Cognex (CGNX) 10-K2021 FY Annual report

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Readers can identify these forward-looking statements by our use of the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “shall,” “could,” “should,” and similar words and other statements of a similar sense. Our future results may differ materially from current results and from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Readers should pay particular attention to considerations described in the section captioned “Risk Factors,” appearing in Part I - Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We disclaim any obligation to subsequently revise forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date such statements are made.

Cognex Corporation was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1981. Our corporate headquarters are located at One Vision Drive, Natick, Massachusetts 01760 and our telephone number is (508) 650-3000.

Cognex is a leading worldwide provider of machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information in order to automate manufacturing and distribution tasks where vision is required. Machine vision is the technology that gives computers and automation equipment the ability to see. Machine vision products are used to automate the manufacturing and tracking of discrete items, such as mobile phones, aspirin bottles, and automobile tires, by locating, identifying, inspecting, and measuring them during the manufacturing or distribution process. Machine vision is important for applications in which human vision is inadequate to meet requirements for size, accuracy, or speed, or in instances where substantial cost savings are obtained through the reduction of labor or improved product quality.

Cognex operates in one segment, machine vision technology. We offer a variety of machine vision products that have similar economic characteristics, have the same production processes, and are distributed by the same sales channels to the same types of customers. Although Cognex sells to customers in a variety of industries, our largest industries are logistics, automotive, and consumer electronics, which combined represented approximately 70% of our total revenue in 2021. A large customer in the logistics industry represented approximately 17% of our total revenue in 2021.

Cognex machine vision is used to automate manufacturing and distribution processes in a variety of industries, where the technology is widely recognized as an important component of automated production and quality assurance. Virtually every manufacturer or distributor can achieve better quality and efficiency by using machine vision, and therefore, Cognex products are used by a broad base of customers across a variety of industries, including logistics, automotive, consumer electronics, medical-related, semiconductor, consumer products, and food and beverage.

Although we consider Cognex to be one of the leading machine vision companies in the world, reliable estimates of the machine vision market and the number and relative size of competitors are not readily available. Our competitors include other vendors of machine vision systems, controllers, and components; manufacturers of image processing systems, sensors, and components; and system integrators. We also compete with internal engineering departments of current or prospective customers, as well as open-source tools available for free from various companies.

Cognex’s ability to compete depends on our ability to design, manufacture, and sell high-quality products, as well as our ability to develop new products and functionality that meet evolving customer requirements. The primary competitive factors affecting the choice of a machine vision system include product functionality and performance, ease of use, vendor reputation, price, and post-sales support. The importance of each of these factors varies depending on the specific customer’s needs.

Our goal is to expand our position as a leading worldwide provider of machine vision products for industrial customers. We are selective in choosing growth opportunities that we believe will maintain our historically high gross margin percentages, which have been in the mid 70 percent range for the past several years and reflect the value our customers place on our innovative products. Our high gross margins have the potential to provide us with strong operating leverage in our financial model, as any incremental revenue at such margins falls through to operating income at a high ratio. Our strong and unique corporate culture reinforces our values of customer first and innovation, and enables us to attract and retain smart, energetic, and creative talent who are motivated to solve the most challenging vision tasks.

We invest heavily in research and development in order to maintain our position as a technology leader in machine vision. We invest in technology that makes vision easier to use and more affordable, and therefore, available to a broader base of customers, such as our vision sensor products that enable customers with a lower budget to use machine vision without the help of sophisticated engineers. We also invest in technology that addresses the most challenging vision applications, such as our 3D vision products that solve applications where a height or volume measurement is required and our deep learning vision software that solves complex applications with unpredictable defects and deviations. We invest through internal development, as well as the acquisition of businesses and technologies.

We continue to invest in our core markets, such as automotive and consumer electronics, where we are a leading provider of vision and ID products for factory automation, while making significant investments in the logistics market, where we are moving beyond barcode reading into more complex applications in e-commerce and omni-channel retail distribution centers, as well as parcel and post warehouses.

We reach a broad base of customers through our worldwide direct sales force that sells to large, strategic customers, as well as through our network of distributors and integrators that sell primarily to smaller customers who may be more geographically remote or may require supplemental technical support or integration assistance. We invest in emerging, high-growth regions where many manufacturers can benefit from incorporating machine vision into their production processes.

Our business strategy includes selective expansion into new machine vision applications and markets through the acquisition of businesses and technologies. We consider business acquisitions to be an important part of our growth strategy, and although we continue to actively seek out acquisition opportunities, we are selective in choosing businesses that we believe will enhance long-term growth and profitability, as well as fit within our corporate culture. We plan to continue to seek opportunities to expand our product lines, customer base, distribution network, and technical talent through acquisitions in the machine vision industry.

Cognex offers a full range of machine vision systems and sensors, vision software, and industrial image-based barcode readers designed to meet customer needs at different performance and price points. Our products range from low-cost vision sensors that conduct simple presence/absence inspections, to deep learning solutions that solve complex applications with unpredictable defects and deviations. Our products also have a variety of physical forms, depending on the user's needs. For example, customers can purchase vision software to use with their own camera and processor, or they can purchase a standalone unit that combines camera, processor, and software into a single package.

Vision software offers customers the flexibility of the Cognex vision tools library to use with the cameras, frame grabbers, and peripheral equipment of their choice. Cognex VisionPro® software offers an extensive suite of patented vision tools, including both traditional rule-based tools and deep learning-enabled tools, for advanced programming. Its QuickBuild prototyping environment allows customers to build complete vision applications with the simplicity of a graphical, flowchart-based programming interface.

Cognex industrial image-based barcode readers quickly and reliably read 1D, 2D, label-based, and direct part mark (DPM) codes found in nearly every industry including automotive, consumer products, medical-related, and logistics. The DataMan® product line, which includes fixed-mount, handheld, and mobile models, as well as barcode verifiers, help organizations optimize performance, increase throughput, and control traceability.

Cognex engages in research, development, and engineering (RD&E) to enhance our existing products and to develop new products and functionality to address market opportunities. In addition to internal research and development efforts, we intend to continue our strategy of gaining access to new technology through strategic relationships and acquisitions where appropriate.

RD&E expenses as a percentage of revenue were 13% in 2021, 16% in 2020, and 16% in 2019. We believe that a continued commitment to RD&E activities is essential in order to maintain or achieve product leadership with our existing products and to provide innovative new product offerings, as well as to provide engineering support for large customers. In addition, we consider our ability to accelerate time to market for new products to be critical to our revenue growth. Therefore, we expect to continue to make significant RD&E investments in the future, and intend to continue our product development plans during periods of lower revenue levels. At any point in time, we have numerous research and development projects underway.

We rely on the technical expertise, creativity, and knowledge of our personnel, and therefore, we utilize patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret protection to maintain our competitive position and protect our proprietary rights in our products and technology. While our intellectual property rights are important to our success, we believe that our business as a whole is not materially dependent on any particular patent, trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property right.

Cognex’s products are manufactured utilizing third-party contractors, whereby the majority of component procurement, system assembly, and initial testing are performed by electronics manufacturing services suppliers. Cognex’s primary contract manufacturer is located in Indonesia. Our contract manufacturers use specified components sourced from a vendor list approved by Cognex and assembly/test documentation created and controlled by Cognex.

After the completion of initial testing, assembled products from our contract manufacturers are routed to our distribution centers in Cork, Ireland or Natick, Massachusetts, USA, where trained Cognex personnel load Cognex software onto the products, provide additional assembly and image alignment as needed, and perform quality control procedures. Fully-configured finished products for customers in the Americas, with the exception of certain products stocked locally in Mexico, are then shipped from our Natick, Massachusetts distribution center, while finished products for customers outside of the Americas are shipped from our Cork, Ireland distribution center.

Cognex sells its products through a worldwide direct sales force that focuses on the development of strategic accounts that generate or are expected to generate significant sales volume, as well as through a global network of distribution and integration partners. Our distribution partners provide sales and local support to help Cognex reach the many prospects for our products in factories around the world, and our integration partners are experts in vision and complementary technologies that can provide turnkey solutions for complex automation projects using vision. Sales engineers call directly on targeted accounts, with the assistance of application engineers, and manage the activities of our distribution and integration partners within their territories in order to provide an advantageous sales model for our products.

Sales to customers based outside of the United States represented approximately 62% of our total revenue in 2021, with approximately 24% from customers based in Europe, 19% from customers based in Greater China, and 19% from customers based in other regions outside the United States. Sales to customers based in Europe are denominated in Euros and U.S. Dollars, sales to customers based in Greater China are denominated in Renminbi

for sales within Mainland China and U.S. Dollars in other territories, and sales to customers based in other regions are denominated in U.S. Dollars, Japanese Yen, Korean Won, and Mexican Pesos.

Cognex’s service offerings represent less than 10% of our total revenue and include maintenance and support, consulting, and training services. Maintenance and support programs include hardware support programs that entitle customers to have failed products repaired, as well as software support programs that provide customers with application support and software updates to the latest software releases. Application support is provided by technical support personnel located at Cognex regional offices, as well as by field service engineers that provide support at the customer’s production site. We provide consulting services that range from a specific area of functionality to a completely integrated installed application. Training services include a variety of product courses that are available at our offices worldwide, at customer facilities, and online.

Our employees are our most valuable assets and critical to our success. We create and maintain an environment where “Cognoids,” a unique name for our employees, can engage with each other, perform their best work, develop their careers, and be creative. As of December 31, 2021, Cognex employed 2,257 Cognoids globally, including 1,280 in sales, marketing, and service activities; 569 in research, development, and engineering; 198 in manufacturing and quality assurance; and 210 in information technology, finance, and administration. Of our 2,257 Cognoids, 1,362 are based outside of the United States.

Cognex invests in tools and resources that support employees’ learning and development. We employ a team that creates content to provide skills and coaching to employees on a variety of topics, such as leading teams, as well as to support continued understanding of our culture, values, organization, and products. We believe these efforts better position Cognex to operate as a leader in the machine vision industry.

Our compensation programs reflect a pay-for-performance philosophy. As Cognoids advance in their careers, an increasing percentage of total compensation is tied to variable incentive programs, such as performance-based bonuses and stock-based awards. In addition, we care about the health and well-being of our employees and provide access to a host of benefits, including health, vision, a student loan repayment program, and reward and recognition programs.

Cognex’s capital expenditures, earnings, and competitive position are not materially affected by compliance with federal, state, and local environmental provisions which have been enacted or adopted to regulate the distribution of materials into the environment.

Cognex maintains a website at www.cognex.com. We make available, free of charge, on our website in the “Company” section under the caption “Investor Information” followed by “Financial Reports” and then “SEC FiIings,” our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, including exhibits, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Cognex’s reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC are also available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information contained on our website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently deem immaterial, also may become important factors that affect our company in the future. If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. This section includes or refers to certain forward-looking statements. We refer you to the explanation of the qualifications and limitations on such forward-looking statements, appearing under the heading "Forward-Looking Statements" in Part II - Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

A significant portion of our products is presently manufactured by a third-party contractor located in Indonesia. This contract manufacturer has agreed to provide Cognex with termination notification periods and last-time-buy rights, if applicable. We rely on our contract manufacturers to provide quality product. We engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring the performance of our third-party manufacturers; however, we may not detect all product quality issues through these programs and processes.

We also rely on our contract manufacturers to meet delivery schedules. We have experienced, and may continue to experience, delays in the delivery of our products from our contract manufacturers due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors. Although our primary contract manufacturer has the ability to shift production to plants in other regions when operations in its Indonesia plant are disrupted, production and test equipment located at the Indonesia plant that is unique to the manufacture of Cognex products creates practical challenges to doing so in a timely manner. Furthermore, this contract manufacturer sources components for our products and has experienced, and may continue to experience, disruptions in the supply of these components. These challenges in obtaining components and maintaining production have resulted in delays, and may continue to result in delays, in meeting our delivery schedules that, as a result, delay deliveries to our customers past their requested delivery date. These delays of customer orders could result in delayed revenue recognition which could impact our operating results in a particular quarter. In addition, delays of customer orders could negatively impact customer satisfaction and, in turn, cause loss of sales, which could adversely affect our operating results.

Certain key electronic and mechanical components, such as integrated circuit chips, are fundamental to the design of Cognex products. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, disruptions to the supply of components for our products that have resulted, and may continue to result, in higher purchase costs, delivery costs, and manufacturing delays.

Although we are taking certain actions to mitigate supply risk and the Company has entered into agreements, including in broker markets, for the supply of many components, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to extend or renew these agreements on similar terms, such as purchase prices, or at all. Component suppliers may suffer from poor financial conditions, which can lead to business failure for the supplier, further limiting the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient quantities of components on reasonable terms, or at all. Therefore, the Company remains subject to risks of supply shortages and price increases that can adversely affect its business and operating results.

Because the market for our products is characterized by rapid technological changes, we frequently introduce new products with improved ease-of-use, improved hardware performance, additional software features and functionality, or lower cost that may replace existing products. Among the risks associated with the introduction of new products are difficulty predicting customer demand and effectively managing inventory levels to ensure adequate supply of the new product and avoid excess supply of the legacy product.

We may strategically enter into non-cancelable commitments with vendors to purchase materials for our products in advance of demand to address concerns about the availability of future supplies, build safety stock to help ensure customer shipments are not delayed should we experience higher than anticipated demand for materials with long lead times, or take advantage of favorable pricing. Disruptions in both the supply of materials for our products and delivery of products from our contract manufacturers, such as those caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors, have resulted, and may continue to result, in the Company purchasing a significant amount of inventory in response to these disruptions and in advance of demand. These measures to purchase inventory may expose us to an increased risk of excess or obsolete inventory and resulting charges if actual demand is lower than anticipated.

If components purchased by our primary contract manufacturer have not been consumed in the production of our finished goods within a certain period of time, we have been required, and may continue to be required, to purchase these components from our contract manufacturer and later sell them back when they are needed to meet our demand. While we typically expect these components to be consumed in the production of our finished goods, this arrangement may expose us to an increased risk of excess or obsolete inventory and resulting charges.

In 2020, deteriorating global economic conditions from the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lower projected sales of excess inventories, for which the company recorded provisions totaling $7,718,000 in the second quarter. Our failure to effectively manage product transitions or accurately forecast customer demand, in terms of both volume and configuration, has led to, and may again in the future lead to, an increased risk of excess or obsolete inventory and resulting charges.

The Company ships finished products for customers located in the Americas from its Natick, Massachusetts distribution center, and finished products for customers located outside of the Americas from its Cork, Ireland distribution center. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has experienced, and may continue to experience, labor shortages and working restrictions due to factors such as health and safety concerns or governmental regulations. Although we have the ability to shift operations from one distribution center to another, there are practical challenges to doing so in a timely, cost-effective manner, and we may experience delays in shipping customer orders. These delays could negatively impact customer satisfaction and, in turn, cause loss of sales, which could adversely affect our operating results.

If flaws in either the design or manufacture of our products were to occur, we could experience a rate of failure in our products that could result in significant delays in shipment and material repair or replacement costs. Our release-to-market process may not be robust enough to detect significant design flaws or software bugs. While we engage in product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers and contract manufacturers, these actions may not be sufficient to avoid a product failure rate that results in:

Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact around the world, prompting governments and businesses to take certain measures in response, such as the imposition of travel restrictions, temporary closures of businesses, quarantine and shelter-in-place orders, and adoption of remote working. COVID-19 continues to impact global economic activity and create macroeconomic uncertainty.

We continue to face several risks and uncertainties related to the impact of COVID-19 on our business. It is difficult for us to quantify the duration and severity of this impact due to many factors beyond our control and knowledge, including the timing, extent, trajectory, and duration of the pandemic, the emergence of new variants, the

development, availability, distribution and effectiveness of vaccines and treatments, the imposition of protective public safety measures, and the impact of the pandemic on the global economy. These risks and uncertainties include, among others:

These risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on the continuity of our business, results of operations, and financial condition. This situation is continuously changing and additional impacts on our business may arise of which we are not currently aware.

In 2021, we had a large customer in the logistics industry that represented approximately 17% of our total revenue. Large customers may divert management’s attention from other operational matters and pull resources from other areas of the business, resulting in potential loss of sales from other customers. In addition, large customers may receive preferred pricing and a higher level of support, which may lower our gross margin percentage. Furthermore, in certain instances due to long supplier lead times, we may purchase inventory in advance of receipt of a customer purchase order, which exposes us to an increased risk of excess or obsolete inventory and resulting charges. The loss of, or curtailment of purchases by, any one or more of our large customers could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

We rely on our information technology systems, including third-party services, to effectively run our business. We may be subject to information security failures or breaches caused by hacking, malicious software, acts of vandalism or terrorism, or other events. Our security measures or those of our third-party service providers may not detect or prevent such breaches. Any such compromise to our information security could result in theft of our intellectual property, including software source code, a misappropriation of our cash or other assets, an interruption in our operations, the unauthorized publication of our confidential business or proprietary information, the unauthorized release of customer, vendor, or employee data, and the exposure to litigation or regulatory penalties, any of which could harm our business and operating results. We have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the

past; however, to date, these incidents have not had a material impact on our operations or financial results; however, future cybersecurity incidents could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition, or operating results.

We rely on our proprietary software technology and hardware designs, as well as the technical expertise, creativity, and knowledge of our personnel to maintain our position as a leading provider of machine vision products. Software piracy and reverse engineering may result in counterfeit products that are misrepresented in the market as Cognex products or pirated products that contain stolen technology such as software. Although we use a variety of methods to protect our intellectual property, we rely most heavily on patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret protection, as well as non-disclosure agreements with customers, suppliers, employees, and consultants. We also attempt to protect our intellectual property by restricting access to our proprietary information by a combination of technical and internal security measures. These measures, however, may not be adequate to:

Our pending and future patent applications may not issue as patents or, if issued, may not issue in a form that will provide us with any meaningful protection or any competitive advantage. Even if issued, existing or future patents may be challenged, narrowed, invalidated, or circumvented, which could limit our ability to stop competitors from developing and marketing similar products, increase costs, or limit the length of patent protection we may have for our products. Furthermore, other companies may design around technologies we have patented, licensed, or developed. Moreover, changes in patent laws or their interpretation in the United States and other countries could also diminish the value of our intellectual property or narrow the scope of our patent protection. In addition, the legal systems of certain countries do not favor the aggressive enforcement of patents, and the laws of foreign countries may not protect our rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. As a result, our patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar to ours. Any of these adverse circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

To support our growth and execute on our operating plans and strategic initiatives, we must effectively attract, train, develop, motivate, and retain skilled employees, while maintaining our unique corporate culture. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our employees have worked remotely at times due to health and safety concerns or to comply with governmental regulations, with the primary exception of our distribution center employees who have remained on-site in shifts throughout the pandemic to deliver products to our customers. While we have been able to effectively conduct most business activities in this manner, these conditions have made it more challenging to maintain our collaborative corporate culture. When regulatory and health conditions have allowed, we have returned to a more collaborative, largely on-site work environment. Our longer-term intention is to have a hybrid work model, where our employees work on-site in a team environment the majority of the time. If we are unsuccessful in bringing our employees back into the office when safe to do so for a hybrid work model, or our employees choose to leave the company altogether for more remote work flexibility or higher compensation, the company's business and ability to execute its plans could be adversely affected in a material way.

We use stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) as a key component of compensation for our more senior employees in order to align employee interests with the interests of our shareholders, provide competitive compensation packages, and encourage employee retention. Our stock price volatility may cause periods of time during which option exercise prices might be less than the sale price of our common stock or the value of RSUs might be less competitive, which may lessen the retentive attributes of these awards. We are limited as to the number of stock options and RSUs that we may grant under our stock plans, and we are unsure how effective different stock-based awards with different vesting schedules will be to retain key talent. Accordingly, we may find it difficult to attract, retain, and motivate employees, and any such difficulties could materially adversely affect our business.

The market for our products is characterized by rapidly changing technology. Accordingly, we believe that our future success will depend on our ability to accelerate time-to-market for new products with improved functionality, ease-of-use, performance, and price. There can be no assurance that we will be able to introduce new products in accordance with scheduled release dates or that new products will achieve market acceptance. Our inability to keep pace with the rapid rate of technological change in the high-technology marketplace could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Product development is often a complex, time-consuming, and costly process involving significant investment in research and development with no assurance of return on investment. Our strong balance sheet allows us to continue to make significant investments in research, development, and marketing for new products and technologies. Research is by its nature speculative, and the ultimate commercial success of a product depends on various factors, many of which are not under our control. We may not achieve significant revenue from new product investments for a number of years, if at all. Moreover, new products, if introduced, may not generate the gross margins that we have experienced historically.

We utilize a direct sales force, as well as a network of distribution and integration partners, to sell our products and services. Successfully managing the interaction of our direct and indirect sales channels to reach various potential customers for our products and services is a complex process. In addition, our reliance on indirect selling methods may reduce visibility to demand and pricing issues.

To support the expansion of our business internationally, we may decide to make changes to our operating structure in other countries when we believe these changes will make us more competitive by offering faster delivery, importation services, and/or local currency sales. These new operating models may require changes in legal structures, business systems, and business processes that may result in significant business disruption and negatively impact our customers’ experience, resulting in loss of sales. Furthermore, as we assume more responsibility for the importation of our products into other countries, we face higher compliance risk to adhering to local regulatory and trade requirements. Finally, the local stocking of finished products in countries outside of our primary distribution centers may result in higher costs and increased risk of excess or obsolete inventory associated with maintaining the appropriate level and mix of stock in multiple inventory locations, resulting in lower gross margins.

Our go-to-market strategy has distinct risks and costs, and therefore, our failure to implement the most advantageous balance in the sales and operating model for our products and services could adversely affect our revenue and profitability.

The machine vision market is highly fragmented and competitive. Our competitors include other vendors of machine vision systems, controllers, and components; manufacturers of image processing systems, sensors, and components; and system integrators. We also compete with internal engineering departments of current or prospective customers, as well as open-source tools available for free by various companies. In recent years, we have encountered increased competition from low-cost vision providers in China, as well as from large technology companies that may offer free open-source solutions. Any of these competitors may have greater financial and other resources than we do, or develop more compelling technological innovations. We may not be able to compete successfully in the future and our investments in research and development, sales and marketing, and support activities may be insufficient to enable us to maintain our competitive advantage. In addition, competitive pressures could lead to price erosion that could have a material adverse effect on our gross margins and operating results.

We have acquired, and may continue to acquire, new businesses and technologies. These acquisitions may involve significant risks and uncertainties, which could include, among others:

Acquisitions are inherently risky and the inability to effectively manage these risks could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

The Company is making significant investments in business systems related to our sales processes, including systems to help our sales team more efficiently manage customer relationships and sales opportunities. Implementing new business systems requires a significant investment of time and money, and may divert management’s attention from other operational matters. The implementation of new business systems and changes to associated business processes, particularly those that are customer-facing, may result in significant business disruption and negatively impact our customers’ experience, resulting in loss of sales. The Company intends to continue to make IT-related investments to improve its management information systems and support the expansion of our business internationally. Any disruption occurring with our business systems may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately $721 million of debt securities in our investment portfolio. These debt securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity as other comprehensive income (loss) since these securities are designated as available-for-sale securities. As of December 31, 2021, our portfolio of debt securities had a net unrealized loss of $3,902,000. Included in this net loss, were gross unrealized losses totaling $4,971,000, of which $4,896,000 were in a loss position for less than twelve months and $75,000 were in a loss position for greater than twelve months. Management monitors its debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position to determine whether a loss exists related to the credit quality of the issuer that would be reported in current operations. It is our policy to invest in investment-grade debt securities that minimize our exposure to credit losses. No credit losses were recorded in 2021.

As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately $12 million in acquired intangible assets, consisting primarily of acquired technologies and customer relationships. These assets are susceptible to changes in fair value due to a decrease in the historical or projected cash flows from the use of these assets, which may be negatively impacted by economic trends. In 2020, deteriorating global economic conditions from the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a review of long-lived assets for potential impairment, which resulted in intangible asset impairment charges totaling $19,571,000. A further decline in the cash flows generated by these or other intangible assets may result in future impairment charges.

If we determine that any of these investments or intangible assets are impaired, we would be required to take a related charge to earnings that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

As a multinational corporation, we are subject to income taxes, as well as non-income based taxes, in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our effective income tax rate is dependent on the geographic distribution of our worldwide earnings or losses and the tax laws and regulations in each geographic region in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income and other taxes. The application of tax laws and regulations is subject to legal and factual interpretation, judgment, and uncertainty, and

tax laws themselves are subject to change. For example, many countries have recently adopted, or are considering the adoption of, revisions to their respective tax laws based on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”)’s Inclusive Framework, which could impact our tax liability due to our organizational structure and significant operations outside of the United States. Furthermore, we are subject to regular review and audit by both domestic and foreign tax authorities and may be assessed additional taxes, penalties, fees, or interest, which could have an adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.

Although we believe our tax positions are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits or any related litigation could be different from what is reflected in our financial statements and could have a material adverse effect on our income tax provision, net income, or cash flows in the period in which the determination is made.

We face exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, as a significant portion of our revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of our subsidiaries or the reporting currency of our company, which is the U.S. Dollar. In certain instances, we utilize forward contracts to hedge against foreign currency fluctuations. These contracts are used to minimize foreign currency gains or losses, as the gains or losses on the derivative are intended to offset the losses or gains on the underlying exposure. We do not engage in foreign currency speculation. If the counterparty to any of our hedging arrangements experiences financial difficulties, or is otherwise unable to honor the terms of the contract, we may experience material losses.

The success of our foreign currency risk management program depends on forecasts of transaction activity denominated in various currencies. To the extent that these forecasts are overstated or understated during periods of currency volatility, we could experience unanticipated foreign currency gains or losses that could have a material impact on our results of operations. In addition, our failure to identify new exposures and hedge them in an effective manner may result in material foreign currency gains or losses. Furthermore, our ability to hedge the Chinese Renminbi is limited, which has resulted in unhedged exposures. To date, foreign currency gains and losses related to the Chinese Renminbi have been immaterial to our total results; however, further fluctuations in this currency may result in material foreign currency gains or losses in the future.

In addition to the U.S. Dollar, a significant portion of our revenues and expenses are denominated in the Euro and Chinese Renminbi, and to a lesser extent the Japanese Yen, Korean Won, and Mexican Peso. We estimate that approximately 49% of our sales in 2021 were invoiced in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, and we expect sales denominated in foreign currencies to continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenue. While we also have expenses denominated in these same foreign currencies, the impact on revenues has historically been, and is expected to continue to be, greater than the offsetting impact on expenses. Therefore, in times when the U.S. Dollar strengthens in relation to these foreign currencies, we would expect to report a net decrease in operating income. Conversely, in times when the U.S. Dollar weakens in relation to these foreign currencies, we would expect to report a net increase in operating income. Thus, changes in the relative strength of the U.S. Dollar may have a material impact on our operating results.

Our revenue levels are impacted by global economic conditions, as we have a significant business presence in many countries throughout the world. Unfavorable economic conditions, such as inflation, slower growth or recession, higher interest rates, and tighter credit, may cause industrial companies to delay or reduce spending for automation projects, including those with machine vision, amid weaker general manufacturing confidence and heightened uncertainty around global trade. When global economic conditions are unfavorable, our revenue and our ability to generate operating profits could be materially adversely affected.

As a result of global economic conditions, our business is subject to the following risks, among others:

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had approximately $907 million in cash and investments. In addition, Cognex has no long-term debt. We believe that our strong cash position puts us in a relatively good position to weather economic downturns. Nevertheless, our operating results have been materially adversely affected in the past, and could be materially adversely affected in the future, as a result of unfavorable economic conditions and reduced capital spending by manufacturers worldwide.

Our business, and the businesses of our customers, suppliers, and third-party service providers, could be disrupted by natural disasters, public health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics, man-made disasters, such as cyber-attacks and terrorism, or other events outside of our control. Certain of the Company’s business operations, such as our third-party contractor manufacturer in Indonesia, are in locations that may be more prone to natural disasters, and global climate change may result in certain types of natural disasters occurring more frequently or with more intense effects. Following a business disruption, the Company could be subject to production downtimes, operational delays, substantial recovery time, significant expenditures to resume operations, the diversion of management’s attention and resources, or loss of business, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, operating results, or financial condition. Because the Company relies on single or limited sources for the supply of certain components and manufacture of our products, a business disruption affecting such sources would worsen any adverse consequences to the Company.

While the Company maintains insurance coverage for certain types of losses, such insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses that may arise. The impact of any such business disruption is difficult to predict.

In 2021, approximately 62% of our revenue was derived from customers located outside of the United States. We anticipate that international sales will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenue. In addition, we source components from suppliers located outside of the United States, including China, and utilize third-party contract manufacturers, primarily located in Indonesia, to assemble certain of our products. We intend to continue to expand our sales and operations outside of the United States and expand our presence in international emerging markets. As a result, our business is subject to the risks inherent in international sales and operations, including, among other things:

Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. In recent years, trade tariffs imposed by the United States on certain components imported from Chinese suppliers resulted in higher costs for

our products, which, to date, have been immaterial to our total cost of goods. However, cost increases as a result of these or other trade tariffs could be material in the future.

Trade tariffs have also had an indirect impact on the economic climate in China, which in turn, has had a negative impact on the Company's revenue from customers based in China who see risk in doing business with a U.S. company. In addition to trade tariffs, United States export controls that place restrictions on the exportation of our products or a subset of our products, including applicable regulations promulgated by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, have had a negative impact on our revenue from customers based in China. To date, the impact of these restrictions has been immaterial to our total revenue; however, further or continued restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our operating results in the future.

Additionally, we are subject to applicable anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act, and similar anti-corruption and anti-kickback laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. These laws generally prohibit offering, promising, giving, or authorizing others to provide anything of value, either directly or indirectly, to a government official or private party in order to influence official action or otherwise gain an unfair business advantage, such as to obtain or retain business. Particularly as a result of our global operations, including in developing countries, and our growing international sales force, our relationships with our customers and resellers could expose us to liability under these laws. Violations of anti-corruption laws may result in severe civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance. Even an unsuccessful challenge or investigation into our practices is costly to defend, and could cause adverse publicity, and thus could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operating results.

From time to time, we may be subject to various claims and lawsuits by competitors, shareholders, customers, distributors, patent trolls, former employees, or other parties arising in the ordinary course of business, including lawsuits charging patent infringement, or claims and lawsuits instituted by us to protect our intellectual property and confidential information or for other reasons. These matters can be time consuming, divert management’s attention and resources, and cause us to incur significant expenses. Furthermore, the results of any of these actions may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

None

In 1994, Cognex purchased and renovated a 100,000 square-foot building located in Natick, Massachusetts that serves as our corporate headquarters and is occupied by employees primarily in research, development, and engineering, manufacturing and quality assurance, and administration functions. In 1997, Cognex completed construction of a 50,000 square-foot addition to this building.

In 1995, Cognex purchased an 83,000 square-foot office building adjacent to our corporate headquarters that is occupied by employees primarily in research, development, and engineering, sales, marketing, service, finance, and information technology functions.

In 1997, Cognex purchased a three and one-half acre parcel of land adjacent to our corporate headquarters. This land is being held for future expansion and is currently used as an Ultimate Frisbee Field for our Cognoids.

In 2007, Cognex purchased a 19,000 square-foot building adjacent to our corporate headquarters. This facility serves as the distribution center for customers in the Americas. In December 2021, Cognex entered into a lease for a 65,000 square-foot building in Southborough, Massachusetts for a term of 10 years to serve as a new distribution center for customers in the Americas. The transition of the distribution center to the new facility is expected to take place during the first half of 2022. Once the transition is complete, the 19,000 square-foot building adjacent to our corporate headquarters is expected to be held for future expansion.

In 2014, Cognex purchased a 50,000 square-foot building in Cork, Ireland. This facility serves as the distribution center for customers outside of the Americas.

Cognex conducts certain of its operations in other leased facilities, predominantly research, development, and engineering, sales, and administration functions. These lease agreements expire at various dates through 2032. Certain of these leases contain renewal options, retirement obligations, escalation clauses, rent holidays, and leasehold improvement incentives.

Not applicable.

The following table sets forth the names, ages, and titles of Cognex’s executive officers as of December 31, 2021:

Mr. Willett, who is a member of the Company's Board of Directors, has been employed by Cognex in his current position for no less than the past five years.

Mr. Todgham joined Cognex in March 2020. Prior to joining Cognex, Mr. Todgham spent six years at Levi Strauss & Company (LEVI), where he served in a variety of senior finance and strategy roles at Levi’s involving corporate development, operational planning, and financial oversight. For the three years prior to joining Levi’s, Mr. Todgham worked for Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) in senior finance and strategy roles. Earlier in his career, Mr. Todgham worked at The Boston Consulting Group, advising clients in the technology and consumer sectors on issues of strategy, operations, and organization. Mr. Todgham holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University, a Master of Philosophy in Economics from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

Ms. DiPalma joined Cognex in 1992. She has served for more than 25 years in a series of increasingly responsible roles in the finance function, including six years as Cognex Treasurer, before transitioning to Employee Services in 2016. Ms. DiPalma was promoted to Senior Vice President of Employee Services and became a named executive officer in 2017. Prior to joining Cognex, Ms. DiPalma was a member of the audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Boston College, a Master of Science degree in Taxation from Bentley College, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Mr. Gerst joined Cognex in 1999. He worked in a number of product-focused roles before being promoted to Senior Vice President of the ID Products Business Unit in 2014. Following 2014, Mr. Gerst’s leadership role expanded into Vision Products and he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Vision and ID Products in October 2020. Prior to joining Cognex, Mr. Gerst held roles in engineering, sales, and product marketing for Hand Held Products (now part of Honeywell’s Safety and Productivity Solutions). Mr. Gerst holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University and a Master in Business Administration from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester.

The Company’s common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, under the symbol CGNX. As of January 30, 2022, there were approximately 650 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock. The Company believes the number of beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock on that date was substantially greater.

In October 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of $200,000,000 of the Company's common stock. Under this October 2018 program, the Company repurchased 1,398,000 shares at a cost of $61,690,000 in 2019, 1,215,000 shares at a cost of $51,036,000 in 2020, and 957,000 shares at a cost of $78,652,000 in 2021, which completed purchases under this program. On March 12, 2020, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $200,000,000 of the Company's common stock. Under this March 2020 program, the Company repurchased 1,060,000 shares, including 5,000 shares that had not yet settled as of December 31, 2021, at a cost of $83,000,000 in 2021, leaving a remaining balance of $117,000,000. The Company may repurchase shares under this program in future periods depending on a variety of factors, including, among other things, the impact of dilution from employee stock awards, stock price, share availability, and cash requirements. The Company is authorized to make repurchases of its common stock through open market purchases, pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, or in privately negotiated transactions.

The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases by the Company of shares of its common stock during each fiscal month of the fourth quarter of 2021:

The Company’s Board of Directors declared and paid cash dividends of $0.050 per share in the first, second, and third quarters of 2019, $0.055 per share in the fourth quarter of 2019 and in the first, second, and third quarters of 2020, and $0.060 per share in the fourth quarter of 2020 and in the first, second, and third quarters of 2021. The dividend was increased to $0.065 per share in the fourth quarter of 2021. Also, in the fourth quarter of 2020, an additional special cash dividend of $2.00 per share was declared and paid.

Total dividends paid were $43,263,000 in 2021, $390,508,000 in 2020, which included $351,428,000 paid for the special cash dividend, and $35,124,000 in 2019. Future dividends will be declared at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend on such factors as the Board deems relevant, including, among other things, the Company's ability to generate positive cash flow from operations.

Certain statements made in this report, as well as oral statements made by the Company from time to time, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Readers can identify these forward-looking statements by our use of the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “shall,” “could,” “should,” and similar words and other statements of a similar sense. These statements are based on our current estimates and expectations as to prospective events and circumstances, which may or may not be in our control and as to which there can be no firm assurances given. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding business and market trends, future financial performance, the expected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our assets, business and results of operations, customer demand and order rates and timing of related revenue, managing supply shortages, delivery lead times, future product mix, research and development activities, sales and marketing activities, new product offerings, capital expenditures, investments, liquidity, dividends and stock repurchases, strategic and growth plans, and estimated tax benefits and expenses and other tax matters, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include: (1) the reliance on key suppliers to manufacture and deliver quality products; (2) the inability to obtain components for our products; (3) the failure to effectively manage product transitions or accurately forecast customer demand; (4) the ability to manage disruptions to our distribution centers; (5) the inability to design and manufacture high-quality products; (6) the impact, duration, and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the availability and effectiveness of vaccines; (7) the loss of, or curtailment of purchases by, large customers in the logistics industry; (8) information security breaches; (9) the inability to protect our proprietary technology and intellectual property; (10) the inability to attract and retain skilled employees and maintain our unique corporate culture; (11) the technological obsolescence of current products and the inability to develop new products; (12) the failure to properly manage the distribution of products and services; (13) the impact of competitive pressures; (14) the challenges in integrating and achieving expected results from acquired businesses; (15) potential disruptions in our business systems; (16) potential impairment charges with respect to our investments or acquired intangible assets; (17) exposure to additional tax liabilities; (18) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the use of derivative instruments; (19) unfavorable global economic conditions; (20) business disruptions from natural or man-made disasters or public health issues; (21) economic, political, and other risks associated with international sales and operations; and (22) our involvement in time-consuming and costly litigation. The foregoing list should not be construed as exhaustive and we encourage readers to refer to the detailed discussion of risk factors included in Part I - Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation to subsequently revise forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date such statements are made.

Cognex Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information in order to automate manufacturing and distribution tasks where vision is required. In addition to product revenue derived from the sale of machine vision products, the Company also generates revenue by providing maintenance and support, consulting, and training services to its customers; however, service revenue accounted for less than 10% of total revenue for all periods presented.

Cognex machine vision is used to automate manufacturing and distribution processes in a variety of industries, where the technology is widely recognized as an important component of automated production and quality assurance. Virtually every manufacturer or distributor can achieve better quality and efficiency by using machine vision, and therefore, Cognex products are used by a broad base of customers across a variety of industries, including logistics, automotive, consumer electronics, medical-related, semiconductor, consumer products, and food and beverage.

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $1,037,098,000, representing an increase of 28% from 2020. The increase was due in part to significantly higher revenue from the logistics industry, which was our largest market in 2021, as well as the impact of a broader recovery in industries that were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, most notably the automotive industry.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 73% in 2021 compared to 75% in 2020, primarily due to higher prices paid to purchase inventories, as well as a greater percentage of total revenue coming from the logistics industry, which has relatively lower gross margins.

Operating expenses increased by $10,656,000, or 2%, from the prior year as higher incentive compensation costs, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes, and costs of additional headcount to support our future growth plans, were partially offset by savings from 2020 cost-cutting measures and one-time restructuring and intangible asset impairment charges of $35,495,000. Excluding these one-time restructuring and intangible asset impairment charges, operating expenses increased by $46,151,000, or 12%.

Operating income expanded to 30% of revenue in 2021 compared to 21% of revenue in 2020. This higher level of operating income resulted in net income of 27% of revenue in 2021 compared to 22% of revenue in 2020, and net income per diluted share of $1.56 in 2021 compared to $1.00 in 2020.

The following table sets forth certain consolidated financial data as a percentage of revenue:

As foreign currency exchange rates are a factor in understanding period-to-period comparisons, we believe the presentation of results on a constant-currency basis in addition to reported results helps improve investors’ ability to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods. We also use results on a constant-currency basis as one measure to evaluate our performance. Constant-currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-period. We generally refer to such amounts calculated on a constant-currency basis as excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes. Results on a constant-currency basis are not in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue decreased to 73% in 2021 compared to 75% in 2020. The decrease in gross margin percentage was primarily due to higher prices paid to purchase inventories in 2021, including higher costs for components and freight, due largely to global supply chain constraints. The decrease was also due to a greater percentage of total revenue coming from the logistics industry, which has relatively lower gross margins and included some comparatively lower margins from strategic logistics projects in 2021.

The unfavorable impact of higher inventory purchase prices and a higher percentage of logistics revenue was partially offset by manufacturing efficiencies related to the higher revenue level and lower provisions for excess and obsolete inventories as compared to the prior year. The higher provisions for excess and obsolete inventories in 2020 took into account the global economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of the date of this report, we expect gross margin as a percentage of revenue for the first quarter of 2022 to be in the low-70% range. The expected gross margin percentage reflects our expectations that higher inventory purchase prices will continue throughout and beyond the first quarter of 2022. Our estimates also reflect a significant percentage of total revenue coming from the logistics industry, which has relatively lower gross margins.

Research, development, and engineering (RD&E) expenses in 2021 increased by $4,390,000, or 3%, from the prior year as detailed in the table below (in thousands).

RD&E expenses increased due to foreign currency exchange rate changes, as costs denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. Dollars at a higher rate. Higher spending on outsourced engineering services due to the timing of product development activities, including engineering prototypes for large sales opportunities, also contributed to the increase. These increases were partially offset by lower personnel-related costs due to a workforce reduction in the second quarter of 2020. Higher costs from annual salary increases and fringe benefits provided to employees, as well as headcount additions to support new product initiatives, partially offset the lower costs from the workforce reduction.

RD&E expenses as a percentage of revenue was 13% in 2021 compared to 16% in 2020. We believe that a continued commitment to RD&E activities is essential in order to maintain or achieve product leadership with our existing products and to provide innovative new product offerings, as well as to provide engineering support for large customers. In addition, we consider our ability to accelerate the time to market for new products to be critical to our revenue growth. This quarterly percentage is impacted by revenue levels and investing cycles.

Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased in 2021 by $41,761, or 16%, from the prior year as detailed in the table below (in thousands).

SG&A expenses increased due to higher expenses related to annual incentive compensation plans, which include sales commissions and incentive bonuses. Relevant performance goals for these plans, as well as any changes to employee eligibility, are set at the beginning of each year, with the ability to earn upside if the goals are exceeded. Sales commissions were higher than the prior year primarily due to the higher business levels, which resulted in a greater portion of our sales team exceeding the performance goals set in their commission plans in 2021 versus 2020. Likewise, the performance goal set for 2021 incentive bonuses was exceeded based on the Company's operating income margin, with the same being true in 2020. However, incentive bonus accruals in 2021 were higher than the prior year primarily due to the impact of changes to employee eligibility, of which the most significant related to members of the Company's senior leadership team who were not eligible for 2020 incentive bonuses as part of the Company's restructuring plan. These annual incentive compensation plans will be reset with relevant performance goals for 2022, and incentive compensation expenses will reflect our estimates of achievement throughout the year, which we expect will result in lower expense for the first quarter of 2022 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2021.

Personnel-related costs increased due to higher costs from annual salary increases and fringe benefits provided to employees, as well as sales headcount additions in strategic growth areas of the business, partially offset by the impact of the workforce reduction that took place in the second quarter of 2020. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates also resulted in a higher level of expenses, as costs denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. Dollars at a higher rate. Expenses were also higher due to investments the Company is making in business systems related to its sales process, including systems to help our sales team more efficiently manage customer relationships and sales opportunities. A portion of these costs was expensed as incurred, while the majority of these investments were accounted for as a capital asset that was placed into service in the first quarter of 2022. The Company also increased spending on marketing programs in an effort to generate future sales opportunities, particularly related to new product introductions, and incurred higher travel expenses as restrictions related to COVID-19 eased in certain regions.

On May 26, 2020, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan intended to reduce the Company's operating costs, optimize its business model, and address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company recorded restructuring charges of $15,924,000 in 2020, as a result of actions related to the restructuring plan, which included a global workforce reduction of approximately 8% and office closures. In addition, the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a review of long-lived assets for potential impairment in the second quarter of 2020. This review resulted in intangible asset impairment charges totaling $19,571,000 recorded in the second quarter of 2020.

The Company recorded foreign currency losses of $2,270,000 in 2021 and foreign currency gains of $3,697,000 in 2020. Foreign currency gains and losses result primarily from the revaluation and settlement of assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of our subsidiaries or the reporting currency of our company, which is the U.S. Dollar.

Investment income decreased by $6,334,000, or 49%, from the prior year. The decrease was due primarily to lower yields on the Company's portfolio of debt securities, partially offset by higher invested balances.

The Company recorded other expense of $591,000 in 2021 and $309,000 in 2020. Other income (expense) includes fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities arising from business acquisitions.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 12% of pre-tax income in 2021, compared to 6% in 2020. The effective tax rate in both years reflected several discrete tax items described below.

The effective tax rate included a decrease in tax expense of $11,036,000 in 2021 and $12,788,000 in 2020 related to stock options, primarily from the excess tax benefit arising from the difference between the deduction for tax purposes and the compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes from stock option exercises. The Company cannot accurately predict the level of stock option exercises by employees in future periods.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue improved to 75% in 2020 compared to 74% in 2019. The increase in the gross margin percentage was primarily due to the favorable impact of the higher revenue on fixed manufacturing costs, as well as favorable product mix. In 2020, revenue from customers in the consumer electronics and logistics industries each represented a greater percentage of our total revenue than the prior year. Although our logistics margins are lower relative to our total gross margin, these margins improved from 2019 and the impact of logistics on our gross margin was more than offset by a greater contribution of relatively higher-margin consumer electronics revenue.

The favorable impact of sales volume and product mix was partially offset by higher provisions for excess and obsolete inventories, which totaled $9,908,000 in 2020 compared to $5,296,000 in 2019. The higher level of provisions in 2020 was due to lower projected sales of excess inventories as a result of the deteriorating global economic conditions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research, development, and engineering (RD&E) expenses in 2020 increased by $11,555,000, or 10%, from the prior year as detailed in the table below (in thousands).

RD&E expenses also increased due to higher expenses for annual incentive compensation plans. Relevant performance goals for these plans are set at the beginning of each year, with the ability to earn upside if the goals are exceeded. The Company did not achieve its performance goal to earn a company bonus in 2019, while the goal set for 2020 was exceeded based on the Company's operating income margin. Expenses for the fourth quarter of 2020 included a true-up of the annual liability to reflect the upside achievement based on our strong operating results for the quarter that exceeded our prior estimates.

These increases were partially offset by lower stock-based compensation expense as a result of a lower total value of awards granted in 2020 as compared to 2019, as well as the impact on the timing of expense recognition due to changes in restricted stock unit vesting schedules. In addition, credits were recorded to stock-based compensation expense in the second quarter of 2020 for awards canceled as a result of a workforce reduction. The Company also incurred lower travel expenses resulting from COVID-19 restrictions.

Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased in 2020 by $6,249,000, or 2%, from the prior year as detailed in the table below (in thousands).

These decreases were partially offset by higher expenses for annual incentive compensation plans. Relevant performance goals for these plans are set at the beginning of each year, with the ability to earn upside if the goals are exceeded. The Company did not achieve its performance goal to earn a company bonus in 2019, while the goal set for 2020 was exceeded based on the Company's operating income margin. Expenses for the fourth quarter of 2020 included a true-up of the annual liability to reflect the upside achievement based on our strong operating results for the quarter that exceeded our prior estimates. Likewise, sales commissions were higher than the prior year due to a greater portion of our sales team exceeding the performance goals set in their commission plans in 2020 versus 2019.

SG&A personnel-related costs were relatively flat from the prior year, as the impact of incremental resources added largely in 2019 were offset by savings from a workforce reduction in the second quarter of 2020.

The Company recorded foreign currency gains of $3,697,000 in 2020 and foreign currency losses of $509,000 in 2019. Foreign currency gains and losses result primarily from the revaluation of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and intercompany balances that are reported in one currency and denominated in another. In 2020, the Company recognized foreign currency gains related to the revaluation of intercompany payables reported on the Company's China entity that are denominated in U.S. Dollars.

Investment income decreased by $6,695,000, or 34%, from the prior year. The decrease was due to lower yields on the Company's portfolio of debt securities, and to a lesser extent, lower average investment balances.

The Company recorded other expense of $309,000 in 2020 and other income of $1,212,000 in 2019. Other income (expense) includes fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities arising from business acquisitions. In 2019, the Company recorded favorable fair value adjustments related to its acquisition of GVi Ventures, Inc., resulting from a lower level of revenue in the Americas' automotive industry.

The Company’s effective tax rate was an expense of 6% of pre-tax income in 2020 compared to a benefit of 25% of pre-tax income in 2019. The effective tax rate in both years reflected several discrete tax items described below.

The effective tax rate included a decrease in tax expense of $12,788,000 in 2020 and $6,472,000 in 2019 related to stock options, primarily from the excess tax benefit arising from the difference between the deduction for tax purposes and the compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes from stock option exercises.

In 2020, the Company recorded discrete tax items related to the final true-up of the prior year tax accrual upon filing the related tax return. This included a decrease in tax expense of $13,984,000 primarily to recognize a foreign tax benefit on certain gains taxed outside of the United States based on clarifications to rules related to the use of foreign tax credits. This benefit was partially offset by tax expense for a transfer price adjustment in China of $3,267,000 and smaller tax expense adjustments related to foreign tax filings of $843,000.

In 2020, interpretations of a German law relating to withholding taxes on intellectual property rights emerged. The Company conducted a careful review of the interpretation and believes it has adequate reserves for this German tax exposure.

In 2019, the Company made changes to its international tax structure as a result of European Union tax reform legislation, and as a result, recorded a net discrete tax benefit of $87,500,000. Also, in 2019, the Company migrated acquired intellectual property to certain subsidiaries, and as a result, recorded a discrete tax expense of $28,528,000.

Other discrete tax items, none of which were individually material, resulted in a net decrease in tax expense of $307,000 in 2020 and $1,932,000 in 2019. Excluding the impact of all discrete tax items, the Company’s effective tax rate was an expense of 17% of pre-tax income in 2020 and 16% of pre-tax income in 2019. The increase in the effective tax rate excluding discrete tax items was due to more of the Company's profits being earned and taxed in higher tax jurisdictions, as well as the impact of changes in 2019 to the Company's international tax structure.

The Company has historically been able to generate positive cash flow from operations, which has funded its operating activities and other cash requirements and resulted in an accumulated cash and investment balance of $907,364,000 as of December 31, 2021. The Company has established guidelines relative to credit ratings, diversification, and maturities of its investments that maintain liquidity.

The Company’s cash requirements in 2021 were primarily met with positive cash flows from operations and the proceeds from stock option exercises. Cash requirements consisted of operating activities, the repurchase of common stock, the payment of dividends, and capital expenditures. Operating activities included cash outflows to secure inventories to support higher business levels and build safety stock to mitigate the Company's exposure to demand changes or supply disruptions. Cash outlays in the first quarter of 2022 are planned to include incentive compensation payments that were earned and accrued in 2021.

Capital expenditures in 2021 totaled $15,455,000 and consisted primarily of computer hardware and software, manufacturing test equipment related to new product introductions, and improvements made to the Company's headquarters building in Natick, Massachusetts. In 2021, the Company made investments in business systems related to its sales process, the majority of which were accounted for as a capital asset that was placed into service in the first quarter of 2022. Although the Company continues to make investments in its business systems related to its sales process, these investments are not expected to be material over the long term.

The Company's material cash requirements include contractual obligations related to inventory purchase commitments and leases. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had inventory purchase commitments of $100,750,000, with the majority payable within 12 months, and lease payment obligations of $37,968,000, with $9,178,000 payable within 12 months.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 subjected unrepatriated foreign earnings to a one-time transition tax, which is expected to result in tax payments of $51,113,000. These payments started in 2021 and are expected to continue through 2025.

The Company believes that its existing cash and investment balances, together with cash flow from operations, will be sufficient to meet its operating, investing, and financing activities for the next twelve months. In addition, the Company has no long-term debt. We believe that our strong cash position has put us in a relatively good position with respect to anticipated longer-term liquidity needs.

Our discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based on the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Changes in accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or circumstances resulting in charges that could be material in future reporting periods. We believe the following critical accounting policies require the use of significant estimates and judgments in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s investment portfolio of debt securities totaled $721,203,000. These debt securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity as other comprehensive income (loss) since these securities are designated as available-for-sale securities. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s portfolio of debt securities had a net unrealized loss of $3,902,000. Included in this net loss, were gross unrealized losses totaling $4,971,000, of which $4,896,000 were in a loss position for less than twelve months and $75,000 were in a loss position for greater than twelve months.

Management monitors its debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position to determine whether a loss exists related to the credit quality of the issuer. When developing an estimate of expected credit losses, management considers all relevant information including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable forecasts of expected future cash flows. Credit losses on debt securities were not material in 2021, 2020, or 2019.

Management estimates excess and obsolescence exposures based on assumptions about future demand, product transitions, and general economic and industry conditions, and records reserves to reduce the carrying value of inventories to their net realizable value. Volatility in the global economy makes these assumptions about future demand more judgmental. Among the risks associated with the introduction of new products are difficulty predicting customer demand and effectively managing inventory levels to ensure adequate supply of the new product and avoid excess supply of the legacy product. In addition, we may strategically enter into non-cancelable commitments with vendors to purchase materials for products in advance of demand to address concerns about the availability of future supplies, build safety stock to help ensure customer shipments are not delayed should we experience higher than anticipated demand for materials with long lead times, or take advantage of favorable pricing.

The Company's intangible assets are susceptible to shortened estimated useful lives and changes in fair value due to changes in their use, market or economic changes, or other events or circumstances. The Company evaluates the potential impairment of intangible assets whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that could trigger an impairment review include historical or projected results that are less than the assumptions used in the original valuation of an acquired asset, a change in the Company’s business strategy or its use of an acquired asset, or negative economic or industry trends.

If an event or circumstance indicates the carrying value of intangible assets may not be recoverable, the Company assesses the recoverability of the assets by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows that the assets are expected to generate over their remaining economic lives. If the carrying value exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows, the Company compares the fair value of the intangible assets to the carrying value and records an impairment loss for the difference. The Company generally estimates the fair value of its intangible assets using the income approach based on a discounted cash flow model. The income approach requires the use of many assumptions and estimates including future revenues and expenses, discount factors, income tax rates, the identification of groups of assets with highly independent cash flows, and assets’ economic lives. Volatility in the global economy makes these assumptions and estimates more judgmental. Actual future operating results and the remaining economic lives of our intangible assets could differ from those used in assessing the recoverability of these assets and could result in an impairment of intangible assets in future periods.

Deteriorating global economic conditions from the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a review of intangible assets for potential impairment in the second quarter of 2020. This review resulted in intangible asset impairment charges totaling $19,571,000 recorded in 2020. No impairment charges related to intangible assets were recorded in 2021 or 2019.

Compensation expense is recognized for all grants of stock options and restricted stock units. Determining the appropriate valuation model and estimating the fair values of stock option grants requires the input of subjective assumptions, including expected stock price volatility, dividend yields, expected term, and forfeiture rates. The expected volatility assumption is based partially upon the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock, which may or may not be a true indicator of future volatility. The assumptions used in calculating the fair values of stock option grants represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the

application of judgment. As a result, if factors change and different assumptions are used, stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what the Company recorded in the current period.

Significant judgment is required in determining worldwide income tax expense based on tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company has established reserves for income taxes by applying the “more likely than not” criteria, under which the recognition threshold is met when an entity concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant tax authority. All tax positions are analyzed periodically and adjustments are made as events occur that warrant modification, such as the completion of audits or the expiration of statutes of limitations, which may result in future charges or credits to income tax expense. The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the tax years 2017 and 2018. Additionally, the Company is under audit by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for tax years 2017 and 2018. Although management believes the Company is adequately reserved for these audits, the evaluation of the Company’s tax positions involves significant judgment, and the final determination these tax audits and any related litigation could result in material changes in our estimates.

As part of the process of preparing consolidated financial statements, management is required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. This process involves estimating the current tax liability, as well as assessing temporary differences arising from the different treatment of items for financial statement and tax purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 imposed a minimum tax on foreign earnings related to intangible assets, known as the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) tax. In 2019, the Company elected to account for the impact of the GILTI minimum tax in deferred taxes, a change from the Company’s initial election made in 2018 whereby the GILTI minimum tax was included in income tax expense as incurred on an annual basis. Management has determined that this change is considered preferable, based on the conclusion that it appropriately matches the Company’s current and deferred income tax implications related to the change in tax structure noted below.

In 2019, the Company made changes to its international tax structure as a result of tax reform legislation enacted by the European Union that resulted in an intercompany sale of intellectual property based on the fair value of this intellectual property. Also in 2019, in connection with the acquisition of Sualab Co. Ltd., the Company migrated acquired intellectual property to certain subsidiaries to align with its corporate tax structure. Significant judgment was required to estimate the fair value of the migrated intellectual property, including management estimates related to forecasted future cash flows and discount rates.

The Company enters into economic hedges utilizing foreign currency forward contracts with maturities of up to 95 days to manage the exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates arising primarily from foreign-denominated receivables and payables.

The Company’s investment policy allows investment in debt securities with effective maturities up to ten years, however as of December 31, 2021, 84% of the investment portfolio has effective maturity dates of less than three years. Given the relatively short maturities and investment-grade quality of the Company’s portfolio of debt securities as of December 31, 2021, a sharp rise in interest rates should not have a material adverse effect on the fair value of these instruments. As a result, the Company does not currently hedge these interest rate exposures.

The following table presents the hypothetical change in the fair value of the Company’s portfolio of debt securities arising from selected potential changes in interest rates (in thousands). This modeling technique measures the change in fair value that would result from a parallel shift in the yield curve plus or minus 50 and 100 basis points (BP) over a twelve-month time horizon.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the application of the significant accounting policies described below.

The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated using exchange rates in effect at the end of the year for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during the year for results of operations. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax, is included in shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The Company applies a three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurements. The categorization of assets and liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement of fair value. Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology utilize unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology are other observable inputs, including quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical and similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable inputs based on management’s best estimate of the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date, including assumptions about risk. A change to the level of an asset or liability within the fair value hierarchy is determined at the end of a reporting period.

Money market instruments, as well as debt securities with original maturities of three months or less, are classified as cash equivalents and are stated at amortized cost. Debt securities with original maturities greater than three months and remaining maturities of one year or less are classified as current investments. Debt securities with remaining maturities greater than one year are classified as non-current investments. It is the Company’s policy to invest in investment-grade debt securities with effective maturities that do not exceed ten years.

Debt securities with original maturities greater than three months are designated as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive loss. Realized gains and losses are calculated using the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses, interest income, and the amortization of the discount or premium on debt securities arising at acquisition, are included in "Investment income" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Management monitors its debt securities to determine whether a loss exists related to the credit quality of the issuer. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security is less than the amortized cost basis of the security, then a credit loss exists and an allowance against the security for credit losses is recorded. The allowance is limited to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost, recognizing that the investment could be sold at fair value. Credit losses continue to be remeasured in subsequent reporting periods. Credit losses and recoveries related to debt securities are included in “Other income (expense)” on the Consolidated Statements of

Operations. When developing an estimate of expected credit losses, management considers all relevant information including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable forecasts of expected future cash flows.

The Company extends credit with various payment terms to customers based on an evaluation of their financial condition. Accounts that are outstanding longer than the payment terms are considered to be past due. The Company establishes an allowance against accounts receivable for credit losses when it determines receivables are at risk for collection based on the length of time the receivable has been outstanding, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligations to the Company, and general economic and industry conditions, as well as various other factors. Receivables are written off against this allowance in the period they are determined to be uncollectible and payments subsequently received on previously written-off receivables are recorded as a recovery of the credit loss. Credit losses and recoveries related to accounts receivable are included in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using standard costs, which approximates actual costs under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.

Purchase price variances are incurred when actual costs are different than standard costs due to favorable or unfavorable market prices. Management applies judgment to recognize purchase price variances in the same period that the associated standard costs of the finished goods that consume these components are sold.

The Company’s inventory is subject to technological change or obsolescence. The Company reviews inventory quantities on hand and estimates excess and obsolescence exposures based on assumptions about future demand, product transitions, and general economic and industry conditions, and records reserves to reduce the carrying value of inventories to their net realizable value. If actual future demand is less than estimated, additional inventory write-downs would be required.

Goodwill is stated at cost. The Company evaluates the potential impairment of goodwill annually each fourth quarter and whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill may not be recoverable. The Company performs a qualitative assessment of goodwill to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Factors that management considers in this assessment include general economic and industry conditions, overall financial performance (both current and projected), changes in strategy, changes in the composition or carrying amount of net assets, and market capitalization. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company would proceed to perform a quantitative impairment test. Under this quantitative analysis, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company recognizes an impairment charge. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting unit using the income approach based on a discounted cash flow model. In addition, the Company uses the market approach, which compares the reporting unit to publicly-traded companies and transactions involving

similar businesses, to support the conclusions based on the income approach.

The Company evaluates the potential impairment of intangible assets whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. For finite-lived intangible assets that are subject to amortization, the Company follows a two-step process for impairment testing. In step one, known as the recoverability test, the carrying value of the asset is compared to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value, the asset is not recoverable and step two is performed. In step two, the impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. For indefinite-lived intangible assets that are not subject to amortization, the fair value of the asset is measured and an impairment charge is recorded as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value.

Loss contingencies are accrued if the loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs associated with potential loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

Derivative instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of the Company’s economic hedges utilizing foreign currency forward contracts are included in "Foreign currency gain (loss)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either current assets or current liabilities at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When the Company is engaged in more than one outstanding derivative contract with the same counterparty and also has a legally enforceable master netting agreement with that counterparty, the “net” mark-to-market exposure represents the netting of the positive and negative exposures with that counterparty. The cash flows from derivative instruments are presented in the same category on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as the category for the cash flows from the hedged item. Generally, this accounting policy election results in cash flows related to derivative instruments being classified as an operating activity on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Management exercises judgment when determining the amount of revenue to be recognized each period. Such judgments include, but are not limited to, assessing the customer’s ability and intention to pay substantially all of the contract consideration when due, determining when two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as a single contract, determining whether a contract modification has occurred, assessing whether promises are immaterial in the context of the contract, determining whether material promises in a contract represent distinct performance obligations, estimating the transaction price for a contract that contains variable consideration, determining the stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation, determining whether control is transferred over time or at a point in time for performance obligations, and assessing whether formal customer acceptance provisions are substantive.

Research and development costs primarily include personnel-related costs, prototyping materials, and outside services. Research and development costs are expensed when incurred until technological feasibility has been established for the product. Thereafter, all software costs may be capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. The Company determines technological feasibility at the time the product reaches beta in its stage of development. Historically, the time incurred between beta and general release to customers has been short, and therefore, the costs have been insignificant.

The Company’s stock-based awards that result in compensation expense consist of stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs). The Company has reserved a specific number of shares of its authorized but unissued shares for issuance upon the exercise of stock options or the settlement of RSUs. When a stock option is exercised or an RSU is settled, the Company issues new shares from this pool. The fair values of stock options are estimated on the grant date using a binomial lattice model. Management is responsible for determining the appropriate valuation model and estimating these fair values, and in doing so, considers a number of factors, including information provided by an outside valuation advisor and the observable market price of the Company's common stock on the grant date. The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the observable market price of the Company's common stock on the grant date less the present value of expected future dividends. When determining the grant-date fair value of stock-based awards, management further considers whether an adjustment is required to the observable market price or volatility of the Company's common stock that is used in the valuation as a result of material non-public information, if that information is expected to result in a material increase in share price.

The Company recognizes a tax position in its financial statements when that tax position, based solely upon its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority. Those tax positions failing to qualify for initial recognition are recognized in the first interim period in which they meet the more likely than not standard, or are resolved through negotiation or litigation with the taxing authority, or upon expiration of the statutes of limitations. Derecognition of a tax position that was previously recognized occurs when an entity subsequently determines that a tax position no longer meets the more likely than not threshold of being sustained.

Only the portion of the liability that is expected to be paid within one year is classified as a current liability. As a result, liabilities expected to be resolved without the payment of cash (e.g., resolution due to the expiration of the statutes of limitations) or are not expected to be paid within one year are not classified as current. It is the Company’s policy to record estimated interest and penalties as income tax expense and tax credits as a reduction in income tax expense.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that will be in effect when these differences reverse. Valuation allowances are provided if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 imposed a minimum tax on foreign earnings related to intangible assets, known as the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) tax. In 2019, the Company elected to account for the impact of the GILTI minimum tax in deferred taxes, a change from the Company’s initial election made in 2018 whereby the GILTI minimum tax was included in income tax expense as incurred on an annual basis. The change is considered preferable, as it appropriately matches the Company’s current and deferred income tax implications.

Sales tax in the United States and similar taxes in other jurisdictions that are collected from customers and remitted to government authorities are presented on a gross basis (i.e., a receivable from the customer with a corresponding payable to the government). Amounts collected from customers and retained by the Company during tax holidays are recognized as non-operating income when earned.

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period plus potential dilutive common shares. Dilutive common equivalent shares consist of stock options and restricted stock units and are calculated using the treasury stock method. Common equivalent shares do not qualify as participating securities. In periods where the Company records a net loss, potential common stock equivalents are not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a company during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances, excluding transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, consists of foreign currency translation adjustment losses of $43,665,000 and $36,912,000, as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively; net unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments of $3,006,000 as of December 31, 2021, and net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments of $4,382,000 as of December 31, 2020; and losses on currency swaps, net of gains on long-term intercompany loans of $1,271,000 at each year end.

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, to investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations were net realized gains of $236,000, $4,119,000, and $1,452,000 for 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable. The Company has certain domestic and foreign cash balances that exceed the insured limits set by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in the United States and equivalent regulatory agencies in foreign countries. The Company primarily invests in investment-grade debt securities and has established guidelines relative to credit ratings, diversification, and maturities of its debt securities that maintain safety and liquidity. The Company has historically not experienced any significant realized losses on its debt securities.

A single customer accounted for 17% of total revenue in 2021 and 15% of total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2021. Accounts receivable from a second customer accounted for 11% of total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2021. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for potential credit losses. The Company has historically not experienced any significant losses related to the collection of its accounts receivable.

A significant portion of the Company's products is presently manufactured by a third-party contractor located in Indonesia. This contract manufacturer has agreed to provide the Company with termination notification periods and last-time-buy rights, if and when that may be applicable. Our contract manufacturer's challenges in obtaining components and maintaining production have resulted in delays, and may continue to result in delays, in meeting our delivery schedules that, as a result, delay deliveries to our customers past their requested delivery date.

Certain key electronic and mechanical components, such as integrated circuit chips, are fundamental to the design of Cognex products. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, disruptions to the supply of components for our products that have resulted, and may continue to result, in higher purchase costs, delivery costs, and manufacturing delays.

The Company determines whether a transaction qualifies as a business combination by applying the definition of a business, which requires the assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be inputs and processes that have the ability to contribute to the creation of outputs. The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires the following steps: (1) identifying the acquirer, (2) determining the acquisition date, (3) recognizing and measuring the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, and (4) recognizing and measuring goodwill. The Company measures the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Management is responsible for determining the appropriate valuation model and estimated fair values, and in doing so, considers a number of factors, including information provided by an outside valuation advisor. Management primarily establishes fair value using the income approach based on a discounted cash flow model. The income approach requires the use of many assumptions and estimates including future revenues and expenses, as well as discount factors. Contingent consideration liabilities are reported at their estimated fair values based on probability-adjusted present values of the consideration expected to be paid, using significant inputs and estimates. Key assumptions used in these estimates include probability assessments with respect to the likelihood of achieving certain milestones and discount rates consistent with the level of risk of achievement. The fair values of these contingent consideration liabilities are remeasured each reporting period with changes in fair value included in "Other income (expense)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Goodwill is recognized as of the acquisition date as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net amount of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

One-time employee termination benefits as part of a restructuring activity exist at the date the plan of termination has been communicated to employees (the “communication date”) and meets all of the following criteria: (1) management, having the authority to approve the action, has committed to the plan of termination, (2) the plan identifies the number of employees to be terminated, their job classifications or functions and their locations, and the expected completion date, (3) the plan establishes the terms of the benefit arrangement in sufficient detail, and (4) actions required to complete the plan indicate it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made. If employees are not required to render service until they are terminated in order to receive the termination benefits or will not be retained to render service beyond a minimum retention period, a liability for the termination benefits is recognized and measured at fair value at the communication date. Otherwise, a liability is measured initially at the communication date based on the fair value of the liability as of the termination date and recognized ratably over the future service period. Changes to the fair value of the liability are recorded as restructuring adjustments.

Closures of leased offices as part of a restructuring activity prior to the end of the contractual lease term are treated as abandoned right-to-use assets when the Company ceases to use the property for economic benefit and lacks either the intent or ability to sublease. The lease asset is written down to zero as of the abandonment date. Estimates of contract termination costs assume the Company will be obligated to pay the remaining rent over the contract period, and the lease liability continues to be recorded on the balance sheet. Subsequent negotiations that result in early contract terminations are recorded as favorable restructuring adjustments.

Other associated costs as part of a restructuring activity include costs to consolidate facilities, costs to relocate employees, and legal fees incurred to research local statutory requirements and prepare termination agreements. These costs are recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred, which generally corresponds to the period in which the services are rendered.

The amendments in this ASU eliminate certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. They also clarify and simplify other aspects of the accounting for income taxes. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2021. Upon adoption, ASU 2019-12 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

The amendments in this ASU clarify that for each reporting period, for callable debt with multiple call dates and call prices that may change at each call date, to the extent that the amortized cost basis of an individual callable debt security exceeds the amount repayable by the issuer at the next call date, the excess is amortized to the next call date. The Company adopted ASU 2020-08 on January 1, 2021. Upon adoption, ASU 2020-08 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

The amendments in these ASUs apply to all entities that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. Together, the ASUs provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022 that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The amendments in these ASUs are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management does not expect ASU 2020-04 or ASU 2021-01 to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

The amendments in this ASU primarily address the accounting for contract assets and contract liabilities related to revenue contracts with customers in a business combination. The ASU clarifies that an acquirer should account for the related revenue contracts in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 606 as if the acquirer had originated the contracts. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, although early adoption is permitted. The amendments in the ASU should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. The expected financial statement impact of this new accounting standard cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, as the impact in future periods will depend on the contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in future business combinations. Management does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on the Company's disclosures.