10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

GARMIN LTD Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 24, 2005

Filed November 2, 2005For Securities:GRMN

Summary

Garmin Ltd. reported strong top-line growth in its third quarter of 2005, with total net sales increasing by 29.8% year-over-year to $251.3 million. This growth was driven by significant increases in both the consumer segment (+31.1%) and the aviation segment (+26.0%), with new automotive product offerings and continued demand for recreation and fitness products being key drivers in the consumer division. The aviation segment benefited from strong sales across portable, panel-mount, and OEM products. Despite the robust sales growth, gross profit margin saw a slight decrease from 57.7% to 51.5% due to a shift in product mix towards lower-margin automotive products within the consumer segment. Operating income, however, increased by 10.4% to $85.2 million, largely propelled by a substantial 39.3% increase in operating income from the aviation segment. Net income experienced a significant surge of 52.7%, reaching $102.5 million, indicating strong profitability despite margin pressures. The company also reported a substantial foreign currency gain from the strengthening U.S. Dollar against the Taiwan Dollar, positively impacting other income.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net sales increased by 29.8% to $251.3 million for the 13-week period ended September 24, 2005, compared to the prior year.
  • 2Consumer segment sales grew by 31.1% to $190.7 million, driven by new automotive and recreation/fitness product demand.
  • 3Aviation segment sales increased by 26.0% to $60.6 million, fueled by OEM, retrofit, and portable avionics.
  • 4Gross profit margin decreased from 57.7% to 51.5%, primarily due to a shift in product mix towards lower-margin automotive products.
  • 5Operating income rose by 10.4% to $85.2 million, with the aviation segment showing a significant 39.3% increase.
  • 6Net income saw a substantial increase of 52.7% to $102.5 million for the quarter.
  • 7A significant foreign currency gain of $36.4 million was recorded due to the strengthening U.S. Dollar against the Taiwan Dollar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sales growth was primarily driven by a strong response to new automotive product offerings and continued demand for recreation and fitness products in the consumer segment. The aviation segment also contributed significantly due to revenues from OEM, retrofit panel-mount, and portable products.

The gross profit margin declined from 57.7% to 51.5% primarily because automotive products, which carry lower margins, became a larger portion of the product mix within the consumer segment. Aviation segment margins improved due to a higher proportion of high-margin products and reduced G1000 cockpit program costs.

Garmin reported a substantial foreign currency gain of $36.4 million in the third quarter of 2005. This gain was a result of the U.S. Dollar strengthening against the Taiwan Dollar, which positively affected the company's 'Other income (expense), net'.

Research and development expenses increased significantly by 36.9% year-over-year for the quarter. This increase is attributed to ongoing new product development, the addition of engineering personnel, and increased engineering program costs, reflecting Garmin's continued emphasis on product innovation.