10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2006

GARMIN LTD Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Apr 1, 2006

Filed May 9, 2006For Securities:GRMN

Summary

Garmin Ltd. reported strong revenue growth of 67.3% for the first quarter ended April 1, 2006, reaching $322.3 million, up from $192.7 million in the prior year period. This growth was significantly driven by a more than 250% surge in the Automotive/Mobile segment, fueled by new personal navigation devices. The company also saw healthy growth in its Outdoor/Fitness and Marine segments. Despite the robust top-line performance, net income experienced an 85% increase to $87.5 million, but operating income as a percentage of revenue declined due to increased advertising spend and a shift in product mix towards lower-margin automotive products. Garmin's balance sheet remains strong with total assets of $1.47 billion and healthy cash and marketable securities balances. The company is also navigating new accounting standards for stock-based compensation (SFAS 123(R)), which impacted reported expenses and earnings per share. Looking ahead, management expressed confidence in their ability to fund operations and capital expenditures through existing cash and operational cash flow.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue surged by 67.3% to $322.3 million in Q1 2006, driven by strong performance across all segments, particularly Automotive/Mobile which grew over 250%.
  • 2Net income increased significantly by 85% to $87.5 million ($0.80/share diluted) compared to $47.4 million ($0.43/share diluted) in the prior year quarter.
  • 3Gross profit margin declined slightly from 53.6% to 50.5%, primarily due to a shift in revenue mix towards lower-margin automotive products.
  • 4Operating income margin decreased to 31.1% from 34.1% year-over-year, impacted by lower gross margins and increased selling, general, and administrative expenses, notably a rise in advertising spend.
  • 5The company adopted SFAS 123(R) for stock-based compensation, resulting in $2.5 million in recognized stock-based compensation expense for the quarter and a decrease of $0.02 in EPS.
  • 6Garmin's cash position remained strong, with cash and cash equivalents of $314.6 million and marketable securities of $448.7 million at quarter-end.
  • 7The company is involved in ongoing patent litigation with TomTom, Inc., with trials scheduled for 2007.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary growth driver was the Automotive/Mobile segment, which experienced a remarkable increase of over 250% in net sales, largely attributed to the strong performance of new personal navigation devices like the nuvi and c-series.

Garmin adopted SFAS 123(R) for stock-based compensation starting January 1, 2006. This resulted in the recognition of $2.5 million in stock-based compensation expense for the quarter, which lowered income before taxes and net income by $2.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Diluted EPS was reduced by $0.02 for the quarter due to this adoption.

Garmin maintains a strong liquidity position with substantial cash and marketable securities. Management believes that its existing cash balances and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet projected capital expenditures, working capital requirements, share repurchases, and other cash needs at least through the end of fiscal 2006.

Garmin is involved in patent litigation with TomTom, Inc., which has been consolidated and is progressing towards trial. Garmin also has a patent infringement suit pending against Garmin International, Inc. filed by Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. While the company believes these claims are without merit and intends to defend itself vigorously, unfavorable outcomes could materially affect financial results, though the company currently believes this is unlikely.