting estimates and policies are disclosed in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill
Critical estimates: Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually as of December 31 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In conducting our annual impairment assessment testing, we first perform a qualitative assessment of 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 it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit, we then compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the related net book value. If the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured and recognized.
The Company utilizes an income approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit and a market valuation approach to further support this analysis. The income approach is based on projected debt-free cash flow that is discounted to the present value using discount factors that consider the timing and risk of cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based on the reporting unit’s expected long-term operating cash flow performance. This approach also mitigates the impact of cyclical trends that occur in our industry. Fair value is estimated using internally developed forecasts, as well as commercial and discount rate assumptions. The discount rate used is the value-weighted average of our estimated cost of equity and of debt (“cost of capital”) derived using both known and estimated customary market metrics. Our weighted average cost of capital is adjusted to reflect risk, if necessary. Other significant assumptions include terminal value growth rates and terminal value margin rates. To further support the fair value estimate determined by the income approach, the Company utilizes a market valuation approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. The market approach considers historical and/or anticipated financial metrics of a reporting unit and applies valuation multiples based on recent observed transactions involving companies similar enough to the reporting units from which to draw meaningful conclusions.
Judgments and uncertainties: These fair value calculations contain uncertainties as they require management to make assumptions about future cash flows and appropriate discount rates to reflect the risk inherent in the future cash flows and to derive a reasonable enterprise value and related premium. Our ability to realize the future cash flows used in our fair value calculations is affected by factors such as the success of strategic initiatives, changes in economic conditions, changes in our operating performance and changes in our business strategies. The estimated future cash flows reflect management's latest assumptions of the financial projections based on current and anticipated competitive landscape, including estimates of revenue based on production volumes over
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the foreseeable future and long-term growth rates, and operating margins based on historical trends and future cost containment activities.
Also, the market valuation approach is highly subjective as it requires the selection of comparable companies and valuation multiples.
Impact if actual results differ from assumptions: As of December 31, 2025, our goodwill balance included $81.0 million related to our Automotive segment and $27.9 million related to our Medical segment. These balances could be fully or partially impaired if management does not achieve the expected cash flows assumed in the fair value estimates or if assumptions and cash flow estimates change in future periods.
The Company’s Medical segment is comprised of one reporting unit (the “Medical reporting unit”). The estimated fair value of the Medical reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 25% as of December 31, 2025. The Medical reporting unit is at risk of failing future impairment tests, as the estimate of fair value does not substantially exceed its carrying value. The Company’s estimated future cash flow projections for the Medical reporting unit for the period of 2026 through 2030 assume a compound annual growth rate for revenue of approximately 14.0%, which we deem to be a critical assumption in the fair value determination as of December 31, 2025. This forecasted revenue growth, which is significantly higher than historical periods, is primarily driven by our anticipated product launches. Realization of this assumed revenue growth is dependent on the successful launch of these new products and the acceptance of customers. If this revenue growth is not achieved or if the estimated growth rates are reduced because of new information or experience, the fair value of the Medical reporting unit could decrease, which could result in a material impairment of goodwill. Additionally, forecasted cash flows assume margin expansion as a direct result of the forecasted revenue growth. If we experience higher costs than assumed in our forecast or if we experience other deviations from forecasted results and/or external factors (e.g., increase of interest rates), it could result in a material impairment.
The Company's reporting units in its Automotive segment each have a fair value that is substantially in excess of its respective carrying value as of December 31, 2025.
Income Taxes
Critical estimates: The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions. In calculating our effective income tax rate, we make judgments regarding certain tax positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions. When determining whether we will be able to realize deferred tax assets, judgment is used to evaluate the positive and negative evidence, including forecasting taxable income using historical and future operating results. The provision for income taxes includes current income taxes as well as deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured based on the difference between the financial statement and tax base of assets and liabilities at the applicable enacted tax rates.
Judgments and uncertainties: We have various tax filing positions with regard to the timing and amount of deductions and credits and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions, based on our interpretation of local tax laws, supported by external advisor review for material positions.
Valuation allowances are established when necessary on a jurisdictional basis to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized when management considers it more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination as to whether a deferred tax asset will be realized is based on the evaluation of positive and negative evidence, which includes historical profitability, future market growth, future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. The Company assesses deferred taxes and the adequacy or need for a valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.
The Company is subject to ongoing tax examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. At any time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities and a number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which a liability has been established, is audited and fully resolved or clarified. In evaluating the exposures associated with various tax filing positions, the Company may record liabilities for such exposures. The Company generally adjusts its liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and related indemnification obligations through earnings in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available.
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Although management believes that the judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, and may materially increase or decrease the effective tax rate, as well as impact the Company’s operating results.
Impact if actual results differ from assumptions: Some or all of management’s judgments are subject to review by the taxing authorities. If one or more of the taxing authorities were to successfully challenge our right to realize some or all of the tax benefit we have recorded, and we were unable to realize this benefit, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows. Further, if the Company is unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates, a change to the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, or if the tax laws change unfavorably, then the Company could be required to increase the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, resulting in an increase in income tax expense and the effective tax rate.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, each change of the effective tax rate by one percentage point would impact income tax expense by $0.4 million.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a complete description of recent accounting standards which we have not yet been required to implement which may be applicable to our operations, as well as accounting standards that have been adopted during the year ended December 31, 2025, see Note 3, “New Accounting Pronouncements,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
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MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000950170-25-023344.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, our consolidated financial statements (and notes related thereto) and other more detailed financial information appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. Further, you should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. See also “Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report.
Overview
Gentherm Incorporated is the global market leader of innovative thermal management and pneumatic comfort technologies for the automotive industry and a leader in medical patient temperature management. Automotive products include variable temperature Climate Control Seats, heated interior systems (including heated seats, steering wheels, armrests and other components), battery performance solutions, cable systems, lumbar and massage comfort solutions, fuel management valve systems and other valve systems for brake and engine systems, and other electronic devices. Our automotive products can be found on vehicles manufactured by nearly all the major original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") operating in North America and Europe, and several major OEMs in Asia. We operate in locations aligned with our major customers’ product strategies to provide locally enhanced design, integration and production capabilities. Medical products include patient temperature management systems. Our medical products can be found in hospitals throughout the world, primarily in the U.S., China, Germany and Brazil. The Company is also developing a number of new technologies and products that will help enable improvements to existing products, improve health, wellness and patient outcomes and will lead to new product applications for existing and new and adjacent markets.
Our Automotive sales are driven by the number of light vehicles produced by the OEMs primarily in our key markets of North America, Europe, China, Japan and South Korea, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive light vehicles, our product content per vehicle, and other factors that may limit or otherwise impact production by us, our supply chain and our customers. Historically, new vehicle demand and product content (i.e. vehicle features) have been driven by macroeconomic and other factors, such as interest rates, automotive manufacturer and dealer sales incentives, fuel prices, consumer confidence, employment levels, income growth trends and government and tax incentives. Vehicle content has also been driven by trends in consumer preferences, such as preferences for smart devices and features, personalized user experience, and comfort, health and wellness. Economic volatility or weakness in North America, Europe or Asia, as well as global geopolitical factors, have and could result in a significant reduction in automotive sales and production by our customers, which have and would have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We believe our diversified OEM customer base and geographic revenue base, along with our flexible cost structure, have well positioned us to withstand the impact of industry downturns and benefit from industry upturns in the ordinary course. However, shifts in the mix of global automotive production to higher cost regions or to vehicles that contain less of our product content and inflationary pressures have adversely impacted our profitability and may continue to do so. In addition, we have been and may in the future be adversely impacted by volatility or weakness in markets for hybrid or electric vehicles specifically. We believe our products offer certain advantages for hybrid and electric vehicles, including improved energy efficiency, and position us well to withstand changes in the volume mix between vehicles driven by internal combustion engines and hybrid and other electric vehicles. We believe our industry is increasingly progressing towards a focus on human comfort, health and wellness, which is evidenced by increasing adoption rates for comfort products. We believe that products we are developing, such as ClimateSense, WellSense and ComfortScale, position us well to address trends in consumer preferences such as personalized user experience, comfort, health and wellness. Gentherm is an independent partner that can cooperate with any combination of the vehicle OEMs and seat manufacturers globally, including those that are vertically integrated, to create innovative and unique configurations that adapt to industry trends.
Recent Trends
Global Conditions
The global automotive light vehicle industry is impacted by a number of factors, including global and regional economic conditions. At times in recent years, the global economy has experienced significant volatility, inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions, which have a widespread adverse effect on the global automotive industry. These macroeconomic conditions have
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resulted in fluctuating demand and production disruptions, facility closures, labor shortages, work stoppages, and increased prices of inputs to our products. Although some supply chain conditions have steadily improved and certain inflationary pressures have moderated, rising costs of materials, labor, equipment and other inputs used to manufacture and sell our products, including freight and logistics costs, have impacted, and may in the future impact, operating costs and operating results. We continue to employ measures to mitigate the impact of cost increases through identification of sourcing and manufacturing efficiencies where possible. However, we have been unable to fully mitigate or pass through the increases in our operating costs, which may continue in the future.
We are exposed to foreign currency risk due to the translation and remeasurement of the results of certain international operations into U.S. Dollars as part of the consolidation process. Therefore, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can create volatility in the results of operations and may adversely affect our financial condition.
We have a global manufacturing footprint that enables us to serve our customers in the regions they operate and shift production between regions to remain competitive. Throughout the year there have been various ongoing geopolitical conflicts, such as the current conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and in the Middle East, heightened tensions in the Red Sea and the South China Sea. These conflicts have interrupted ocean freight shipping and if prolonged or intensified, could have a substantial adverse effect on our financial results. Further, there is the potential that certain political pressures, such as changes to international trade agreements, increases in trade tariffs, import quotas or other trade restrictions or actions, including retaliatory responses to such actions, could affect the operations of our OEM customers, resulting in reduced automotive production in certain regions or shifts in the mix of production to higher cost regions. We are monitoring and evaluating the impacts of recently announced potential tariffs and reciprocal tariffs on our supply chain and results of operations. We, like other manufacturers, have a high proportion of fixed structural costs, and therefore relatively small changes in industry vehicle production can have a substantial effect on our financial results.
Fit-for-Growth 2.0
During the first half of 2023, the Company launched Fit-for-Growth 2.0 to execute our long-term growth strategy, including to realign and resize our production capacity and cost structure, lower our cost base, improve our financial performance and cash flow generation, and create a simplified organization best positioned to deliver on our key financial and operational priorities. Fit-for-Growth 2.0 has delivered significant cost reductions through sourcing excellence, value engineering, manufacturing productivity, manufacturing footprint optimization, and product profitability. Additionally, the program has driven and is expected to continue to drive operating expense efficiency to leverage scale.
Exit of Non-Automotive Electronics Business
On December 31, 2022, the Company approved a plan to exit its non-automotive electronics business to strengthen the Company’s core business and focus its resources and equipment with businesses and investments that are more strategic and profitable. The Company has substantially completed the exit of this business.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a benefit of $4.6 million for the sale of previously reserved inventory. This benefit is recorded in product revenues.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $6.1 million for the write down of inventory within the Automotive segment. This charge is recorded in cost of sales.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $9.4 million, $5.6 million and $0.7 million for write downs of inventory, intangible assets and property and equipment, respectively.
Impairments - Medical Segment
During the fourth quarter of 2024, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $2.0 million for equipment determined to have no future use.
During the first quarter of 2024, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $0.5 million for one of our tradenames.
During the second quarter of 2023, an indicator of impairment was identified for the Company’s Medical reporting unit and the Company performed an interim quantitative assessment as of June 30, 2023. The results of this quantitative analysis indicated the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded the fair value, and accordingly, an impairment expense was recorded for $19.5 million in 2023.
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2023 Manufacturing Footprint Rationalization
On September 19, 2023, the Company committed to a restructuring plan (“2023 Plan”) to improve the Company’s manufacturing productivity and rationalize its footprint through the closure and relocation of its manufacturing site in Greenville, South Carolina to a new facility in Monterrey, Mexico. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company completed the closure and relocation and completed the sale of its Greenville, South Carolina manufacturing facility, resulting in a gain on sale of $1.9 million. The gain on sale was recorded as a reduction of restructuring expenses, net in the consolidated statements of income. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company also recognized restructuring expense of $1.8 million for employee separation costs and $2.4 million for other costs. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized restructuring expense of $0.5 million for employee separation costs and $0.2 million for other costs.
The 2023 Plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 as the final actions, including consolidation of our original manufacturing site in Monterrey, Mexico into our new facility is complete. The Company expects to incur less than $1 million of additional restructuring costs for the 2023 Plan.
See Note 5, “Restructuring and Impairments” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information related to this plan and additional restructuring plans approved in February 2025.
Light Vehicle Production Volumes
Our sales are driven by the number of vehicles produced by the automotive manufacturers, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive vehicles, and our content per vehicle, and other factors that may limit or otherwise impact production by us, our supply chain and our customers. According to the forecasting firm S&P Global Mobility (February 2025 release), global light vehicle production in 2024 in the Company’s key markets of North America, Europe, China, Japan and South Korea, as compared to 2023, are shown below (in millions of units):
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 15.4 | 15.7 | (1.5 | )% | ||||||||
| Europe | 17.2 | 18.0 | (4.3 | )% | ||||||||
| Greater China | 30.1 | 29.0 | 3.6 | % | ||||||||
| Japan / South Korea | 12.0 | 12.8 | (6.3 | )% | ||||||||
| Total light vehicle production volume in key markets | 74.7 | 75.5 | (1.0 | )% |
The S&P Global Mobility report (February 2025 release) forecasted light vehicle production volume in the Company’s key markets for full year 2025 to decrease to 74.2 million units, a 0.6% decrease from full year 2024 light vehicle production volumes. Forecasted light vehicle production volumes are a component of the data we use in forecasting future business. However, these forecasts generally are updated monthly, and future forecasts have been and may continue to be significantly different from period to period due to changes in macroeconomic conditions or matters specific to the automotive industry. Further, due to differences in regional product mix at our manufacturing facilities, as well as material production schedules from our customers for our products on specific vehicle programs, our future forecasted results do not directly correlate with the global and/or regional light vehicle production forecasts of S&P Global Mobility or other third-party sources.
New Business Awards
We believe that innovation is an important element to gaining market acceptance of our products and strengthening our market position. During 2024, we secured an estimated $2,400 million of automotive new business awards. Automotive new business awards represent the aggregate projected lifetime revenue of new awards provided by our customers to Gentherm in the applicable period, with the value based on the price and volume projections received from each customer as of the award date. Although automotive new business awards are not firm customer orders, we believe that new business awards are an indicator of future revenue. New business awards are not projections of revenue or future business as of December 31, 2024, the date of this Annual Report or any other date. Customer projections regularly change over time, and we do not update our calculation of any new business award after the date initially communicated. Automotive new business awards in 2024 also do not reflect, in particular, the impact of macroeconomic and
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geopolitical challenges on future business. Revenues resulting from automotive new business awards also are subject to additional risks and uncertainties as described in Item 1 under “Forward-Looking Statements” of this Annual Report.
Reportable Segments
The Company has two reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Automotive and Medical.
See Note 20, “Segment Reporting,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for a description of our reportable segments as well as their proportional contribution to the Company’s reported product revenues, operating income (loss) and significant segment expenses.
Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023
This section discusses our consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. For a detailed discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, see Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” under “Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to December 31, 2022” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on February 21, 2024.
The results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, in thousands, were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Product revenues | $ | 1,456,124 | $ | 1,469,076 | $ | (12,952 | ) | |||||
| Cost of sales | 1,089,693 | 1,117,452 | 27,759 | |||||||||
| Gross margin | 366,431 | 351,624 | 14,807 | |||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Net research and development expenses | 88,697 | 94,358 | 5,661 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 155,108 | 155,579 | 471 | |||||||||
| Restructuring expenses, net | 13,110 | 4,739 | (8,371 | ) | ||||||||
| Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment | 2,501 | — | (2,501 | ) | ||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | — | 19,509 | 19,509 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 259,416 | 274,185 | 14,769 | |||||||||
| Operating income | 107,015 | 77,439 | 29,576 | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (15,300 | ) | (14,641 | ) | (659 | ) | ||||||
| Foreign currency gain (loss) | 9,599 | (5,918 | ) | 15,517 | ||||||||
| Other income (loss) | 951 | (1,926 | ) | 2,877 | ||||||||
| Earnings before income tax | 102,265 | 54,954 | 47,311 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 37,318 | 14,611 | (22,707 | ) | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | 64,947 | $ | 40,343 | $ | 24,604 |
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Product revenues by product category, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change | ||||||||||
| Climate Control Seat | $ | 468,820 | $ | 482,665 | (2.9 | )% | ||||||
| Seat Heaters | 297,866 | 308,588 | (3.5 | )% | ||||||||
| Lumbar and Massage Comfort Solutions | 178,584 | 144,923 | 23.2 | % | ||||||||
| Steering Wheel Heaters | 169,763 | 153,943 | 10.3 | % | ||||||||
| Valve Systems | 105,056 | 106,262 | (1.1 | )% | ||||||||
| Automotive Cables | 73,091 | 79,993 | (8.6 | )% | ||||||||
| Battery Performance Solutions | 58,183 | 75,484 | (22.9 | )% | ||||||||
| Electronics | 33,065 | 40,387 | (18.1 | )% | ||||||||
| Other Automotive | 21,850 | 30,707 | (28.8 | )% | ||||||||
| Subtotal Automotive segment | 1,406,278 | 1,422,952 | (1.2 | )% | ||||||||
| Medical segment | 49,846 | 46,124 | 8.1 | % | ||||||||
| Total Company | $ | 1,456,124 | $ | 1,469,076 | (0.9 | )% |
Product Revenues
Below is a summary of our product revenues, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | Variance Due To: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | Automotive Volume | FX | Pricing/ Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenues | $ | 1,456,124 | $ | 1,469,076 | $ | (12,952 | ) | $ | 3,931 | $ | (7,129 | ) | $ | (9,754 | ) | $ | (12,952 | ) |
Product revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased 0.9% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in product revenues is due to unfavorable pricing and foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Chinese Renminbi, the Korean Won and the Japanese Yen, partially offset by favorable volumes in several product lines within the Automotive segment and favorable foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Euro.
Cost of Sales
Below is a summary of our cost of sales and gross margin, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | Variance Due To: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | Automotive Volume | FX | Operational Performance | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 1,089,693 | $ | 1,117,452 | $ | 27,759 | $ | (2,443 | ) | $ | 6,603 | $ | 34,026 | $ | (10,427 | ) | $ | 27,759 | ||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 366,431 | 351,624 | 14,807 | 1,488 | (526 | ) | 36,136 | (22,291 | ) | 14,807 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin - Percentage of product revenues | 25.2 | % | 23.9 | % |
Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by 2.5% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in cost of sales is primarily due to supplier cost reductions, value engineering activities, as well as the impact of non-automotive inventory charges in the prior-year period and favorable foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Mexican Peso, Ukrainian Hryvnia, and the Chinese Renminbi. These decreases were partially offset by higher wages, higher automotive volumes, start-up costs from our new plants in Tangier, Morocco and Monterrey, Mexico and unfavorable foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Euro.
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Net Research and Development Expenses
Below is a summary of our net research and development expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | $ | 117,826 | $ | 125,692 | $ | 7,866 | ||||||
| Reimbursed research and development expenses | (29,129 | ) | (31,334 | ) | (2,205 | ) | ||||||
| Net research and development expenses | $ | 88,697 | $ | 94,358 | $ | 5,661 | ||||||
| Percentage of product revenues | 6.1 | % | 6.4 | % |
Net research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased 6.0% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net research and development expenses is primarily related to lower project spend and a reduction in resources allocated to the battery performance solutions product category.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Below is a summary of our selling, general and administrative expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 155,108 | $ | 155,579 | $ | 471 | |||||
| Percentage of product revenues | 10.7 | % | 10.6 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased 0.3% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily related to acquisition and integration expenses in the prior year and lower compensation expenses, partially offset by leadership transition costs and increased investment in information technology in the current year.
Restructuring Expenses, net
Below is a summary of our restructuring expenses, net, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Restructuring expenses, net | $ | 13,110 | $ | 4,739 | $ | (8,371 | ) |
Restructuring expenses, net primarily relate to the 2023 Plan and other discrete restructuring activities focused on optimizing our manufacturing and engineering footprint and the reduction of global overhead expenses. See Note 5, "Restructuring and Impairments," in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
Impairment of Intangible Assets and Property and Equipment
Below is a summary of our impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment | $ | 2,501 | $ | — | $ | (2,501 | ) |
Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2024 is related to equipment determined to have no future use and one of our tradenames.
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Impairment of Goodwill
Below is a summary of our impairment of goodwill, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | $ | — | $ | 19,509 | $ | 19,509 |
Impairment of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2023 is related to the recorded Medical reporting unit goodwill impairment.
Interest Expense, net
Below is a summary of our interest expense, net, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | (15,300 | ) | $ | (14,641 | ) | $ | (659 | ) |
The increase in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 is primarily related to the impact from the change in fair value of the interest rate swap derivative.
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Below is a summary of our foreign currency gain (loss), in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Foreign currency gain (loss) | $ | 9,599 | $ | (5,918 | ) | $ | 15,517 |
Foreign currency gain for the year ended December 31, 2024 included net realized foreign currency loss of $1.1 million and unrealized net foreign currency gain of $10.7 million.
Foreign currency loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 included net realized foreign currency gain of $3.2 million and unrealized net foreign currency loss of $9.1 million.
Other Income (Loss)
Below is a summary of our other income (loss), in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Other income (loss) | $ | 951 | $ | (1,926 | ) | $ | 2,877 |
The increase in other income is primarily driven by the increase in fair value of our investment in Carrar Ltd., due to observable transactions during the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as an impairment in our investment in Carrar Ltd. during the year ended December 31, 2023. See Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
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Income Tax Expense
Below is a summary of our income tax expense, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 37,318 | $ | 14,611 | $ | (22,707 | ) |
Income tax expense was $37.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, on earnings before income tax of $102.3 million, representing an effective tax rate of 36.5 %. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of the global intangible low-tax income ("GILTI"), withholding taxes, other non-deductible expenses, and the settlement of a prior period tax audit, partially offset by the impact of income taxes on foreign earnings at tax rates varying from the U.S. statutory tax rate, research and development credits and incentive tax rates in various jurisdictions.
Income tax expense was $14.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, on earnings before income tax of $55.0 million, representing an effective tax rate of 26.6%. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of the GILTI, withholding taxes, other non-deductible expenses, the impact of income taxes on foreign earnings at tax rates varying from the U.S. statutory tax rate and the tax effect of a goodwill impairment, partially offset by research and development credits and prior year adjustments in various jurisdictions.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operations and borrowings available under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Our cash requirements consist principally of working capital, capital expenditures, research and development, operating lease payments, income tax payments and general corporate purposes. We generally reinvest available cash flows from operations into our business, while opportunistically utilizing our authorized stock repurchase program. Further, we continuously evaluate acquisition and investment opportunities that will enhance our business strategies.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $134.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and $280.0 million of availability under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. We may issue debt or equity securities, which may provide an additional source of liquidity. However, there can be no assurance equity or debt financing will be available to us when we need it or, if available, the terms will be satisfactory to us and not dilutive to our then-current shareholders.
We continue to expect to be able to move funds between different countries to manage our global liquidity needs without material adverse tax implications, subject to current monetary policies and the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. We utilize a combination of strategies, including dividends, cash pooling arrangements, intercompany loan repayments and other distributions and advances to provide the funds necessary to meet our global liquidity needs. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to Gentherm Incorporated. As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries totaled $106.9 million. If additional non-U.S. cash was needed for our U.S. operations, we may be required to accrue and pay withholding if we were to distribute such funds from non-U.S. subsidiaries to the U.S.; however, based on our current liquidity needs and strategies, we do not anticipate a need to accrue and pay such additional amounts.
We currently believe that our cash and cash equivalents and borrowings available under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and cash flows from operations will be adequate to meet anticipated cash requirements for at least the next twelve months and the foreseeable future.
Cash and Cash Flows
The table below summarizes our cash activity for each of the last two fiscal years (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $ | 149,673 | $ | 153,891 | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 109,646 | 119,265 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (53,531 | ) | (24,123 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (51,705 | ) | (106,051 | ) | ||||
| Foreign currency effect on cash and cash equivalents | (19,949 | ) | 6,691 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 134,134 | $ | 149,673 |
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $109.6 million and $119.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 consisted primarily of net income of $64.9 million, increased by $82.9 million for non-cash charges for depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation, deferred income taxes, impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment and provision for inventory, partially offset by $35.5 million related to changes in assets and liabilities, $1.6 million for a gain on disposition of property and equipment and $1.1 million of other. Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted primarily of net income of $40.3 million, increased by $66.2 million for non-cash charges for depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation, loss on disposition of property and equipment and other, $6.9 million for inventory provisions, and $19.5 million of goodwill impairment, partially offset by non-cash charges of $13.1 million for deferred income taxes and $0.6 million related to changes in assets and liabilities.
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Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $53.5 million and $24.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily included capital expenditures of $73.3 million and technology investments of $1.0 million, partially offset by proceeds from deferred purchase price of factored receivables of $12.9 million and proceeds from the sale of property and equipment of $7.9 million. Cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily included capital expenditures of $37.6 million and technology investments of $0.8 million, partially offset by proceeds from deferred purchase price of factored receivables of $13.9 million and proceeds from the sale of property and equipment of $0.4 million.
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $51.7 million and $106.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Cash flows used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily included $2.6 million of net debt activity, $51.6 million of cash paid for the repurchase of Common Stock and $3.3 million paid for employee taxes related to the net settlement of restricted stock units that vested during the year, partially offset by $5.8 million of proceeds from the exercise of Common Stock options. Cash flows used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily included $91.1 million of cash paid for the repurchase of Common Stock, $12.3 million of net debt activity and $2.9 million paid for employee taxes related to the net settlement of restricted stock units that vested during the year, partially offset by $0.2 million of proceeds from the exercise of Common Stock options.
Debt
The following table summarizes the Company’s debt at December 31, 2024 and 2023 (dollars in thousands):
| December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest Rate | Principal Balance | Interest Rate | Principal Balance | ||||||||||||
| Credit Agreement: | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. Revolving Note (U.S. Dollar denominations) | 5.86 | % | $ | 220,000 | 6.58 | % | $ | 222,000 | |||||||
| Other loans | — | — | 3.90 | % | 233 | ||||||||||
| Finance leases | 3.46 | % | 201 | 3.53 | % | 605 | |||||||||
| Total debt | 220,201 | 222,838 | |||||||||||||
| Current maturities | (137 | ) | (621 | ) | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, less current maturities | $ | 220,064 | $ | 222,217 |
Credit Agreement
Gentherm, together with certain of its subsidiaries, maintain a revolving credit note (“U.S. Revolving Note”) under its Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with a consortium of lenders and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was entered into on June 10, 2022 and amends and restates in its entirety the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 27, 2019, by and among Gentherm, certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto and the Agent. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement has a maximum borrowing capacity of $500 million and matures on June 10, 2027. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains covenants, that, among other things, (i) prohibit or limit the ability of the borrowers and any material subsidiary to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, pay dividends, make certain types of investments (including acquisitions), enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, prepay other indebtedness, sell assets or enter into certain other transactions outside the ordinary course of business, and (ii) require that Gentherm maintain a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (based on consolidated EBITDA for the applicable trailing four fiscal quarters) as of the end of any fiscal quarter.
Finance Leases
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there was $0.2 million and $0.6 million of outstanding finance leases, respectively.
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Other Sources of Liquidity
Receivable Factoring
The Company was party to receivable factoring agreements with unrelated third parties under which we could sell receivables for certain account debtors, on a revolving basis, subject to outstanding balances and concentration limits. The receivable factoring agreements were transferred in their entirety to the acquiring entities and were accounted for as a sale. Some of the agreements had deferred purchase price arrangements. During the year ended December 31, 2024, all past factoring arrangements were terminated or expired. As of December 31, 2024 there were remaining receivables factored and outstanding that will be collected in the future, however, no further factoring can occur under these factoring agreements.
Material Cash Requirements
The following table summarizes current and long-term material cash requirements as of December 31, 2024, which we expect to fund primarily with operating cash flows. We have not included amounts for material and component purchase obligations related to standard recurring purchases of materials for use in our manufacturing operations as these amounts are generally consistent from year to year, closely reflect our levels of production, and are not long-term in nature.
| Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material Cash Requirements (in thousands) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1 to 3 years | 3 to 5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt obligations (1) | $ | 220,201 | $ | 137 | $ | 220,064 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||
| Operating lease obligations (2) | 79,027 | 11,440 | 16,428 | 12,284 | 38,875 | ||||||||||||||
| Capital commitments (3) | 9,500 | 9,500 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 308,728 | $ | 21,077 | $ | 236,492 | $ | 12,284 | $ | 38,875 |
(1)
Long-term debt obligations do not include an amount payable for interest. See Note 9, “Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
(2)
See Note 8, “Leases,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
(3)
Capital commitments is comprised of commitments for capital expenditures. Such commitments are typically less than one year.
Other Commitments
In December 2021, the Company committed to make a $5 million investment in Autotech Fund III, L.P., pursuant to a limited partnership agreement. As a limited partner, the Company will periodically make capital contributions toward this total commitment amount over the expected ten year life of the fund. The Company has made contributions of approximately $1.8 million to the Autotech Fund III, LP as of December 31, 2024. Timing of the remaining $3.2 million of capital contributions is unknown and therefore amounts have been excluded from the Material Cash Requirements table above.
Restructuring subsequent events
In February 2025, the Company committed to additional restructuring plans intended to further optimize its manufacturing footprint by realigning its manufacturing capacity. As a result of these plans, the Company will close its facility in Plzeň, Czech Republic and relocate the manufacturing activities into other existing facilities within the region. Additionally, in Asia, we will relocate certain manufacturing activities from our facility in Shanghai, China to our new facility in Tianjin, China.
In connection with these plans, the Company expects to incur total costs of between $13 million and $21 million. The total expected costs include employee severance, retention and termination costs of between $7 million and $11 million and capital expenditures of between $3 million and $5 million. The Company also expects to incur other transition costs including recruiting, relocation, and machinery and equipment move and set up costs of between $3 million and $5 million.
Capital Expenditures
We anticipate capital expenditures in fiscal year 2025 of approximately $70 million to $80 million. We will continue support organic growth through capacity expansion in our facilities and make capital improvements as necessary. We believe cash on hand,
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cash generated from operations, and the borrowing capacity available under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement will be sufficient to support our capital expenditures.
Stock Repurchase Program
In December 2020, the Board of Directors of Gentherm Incorporated (the “Board of Directors”) authorized the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program. Under the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program, the Company was authorized to repurchase up to $150.0 million of its issued and outstanding Common Stock over a three-year period, expiring December 15, 2023. On November 1, 2023, the Board of Directors extended the maturity date of the program from December 15, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased $20.0 million in the open market under the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program with an average price paid per share of $52.65.
On November 1, 2023, following the above-noted extension, the Company entered into the ASR Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. that provided for the Company to purchase shares of Common Stock in an aggregate amount of $60.0 million under the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program.
Under the terms of the ASR Agreement, on November 2, 2023, the Company paid $60.0 million to Bank of America for an initial purchase of approximately 1.22 million shares of Common Stock, representing 80% of ASR Repurchase Amount. The final settlement date occurred in the second quarter of 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company paid $0.3 million in cash as the final settlement of the ASR Agreement. The 2020 Stock Repurchase Program had $17.5 million of repurchase authorization remaining at the time of expiration.
In June 2024, the Board of Directors authorized the “2024 Stock Repurchase Program” to commence upon expiration of the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program on June 30, 2024. Under the 2024 Stock Repurchase Program, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $150.0 million of its issued and outstanding Common Stock over a three-year period, expiring June 30, 2027. Repurchases under the 2024 Stock Repurchase Program may be made, from time to time, in amounts and at prices the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, debt covenants and other considerations. Any such repurchases may be executed using open market purchases, accelerated share repurchase programs, privately negotiated agreements or other transactions. Repurchases may be funded from cash on hand, available borrowings or proceeds from potential debt or other capital markets sources.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased shares under the 2024 Stock Repurchase Program for $29.9 million and have a remaining repurchase authorization of $120.1 million as of December 31, 2024.
Stock repurchases are subject to excise tax, subject to specified exclusions and adjustments. Excise tax of $0.5 million was charged to Common Stock for the year ended December 31, 2024.
For further information related to our stock repurchase program, see Note 16, "Equity" in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Effects of Inflation
The automotive component supply industry has historically been subject to inflationary pressures with respect to materials and labor. At times in recent years, the automotive industry has experienced significant volatility in the costs of certain materials and components, labor and transportation. Although supply chain conditions have steadily improved and certain inflationary pressures have moderated, rising costs of materials, labor, equipment and other inputs used to manufacture and sell our products, including freight and logistics costs, have impacted, and may in the future impact, operating costs and operating results. Although the Company has developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of higher material component costs and transportation costs through sourcing and manufacturing efficiencies where possible, these strategies together with commercial negotiations with Gentherm's customers and suppliers have not fully offset to date and may not fully offset our future cost increases. Such inflationary cost increase may increase the cash required to fund our operations by a material amount.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management was required to make
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estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on our historical experience, the terms of existing contracts, our evaluation of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers and suppliers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. These estimates and assumptions are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material to our financial statements.
We have identified the following estimates as our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that are most important to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments. Information regarding our other significant accounting estimates and policies are disclosed in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill
Critical estimates: Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually as of December 31 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In conducting our annual impairment assessment testing, we first perform a qualitative assessment of 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 it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit, we then compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the related net book value. If the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured and recognized.
The Company utilizes an income approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit and a market valuation approach to further support this analysis. The income approach is based on projected debt-free cash flow that is discounted to the present value using discount factors that consider the timing and risk of cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based on the reporting unit’s expected long-term operating cash flow performance. This approach also mitigates the impact of cyclical trends that occur in our industry. Fair value is estimated using internally developed forecasts, as well as commercial and discount rate assumptions. The discount rate used is the value-weighted average of our estimated cost of equity and of debt (“cost of capital”) derived using both known and estimated customary market metrics. Our weighted average cost of capital is adjusted to reflect risk, if necessary. Other significant assumptions include terminal value growth rates and terminal value margin rates. To further support the fair value estimate determined by the income approach, the Company utilizes a market valuation approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. The market approach considers historical and/or anticipated financial metrics of a reporting unit and applies valuation multiples based on recent observed transactions involving companies similar enough to the reporting units from which to draw meaningful conclusions.
Judgments and uncertainties: These fair value calculations contain uncertainties as they require management to make assumptions about future cash flows and appropriate discount rates to reflect the risk inherent in the future cash flows and to derive a reasonable enterprise value and related premium. Our ability to realize the future cash flows used in our fair value calculations is affected by factors such as the success of strategic initiatives, changes in economic conditions, changes in our operating performance and changes in our business strategies. The estimated future cash flows reflect management's latest assumptions of the financial projections based on current and anticipated competitive landscape, including estimates of revenue based on production volumes over the foreseeable future and long-term growth rates, and operating margins based on historical trends and future cost containment activities.
Also, the market valuation approach is highly subjective as it requires the selection of comparable companies and valuation multiples.
Impact if actual results differ from assumptions: As of December 31, 2024, our goodwill balance included $72.8 million related to our Automotive segment and $26.8 million related to our Medical segment. These balances could be fully or partially impaired if management does not achieve the expected cash flows assumed in the fair value estimates or if assumptions and cash flow estimates change in future periods.
The Company’s Medical segment is comprised of one reporting unit (the “Medical reporting unit”). The estimated fair value of the Medical reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 15% as of December 31, 2024. The Medical reporting unit is at risk of failing future impairment tests, as the estimate of fair value does not substantially exceed its carrying value. The Company’s
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estimated future cash flow projections for the Medical reporting unit for the period of 2025 through 2029 assume a compound annual growth rate for revenue of approximately 13.1%, which we deem to be a critical assumption in the fair value determination as of December 31, 2024. This forecasted revenue growth, which is significantly higher than historical periods, is primarily driven by our anticipated product launches that are expected to increase volume and price due to new features and product capabilities. Realization of this assumed revenue growth is dependent on the successful launch of these new products and product features and the acceptance of customers. If this revenue growth is not achieved or if the estimated growth rates are reduced because of new information or experience, the fair value of the Medical reporting unit could decrease, which could result in a material impairment of goodwill. Additionally, forecasted cash flows assume margin expansion as a direct result of the forecasted revenue growth. If we experience higher costs than assumed in our forecast or if we experience other deviations from forecasted results and/or external factors (e.g., increase of interest rates), it could result in a material impairment.
The Company's reporting units in its Automotive segment each have a fair value that is substantially in excess of its respective carrying value as of December 31, 2024.
Income Taxes
Critical estimates: The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions. In calculating our effective income tax rate, we make judgments regarding certain tax positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions. When determining whether we will be able to realize deferred tax assets, judgment is used to evaluate the positive and negative evidence, including forecasting taxable income using historical and future operating results. The provision for income taxes includes current income taxes as well as deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured based on the difference between the financial statement and tax base of assets and liabilities at the applicable enacted tax rates.
Judgments and uncertainties: We have various tax filing positions with regard to the timing and amount of deductions and credits and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions, based on our interpretation of local tax laws, supported by external advisor review for material positions.
Valuation allowances are established when necessary on a jurisdictional basis to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized when management considers it more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination as to whether a deferred tax asset will be realized is based on the evaluation of positive and negative evidence, which includes historical profitability, future market growth, future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. The Company assesses deferred taxes and the adequacy or need for a valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.
The Company is subject to ongoing tax examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. At any time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities and a number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which a liability has been established, is audited and fully resolved or clarified. In evaluating the exposures associated with various tax filing positions, the Company may record liabilities for such exposures. The Company generally adjusts its liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and related indemnification obligations through earnings in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. Although management believes that the judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, and may materially increase or decrease the effective tax rate, as well as impact the Company’s operating results.
Impact if actual results differ from assumptions: Some or all of management’s judgments are subject to review by the taxing authorities. If one or more of the taxing authorities were to successfully challenge our right to realize some or all of the tax benefit we have recorded, and we were unable to realize this benefit, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows. Further, if the Company is unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates, a change to the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, or if the tax laws change unfavorably, then the Company could be required to increase the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, resulting in an increase in income tax expense and the effective tax rate.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, each change of the effective tax rate by one percentage point would impact income tax expense by $1.0 million.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a complete description of recent accounting standards which we have not yet been required to implement which may be applicable to our operations, as well as significant accounting standards that have been adopted during the year ended December 31, 2024, see Note 3, “New Accounting Pronouncements,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000950170-24-018007.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, our consolidated financial statements (and notes related thereto) and other more detailed financial information appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. Further, you should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. See also “Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report.
Overview
Gentherm Incorporated is the global market leader of innovative thermal management and pneumatic comfort technologies for the automotive industry and a leader in medical patient temperature management. Automotive products include variable temperature Climate Control Seats® (“CCS”), heated automotive interior systems (including heated seats, steering wheels, armrests and other components), battery performance solutions, cable systems, lumbar and massage comfort solutions, fuel management valves and other valves for brake and engine systems, and other electronic devices. Our automotive products can be found on vehicles manufactured by nearly all the major original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") operating in North America and Europe, and several major OEMs in Asia. We operate in locations aligned with our major customers’ product strategies to provide locally enhanced design, integration and production capabilities. Medical products include patient temperature management systems. Our medical products can be found in hospitals throughout the world, primarily in the U.S., China, Germany and Brazil. The Company is also developing a number of new technologies and products that will help enable improvements to existing products, improve health, wellness and patient outcomes and will lead to new product applications for existing and new and adjacent markets.
Our Automotive sales are driven by the number of vehicles produced by the OEMs, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive vehicles, our product content per vehicle, and other factors that may limit or otherwise impact production by us, our supply chain and our customers. Historically, new vehicle demand and product content (i.e. vehicle features) have been driven by macroeconomic and other factors, such as interest rates, automotive manufacturer and dealer sales incentives, fuel prices, consumer confidence, employment levels, income growth trends and government and tax incentives. Vehicle content has also been driven by trends in consumer preferences, such as preferences for smart devices and features, personalized user experience, and comfort, health and wellness. Economic volatility or weakness in North America, Europe or Asia, as well as global geopolitical factors, have had and could result in a significant reduction in automotive sales and production by our customers, which have had and would have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We believe our diversified OEM customer base and geographic revenue base, along with our flexible cost structure, have well positioned us to withstand the impact of industry downturns and benefit from industry upturns in the ordinary course. However, shifts in the mix of global automotive production to higher cost regions or to vehicles that contain less of our product content as well as continuing production challenges and inflationary pressures could adversely impact our profitability. In addition, we may be adversely impacted by volatility or weakness in markets for hybrid or electric vehicles specifically. We believe our products offer certain advantages for hybrid and electric vehicles, including improved energy efficiency, and position us well to withstand changes in the volume mix between vehicles driven by internal combustion engines and hybrid and other electric vehicles. We believe our industry is increasingly progressing towards a focus on human comfort and health and wellness, which is evidenced by increasing adoption rates for comfort products. We believe that products we are developing, such as ClimateSense®, WellSense™ and our acquisition of Alfmeier’s pneumatic comfort solutions, position us well to address trends in consumer preferences such as personalized user experience, comfort, health and wellness.
Recent Trends
Global Conditions
Since 2020, the global economy has experienced significant volatility and supply chain disruption, which has had a widespread adverse effect on the global automotive industry. These macroeconomic conditions have resulted in fluctuating demand and production disruptions, facility closures, labor shortages and work stoppages. In addition, global inflation has increased significantly beginning in 2021. Although supply chain conditions have steadily improved and certain inflationary pressures have moderated throughout fiscal year 2023, rising costs of materials, labor, equipment and other inputs used to manufacture and sell our products, including freight and logistics costs, have impacted, and may in the future impact, operating costs and operating results. We continue
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to employ measures to mitigate the impact of cost increases through identification of sourcing and manufacturing efficiencies where possible. However, we have been unable to fully mitigate or pass through the increases in our operating costs, which may continue in the future.
We are exposed to foreign currency risk due to the translation and remeasurement of the results of certain international operations into U.S. Dollars as part of the consolidation process. Therefore, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can create volatility in the results of operations and may adversely affect our financial condition.
We have a global manufacturing footprint that enables us to serve our customers in the regions they operate and shift production between regions to remain competitive. Throughout the year there have been various ongoing geopolitical conflicts, such as the current conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and between Israel and Hamas, heightened tensions in the Red Sea, and potential tensions in the South China Sea. These conflicts have interrupted ocean freight shipping and if prolonged or intensified, could have a substantial adverse effect on our financial results. We, like other manufacturers, have a high proportion of fixed structural costs, and therefore relatively small changes in industry vehicle production can have a substantial effect on our financial results. If industry vehicle sales were to decline to levels significantly below our planning assumption, the decline could have a substantial adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.
In the second half of 2023, several North American OEMs experienced union-led labor strikes at certain of their facilities. As the automotive industry relies heavily on “just-in-time” delivery of components, these strikes led to labor shortages, work stoppages and other related disruptions. These disruptions limited the purchases of our products, which resulted in an insignificant impact on product revenues; however, any such future strikes could have a significant negative impact on our business.
Despite these various challenges, global light vehicle production in 2023 in the Company’s key markets of North America, Europe, China, Japan and Korea, increased 11.4% as compared to 2022, according to the forecasting firm S&P Global Mobility (February 2024 release).
On December 15, 2022, the European Union (“EU”) Member States formally adopted the EU’s Pillar Two Directive, which generally provides for a minimum effective tax rate of 15%, as established by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Pillar Two Framework. The effective dates for different aspects of the directive are January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025. Upon adoption of this directive, the Company does not expect it to have a material impact to the Company’s financial statements. The Company will continue to evaluate the potential impact on future periods of these tax regulations.
Fit-for-Growth 2.0
During the first half of 2023, the Company launched Fit-for-Growth 2.0 to execute our long-term growth strategy. Fit-for-Growth 2.0 is expected to deliver significant cost reductions through sourcing excellence, value engineering, manufacturing productivity, manufacturing footprint optimization, product profitability and cost synergies from the Alfmeier acquisition. Additionally, the program is intended to drive operating expense efficiency to leverage scale.
Acquisitions
On July 13, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of Jiangmen Dacheng Medical Equipment Co. Ltd (“Dacheng”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, IOB Medical, Inc. Dacheng is a manufacturer of medical materials and medical equipment, including patient temperature management solutions, for numerous local and international customers. The acquisition provided Gentherm Medical a local presence in China’s high-growth market for patient warming devices and other medical device products, and expanded overall manufacturing capacity to include a low-cost manufacturing site. The total consideration transferred was $35.0 million.
On August 1, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests of Alfmeier Präzision SE (“Alfmeier”), a global leader in automotive lumbar and massage comfort solutions and a leading provider of advanced valve systems, integrated electronics and software. The acquisition further expanded the Company's value proposition beyond thermal in comfort, health, wellness, and energy efficiency and aligned well with global consumer demand for expanded offerings in vehicle passenger comfort. The total consideration for this acquisition was $170.7 million.
See Note 4, “Acquisitions” of the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
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Impairments – Non-Automotive Electronics Business
On December 31, 2022, the Company approved a plan to exit its non-automotive electronics business to strengthen the Company’s core business and focus its resources and equipment with businesses and investments that are more strategic and profitable. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has substantially completed the exit of this business.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $6.1 million for the write down of inventory within the Automotive segment. This charge is recorded in Cost of sales.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $9.4 million, $5.6 million and $0.7 million for write downs of inventory, intangible assets and property and equipment, respectively, within the Automotive segment.
Impairments - Medical Segment
As of December 31, 2022, the estimated fair value of the Medical reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by less than 10%. During the second quarter of 2023, the Company’s Medical reporting unit did not perform in-line with forecasted results primarily driven by slower than anticipated revenue growth. As a result, an indicator of impairment was identified and the Company performed an interim quantitative assessment as of June 30, 2023. The results of this quantitative analysis indicated the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded the fair value, and accordingly, an impairment expense was recorded for $19.5 million.
The primary factors leading to the decline in value from the analysis performed at December 31, 2022 were a reduction in expected future cash flows, due to the Company re-evaluating its forecasted results and an increase in the discount rate that is based on the Medical reporting unit’s weighted average cost of capital. The decline in expected future cash flows resulted primarily from a reduction of forecasted revenue growth rates. If the Company’s revised expectation of revenue growth is not achieved or if the estimated growth rates are reduced because of new information or experience, the fair value of the Medical reporting unit could decrease, which could result in further impairment of goodwill. No further impairment was recorded as of December 31, 2023.
2023 Manufacturing Footprint Rationalization
On September 19, 2023, the Company committed to a restructuring plan (“2023 Plan”) to improve the Company’s manufacturing productivity and rationalize its footprint. Under this 2023 Plan, the Company will relocate certain existing manufacturing and related activities in its Greenville, South Carolina facility to a new facility in Monterrey, Mexico.
The Company expects to incur total costs of between $12 million and $16 million, of which between $11 million and $15 million are expected to be cash expenditures. The actions under the 2023 Plan are expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2025 and generate annual benefits of between $5 million and $6 million. The actual timing, costs and savings of the 2023 Plan may differ materially from the Company’s current expectations and estimates. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized restructuring expense of $0.5 million for employee separation costs and $0.2 million for other costs.
See Note 5, “Restructuring and Impairments” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information related to this plan.
Light Vehicle Production Volumes
Our sales are driven by the number of vehicles produced by the automotive manufacturers, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive vehicles, and our content per vehicle, and other factors that may limit or otherwise impact production by us, our supply chain and our customers. According to the forecasting firm S&P Global Mobility (February 2024 release), global light vehicle production in 2023 in the Company’s key markets of North America, Europe, China, Japan and Korea, as compared to 2022, are shown below (in millions of units):
| 2023 | 2022 | % Change | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 15.7 | 14.3 | 9.7 | % | ||||||||
| Europe | 17.9 | 15.8 | 12.9 | % | ||||||||
| Greater China | 29.0 | 26.4 | 10.0 | % | ||||||||
| Japan / South Korea | 12.8 | 11.1 | 14.6 | % | ||||||||
| Total light vehicle production volume in key markets | 75.4 | 67.7 | 11.4 | % |
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The S&P Global Mobility report (February 2024 release) forecasted light vehicle production volume in the Company’s key markets for full year 2024 to decrease to 75.0 million units, a 0.5% decrease from full year 2023 light vehicle production volumes. Forecasted light vehicle production volumes are a component of the data we use in forecasting future business. However, these forecasts generally are updated monthly, and future forecasts have been and may continue to be significantly different from period to period due to changes in macroeconomic conditions or matters specific to the automotive industry. Further, due to differences in regional product mix at our manufacturing facilities, as well as material production schedules from our customers for our products on specific vehicle programs, our future forecasted results do not directly correlate with the global and/or regional light vehicle production forecasts of S&P Global Mobility or other third-party sources.
New Business Awards
We believe that innovation is an important element to gaining market acceptance of our products and strengthening our market position. During 2023, we secured an estimated $2,630 million of automotive new business awards, which set a new record of annual new business awards for the Company. Automotive new business awards represent the aggregate projected lifetime revenue of new awards provided by our customers to Gentherm in the applicable period, with the value based on the price and volume projections received from each customer as of the award date. Although automotive new business awards are not firm customer orders, we believe that new business awards are an indicator of future revenue. New business awards are not projections of revenue or future business as of December 31, 2023, the date of this Annual Report or any other date. Customer projections regularly change over time, and we do not update our calculation of any new business award after the date initially communicated. Automotive new business awards in 2023 also do not reflect, in particular, the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges on future business. Revenues resulting from automotive new business awards also are subject to additional risks and uncertainties as described in Item 1 under “Forward-Looking Statements” of this Annual Report.
Reportable Segments
The Company has two reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Automotive and Medical.
See Note 19, “Segment Reporting,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for a description of our reportable segments as well as their proportional contribution to the Company’s reported product revenues and operating income.
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Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022
This section discusses our consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. For a detailed discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, see Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” under “Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to December 31, 2021” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on February 24, 2023.
The results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, in thousands, were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Product revenues | $ | 1,469,076 | $ | 1,204,656 | $ | 264,420 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | 1,117,452 | 931,006 | (186,446 | ) | ||||||||
| Gross margin | 351,624 | 273,650 | 77,974 | |||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Net research and development expenses | 94,358 | 85,722 | (8,636 | ) | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 155,579 | 132,693 | (22,886 | ) | ||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | 19,509 | — | (19,509 | ) | ||||||||
| Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment | 4,739 | 637 | (4,102 | ) | ||||||||
| Restructuring expenses | — | 6,291 | 6,291 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 274,185 | 225,343 | (48,842 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating income | 77,439 | 48,307 | 29,132 | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (14,641 | ) | (4,294 | ) | (10,347 | ) | ||||||
| Foreign currency loss | (5,918 | ) | (6,778 | ) | 860 | |||||||
| Other (loss) income | (1,926 | ) | 1,147 | (3,073 | ) | |||||||
| Earnings before income tax | 54,954 | 38,382 | 16,572 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 14,611 | 13,941 | (670 | ) | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | 40,343 | $ | 24,441 | $ | 15,902 |
Product revenues by product category, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | % Change | ||||||||||
| Climate Control Seat | $ | 482,665 | $ | 426,046 | 13.3 | % | ||||||
| Seat Heaters | 308,588 | 283,970 | 8.7 | % | ||||||||
| Steering Wheel Heaters | 153,943 | 120,949 | 27.3 | % | ||||||||
| Lumbar and Massage Comfort Solutions (a) | 144,923 | 56,980 | 154.3 | % | ||||||||
| Valve Systems (a) | 106,262 | 41,980 | 153.1 | % | ||||||||
| Automotive Cables | 79,993 | 76,962 | 3.9 | % | ||||||||
| Battery Performance Solutions | 75,484 | 71,907 | 5.0 | % | ||||||||
| Electronics | 40,387 | 44,106 | (8.4 | )% | ||||||||
| Other Automotive | 30,707 | 38,716 | (20.7 | )% | ||||||||
| Subtotal Automotive segment | 1,422,952 | 1,161,616 | 22.5 | % | ||||||||
| Medical segment (a) | 46,124 | 43,040 | 7.2 | % | ||||||||
| Total Company | $ | 1,469,076 | $ | 1,204,656 | 21.9 | % |
(a)
Includes product revenues from acquisitions since their respective acquisition dates (see Note 4).
Product Revenues
Below is a summary of our Product revenues, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | Variance Due To: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | Automotive Volume | FX | Acquisition | Pricing/ Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenues | $ | 1,469,076 | $ | 1,204,656 | $ | 264,420 | $ | 123,773 | $ | 879 | $ | 152,844 | $ | (13,076 | ) | $ | 264,420 |
Product revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased 21.9% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in product revenues is due to favorable volumes in several product lines within the Automotive segment, favorable
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foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Euro, and the inclusion of sales from Alfmeier and Dacheng since the acquisitions, partially offset by lower cost recoveries from customers and unfavorable foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Chinese Renminbi, the Korean Won and the Japanese Yen.
Cost of Sales
Below is a summary of our Cost of sales and Gross margin, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | Variance Due To: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | Automotive Volume | FX | Operational Performance | Acquisitions and Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 1,117,452 | $ | 931,006 | $ | (186,446 | ) | $ | (74,166 | ) | $ | (8,847 | ) | $ | 52,253 | $ | (155,686 | ) | $ | (186,446 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 351,624 | 273,650 | 77,974 | $ | 49,607 | $ | (7,968 | ) | $ | 41,235 | $ | (4,900 | ) | $ | 77,974 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin - Percentage of product revenues | 23.9 | % | 22.7 | % |
Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by 20.0% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in cost of sales is primarily due to increased volumes in our Automotive segment, inflation associated with wages and material costs, non-automotive electronics inventory charges related to the exit of such business, the full inclusion of expenses from the acquired businesses and unfavorable foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Mexican Peso and the Euro. These increases were partially offset by lower freight and duties costs, and favorable foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Chinese Renminbi and the Ukrainian Hryvnia.
Net Research and Development Expenses
Below is a summary of our Net research and development expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | $ | 125,692 | $ | 105,914 | $ | (19,778 | ) | |||||
| Reimbursed research and development expenses | (31,334 | ) | (20,192 | ) | 11,142 | |||||||
| Net research and development expenses | $ | 94,358 | $ | 85,722 | $ | (8,636 | ) | |||||
| Percentage of product revenues | 6.4 | % | 7.1 | % |
Net research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased 10% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in net research and development expenses is primarily related to the full inclusion of net expenses from Alfmeier, and increased investments to support new program wins, partially offset by higher customer reimbursements, excluding those from Alfmeier.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Below is a summary of our Selling, general and administrative expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 155,579 | $ | 132,693 | $ | (22,886 | ) | |||||
| Percentage of product revenues | 10.6 | % | 11.0 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased 17% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily related to the full inclusion of expenses from acquired businesses and higher compensation expense, partially offset by lower acquisition costs.
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Impairment of Goodwill
Below is a summary of our Impairment of goodwill, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | $ | 19,509 | $ | — | $ | (19,509 | ) |
Impairment of goodwill is related to the recorded Medical reporting unit goodwill impairment.
Impairment of Intangible Assets and Property and Equipment
Below is a summary of our Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment | $ | 4,739 | $ | 637 | $ | (4,102 | ) |
Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment is primarily related to the intangible asset and property and equipment impairment recorded as a result of the Company’s exit of its non-automotive electronics business.
Restructuring Expenses
Below is a summary of our Restructuring expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Restructuring expenses | $ | — | $ | 6,291 | $ | 6,291 |
Restructuring expenses primarily relate to the 2023 Plan and other discrete restructuring activities focused on optimizing our manufacturing and engineering footprint and the reduction of global overhead expenses. See Note 5, "Restructuring and Impairments," in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
Interest Expense
Below is a summary of our Interest expense, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | (14,641 | ) | $ | (4,294 | ) | $ | (10,347 | ) |
The increase in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 primarily relates to higher interest rates on the revolving credit agreement and larger debt balances throughout the year, as well as less benefit from the change in fair value of the interest rate swap derivative. See Note 9, "Debt," in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
Foreign Currency Loss
Below is a summary of our Foreign currency loss, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Foreign currency loss | $ | (5,918 | ) | $ | (6,778 | ) | $ | 860 |
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Foreign currency loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 included net realized foreign currency gain of $3.2 million and unrealized net foreign currency loss of $9.1 million.
Foreign currency gain for the year ended December 31, 2022 included net realized foreign currency loss of $2.1 million and unrealized net foreign currency loss of $4.7 million.
Other (Loss) Income
Below is a summary of our Other (loss) income, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Other (loss) income | $ | (1,926 | ) | $ | 1,147 | $ | (3,073 | ) |
The decrease in other income primarily is driven by an impairment in our investment in Carrar Ltd. See Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
Income Tax Expense
Below is a summary of our Income tax expense, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 14,611 | $ | 13,941 | $ | (670 | ) |
Income tax expense was $14.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, on earnings before income tax of $55.0 million, representing an effective tax rate of 26.6%. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of the global intangible low-tax income ("GILTI"), withholding taxes, other non-deductible expenses, the impact of income taxes on foreign earnings at tax rates varying from the U.S statutory tax rate and the tax effect of a goodwill impairment, partially offset by research development credits and prior year adjustments in various jurisdictions.
Income tax expense was $13.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, on earnings before income tax of $38.4 million, representing an effective tax rate of 36.3%. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of the GILTI, withholding taxes, other non-deductible expenses and acquisition costs and uncertain tax positions, partially offset by certain favorable tax effects on equity vesting, research and development credits in various jurisdictions and the impact of income taxes on foreign earnings taxed at rates varying from the U.S. statutory rate.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operations and borrowings available under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Our cash requirements consist principally of working capital, capital expenditures, research and development, operating lease payments, income tax payments and general corporate purposes. We generally reinvest available cash flows from operations into our business, while opportunistically utilizing our authorized stock repurchase program. Further, we continuously evaluate acquisition and investment opportunities that will enhance our business strategies.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $149.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $278.0 million of availability under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. See Note 13, “Financial Instruments” of the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for details regarding our factoring arrangements. We may issue debt or equity securities, which may provide an additional source of liquidity. However, there can be no assurance equity or debt financing will be available to us when we need it or, if available, the terms will be satisfactory to us and not dilutive to our then-current shareholders.
We continue to expect to be able to move funds between different countries to manage our global liquidity needs without material adverse tax implications, subject to current monetary policies and the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. We utilize a combination of strategies, including dividends, cash pooling arrangements, intercompany loan repayments and other distributions and advances to provide the funds necessary to meet our global liquidity needs. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to Gentherm Incorporated. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries totaled approximately $125.3 million. If additional non-U.S. cash was needed for our U.S. operations, we may be required to accrue and pay withholding if we were to distribute such funds from non-U.S. subsidiaries to the U.S.; however, based on our current liquidity needs and strategies, we do not anticipate a need to accrue and pay such additional amounts.
We currently believe that our cash and cash equivalents and borrowings available under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, receivables factoring arrangements, and cash flows from operations will be adequate to meet anticipated cash requirements for at least the next twelve months and the foreseeable future.
Cash and Cash Flows
The table below summarizes our cash activity for each of the last two fiscal years (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $ | 153,891 | $ | 190,606 | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 119,265 | 14,947 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (24,123 | ) | (239,899 | ) | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (106,051 | ) | 189,927 | |||||
| Foreign currency effect on cash and cash equivalents | 6,691 | (1,690 | ) | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 149,673 | $ | 153,891 |
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $119.3 million and $14.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted primarily of net income of $40.3 million, increased by $66.2 million for non-cash charges for depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation, loss on disposition of property and equipment and other, $6.9 million for inventory provisions, and $19.5 million of goodwill impairment, partially offset by non-cash charges of $13.1 million for deferred income taxes and $0.6 million related to changes in assets and liabilities. Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted primarily of net income of $24.4 million, increased by $51.8 million for non-cash charges for depreciation, amortization, non-cash stock based compensation, and loss on disposition of property and equipment, $15.9 million for inventory provisions, and impairments of intangible assets and property and equipment of $6.3 million related to the planned exit of the non-automotive electronics business, partially offset by non-cash charges of $7.3 million for deferred income taxes and other, and $76.9 million related to changes in assets and liabilities.
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Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $24.1 million and $239.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in usage is primarily attributable to 2022 payments for the Alfmeier and Dacheng acquisitions of $205.5 million, which did not recur, partially offset by the inclusion of a full year of proceeds from deferred purchase price of factored receivables related to Alfmeier during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $106.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and net cash provided by financing activities totaled $189.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash flows used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily included $91.1 million of cash paid for the repurchase of Common Stock, $72.3 million of debt repayments and $2.9 million paid for employee taxes related to the net settlement of restricted stock units that vested during the year, partially offset by $60.0 million of debt borrowings. Cash flows provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily included $207.0 million of debt borrowings to fund acquisitions and $1.7 million of proceeds from the exercise of common stock options, partially offset by $13.1 million of debt repayments and $5.5 million paid for employee taxes related to the net settlement of restricted stock units that vested during the year.
Debt
The following table summarizes the Company’s debt at December 31, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):
| December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest Rate | Principal Balance | Interest Rate | Principal Balance | ||||||||||||
| Credit Agreement: | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. Revolving Note (U.S. Dollar denominations) | 6.58 | % | $ | 222,000 | 5.80 | % | $ | 232,000 | |||||||
| Other loans | 3.90 | % | 233 | 3.89% - 5.21% | 2,011 | ||||||||||
| Finance leases | 3.53 | % | 605 | 3.57 | % | 1,085 | |||||||||
| Total debt | 222,838 | 235,096 | |||||||||||||
| Current maturities | (621 | ) | (2,443 | ) | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, less current maturities | $ | 222,217 | $ | 232,653 |
Credit Agreement
Gentherm, together with certain of its subsidiaries, maintain a revolving credit note (“U.S. Revolving Note”) under its Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with a consortium of lenders and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was entered into on June 10, 2022 and amends and restates in its entirety the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 27, 2019, by and among Gentherm, certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto and the Agent. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement has a maximum borrowing capacity of $500 million and matures on June 10, 2027. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains covenants, that, among other things, (i) prohibit or limit the ability of the borrowers and any material subsidiary to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, pay dividends, make certain types of investments (including acquisitions), enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, prepay other indebtedness, sell assets or enter into certain other transactions outside the ordinary course of business, and (ii) require that Gentherm maintain a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (based on consolidated EBITDA for the applicable trailing four fiscal quarters) as of the end of any fiscal quarter.
Finance Leases
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there was $0.6 million and $1.1 million of outstanding finance leases, respectively.
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Other Sources of Liquidity
Receivable Factoring
The Company is party to receivable factoring agreements with unrelated third parties under which we can sell receivables for certain account debtors, on a revolving basis, subject to outstanding balances and concentration limits. The receivable factoring agreements are transferred in their entirety to the acquiring entities and are accounted for as a sale. Some of the agreements, including those assumed through the acquisition of Alfmeier, have deferred purchase price arrangements. See Note 13, “Financial Instruments” of the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for further details regarding our factoring arrangements.
Material Cash Requirements
The following table summarizes current and long-term material cash requirements as of December 31, 2023, which we expect to fund primarily with operating cash flows.
| Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material Cash Requirements (in thousands) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1 to 3 years | 3 to 5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt obligations (1) | $ | 222,233 | $ | 233 | $ | — | $ | 222,000 | $ | — | |||||||||
| Operating lease obligations (2) | 27,429 | 8,533 | 9,244 | 3,825 | 5,827 | ||||||||||||||
| Finance lease obligations (2) | 624 | 402 | 222 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase obligations (3) | 15,645 | 15,645 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Capital commitments (4) | 19,307 | 19,307 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other | 150 | 50 | 100 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 285,388 | $ | 44,170 | $ | 9,566 | $ | 225,825 | $ | 5,827 |
(1)
Long-term debt obligations do not include an amount payable for interest. See Note 9, “Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
(2)
See Note 8, “Leases,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
(3)
Purchase obligations are comprised of commitments to secure the supply of certain semiconductor chips. We have entered into agreements with various suppliers to reserve the rights to certain semiconductor chips, with volume commitments determined based on our anticipated production requirements. Such agreements provide the Company with priority access to semiconductor chips as they become available, however, these agreements do not guarantee that our suppliers will meet our requested timing and quantity. We have not included amounts for other material and component purchase obligations related to standard recurring purchases of materials for use in our manufacturing operations as these amounts are generally consistent from year to year, closely reflect our levels of production, and are not long-term in nature.
(4)
Capital commitments is comprised of commitments for capital expenditures. Such commitments are typically less than one year.
Other Commitments
In September 2023, the Company committed to a restructuring plan to improve the Company’s manufacturing productivity and rationalize its footprint. As of December 31, 2023, the Company expects to incur total costs of between $12 million and $16 million, of which between $11 million and $15 million are expected to be cash expenditures. See Note 5, “Restructuring and Impairments” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
In December 2021, the Company committed to make a $5 million investment in Autotech Fund III, L.P., pursuant to a limited partnership agreement. As a limited partner, the Company will periodically make capital contributions toward this total commitment amount over the expected ten year life of the fund. The Company has made contributions of approximately $0.8 million to the Autotech Fund III, LP as of December 31, 2023. Timing of the capital contributions is unknown and therefore amounts have been excluded from the Material Cash Requirements table above.
Capital Expenditures
We anticipate capital expenditures in fiscal year 2024 of approximately $65 million to $75 million. This anticipated spending is higher than prior years due to increased investments for the ramp-up of new capacity including the two new plants as a result of our
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record new awards. We will continue support organic growth through capacity expansion in our facilities and make capital improvements as necessary. We believe cash on hand, cash generated from operations, and the borrowing capacity available under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement will be sufficient to support our capital expenditures.
Stock Repurchase Program
On December 11, 2020, the Board of Directors authorized the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $150 million of its issued and outstanding Common Stock over a three-year period, expiring December 15, 2023. On November 1, 2023, the Board of Directors extended the maturity date of the program from December 15, 2023 to June 30, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased shares under the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program for $92.5 million and have a remaining repurchase authorization of $37.5 million as of December 31, 2023.
Repurchases may be made, from time to time, in amounts and at prices the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, debt covenants and other considerations. Any such repurchases may be executed using open market purchases, privately negotiated agreements or other transactions. Repurchases may be funded from cash on hand, available borrowings or proceeds from potential debt or other capital markets sources.
On November 1, 2023, following the above-noted extension, the Company entered into a Confirmation of Issuer Forward Repurchase Transaction agreement (the “ASR Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”) that provides for the Company to purchase shares of Common Stock in an aggregate amount of $60 million (“ASR Repurchase Amount”) under the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program.
Under the terms of the ASR Agreement, on November 2, 2023, the Company paid $60 million to Bank of America for an initial purchase of approximately 1.22 million shares of Common Stock, representing 80% of ASR Repurchase Amount. The final settlement date is scheduled to occur no later than the second quarter of 2024 and may end earlier at the option of Bank of America. As of the final settlement date, Bank of America may be required to deliver additional shares of Common Stock to the Company or the Company may be required to deliver shares of Common Stock to Bank America, such that the Company’s repurchase of Common Stock under the ASR Agreement in aggregate will equal the ASR Repurchase Amount (based on the average of the daily volume-weighted average prices of the Common Stock during the term of the ASR Agreement, less a specified discount). There is no cash requirement as of the final settlement date and therefore it is not reflected in the Material Cash Requirements table above.
The ASR Agreement contains provisions customary for agreements of this type, including the mechanisms to determine the number of shares of Common Stock that will be delivered at settlement, the required timing of delivery of the shares of Common Stock, the circumstances under which Bank of America is permitted to make adjustments to the transaction terms, the circumstances under which the ASR Agreement may be accelerated, extended or terminated early by Bank of America and specified representations and warranties of each party to the other party.
For further information related to our stock repurchase program, see Note 15, "Equity" in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Effects of Inflation
The automotive component supply industry has historically been subject to inflationary pressures with respect to materials and labor. Since 2021, the automotive industry has experienced a period of significant volatility in the costs of certain materials and components, labor and transportation. Although supply chain conditions have steadily improved and certain inflationary pressures have moderated throughout fiscal year 2023, rising costs of materials, labor, equipment and other inputs used to manufacture and sell our products, including freight and logistics costs, have impacted, and may in the future impact, operating costs and operating results. These higher costs and cost increases due to inflation are expected to continue for the foreseeable future as demand remains elevated and supply remains constrained. Although the Company has developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of higher material component costs and transportation costs through sourcing and manufacturing efficiencies where possible, these strategies together with commercial negotiations with Gentherm's customers and suppliers have not fully offset to date and may not
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fully offset our future cost increases. Such inflationary cost increase may increase the cash required to fund our operations by a material amount.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management was required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on our historical experience, the terms of existing contracts, our evaluation of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers and suppliers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. These estimates and assumptions are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material to our financial statements.
We have identified the following estimates as our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that are most important to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments. Information regarding our other significant accounting estimates and policies are disclosed in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Impairments of Goodwill
Critical estimates: Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually as of December 31 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In conducting our annual impairment assessment testing, we first perform a qualitative assessment of 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 it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit, we then compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the related net book value. If the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured and recognized.
The Company utilizes an income approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit and a market valuation approach to further support this analysis. The income approach is based on projected debt-free cash flow that is discounted to the present value using discount factors that consider the timing and risk of cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based on the reporting unit’s expected long-term operating cash flow performance. This approach also mitigates the impact of cyclical trends that occur in our industry. Fair value is estimated using internally developed forecasts, as well as commercial and discount rate assumptions. The discount rate used is the value-weighted average of our estimated cost of equity and of debt (“cost of capital”) derived using both known and estimated customary market metrics. Our weighted average cost of capital is adjusted to reflect risk, if necessary. Other significant assumptions include terminal value growth rates and terminal value margin rates. To further support the fair value estimate determined by the income approach, the Company utilizes a market valuation approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. The market approach considers historical and/or anticipated financial metrics of a reporting unit and applies valuation multiples based on recent observed transactions involving companies similar enough to the reporting units from which to draw meaningful conclusions.
Judgments and uncertainties: These fair value calculations contain uncertainties as they require management to make assumptions about future cash flows and appropriate discount rates to reflect the risk inherent in the future cash flows and to derive a reasonable enterprise value and related premium. Our ability to realize the future cash flows used in our fair value calculations is affected by factors such as the success of strategic initiatives, changes in economic conditions, changes in our operating performance and changes in our business strategies. The estimated future cash flows reflect management's latest assumptions of the financial projections based on current and anticipated competitive landscape, including estimates of revenue based on production volumes over the foreseeable future and long-term growth rates, and operating margins based on historical trends and future cost containment activities.
Also, the market valuation approach is highly subjective as it requires the selection of comparable companies and valuation multiples.
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Impact if actual results differ from assumptions: As of December 31, 2023, our goodwill balance included $76.7 million related to our Automotive segment and $27.4 million related to our Medical segment. These balances could be fully or partially impaired if management does not achieve the expected cash flows assumed in the fair value estimates or if assumptions and cash flow estimates change in future periods.
The Company’s Medical segment is comprised of one reporting unit (the “Medical Reporting Unit”). The estimated fair value of the Medical Reporting Unit exceeded its carrying value by less than 10% as of December 31, 2022. During the second quarter of 2023, the Company’s Medical reporting unit did not perform in-line with forecasted results primarily driven by slower than anticipated revenue growth. As a result, an indicator of impairment was identified and the Company performed an interim quantitative assessment as of June 30, 2023. The results of this quantitative analysis indicated the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded the fair value, and accordingly an impairment expense was recorded for $19.5 million.
The primary factors leading to the decline in value from the analysis performed at December 31, 2022 were a reduction in expected future cash flows, due to the Company re-evaluating its forecasted results and an increase in the discount rate that is based on the Medical reporting unit’s weighted average cost of capital. The decline in expected future cash flows resulted primarily from a reduction of forecasted revenue growth rates. If the Company’s revised expectation of revenue growth is not achieved or if the estimated growth rates are reduced because of new information or experience, the fair value of the Medical reporting unit could decrease, which could result in further impairment of goodwill. No further impairment was recorded as of December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023, the estimated fair value of the Medical Reporting Unit exceeded it's carrying value by less than 15%. The Medical Reporting Unit is at risk of failing future impairment tests, as the estimate of fair value does not substantially exceed its carrying value. The Company’s estimated future cash flow projections for the Medical Reporting Unit for the period of 2024 through 2028 assume a compound annual growth rate for revenue of approximately 18.3%, which we deem to be a critical assumption in the fair value determination as of December 31, 2023. This forecasted revenue growth, which is significantly higher than historical periods, is primarily driven by our anticipated participation in China's high-growth market for patient warming devices and anticipated product launches that are expected to increase volume and price due to new features and product capabilities. Realization of this assumed revenue growth is dependent on the successful launch of these new products and product features and the acceptance of customers. If this revenue growth is not achieved or if the estimated growth rates are reduced because of new information or experience, the fair value of the Medical Reporting Unit could decrease, which could result in a material impairment of goodwill. Additionally, forecasted cash flows assume margin expansion as a direct result of the forecasted revenue growth. If we experience higher costs than assumed in our forecast or if we experience other deviations from forecasted results and/or external factors (e.g., continued increasing of interest rates), it could result in a material impairment.
The Company's reporting units in its Automotive segment each have a fair value that is substantially in excess of its respective carrying value as of December 31, 2023.
Income Taxes
Critical estimates: The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions. In calculating our effective income tax rate, we make judgments regarding certain tax positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions. When determining whether we will be able to realize deferred tax assets, judgment is used to evaluate the positive and negative evidence, including forecasting taxable income using historical and future operating results. The provision for income taxes includes current income taxes as well as deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured based on the difference between the financial statement and tax base of assets and liabilities at the applicable enacted tax rates.
Judgments and uncertainties: We have various tax filing positions with regard to the timing and amount of deductions and credits and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions, based on our interpretation of local tax laws, supported by external advisor review for material positions.
Valuation allowances are established when necessary on a jurisdictional basis to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized when management considers it more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination as to whether a deferred tax asset will be realized is based on the evaluation of positive and negative evidence, which includes historical profitability, future market growth, future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of
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existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. The Company assesses deferred taxes and the adequacy or need for a valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.
The Company is subject to ongoing tax examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. At any time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities and a number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which a liability has been established, is audited and fully resolved or clarified. In evaluating the exposures associated with various tax filing positions, the Company may record liabilities for such exposures. The Company generally adjusts its liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and related indemnification obligations through earnings in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. Although management believes that the judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, and may materially increase or decrease the effective tax rate, as well as impact the Company’s operating results.
Impact if actual results differ from assumptions: Some or all of management’s judgments are subject to review by the taxing authorities. If one or more of the taxing authorities were to successfully challenge our right to realize some or all of the tax benefit we have recorded, and we were unable to realize this benefit, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows. Further, if the Company is unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates, a change to the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, or if the tax laws change unfavorably, then the Company could be required to increase the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, resulting in an increase in income tax expense and the effective tax rate.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, each change of the effective tax rate by one percentage point would impact income tax expense by $0.5 million.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a complete description of recent accounting standards which we have not yet been required to implement which may be applicable to our operations, as well as significant accounting standards that have been adopted during the year ended December 31, 2023, see Note 3, “New Accounting Pronouncements,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000950170-23-004405.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, our consolidated financial statements (and notes related thereto) and other more detailed financial information appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. Further, you should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. See also “Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report.
Overview
Gentherm Incorporated is the global market leader of innovative thermal management and pneumatic comfort technologies for the automotive industry. Automotive products include variable temperature Climate Control Seats, heated automotive interior systems (including heated seats, steering wheels, armrests and other components), battery performance solutions, cable systems, lumbar and massage comfort solutions, valve system technologies, and other electronic devices. Medical products include patient temperature management systems. The Company is also developing a number of new technologies and products that will help enable improvements to existing products and will lead to new product applications for existing and new markets. Our automotive products can be found on vehicles manufactured by nearly all the major OEMs operating in North America and Europe, and several major OEMs in Asia. We operate in locations aligned with our major customers’ product strategies to provide locally enhanced design, integration and production capabilities.
Our sales are driven by the number of vehicles produced by the OEMs, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive vehicles, our product content per vehicle, and other factors that may limit or otherwise impact production by us, our supply chain and our customers. Historically, new vehicle demand and product content (i.e. vehicle features) have been driven by macroeconomic and other factors, such as interest rates, automotive manufacturer and dealer sales incentives, fuel prices, consumer confidence, employment levels, income growth trends and government and tax incentives. Vehicle content has also been driven by trends in consumer preferences, such as preferences for smart devices and features, personalized user experience, and comfort, health and wellness. Economic volatility or weakness, as well as geopolitical factors, in North America, Europe or Asia, have had and could result in a significant reduction in automotive sales and production by our customers, which have had and would have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Since 2020, the automotive industry has experienced fluctuating demand and production disruptions related to supply chain challenges, facility closures, labor shortages, work stoppages and inflationary pressures, as described below. We believe our diversified OEM customer base and geographic revenue base, along with our flexible cost structure, have well positioned us to withstand the impact of industry downturns and benefit from industry upturns in the ordinary course. However, shifts in the mix of global automotive production to higher cost regions or to vehicles that contain less of our product content as well as continuing production challenges and inflationary pressures could adversely impact our profitability. In addition, we may be adversely impacted by volatility or weakness in markets for hybrid or electric vehicles specifically. We believe our products offer certain advantages for hybrid and electric vehicles, including improved energy efficiency, and position us well to withstand changes in the volume mix between vehicles driven by internal combustion engines and hybrid and other electric vehicles. We believe our industry is increasingly progressing towards a focus on human comfort and health, which is evidenced by increasing adoption rates for comfort products. We believe that products we are developing, such as ClimateSense® and our acquisition of Alfmeier’s pneumatic comfort solutions, position us well to address trends in consumer preferences such as personalized user experience, comfort, health and wellness.
Recent Trends
General Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Conditions
Since 2020, the global economy has experienced significant volatility and disrupted supply chains, which has had a widespread adverse effect on the global automotive industry. These macroeconomic conditions have resulted in longer lead times and delays in procuring component parts and raw materials, and resulted in inflationary cost increases in certain raw materials, labor and transportation. These broad-based inflationary impacts have negatively impacted the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Although we are optimistic that the worst of the global macroeconomic volatility is in the past, the direct and indirect impacts on our markets, operations, and financial performance have been unpredictable. As a result of this continued uncertainty, there may still be impacts on our industry, operations, workforce, supply chains, distribution systems, and demand for our products in the future which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
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Additionally, the United States and global markets are experiencing volatility and disruption following the escalation of geopolitical tensions and the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. As a result of the conflict, the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and other countries have levied economic sanctions and bans on Russia and Russia has responded with its own retaliatory measures. These measures have impacted the price of certain raw materials and energy and could have a lasting impact on regional and global economies.
Our facility in Vynohradiv is on the far western corner within the Transcarpathia region of Ukraine near the Hungary border. In 2022, products manufactured at our Ukraine facility represented approximately 8% of the Company’s total revenue, including automotive cables, seat heaters and steering wheel heaters, compared to 11% in 2021. At this time, our Ukraine facility is operating at normal levels and we continue to execute contingency plans and, in coordination with certain customers, specific equipment and production relocations leveraging our flexible global manufacturing footprint. Certain of our employees in Ukraine are routinely conscripted into the military and/or sent to the Russian border to fight in the ongoing conflict. We have incurred, and will likely continue to incur costs to support our employees and relocate equipment and production based on customer and company needs. Further, most of our products manufactured in Ukraine are shipped across the border from Ukraine to Hungary for further delivery to our customers. If that border crossing were to be closed or restricted for any reason, we may experience a significant disruption to our operations. Our response to the ongoing conflict is based on a severity level contingency response plan that has been developed with certain customers. As the situation in Ukraine is very fluid, we continue to monitor its effects on our business and we continue to work closely with our customers to adjust our contingency response as necessary.
Supply shortages of semiconductor chips and other components have resulted in decreases in global automotive vehicle production and significant volatility in customer vehicle production schedules. The Company's semiconductor suppliers, along with most automotive component supply companies that use semiconductors, including Gentherm, have been unable to fully meet the vehicle production demands of the OEMs due to events which are outside the Company's control, including but not limited to, the COVID-19 pandemic, the global semiconductor shortage, fires at suppliers’ facilities, significant weather events impacting semiconductor supplier facilities in the southern United States, and other extraordinary events. The Company has experienced and may continue to experience direct impacts of ongoing shortages of semiconductors. Our ability to meet customer orders without significant delay and/or expense remains subject to significant uncertainty.
Global inflation has increased significantly over the past year. Changing costs of freight, materials, equipment, labor and other inputs used to manufacture and sell our products and logistics costs, in particular, have impacted and may in the future impact operating costs and, accordingly, may affect the prices of our products. We are involved in continuing programs to mitigate the impact of cost increases through identification of sourcing and manufacturing efficiencies where possible. However, there have been, and there may still be, impacts we are not able to fully mitigate or pass through the increases in our operating costs.
We are exposed to foreign currency risk due to the translation and remeasurement of the results of certain international operations into U.S. Dollars as part of the consolidation process. Therefore, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can create volatility in the results of operations and may adversely affect our financial condition.
In response to the global supply chain instability and inflationary cost increases, the Company has taken several actions to minimize any potential and actual adverse impacts by working closely with its suppliers and customers to closely monitor the availability of semiconductor microchips and other component parts and raw materials, customer vehicle production schedules and any other supply chain inefficiencies that may arise. We expect global supply chain instability will continue to have an adverse impact on our business and financial performance for the foreseeable future, and such adverse impact may be material. The consequences of the pandemic, global supply chain instability and inflationary cost increases and their adverse impact to the global economy continue to evolve. Accordingly, the significance of the future adverse impact on our business and financial statements remains subject to significant uncertainty as of the date of this filing.
Acquisitions
On July 13, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of Jiangmen Dacheng Medical Equipment Co. Ltd (“Dacheng”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, IOB Medical, Inc. Dacheng, a privately held manufacturer of medical materials and medical equipment, including patient temperature management solutions, for numerous local and international customers. The acquisition provides Gentherm Medical a local presence in China’s high-growth market for patient warming devices and other medical device products, while also expanding overall manufacturing capacity to include a low-cost manufacturing site. The total consideration for this acquisition was $35.0 million, which is comprised of cash payments, net of cash acquired. The purchase agreement also includes future cash payments of up to $3.0 million, contingent upon the achievement of certain performance metrics and continued
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employment of the former majority shareholder through a series of defined dates. These contingent payments will be accounted for as compensation expense and will be recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative.
On August 1, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests of Alfmeier Präzision SE (“Alfmeier”) a global leader in automotive lumbar and massage comfort solutions and a leading provider of advanced valve systems technology, integrated electronics and software. The acquisition further expands the Company's current value proposition beyond thermal in comfort, health, wellness, and energy efficiency and aligns well with global consumer demand for expanded offerings in vehicle passenger comfort. The total consideration for this acquisition was $170.7 million. The Company made cash payments of approximately $170.4 million, net of cash acquired.
See Note 4, “Acquisitions” of the consolidated financial statements included in this Report for additional information.
Impairments – Non-Automotive Electronics Business
On December 31, 2022, the Company approved a plan to exit its non-automotive electronics business to strengthen the Company’s core business and focus its resources and equipment with businesses and investments that are more strategic and profitable. The Company will continue to sell certain non-automotive electronics products until the exit is complete.
The Company is evaluating a potential sale of the non-automotive electronics business or substantially all of its assets. If such sale is not pursued or is unsuccessful, the Company intends to wind-down the operations of the business over approximately eight to twelve months, subject to discussions with customers and suppliers. In the event of a wind-down, certain property, plant and equipment will be utilized by other operations of the Company.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $9.4 million, $5.6 million and $0.7 million for write downs of inventory, intangible assets and property and equipment, respectively, within the Automotive segment. Write downs of inventory are recorded in Cost of sales. Write downs of intangible assets and property and equipment are recorded in Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment.
Light Vehicle Production Volumes
Our sales are driven by the number of vehicles produced by the automotive manufacturers, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive vehicles, and our content per vehicle, and other factors that may limit or otherwise impact production by us, our supply chain and our customers. According to the forecasting firm S&P Global Mobility (February 2023 release), global light vehicle production in 2022 in the Company’s key markets of North America, Europe, China, Japan and Korea, as compared to 2021, are shown below (in millions of units):
| 2022 | 2021 | % Change | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 14.3 | 13.0 | 9.7 | % | ||||||||
| Europe | 15.8 | 15.9 | (0.5 | )% | ||||||||
| Greater China | 26.4 | 24.8 | 6.3 | % | ||||||||
| Japan / South Korea | 11.2 | 10.9 | 2.6 | % | ||||||||
| Total light vehicle production volume in key markets | 67.7 | 64.7 | 4.7 | % |
The S&P Global Mobility report (February 2023 release) forecasted light vehicle production volume in the Company’s key markets for full year 2023 to increase to 70.0 million units, a 3.4% increase from full year 2022 light vehicle production volumes. Forecasted light vehicle production volumes are a component of the data we use in forecasting future business. However, these forecasts generally are updated monthly, and future forecasts have been and may continue to be significantly different from period to period due to changes in macroeconomic conditions or matters specific to the automotive industry. Further, due to differences in regional product mix at our manufacturing facilities, as well as material production schedules from our customers for our products on specific vehicle programs, our future forecasted results do not directly correlate with the global and/or regional light vehicle production forecasts of S&P Global Mobility or other third-party sources.
New Business Awards
We believe that innovation is an important element to gaining market acceptance of our products and strengthening our market position. During 2022, we secured an estimated $1,793 million of automotive new business awards (inclusive of three full quarters of Alfmeier), which is at the high end of the range of new business awards in recent years. Automotive new business awards represent the aggregate projected lifetime revenue of new awards provided by our customers to Gentherm in the applicable period, with the
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value based on the price and volume projections received from each customer as of the award date. Although automotive new business awards are not firm customer orders, we believe that new business awards are an indicator of future revenue. New business awards are not projections of revenue or future business as of December 31, 2022, the date of this Annual Report or any other date. Customer projections regularly change over time, and we do not update our calculation of any new business award after the date initially communicated. Automotive new business awards in 2022 also do not reflect, in particular, the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges on future business. Revenues resulting from automotive new business awards also are subject to additional risks and uncertainties as described in Item 1 under “Forward-Looking Statements” of this Annual Report.
Reportable Segments
The Company has two reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Automotive and Medical.
See Note 19, “Segment Reporting,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for a description of our reportable segments as well as their proportional contribution to the Company’s reported product revenues and operating income.
Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021
This section discusses our consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. For a detailed discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, see Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” under “Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to December 31, 2020” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the SEC on February 17, 2022.
The results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, in thousands, were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Product revenues | $ | 1,204,656 | $ | 1,046,150 | $ | 158,506 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | 931,006 | 742,519 | (188,487 | ) | ||||||||
| Gross margin | 273,650 | 303,631 | (29,981 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Net research and development expenses | 85,722 | 75,214 | (10,508 | ) | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 132,693 | 109,554 | (23,139 | ) | ||||||||
| Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment | 6,291 | — | (6,291 | ) | ||||||||
| Restructuring expenses | 637 | 3,857 | 3,220 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 225,343 | 188,625 | (36,718 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating income | 48,307 | 115,006 | (66,699 | ) | ||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (4,294 | ) | (2,758 | ) | (1,536 | ) | ||||||
| Foreign currency (loss) gain | (6,778 | ) | 1,487 | (8,265 | ) | |||||||
| Other income | 1,147 | 117 | 1,030 | |||||||||
| Earnings before income tax | 38,382 | 113,852 | (75,470 | ) | ||||||||
| Income tax expense | 13,941 | 20,418 | 6,477 | |||||||||
| Net income | $ | 24,441 | $ | 93,434 | $ | (68,993 | ) |
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Product revenues by product category, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | % Change | ||||||||||
| Climate Control Seat | $ | 426,046 | $ | 393,816 | 8.2 | % | ||||||
| Seat Heaters | 283,970 | 270,054 | 5.2 | % | ||||||||
| Steering Wheel Heaters | 120,949 | 102,496 | 18.0 | % | ||||||||
| Automotive Cables | 76,962 | 84,114 | (8.5 | )% | ||||||||
| Battery Performance Solutions | 71,907 | 69,594 | 3.3 | % | ||||||||
| Electronics | 44,106 | 51,648 | (14.6 | )% | ||||||||
| Lumbar and Massage Comfort Solutions (a) | 56,980 | — | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Valve System Technologies (a) | 41,980 | — | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Other Automotive | 38,716 | 32,911 | 17.6 | % | ||||||||
| Subtotal Automotive segment | 1,161,616 | 1,004,633 | 15.6 | % | ||||||||
| Medical segment (a) | 43,040 | 41,517 | 3.7 | % | ||||||||
| Total Company | $ | 1,204,656 | $ | 1,046,150 | 15.2 | % |
(a)
Includes product revenues from acquisitions since their respective acquisition dates (see Note 4).
Product Revenues
Below is a summary of our Product revenues, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | Variance Due To: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | Automotive Volume | FX | Acquisition | Pricing/ Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenues | $ | 1,204,656 | $ | 1,046,150 | $ | 158,506 | $ | 108,356 | $ | (55,109 | ) | $ | 102,322 | $ | 2,937 | $ | 158,506 |
Product revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased 15.2% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Revenue increased in all product categories except Electronics and Automotive Cables. The increase in product revenues is due to favorable volumes in our Automotive segment, the inclusion of sales from Alfmeier and Dacheng since the acquisitions, and the negotiation of lower annual price reductions and cost recoveries from customers, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency impacts, primarily related to the Euro, Chinese Renminbi and Korean Won.
Cost of Sales
Below is a summary of our Cost of sales and Gross margin, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | Variance Due To: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | Automotive Volume | FX | Operational Performance | Acquisitions and Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 931,006 | $ | 742,519 | $ | (188,487 | ) | $ | (65,942 | ) | $ | 30,778 | $ | (34,056 | ) | $ | (119,267 | ) | $ | (188,487 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 273,650 | 303,631 | (29,981 | ) | $ | 42,414 | $ | (24,331 | ) | $ | (29,696 | ) | $ | (18,368 | ) | $ | (29,981 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Gross margin - Percentage of product revenues | 22.7 | % | 29.0 | % |
Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by 25.4% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in cost of sales is primarily related to increased volumes in our Automotive segment, the inclusion of expenses from Alfmeier and Dacheng since the acquisitions, inflation associated with wages, higher transportation costs and material costs, and impairment recorded related to the exit of the non-automotive electronics business. These increases were partially offset by favorable foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Euro and Chinese Renminbi.
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Net Research and Development Expenses
Below is a summary of our Net research and development expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | $ | 105,914 | $ | 91,807 | $ | (14,107 | ) | |||||
| Reimbursed research and development expenses | (20,192 | ) | (16,593 | ) | 3,599 | |||||||
| Net research and development expenses | $ | 85,722 | $ | 75,214 | $ | (10,508 | ) | |||||
| Percentage of product revenues | 7.1 | % | 7.2 | % |
Net research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased 14% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in net research and development expenses is primarily related to the inclusion of expenses from Alfmeier since the acquisition and increased investments in ClimateSense® and battery performance solutions, partially offset by favorable foreign currency impacts.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Below is a summary of our Selling, general and administrative expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 132,693 | $ | 109,554 | $ | (23,139 | ) | |||||
| Percentage of product revenues | 11.0 | % | 10.5 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased 21% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily related to the inclusion of expenses from Alfmeier since the acquisition and increases in acquisition related costs, partially offset by lower incentive compensation and favorable foreign currency impacts.
Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment
Below is a summary of our Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment | $ | 6,291 | $ | — | $ | (6,291 | ) |
Impairment of intangible assets and property and equipment primarily related to the intangible asset and property and equipment impairment recorded as a result of the Company’s plan to exit its non-automotive electronics business.
Restructuring Expenses
Below is a summary of our Restructuring expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Restructuring expenses | $ | 637 | $ | 3,857 | $ | 3,220 |
Restructuring expenses primarily relate to the Manufacturing Footprint Rationalization restructuring program and other discrete restructuring activities focused on optimizing our manufacturing and engineering footprint and the reduction of global overhead
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expenses. See Note 5, "Restructuring and Impairments," in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
Interest Expense
Below is a summary of our Interest expense, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | (4,294 | ) | $ | (2,758 | ) | $ | (1,536 | ) |
The increase in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 2021 primarily relates to the increased interest from a higher balance on our revolving credit agreement. See Note 9, "Debt," in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
Foreign Currency (Loss) Gain
Below is a summary of our Foreign currency (loss) gain, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Foreign currency (loss) gain | $ | (6,778 | ) | $ | 1,487 | $ | (8,265 | ) |
Foreign currency loss for the year ended December 31, 2022, included net realized foreign currency loss of $2.1 million and unrealized net foreign currency loss of $4.7 million.
Foreign currency gain for the year ended December 31, 2021, included net realized foreign currency loss of $1.6 million and unrealized net foreign currency gain of $3.1 million.
Other Income
Below is a summary of our Other income, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Other income | $ | 1,147 | $ | 117 | $ | 1,030 |
The increase in other income primarily is driven by the repayment of a loan to the buyer of Global Power Technologies, which previously was considered uncollectible and written-off.
Income Tax Expense
Below is a summary of our Income tax expense, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 13,941 | $ | 20,418 | $ | 6,477 |
Income tax expense was $13.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, on earnings before income tax of $38.4 million, representing an effective tax rate of 36.3 %. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of the global intangible low-tax income (“GILTI”), withholding taxes, other non-deductible expenses and acquisition costs and uncertain tax positions, offset by certain favorable tax effects on equity vesting, research and development credits in various jurisdictions and the impact of income taxes on foreign earnings taxed at rates varying from the U.S. statutory rate.
Income tax expense was $20.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, on earnings before income tax of $113.9 million, representing an effective tax rate of 17.9%. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to
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certain favorable tax effects on equity vesting, intercompany transactions during the year and the impact of income taxes on foreign earnings taxed at rates varying from the U.S. statutory rate, offset by the unfavorable impact of the GILTI, withholding taxes, other non-deductible expenses and uncertain tax positions.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operations and borrowings available under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Our cash requirements consist principally of working capital, capital expenditures, research and development, operating lease payments, income tax payments and general corporate purposes. We generally reinvest available cash flows from operations into our business, while opportunistically utilizing our authorized stock repurchase program. Further, we continuously evaluate acquisition and investment opportunities that will enhance our business strategies.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $153.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $264.9 million of availability under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. See Note 13, “Financial Instruments” of the consolidated financial statements included in this Report for details regarding our factoring arrangements. Significant changes in our liquidity occurred during July 2022 in connection with the close of the Alfmeier and Dacheng acquisitions. See "Material Cash Requirements" below for further information. We may issue debt or equity securities, which may provide an additional source of liquidity. However, there can be no assurance equity or debt financing will be available to us when we need it or, if available, the terms will be satisfactory to us and not dilutive to our then-current shareholders.
We continue to expect to be able to move funds between different countries to manage our global liquidity needs without material adverse tax implications, subject to current monetary policies and the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. We utilize a combination of strategies, including dividends, cash pooling arrangements, intercompany loan repayments and other distributions and advances to provide the funds necessary to meet our global liquidity needs. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to Gentherm Incorporated. As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries totaled approximately $108.6 million. If additional non-U.S. cash was needed for our U.S. operations, we may be required to accrue and pay withholding if we were to distribute such funds from non-U.S. subsidiaries to the U.S.; however, based on our current liquidity needs and strategies, we do not anticipate a need to accrue and pay such additional amounts.
We currently believe that our cash and cash equivalents and borrowings available under our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, receivables factoring arrangements, and cash flows from operations will be adequate to meet anticipated cash requirements for at least the next twelve months and the foreseeable future.
Cash and Cash Flows
The table below summarizes our cash activity for each of the last two fiscal years (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $ | 190,606 | $ | 268,345 | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 14,947 | 143,076 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (239,899 | ) | (48,830 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 189,927 | (169,141 | ) | |||||
| Foreign currency effect on cash and cash equivalents | (1,690 | ) | (2,844 | ) | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 153,891 | $ | 190,606 |
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Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $14.9 million and $143.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted primarily of net income of $24.4 million, increased by $51.8 million for non-cash charges for depreciation, amortization, non-cash stock based compensation, and loss on disposition of property and equipment, $15.9 million for inventory provisions, and impairments of intangible assets and property and equipment of $6.3 million related to the planned exit of the non-automotive electronics business, partially offset by non-cash charges of $7.3 million for deferred income taxes and other, and $76.9 million related to changes in assets and liabilities. Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 consisted primarily of net income of $93.4 million, increased by $54.3 million for non-cash charges for depreciation, amortization, non-cash stock based compensation, and loss on disposition of property and equipment, partially offset by non-cash charges of $0.5 million for deferred income taxes and other, and $4.2 million related to changes i1n assets and liabilities.
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $239.9 million and $48.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in usage is primarily attributable to payments for the Alfmeier and Dacheng acquisitions of $205.5 million and increases in the purchases of property and equipment during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $189.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and net cash used in financing activities totaled $169.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Cash flows provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily included $207.0 million of debt borrowings to fund acquisitions and $1.7 million of proceeds from the exercise of common stock options, partially offset by $13.1 million of debt repayments and $5.5 million paid for employee taxes related to the net settlement of restricted stock units that vested during the year. Cash flows used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily included $153.2 million of debt repayments, $20.0 million paid to repurchase common stock and $4.1 million paid for employee taxes related to the net settlement of restricted stock units that vested during the year, partially offset by $8.3 million of proceeds from the exercise of common stock options.
Debt
The following table summarizes the Company’s debt at December 31, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest Rate | Principal Balance | Interest Rate | Principal Balance | ||||||||||||
| Credit Agreement: | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. Revolving Note (U.S. Dollar denominations) | 5.80 | % | $ | 232,000 | 1.35 | % | $ | 35,000 | |||||||
| Other loans | 3.89% - 5.21% | 2,011 | 5.21 | % | 3,750 | ||||||||||
| Finance leases | N/A | 1,085 | N/A | — | |||||||||||
| Total debt | 235,096 | 38,750 | |||||||||||||
| Current maturities | (2,443 | ) | (2,500 | ) | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, less current maturities | $ | 232,653 | $ | 36,250 |
Credit Agreement
Gentherm, together with certain of its subsidiaries, maintain a revolving credit note (“U.S. Revolving Note”) under its Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) with a consortium of lenders and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was entered into on June 10, 2022 and amends and restates in its entirety the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 27, 2019, by and among Gentherm, certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto and the Agent. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement has a maximum borrowing capacity of $500 million and matures on June 10, 2027. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains covenants, that, among other things, (i) prohibit or limit the ability of the borrowers and any material subsidiary to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, pay dividends, make certain types of investments (including
41
acquisitions), enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, prepay other indebtedness, sell assets or enter into certain other transactions outside the ordinary course of business, and (ii) require that Gentherm maintain a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (based on consolidated EBITDA for the applicable trailing four fiscal quarters) as of the end of any fiscal quarter.
Finance Leases
As of December 31, 2022, there was $1.1 million of outstanding finance leases.
Other Sources of Liquidity
Receivable Factoring
The Company is party to receivable factoring agreements with unrelated third parties under which we can sell receivables for certain account debtors, on a revolving basis, subject to outstanding balances and concentration limits. The receivable factoring agreements are transferred in their entirety to the acquiring entities and are accounted for as a sale. Some of the agreements, including those assumed through the acquisition of Alfmeier, have deferred purchase price arrangements. See Note 13, “Financial Instruments” of the consolidated financial statements included in this Report for further details regarding our factoring arrangements.
Material Cash Requirements
The following table summarizes current and long-term material cash requirements as of December 31, 2022, which we expect to fund primarily with operating cash flows.
| Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material Cash Requirements (in thousands) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1 to 3 years | 3 to 5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt obligations (1) | $ | 2,011 | $ | 2,011 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||
| Operating lease obligations (2) | 31,352 | 8,074 | 11,987 | 4,753 | 6,538 | ||||||||||||||
| Finance lease obligations (2) | 1,085 | 432 | 585 | 68 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase obligations (3) | 40,130 | 34,809 | 5,321 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Capital commitments (4) | 6,853 | 6,853 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other | 200 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 81,631 | $ | 52,229 | $ | 17,943 | $ | 4,871 | $ | 6,588 |
(1)
Long-term debt obligations do not include an amount payable for interest. See Note 9, “Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
(2)
See Note 8, “Leases,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
(3)
Purchase obligations are comprised of commitments to secure the supply of certain semiconductor chips. We have entered into agreements with various suppliers to reserve the rights to certain semiconductor chips over the next 12 to 24 months, with volume commitments determined based on our anticipated production requirements. Such agreements provide the Company with priority access to semiconductor chips as they become available, however, these agreements do not guarantee that our suppliers will meet our requested timing and quantity. We have not included amounts for other material and component purchase obligations related to standard recurring purchases of materials for use in our manufacturing operations as these amounts are generally consistent from year to year, closely reflect our levels of production, and are not long-term in nature. See Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies” of the consolidated financial statements included in this Report for additional information.
(4)
Capital commitments is comprised of commitments for capital expenditures. Such commitments are typically less than one year.
Additional cash payments may be required for contingent payments of up to $3.0 million related to the Dacheng acquisition. See Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information about the purchase prices associated with recent acquisition transactions.
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Other Commitments
In December 2021, the Company committed to make a $5 million investment in Autotech Fund III, L.P., pursuant to a limited partnership agreement. As a limited partner, the Company will periodically make capital contributions toward this total commitment amount over the expected ten year life of the fund. The Company has made contributions of approximately $0.5 million to the Autotech Fund III, LP as of December 31, 2022. Timing of the capital contributions is unknown and therefore amounts have been excluded from the Material Cash Requirements table above.
Capital Expenditures
We anticipate capital expenditures in fiscal year 2023 of approximately $60 million to $70 million. We will continue support organic growth through capacity expansion in our facilities and make capital improvements as necessary. We believe cash on hand, cash generated from operations, and the borrowing capacity available under our Credit Agreement will be sufficient to support our capital expenditures.
Stock Repurchase Program
On December 11, 2020, the Board of Directors authorized the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $150 million of its issued and outstanding common stock over a three-year period, expiring December 15, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company did not make any repurchases under the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program. The 2020 Stock Repurchase Program has $130 million of repurchase authorization remaining as of December 31, 2022.
Repurchases may be made, from time to time, in amounts and at prices the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, debt covenants and other considerations. Any such repurchases may be executed using open market purchases, privately negotiated agreements or other transactions. Repurchases may be funded from cash on hand, available borrowings or proceeds from potential debt or other capital markets sources.
For further information related to our stock repurchase program, see Note 15, "Equity" in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Effects of Inflation
The automotive component supply industry has historically been subject to inflationary pressures with respect to materials and labor. In 2021 and continuing in 2022, macroeconomic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in inflationary cost increases in certain materials and components, labor and transportation. These inflationary cost increases are expected to continue for the foreseeable future as demand remains elevated and supply remains constrained. Although the Company has developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of higher material component costs and transportation costs, these strategies, together with commercial negotiations with Gentherm's customers and suppliers have not fully offset to date and may not fully offset our future cost increases. Such inflationary cost increase may increase the cash required to fund our operations by a material amount.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management was required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on our historical experience, the terms of existing contracts, our evaluation of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers and suppliers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. These estimates and assumptions are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material to our financial statements.
We have identified the following estimates as our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that are most important to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments. Information regarding our other significant accounting estimates and policies are disclosed in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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Impairments of Goodwill
Critical estimates: Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually as of December 31 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In conducting our annual impairment assessment testing, we first perform a qualitative assessment of 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 it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit, we then compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the related net book value. If the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured and recognized.
The Company utilizes an income approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit and a market valuation approach to further support this analysis. The income approach is based on projected debt-free cash flow that is discounted to the present value using discount factors that consider the timing and risk of cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based on the reporting unit’s expected long-term operating cash flow performance. This approach also mitigates the impact of cyclical trends that occur in our industry. Fair value is estimated using internally developed forecasts, as well as commercial and discount rate assumptions. The discount rate used is the value-weighted average of our estimated cost of equity and of debt (“cost of capital”) derived using both known and estimated customary market metrics. Our weighted average cost of capital is adjusted to reflect a risk factor, if necessary. Other significant assumptions include terminal value growth rates and terminal value margin rates. To further support the fair value estimate determined by the income approach, the Company utilizes a market valuation approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. The market approach considers historical and/or anticipated financial metrics of a reporting unit and applies valuation multiples based on recent observed transactions involving companies similar enough to the reporting units from which to draw meaningful conclusions.
Judgments and uncertainties: These fair value calculations contain uncertainties as they require management to make assumptions about future cash flows and appropriate discount rates to reflect the risk inherent in the future cash flows and to derive a reasonable enterprise value and related premium. Our ability to realize the future cash flows used in our fair value calculations is affected by factors such as the success of strategic initiatives, changes in economic conditions, changes in our operating performance and changes in our business strategies. The estimated future cash flows reflect management's latest assumptions of the financial projections based on current and anticipated competitive landscape, including estimates of revenue based on production volumes over the foreseeable future and long-term growth rates, and operating margins based on historical trends and future cost containment activities.
Also, the market valuation approach is highly subjective as it requires the selection of comparable companies and valuation multiples.
Impact if actual results differ from assumptions: As of December 31, 2022, our goodwill balance included $73.1 million related to our Automotive segment and $46.7 million related to our Medical segment. These balances could be fully or partially impaired if management does not achieve the expected cash flows assumed in the fair value estimates or if assumptions and cash flow estimates change in future periods.
The Company’s Medical segment is comprised of one reporting unit (the “Medical Reporting Unit”). The estimated fair value of the Medical Reporting Unit exceeded its carrying value by less than 10% as of December 31, 2022. The Medical Reporting Unit is at risk of failing future impairment tests, as the estimate of fair value does not substantially exceed its carrying value. The Company’s estimated future cash flow projections for the Medical Reporting Unit for the period of 2023 through 2025 assume a compound annual growth rate for revenue of approximately 24%, which we deem to be a critical assumption in the fair value determination as of December 31, 2022. This forecasted revenue growth, which is significantly higher than historical periods, is primarily driven by anticipated product launches that are expected to increase volume and price due to new features and product capabilities. Realization of this assumed revenue growth is dependent on the successful launch of these new products and product features and the acceptance of customers. If this revenue growth is not achieved or if the estimated growth rates are reduced because of new information or experience, the fair value of the Medical Reporting Unit could decrease, which could result in a material impairment of goodwill. Additionally, forecasted cash flows assume margin expansion as a direct result of the forecasted revenue growth. If we experience higher costs than assumed in our forecast or if we experience other deviations from forecasted results and/or external factors (e.g., continued increasing of interest rates), it could result in a material impairment.
For the reporting units of the Company’s recently acquired Alfmeier, the estimated fair values at the acquisition date were determined to approximate the estimated fair values as of December 31, 2022. The Company had no other material reporting units in
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its Automotive segment with a fair value that was not substantially in excess of its respective carrying value as of the fourth quarter of 2022.
Income Taxes
Critical estimates: The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions. In calculating our effective income tax rate, we make judgments regarding certain tax positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions. When determining whether we will be able to realize deferred tax assets, judgment is used to evaluate the positive and negative evidence, including forecasting taxable income using historical and future operating results. The provision for income taxes includes current income taxes as well as deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured based on the difference between the financial statement and tax base of assets and liabilities at the applicable enacted tax rates.
Judgments and uncertainties: We have various tax filing positions with regard to the timing and amount of deductions and credits and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions, based on our interpretation of local tax laws, supported by external advisor review for material positions.
Valuation allowances are established when necessary on a jurisdictional basis to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized when management considers it more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination as to whether a deferred tax asset will be realized is based on the evaluation of positive and negative evidence, which includes historical profitability, future market growth, future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. The Company assesses deferred taxes and the adequacy or need for a valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.
The Company is subject to ongoing tax examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. At any time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities and a number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which a liability has been established, is audited and fully resolved or clarified. In evaluating the exposures associated with various tax filing positions, the Company may record liabilities for such exposures. The Company generally adjusts its liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and related indemnification obligations through earnings in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. Although management believes that the judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, and may materially increase or decrease the effective tax rate, as well as impact the Company’s operating results.
Impact if actual results differ from assumptions: Some or all of management’s judgments are subject to review by the taxing authorities. If one or more of the taxing authorities were to successfully challenge our right to realize some or all of the tax benefit we have recorded, and we were unable to realize this benefit, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows. Further, if the Company is unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates, a change to the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, or if the tax laws change unfavorably, then the Company could be required to increase the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, resulting in an increase in income tax expense and the effective tax rate.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, each change of the effective tax rate by one percentage point would impact income tax expense by $0.4 million.
Business combinations
Critical estimates: The Company allocates the cost of an acquired business to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The excess value of the cost of an acquired business over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. The valuation of the acquired assets and liabilities will impact the determination of future operating results.
Judgments and uncertainties: The Company uses a variety of information sources to determine the value of acquired assets and liabilities including: third-party appraisers for the values and lives of property, identifiable intangibles and inventories. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units as of the date of the related acquisition. If goodwill is assigned to more than one reporting unit, the Company utilizes a method that is consistent with the manner in which the amount of goodwill in a business combination is determined. Costs related to the acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred.
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The Company estimates the fair value of acquired customer relationships using the multi-period excess earnings method. Value is estimated as the present value of the benefits anticipated from ownership of the asset, in excess of the returns required on the investment in contributory assets which are necessary to realize those benefits. The intangible asset’s estimated earnings are determined as the residual earnings after quantifying estimated earnings from contributory assets. Assumptions used in these calculations are considered from a market participant perspective and include revenue growth rates, estimated earnings, contributory asset charges, customer attrition and discount rates.
The Company estimates the fair value of trade names and developed technology using the relief from royalty method, which calculates the cost savings associated with owning rather than licensing the assets. Assumed royalty rates are applied to projected revenue for the remaining useful lives of the assets to estimate the royalty savings. Assumptions in the determination of the fair value of the developed technology included revenue growth rates, royalty rates, obsolescence factors and discount rates. Assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of the trade name included the revenue growth rates, the royalty rate and discount rate.
Impact if actual results differ from assumptions: While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions, fair value estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Any adjustments required after the measurement period are recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings. Future changes in the judgments, assumptions and estimates that are used in our acquisition valuations and intangible asset and goodwill impairment testing, including discount rates or future operating results and related cash flow projections, could result in significantly different estimates of the fair values in the future. An increase in discount rates, a reduction in projected cash flows or a combination of the two could lead to a reduction in the estimated fair values, which may result in impairment charges that could materially affect our financial statements in any given year.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a complete description of recent accounting standards which we have not yet been required to implement which may be applicable to our operations, as well as significant accounting standards that have been adopted during the year ended December 31, 2022, see Note 3, “New Accounting Pronouncements,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001564590-22-005577.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, our consolidated financial statements (and notes related thereto) and other more detailed financial information appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. Further, you should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. See also “Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report.
Overview
Gentherm Incorporated is a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative thermal management technologies for a broad range of heating and cooling and temperature control applications in the automotive and medical industries. Within the automotive industry, our products provide solutions for passenger climate comfort and convenience, battery thermal management and cell connecting systems. Within the medical industry our products provide patient temperature management solutions. Our automotive products can be found on vehicles manufactured by nearly all the major OEMs operating in North America and Europe, and several major OEMs in Asia. We operate in locations aligned with our major customers’ product strategies to provide locally enhanced design, integration and production capabilities. The Company is also developing a number of new technologies and products that are expected to enable improvements to existing products and to create new product applications for existing and new markets.
Our sales are driven by the number of vehicles produced by the OEMs, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive vehicles, our product content per vehicle, and other factors that may limit or otherwise impact production by us, our supply chain and our customers. Historically, new vehicle demand and product content (i.e. vehicle features) have been driven by macro-economic and other factors, such as interest rates, automotive manufacturer and dealer sales incentives, fuel prices, consumer confidence, employment levels, income growth trends and government and tax incentives. Vehicle content has also been driven by trends in consumer preferences, such as preferences for smart devices and features, personalized user experience, and comfort, health and wellness. Economic volatility or weakness, as well as geopolitical factors, in North America, Europe or Asia, have had and could result in a significant reduction in automotive sales and production by our customers, which would have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In 2020 and 2021, and continuing into 2022, the automotive industry has experienced fluctuating demand and production disruptions related to supply chain challenges, facility closures, labor shortages, work stoppages and inflationary pressures, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated macroeconomic conditions, as described below. We believe our diversified OEM customer base and geographic revenue base, along with our flexible cost structure, have well positioned us to withstand the impact of industry downturns, including the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic conditions, and benefit from industry upturns in the ordinary course. However, shifts in the mix of global automotive production to higher cost regions or to vehicles with less of our product content as well as continuing production challenges and inflationary pressures could adversely impact our profitability. In addition, we may be adversely impacted by volatility, weakness or accelerated growth in markets for hybrid or electric vehicles specifically. We believe our products offer certain advantages for hybrid and electric vehicles, including improved energy efficiency, and position us well to withstand changes in the volume mix between vehicles driven by internal combustion engines and hybrid and other electric vehicles. We also believe that products we are developing, such as ClimateSense®, position us well to address trends in consumer preferences such as personalized user experience, comfort, health and wellness.
Recent Trends
General Economic Condition
The COVID-19 pandemic that began around December 2019 introduced significant volatility to the global economy, disrupted supply chains and had a widespread adverse effect on the global automotive industry in the first half of 2020, with various direct and indirect adverse impacts continuing throughout 2021 and into 2022.
Beginning in February 2020 and continuing into June 2020, substantially all of the Company’s major OEM and Tier 1 customers temporarily ceased or significantly reduced production as a result of restrictions that were requested or mandated by governmental authorities. As a result, substantially all of our manufacturing facilities either temporarily suspended production or experienced significant reductions in volumes during this period. By the end of the second quarter of 2020, the Company had reopened all of its manufacturing facilities, in line with industry demand, and in accordance with local government requirements.
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Although global automotive industry production has improved relative to the first half of 2020, production remains below recent historic levels.
The lingering impacts of COVID-19 into 2021 have impeded global supply chains, resulted in longer lead times and delays in procuring component parts and raw materials, and resulted in inflationary cost increases in certain raw materials, labor and transportation. These broad-based inflationary impacts have negatively impacted the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows throughout 2021. We expect these inflationary impacts to continue for the foreseeable future.
Supply shortages of semiconductor chips and other components have resulted in decreases in global automotive vehicle production and significant volatility in customer vehicle production schedules. The Company's semiconductor suppliers, along with most automotive component supply companies that use semiconductors, including Gentherm, have been unable to fully meet the vehicle production demands of the OEMs due to events which are outside the Company's control, including but not limited to, the COVID-19 pandemic, the global semiconductor shortage, fires at suppliers’ facilities, significant weather events impacting semiconductor supplier facilities in the southern United States, and other extraordinary events. The Company was able to mitigate the impacts of supply chain disruptions in order to satisfy customer orders during the first three quarters of 2021, however, during the fourth quarter of 2021 and continuing into 2022 we have experienced and may continue to experience direct impacts of ongoing shortages of semiconductors. Our ability to meet customer orders without significant delay and/or expense for 2022 and beyond remains subject to significant uncertainty.
In response to the global supply chain instability and inflationary cost increases the Company has taken several actions to minimize any potential and actual adverse impacts by working closely with its suppliers and customers to closely monitor the availability of semiconductor microchips and other component parts and raw materials, customer vehicle production schedules and any other supply chain inefficiencies that may arise. We expect global supply chain instability will continue to have an adverse impact on our business and financial performance for the foreseeable future, and such adverse impact may be material. The consequences of the pandemic, global supply chain instability and inflationary cost increases and their adverse impact to the global economy continue to evolve. Accordingly, the significance of the future adverse impact on our business and financial statements remains subject to significant uncertainty as of the date of this filing.
Light Vehicle Production Volumes
Our sales are driven by the number of vehicles produced by the automotive manufacturers, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive vehicles, and our content per vehicle, and other factors that may limit or otherwise impact production by us, our supply chain and our customers. According to the forecasting firm IHS Markit (February 2022 release), global light vehicle production in 2021 in the Company’s key markets of North America, Europe, China, Japan and Korea, as compared to 2020, are shown below (in millions of units):
| 2021 | 2020 | % Change | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 13.0 | 13.0 | 0.0 | % | ||||||||
| Europe | 15.9 | 16.6 | (4.2 | )% | ||||||||
| Greater China | 24.8 | 23.6 | 5.1 | % | ||||||||
| Japan / South Korea | 10.9 | 11.2 | (2.7 | )% | ||||||||
| Total light vehicle production volume in key markets | 64.6 | 64.4 | 0.3 | % |
The IHS Markit (February 2022 release) forecasted light vehicle production volume in the Company’s key markets for full year 2022 to increase to 70.8 million units, an 9.6% increase from full year 2021 light vehicle production volumes. Forecasted light vehicle production volumes are a component of the data we use in forecasting future business. However, these forecasts generally are updated monthly, and future forecasts may be significantly different from period to period due to changes in macroeconomic conditions or matters specific to the automotive industry, such as the fluctuations that occurred since 2020 and remain ongoing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, due to differences in regional product mix at our manufacturing facilities, as well as material production schedules from our customers for our products on specific vehicle programs, our future forecasted results do not directly correlate with the global and/or regional light vehicle production forecasts of IHS Markit or other third-party sources.
New Business Awards
We believe that innovation is an important element to gaining market acceptance of our products and strengthening our market position. During 2021, we secured an estimated $1,613 million of automotive new business awards, which is at the high end of the
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range of new business awards in recent years. Automotive new business awards represent the aggregate projected lifetime revenue of new awards provided by our customers to Gentherm in the applicable period, with the value based on the price and volume projections received from each customer as of the award date. Although automotive new business awards are not firm customer orders, we believe that new business awards are an indicator of future revenue. New business awards are not projections of revenue or future business as of December 31, 2021, the date of this Annual Report or any other date. Customer projections regularly change over time and we do not update our calculation of any new business award after the date initially communicated. Automotive new business awards in 2021 also do not reflect, in particular, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related macroeconomic challenges on future business. Revenues resulting from automotive new business awards also are subject to additional risks and uncertainties as described in Item 1 under “Forward-Looking Statements” of this Annual Report.
Restructuring
Manufacturing Footprint Rationalization
In September 2019, the Company committed to a restructuring plan (“Plan”) to improve the Company’s manufacturing productivity and rationalize its footprint. Under this Plan, the Company is relocating and consolidating certain automotive electronics manufacturing plants in North America and China.
During 2021, the Company completed the closures and relocation of its automotive electronics manufacturing operations from Burlington, Canada to Celaya, Mexico and from Longgang, Shenzhen, China to Bantian, Shenzhen, China. As of December 31, 2021, the electronics manufacturing in Acuña, Mexico continues to transition to Celaya, Mexico.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized restructuring expense of $1.3 million for employee separation costs and $1.7 million for other costs, primarily related to equipment move and set up costs. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized restructuring expense of $(0.8) million primarily related to a reduction in the estimates of previously recognized employee separation costs and $1.0 million for other costs, primarily related to accelerated depreciation and equipment move and set up costs. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized restructuring expense of $4.9 million for employee separation costs, and $2.1 million of other costs, primarily related to accelerated depreciation and fixed asset impairment.
The Company has recorded approximately $10.1 million of restructuring expenses since the inception of this program and as of December 31, 2021, $0.9 remains accrued. Actions under the Plan are expected to be substantially completed by the first half of 2022 and future expenses are expected to be less than $1 million.
Other Restructuring Activities
As part of the Company’s continued efforts to optimize its cost structure, the Company has undertaken several discrete restructuring actions. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $0.9 million, $5.4 million and $3.2 million of employee separation costs, respectively, and $0.0 million, $0.2 million and $2.8 million of other related costs, respectively. These restructuring expenses were primarily associated with restructuring actions focused on the rotation of our manufacturing footprint to best cost locations and the reduction of global overhead costs.
See Note 5, “Restructuring,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for information about our restructuring activities.
Divestitures
Divestiture of GPT
On October 1, 2019, the Company completed the sale of its remote power generation systems business, Gentherm Global Power Technologies (“GPT”) for a nominal amount and recognized a $5.9 million loss on sale for the year ended December 31, 2019, which is classified as Net loss on divestitures within the consolidated statements of income. During 2019, the Company also recognized impairment losses of $21.2 million for its GPT assets held for sale. These impairment charges are classified as Impairment loss within the consolidated statements of income.
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Divestiture of CSZ-IC
On February 1, 2019, the Company completed the sale of its environmental test equipment business, Cincinnati Sub Zero industrial chamber business (“CSZ-IC”) and former Cincinnati Sub-Zero headquarters facility for total cash proceeds of $47.5 million. The Company recognized a $4.3 million pre-tax gain on the sale of CSZ-IC for the year ended December 31, 2019 which is classified as Net loss on divestitures within the consolidated statements of income.
Acquisitions
Acquisition of Beckmann & Egle Industrieelektronik GmbH
On July 1, 2021, the Company acquired the medical business unit of Beckmann & Egle Industrieelektronik GmbH (“B&E”), a developer and manufacturer of electronic control units, for a purchase price of $2.8 million. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination with the purchase price assigned to inventory, property and equipment and other intangible assets based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The pro-forma effect of the B&E acquisition does not materially impact the Company’s reported results for any period presented, and as a result no pro forma financial statements are presented. The results of operations of B&E are reported within the Company’s Medical segment from the date of acquisition.
Acquisition of Stihler Electronic GmbH
On April 1, 2019, the Company acquired Stihler Electronic GmbH (“Stihler”), a leading developer and manufacturer of patient and blood temperature management systems, for a purchase price of $15.5 million, net of cash acquired and including $0.7 million of contingent consideration that was paid upon achievement of a milestone during the year ended December 31, 2020. The results of operations of Stihler are reported within the Company’s Medical segment from the date of acquisition.
Investments in non-consolidated affiliates
During 2021, the Company’s Automotive segment invested $5.2 million for an ownership interest in Carrar Ltd. (“Carrar”), an Israel-based technology developer of advanced thermal management systems for the electric mobility market. The Company determined that Carrar is a VIE; however, the Company does not have a controlling financial interest or have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the investment. Therefore, the Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary. Gentherm’s investment in Carrar is measured at cost, less impairments, adjusted for observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, and is recorded in Other non-current assets.
During 2021, the Company’s Automotive segment invested $2.4 million for an ownership interest in Forciot Oy (“Forciot”), a Finland-based technology developer of sensors for touch, motion and force measurement. Gentherm’s investment in Forciot is measured at cost, less impairments, adjusted for observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, and is recorded in Other non-current assets.
In December 2021, the Company committed to make a $5 million investment in Autotech Fund III, L.P., pursuant to a limited partnership agreement. As a limited partner, the Company will periodically make capital contributions toward this total commitment amount over the expected ten-year life of the fund. The Company has not made any contributions to the Autotech Fund III, LP as of December 31, 2021. This fund focuses broadly on the automotive industry and compliments the Company’s innovation strategy.
Reportable Segments
The Company has two reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Automotive and Medical. The financial information used by our chief operating decision maker to assess operating performance and allocate resources is based on these reportable segments.
The Automotive reporting segment is comprised of the results from our global automotive businesses, including the design, development, manufacturing and sales of automotive climate comfort systems, automotive cable systems, battery performance solutions, and automotive electronic and software systems.
The Medical reporting segment is comprised of the results from the patient temperature management business in the medical industry.
See Note 19, “Segment Reporting,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for a description of our reportable segments as well as their proportional contribution to the Company’s reported product revenues and operating income.
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Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
This section discusses our consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. For a detailed discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, see Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” under “Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021.
The results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, in thousands, were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Product revenues | $ | 1,046,150 | $ | 913,098 | $ | 133,052 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | 742,519 | 644,994 | (97,525 | ) | ||||||||
| Gross margin | 303,631 | 268,104 | 35,527 | |||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 91,807 | 81,968 | (9,839 | ) | ||||||||
| Reimbursed research and development expenses | (16,593 | ) | (13,928 | ) | 2,665 | |||||||
| Net research and development expenses | 75,214 | 68,040 | (7,174 | ) | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 109,554 | 105,044 | (4,510 | ) | ||||||||
| Restructuring expenses | 3,857 | 5,803 | 1,946 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 188,625 | 178,887 | (9,738 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating income | 115,006 | 89,217 | 25,789 | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (2,758 | ) | (4,559 | ) | 1,801 | |||||||
| Foreign currency gain (loss) | 1,487 | (5,439 | ) | 6,926 | ||||||||
| Other income | 117 | 2,337 | (2,220 | ) | ||||||||
| Earnings before income tax | 113,852 | 81,556 | 32,296 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 20,418 | 21,866 | 1,448 | |||||||||
| Net income | $ | 93,434 | $ | 59,690 | $ | 33,744 |
Product revenues by product category, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | % Change | ||||||||||
| Climate Control Seat | $ | 393,816 | $ | 342,550 | 15.0 | % | ||||||
| Seat Heaters | 270,054 | 249,665 | 8.2 | % | ||||||||
| Steering Wheel Heaters | 102,496 | 76,272 | 34.4 | % | ||||||||
| Automotive Cables | 84,114 | 73,997 | 13.7 | % | ||||||||
| Battery Performance Solutions | 69,594 | 50,901 | 36.7 | % | ||||||||
| Electronics | 51,648 | 53,238 | (3.0 | )% | ||||||||
| Other Automotive | 32,911 | 23,375 | 40.8 | % | ||||||||
| Subtotal Automotive segment | 1,004,633 | 869,998 | 15.5 | % | ||||||||
| Medical Segment | 41,517 | 43,100 | (3.7 | )% | ||||||||
| Total Company | $ | 1,046,150 | $ | 913,098 | 14.6 | % |
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Product Revenues
Below is a summary of our Product revenues, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Year Ended December 31, | Variance Due To: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | Automotive Volume | FX | Pricing/Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenues | $ | 1,046,150 | $ | 913,098 | $ | 133,052 | $ | 127,044 | $ | 21,846 | $ | (15,838 | ) | $ | 133,052 |
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Product revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased 14.6% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. Revenue increased in all product categories except Electronics. The increase in product revenues is due to favorable volumes in our Automotive segment and favorable foreign currency impacts, primarily related to the Euro, Chinese Renminbi and Korean Won. The decrease in product revenues included in Variance Due To Pricing/Other above is primarily attributable to decreases in automotive customer pricing and product revenue in our Medical segment.
Cost of Sales
Below is a summary of our Cost of sales and Gross margin, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Year Ended December 31, | Variance Due To: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | Automotive Volume | Operational Performance | FX | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 742,519 | $ | 644,994 | $ | (97,525 | ) | $ | (76,750 | ) | $ | 3,877 | $ | (14,294 | ) | $ | (10,358 | ) | $ | (97,525 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 303,631 | 268,104 | 35,527 | $ | 50,294 | $ | 3,877 | $ | 7,552 | $ | (26,196 | ) | $ | 35,527 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin - Percentage of product revenues | 29.0 | % | 29.4 | % |
Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by 15.1% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in cost of sales is primarily related to increased volumes in our Automotive segment and unfavorable foreign currency impacts primarily attributable to the Euro and Chinese Renminbi. The offsetting Variance Due To Operational Performance is primarily attributable to an increase in manufacturing productivity, partially offset by higher material and freight costs. The increase in cost of sales is also due to the following items included in Variance Due To Other above:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ▪ | $3.7 million increase due to higher factory costs |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ▪ | $3.5 million increase due to wage inflation |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ▪ | $1.2 million increase due to the absence of COVID-19 government subsidy programs |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ▪ | $1.1 million increase due to pre-production costs |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ▪ | $0.9 million increase due to exercises and mark-to-market adjustments in cash settled stock appreciation rights |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ▪ | $0.8 million increase due to higher incentive compensation expense |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ▪ | $0.9 million decrease due to lower volumes in Medical segment |
Net Research and Development Expenses
Below is a summary of our Net research and development expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | $ | 91,807 | $ | 81,968 | $ | (9,839 | ) | |||||
| Reimbursed research and development expenses | (16,593 | ) | (13,928 | ) | 2,665 | |||||||
| Net research and development expenses | $ | 75,214 | $ | 68,040 | $ | (7,174 | ) | |||||
| Percentage of product revenues | 7.2 | % | 7.5 | % |
Net research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased 10.5% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in net research and development expenses is primarily related to increased project-related spending, including increased investments in ClimateSense and battery performance solutions and higher incentive compensation expense, partially offset by higher reimbursements for costs to design, develop and purchase tooling pursuant to customer contracts.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Below is a summary of our Selling, general and administrative expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 109,554 | $ | 105,044 | $ | (4,510 | ) | |||||
| Percentage of product revenues | 10.5 | % | 11.5 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased 4.3% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily related to higher incentive compensation expense, as well as the absence of COVID-19 cost reduction initiatives that were taken by the Company in the second quarter of 2020 to manage its liquidity position in light of the significant economic uncertainty and the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by higher stock compensation expense in 2020 due to the exercises and mark-to-market adjustments of cash settled stock appreciation rights.
Restructuring Expenses
Below is a summary of our Restructuring expenses, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Restructuring expenses | $ | 3,857 | $ | 5,803 | $ | 1,946 |
Restructuring expenses primarily relate to the Manufacturing Footprint Rationalization restructuring program and other discrete restructuring activities focused on optimizing our manufacturing and engineering footprint and the reduction of global overhead expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized expenses of $2.2 million for employee separation costs charges and $1.7 million of other costs, primarily related to equipment move and set up costs. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized expenses of $4.6 million for employee separation costs and $1.2 million of other related costs.
See Note 5, "Restructuring," in notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
Interest Expense
Below is a summary of our Interest expense, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | (2,758 | ) | $ | (4,559 | ) | $ | 1,801 |
The decrease in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 2020 reflects the $169.5 million increased borrowings under the Credit Facility in the first quarter of 2020, primarily to provide additional liquidity and financial flexibility in response to the initial impacts from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A portion of these increased borrowings were repaid by the end of December 31, 2020, and the remainder was repaid in the first quarter of 2021. No amounts were drawn on the
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Credit Facility during the year ended December 31, 2021. Amounts outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facility as of the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $35.0 million and $186.2 million, respectively.
See Note 9, "Debt," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Below is a summary of our Foreign currency gain (loss), in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Foreign currency gain (loss) | $ | 1,487 | $ | (5,439 | ) | $ | 6,926 |
Foreign currency gain for the year ended December 31, 2021, included net realized foreign currency loss of $1.6 million and unrealized net foreign currency gain of $3.1 million.
Foreign currency loss for the year ended December 31, 2020, included net realized foreign currency gain of $2.2 million and unrealized net foreign currency loss of $7.6 million.
Other Income
Below is a summary of our Other income, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||
| Other income | $ | 117 | $ | 2,337 | $ | (2,220 | ) |
The decrease in other income is primarily due to the 2020 non-recurring gain on sale of certain patents from a non-core business. See Note 7, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
Income Tax Expense
Below is a summary of our Income tax expense, in thousands, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Favorable / (Unfavorable) | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 20,418 | $ | 21,866 | $ | 1,448 |
Income tax expense was $20.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, on earnings before income tax of $113.9 million, representing an effective tax rate of 17.9%. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to certain favorable tax effects on equity vesting, intercompany transactions during the year and the impact of income taxes on foreign earnings taxed at rates varying from the U.S. statutory rate, offset by the unfavorable impact of the global intangible low-tax income (“GILTI”), withholding taxes, other non-deductible expenses and uncertain tax positions.
Income tax expense was $21.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, on earnings before income tax of $81.6 million, representing an effective tax rate of 26.8%. The tax amount included the effect of the settlement and closure of multi-year international tax audits of $3.4 million. Adjusted for the audit impacts, the effective tax rate was 22.6%. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the international provisions of the U.S. tax reform, such as GILTI.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operations and borrowings available under our Credit Agreement. Our cash requirements consist principally of working capital, capital expenditures, research and development, operating lease payments, income tax payments and general corporate purposes. We generally reinvest available cash flows from operations into our business, while opportunistically utilizing our authorized stock repurchase program. Further, we continuously evaluate acquisition and investment opportunities that will enhance our business strategies.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $190.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, $440 million of availability under our Credit Agreement and $26.5 million of availability under our North America receivables factoring arrangement. We also continue to maintain access to the capital markets and may issue debt or equity securities, which may provide an additional source of liquidity.
We continue to expect to be able to move funds between different countries to manage our global liquidity needs without material adverse tax implications, subject to current monetary policies and the terms of the Credit Agreement. We utilize a combination of strategies, including dividends, cash pooling arrangements, intercompany loan repayments and other distributions and advances to provide the funds necessary to meet our global liquidity needs. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to Gentherm Incorporated. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries totaled approximately $161.5 million. If additional non-U.S. cash was needed for our U.S. operations, we may be required to accrue and pay withholding if we were to distribute such funds from non-U.S. subsidiaries to the U.S.; however, based on our current liquidity needs and strategies, we do not anticipate a need to accrue and pay such additional amounts.
We currently believe that our cash and cash equivalents and borrowings available under our Credit Agreement and the North America receivables factoring arrangement will be adequate to meet anticipated cash requirements for at least the next twelve months and the foreseeable future.
Cash and Cash Flows
The table below summarizes our cash activity for each of the last two fiscal years (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | $ | 268,345 | $ | 52,948 | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 143,076 | 110,695 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (48,830 | ) | (18,220 | ) | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (169,141 | ) | 115,480 | |||||
| Foreign currency effect on cash and cash equivalents | (2,844 | ) | 7,442 | |||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 190,606 | $ | 268,345 |
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $143.1 million and $110.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 consisted primarily of net income of $93.4 million, increased by $54.3 million for non-cash charges for depreciation, amortization, non-cash stock based compensation, and loss on disposition of property and equipment, partially offset by non-cash charges of $0.5 million for deferred income taxes and other, and $4.2 million related to changes in assets and liabilities. Cash flows provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 consisted primarily of net income of $59.7 million, increased by $51.5 million for non-cash charges for depreciation, amortization, non-cash stock based compensation, deferred income taxes and loss on disposition of property and equipment, and $2.3 million related to changes in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by $2.7 million net gain on sale of property and equipment and other.
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Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $48.8 million and $18.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in usage is primarily attributable to increased capital expenditures of $21.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2021, usage included $10.4 million paid for business acquisitions and technology investments. During the year ended December 31, 2020, usage included $3.1 million paid for acquisition of intangible assets, partially offset by $2.1 million proceeds for the sale of patents, property and equipment.
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $169.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and net cash provided by financing activities totaled $115.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Cash flows used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily included $153.2 million of debt repayments, $20.0 million paid to repurchase common stock and $4.1 million paid for employee taxes related to the net settlement of restricted stock units that vested during the year, partially offset by $8.3 million of proceeds from the exercise of common stock options. Cash flows provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily included proceeds of $201.1 million received from the increased borrowings under our Credit Agreement, $16.6 million of proceeds from the exercise of common stock options, partially offset by $91.4 million of debt repayments, $9.1 million paid to repurchase common stock and $1.1 million paid for employee taxes related to the net settlement of restricted stock units that vested during the year.
Debt
The following table summarizes the Company’s debt at December 31, 2021 and 2020 (dollars in thousands).
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest Rate | Principal Balance | Interest Rate | Principal Balance | |||||||||||||
| Amended Credit Agreement: | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Revolving Note (U.S. Dollar denominations) | 1.35 | % | $ | 35,000 | 1.65 | % | $ | 171,500 | ||||||||
| U.S. Revolving Note (Euro denominations) | — | — | 1.50 | % | 14,684 | |||||||||||
| DEG Vietnam Loan | 5.21 | % | 3,750 | 5.21 | % | 6,250 | ||||||||||
| Total debt | 38,750 | 192,434 | ||||||||||||||
| Current maturities | (2,500 | ) | (2,500 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, less current maturities | $ | 36,250 | $ | 189,934 |
Credit Agreement
Gentherm, together with certain of its subsidiaries, maintain a revolving credit note (“U.S. Revolving Note”) under its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a consortium of lenders and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement has a maximum borrowing capacity of $475 million and matures on June 27, 2024. The Credit Agreement contains covenants, that, among other things, (i) prohibit or limit the ability of the borrowers and any material subsidiary to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, pay dividends, make certain types of investments (including acquisitions), enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, prepay other indebtedness, sell assets, merge with other companies or enter into certain other transactions outside the ordinary course of business, and (ii) require that Gentherm maintain a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and Consolidated Leverage Ratio (based on consolidated EBITDA for the applicable trailing 12-month period as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of the end of any fiscal quarter.
DEG Vietnam Loan
The Company also has a fixed interest rate loan with the German Investment Corporation (“DEG”), a subsidiary of KfW Banking Group, a Germany government-owned development bank. The fixed interest rate senior loan agreement with DEG was used to finance the construction and set up of the Vietnam production facility (“DEG Vietnam Loan”). The DEG Vietnam Loan is subject to semi-annual principal payments that began November, 2017 and will end May, 2023.
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See Note 9, “Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information.
Other Sources of Liquidity
In June, 2021, we entered into a receivable factoring agreement with HSBC Bank USA, National Association. Under the receivable factoring agreement, we can sell receivables for certain of our North America account debtors up to $41.3 million, on a revolving basis, subject to outstanding balances and concentration limits. As of December 31, 2021, there were no outstanding receivables transferred under the receivable factoring agreement and our availability under the receivables factoring agreement was $26.5 million.
Material Cash Requirements
The following table summarizes current and long-term material cash requirements as of December 31, 2021, which we expect to fund primarily with operating cash flows.
| Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material Cash Requirements (in thousands) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1 to 3 years | 3 to 5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt obligations (1) | $ | 38,750 | $ | 2,500 | $ | 36,250 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||
| Operating lease obligations (2) | 29,671 | 6,541 | 8,864 | 6,728 | 7,538 | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase obligations (3) | 24,457 | 19,832 | 4,625 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Capital commitments (4) | 5,388 | 5,388 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other | 250 | 50 | 100 | 100 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 98,516 | $ | 34,311 | $ | 49,839 | $ | 6,828 | $ | 7,538 |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | Long-term debt obligations do not include an amount payable for interest. See Note 9, “Debt,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (2) | See Note 8, “Leases,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (3) | Purchase obligations are comprised of commitments to secure the supply of certain semiconductor chips. We have entered into agreements with various suppliers to reserve the rights to certain semiconductor chips over the next 12 to 24 months, with volume commitments determined based on our anticipated production requirements. Such agreements provide the Company with priority access to semiconductor chips as they become available, however, these agreements do not guarantee that our suppliers will meet the timing and quantities requested by Gentherm. We have not included amounts for other material and component purchase obligations related to standard recurring purchases of materials for use in our manufacturing operations as these amounts are generally consistent from year to year, closely reflect our levels of production, and are not long-term in nature. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (4) | Capital commitments is comprised of commitments for capital expenditures. Such commitments are typically less than one year. |
Other Commitments
In December 2021, the Company committed to make a $5 million investment in Autotech Fund III, L.P., pursuant to a limited partnership agreement. As a limited partner, the Company will periodically make capital contributions toward this total commitment amount over the expected ten year life of the fund. The Company has not made any contributions to the Autotech Fund III, LP as of December 31, 2021. Timing of the capital contributions is unknown and therefore amounts have been excluded from the Material Cash Requirements table above.
Capital Expenditures
We anticipate capital expenditures in fiscal year 2022 of approximately $50 million to $60 million. We will continue support organic growth through capacity expansion in our facilities and make capital improvements as necessary. We believe cash on hand, cash generated from operations, and the borrowing capacity available under our Credit Agreement will be sufficient to support our capital expenditures.
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Stock Repurchase Program
On December 11, 2020, the Board of Directors authorized the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $150 million of its issued and outstanding common stock over a three-year period, expiring December 15, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repurchased approximately $20 million of shares under the 2020 Stock Repurchase Program with an average price paid per share of $83.44. The 2020 Stock Repurchase Program has $130 million of repurchase authorization remaining as of December 31, 2021.
Repurchases may be made, from time to time, in amounts and at prices the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, debt covenants and other considerations. Any such repurchases may be executed using open market purchases, privately negotiated agreements or other transactions. Repurchases may be funded from cash on hand, available borrowings or proceeds from potential debt or other capital markets sources.
For further information related to our stock repurchase program, see Note 15, "Equity" in notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Effects of Inflation
The automotive component supply industry has historically been subject to inflationary pressures with respect to materials and labor. In 2021 and continuing in 2022, macroeconomic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in inflationary cost increases in certain materials, labor and transportation. These inflationary cost increases are expected to continue into the foreseeable future as demand remains elevated and supply remains constrained. Although the Company has developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of higher material component costs and transportation costs, these strategies, together with commercial negotiations with Gentherm's customers and suppliers may not fully offset our future cost increases. Such inflationary cost increase may increase the cash required to fund our operations by a material amount.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management was required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on our historical experience, the terms of existing contracts, our evaluation of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers and suppliers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. These estimates and assumptions are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material to our financial statements.
We have identified the following estimates as our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that are most important to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments. Information regarding our other significant accounting estimates and policies are disclosed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Impairments of Goodwill
Critical estimates: Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually as of December 31 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In conducting our annual impairment assessment testing, we first perform a qualitative assessment of 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 it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit, we then compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the related net book value. If the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured and recognized.
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The Company utilizes an income approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit and a market valuation approach to further support this analysis. The income approach is based on projected debt-free cash flow that is discounted to the present value using discount factors that consider the timing and risk of cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based on the reporting unit’s expected long-term operating cash flow performance. This approach also mitigates the impact of cyclical trends that occur in our industry. Fair value is estimated using internally developed forecasts, as well as commercial and discount rate assumptions. The discount rate used is the value-weighted average of our estimated cost of equity and of debt (“cost of capital”) derived using both known and estimated customary market metrics. Our weighted average cost of capital is adjusted to reflect a risk factor, if necessary. Other significant assumptions include terminal value growth rates and terminal value margin rates. To further support the fair value estimate determined by the income approach, the Company utilizes a market valuation approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. The market approach considers historical and/or anticipated financial metrics of a reporting unit and applies valuation multiples based on recent observed transactions involving companies similar enough to the reporting units from which to draw meaningful conclusions.
Judgments and uncertainties: These fair value calculations contain uncertainties as they require management to make assumptions about future cash flows and appropriate discount rates to reflect the risk inherent in the future cash flows and to derive a reasonable enterprise value and related premium. Our ability to realize the future cash flows used in our fair value calculations is affected by factors such as the success of strategic initiatives, changes in economic conditions, changes in our operating performance and changes in our business strategies. The estimated future cash flows reflect management's latest assumptions of the financial projections based on current and anticipated competitive landscape, including estimates of revenue based on production volumes over the foreseeable future and long-term growth rates, and operating margins based on historical trends and future cost containment activities.
Also, the market valuation approach is highly subjective as it requires the selection of comparable companies and valuation multiples.
Impact if actual results differ from assumptions: As of December 31, 2021, our goodwill balance included $37.3 million related to our Automotive segment and $28.7 million related to our Medical segment. These balances could be fully or partially impaired if management does not achieve the expected cash flows assumed in the fair value estimates or if assumptions and cash flow estimates change in future periods.
Income Taxes
Critical estimates: The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions. In calculating our effective income tax rate, we make judgments regarding certain tax positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions. When determining whether we will be able to realize deferred tax assets, judgment is used to evaluate the positive and negative evidence, including forecasting taxable income using historical and future operating results. The provision for income taxes includes current income taxes as well as deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured based on the difference between the financial statement and tax base of assets and liabilities at the applicable enacted tax rates.
Judgments and uncertainties: We have various tax filing positions with regard to the timing and amount of deductions and credits and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions, based on our interpretation of local tax laws, supported by external advisor review for material positions.
Valuation allowances are established when necessary on a jurisdictional basis to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized when management considers it more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination as to whether a deferred tax asset will be realized is based on the evaluation of positive and negative evidence, which includes historical profitability, future market growth, future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. The Company assesses deferred taxes and the adequacy or need for a valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.
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The Company is subject to ongoing tax examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. At any time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities and a number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which a liability has been established, is audited and fully resolved or clarified. In evaluating the exposures associated with various tax filing positions, the Company may record liabilities for such exposures. The Company generally adjusts its liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and related indemnification obligations through earnings in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. Although management believes that the judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, and may materially increase or decrease the effective tax rate, as well as impact the Company’s operating results.
Impact if actual results differ from assumptions: Some or all of management’s judgments are subject to review by the taxing authorities. If one or more of the taxing authorities were to successfully challenge our right to realize some or all of the tax benefit we have recorded, and we were unable to realize this benefit, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows. Further, if the Company is unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates, a change to the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, or if the tax laws change unfavorably, then the Company could be required to increase the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, resulting in an increase in income tax expense and the effective tax rate.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, each change of the effective tax rate by one percentage point would impact income tax expense by $1.1 million.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a complete description of recent accounting standards which we have not yet been required to implement which may be applicable to our operations, as well as significant accounting standards that have been adopted during the year ended December 31, 2021, see Note 3, “New Accounting Pronouncements,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.