Garmin Reports Strong Third Quarter Results on Sequential Growth in Revenues and Operating Margin Resulting in Year-over-Year EPS Growth

CAYMAN ISLANDS, Nov 04, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN) today announced third quarter results for the period ended September 26, 2009.

Third Quarter 2009 Financial highlights: -- Total revenue of $781 million, down 10% from $870 million in third quarter 2008 -- Automotive/Mobile segment revenue decreased 13% to $546 million -- Outdoor/Fitness segment revenue increased 11% to $132 million -- Aviation segment revenue decreased 29% to $58 million -- Marine segment revenue increased 3% to $45 million -- North America and Europe continued to experience year-over-year revenue declines while Asia improved: -- North America revenue was $503 million compared to $585 million, down 14% -- Europe revenue was $237 million compared to $247 million, down 4% -- Asia revenue was $41 million compared to $38 million, up 8% -- Gross margin improved to 52.4% compared to 44.3% in third quarter 2008 and declined slightly from 52.6% in second quarter 2009 -- Operating margin improved to 30.3% compared to 24.6% in third quarter 2008 and 29.8% in second quarter of 2009 -- Diluted earnings per share increased 30% to $1.07 from $0.82 in third quarter 2008; pro forma earnings per share increased 17% to $1.02 from $0.87 in the same quarter in 2008. (Pro forma earnings per share excludes the impact of foreign currency translation gain or loss.) -- Generated $281 million of free cash flow in third quarter 2009 for a cash and marketable securities balance of just over $1.8 billion.

Year-to-Date 2009 Financial highlights: -- Total revenue of $1.89 billion, down 23% from $2.45 billion year-to-date 2008 -- Automotive/Mobile segment revenue decreased 27% to $1.24 billion -- Outdoor/Fitness segment revenue increased 4% to $320 million -- Aviation segment revenue decreased 29% to $181 million -- Marine segment revenue decreased 16% to $144 million -- All geographic areas experienced a year-to-date slowdown in revenues: -- North America revenue was $1.20 billion compared to $1.57 billion, down 23% -- Europe revenue was $577 million compared to $764 million, down 24% -- Asia revenue was $105 million compared to $109 million, down 4% -- Diluted earnings per share decreased 21% to $2.12 from $2.68 in year-to-date 2008; pro forma EPS decreased 15% to $2.10 from $2.47 in year-to-date 2008. (Pro forma earnings per share excludes the impact of foreign currency translation gain or loss and the 2008 gain on sale of TeleAtlas N.V. shares.) -- Generated $813 million of free cash flow year-to-date.

Business highlights: -- Posted sequential revenue growth of 17% with both automotive/mobile and outdoor/fitness showing increased revenues.

-- Reported 25% sequential revenue growth in the automotive/mobile segment with sequential gross margin and operating margin improvement of 360 and 490 basis points, respectively, as pricing, cost, and volumes improved.

-- Resumed revenue growth in the outdoor/fitness segment due to growing worldwide interest in the product category and a strong reception to our latest fitness watches, the Forerunner(R) 310XT and FR 60.

-- Reported 3% revenue growth in the marine segment as market share gains offset the ongoing weakness within the marine industry.

-- Sold 3.9 million units in the third quarter of 2009 driven by PND unit growth in both North America and Asia and strong outdoor/fitness unit growth resuming.

-- Continued to lead in world-wide PND market share. Independent market share research indicates that we have expanded our leadership position in the North American PND market with approximately a 60% share, which is up sequentially from 57% in second quarter. We maintained a market share of approximately 20% in Europe.

-- Finalized nuvifone launch initiatives with G60 availability in the U.S.

(AT&T), Switzerland (Sunrise), and France (unlocked) and Asus leading efforts to launch the G60 and M20 in various Asian markets including Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia.

-- Introduced the nuvi(R) 1690T, a connected PND featuring rich, real-time content delivered wirelessly with product offerings in both the United States and Western Europe, for delivery in the fourth quarter.

Executive overview from Dr. Min Kao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer: "We saw steady sequential improvement in our consumer segments during the third quarter and are very pleased to return to year-over-year earnings per share growth in the quarter. While revenues fell year-over-year, the rate of decline moderated at 10% but our margin improvements more than offset that decline. We remain focused on efforts to improve productivity and manage expenses as the consumer spending environment continues to recover.

The automotive/mobile segment continued to show growth on a unit basis in both the North American and Asian markets, while also exhibiting marked improvement in the European market in comparison to the first half of the year. The sequential improvement in pricing and margins in the quarter was largely driven by the delivery of our new 1200, 1300 and 1400 nuvi series. We were also pleased to launch the nuvifone(TM) G60 on October 4th with AT&T in the United States market. The product represents just one of many ways that Garmin intends to deliver real-time location --based content and services to our customers.

Another is the nuvi 1690 which will be prominently featured as our high-end offering for the holiday season.

The outdoor/fitness segment again showed its strength, posting year-over-year revenue growth of 11% with strong gross and operating margins. Our newest outdoor and fitness products including the Dakota(TM) line of handhelds in the outdoor market, and the Forerunner(R) line of fitness products, drove the strong third quarter results. We believe that these products along with our newest cycling product, the Edge(R) 500, will perform well during the holidays due to the gift appeal of this category.

The aviation segment posted a third straight quarter of significant decline as the segment continues to be affected by a difficult economic environment. We do not anticipate growth until overall market conditions show consistent stabilization. Although the industry will continue to lag, we remain focused on research and development efforts which allowed us to introduce several exciting new products in recent weeks. This includes our G3000 touchscreen, glass cockpit for the Part 23 turbine market. Launch platforms for the G3000 include Honda Jet and Piper Jet. In addition, we introduced the Aera(TM) series that combines aviation and automotive navigation features in a portable product. With these introductions, Garmin clearly remains at the forefront of innovation and advancement in the avionics industry.

The marine segment posted third quarter revenue growth of 3% over the same quarter of last year. While the general marine market remains down, we are outperforming our competitors on the strength of our marine product lineup and believe that we are gaining market share in the marine electronics industry. We were excited to recently announce our OEM relationship with Regal. Over two dozen 2010 Regal boat models will be offering Garmin electronics as standard selections on the equipment list. This relationship further validates our push into the OEM portion of the marine industry. While we do not expect to post significant growth in this segment until the macroeconomic conditions improve, we do expect that year-over-year revenues have stabilized in the near-term." Financial overview from Kevin Rauckman, Chief Financial Officer: "Our financial results for the third quarter highlight our commitment to managing our business efficiently during periods of ongoing revenue decline and the reward of earnings per share growth," said Kevin Rauckman, Chief Financial Officer of Garmin Ltd. "While our revenue during the quarter fell 10% on a year-over-year basis, we posted pro forma earnings per share growth of 17% as we sustained our strong gross and operating margin performance from second quarter 2009.

Gross margin for the overall business in the third quarter was 52% with all segments, excluding outdoor/fitness, posting year-over-year margin improvement.

The automotive/mobile segment gross margin was most improved at 48% compared to 38% in the third quarter of 2008. Improvement was driven by moderation in year-over-year average selling price decline, foreign currency fluctuations and continued benefit from material cost reductions. Gross margin for the marine segment also improved materially when compared with the year-ago quarter from 49% to 54% due to product mix and material cost reductions.

Operating margin increased to 30% in the current quarter from 25% in the year-ago quarter. The operating margin improvement occurred in the automotive/mobile and marine segments driven by the gross margin improvements.

Total operating expenses increased by $2 million on a year-over-year basis. We reduced advertising expenses by $5 million, or 10%, while other selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $4 million, or 5%. Research and development costs increased by $3 million, or 5%, when compared to the year-ago quarter as we continue to hire engineers to support our product initiatives.

We also generated $281 million of free cash flow in the third quarter of 2009, resulting in a cash and marketable securities balance of just over $1.8 billion at the end of the quarter." Non-GAAP Measures Pro Forma net income (earnings) per share Management believes that net income per share before the impact of foreign currency translation gain or loss and other one-time items is an important measure. The majority of the Company's consolidated foreign currency translation gain or loss results from translations involving the Euro, the British Pound Sterling and the Taiwan Dollar at the end of each reporting period of the significant cash and marketable securities, receivables and payables held in U.S. dollars by the Company's various subsidiaries. Such translation is required under GAAP because the functional currency of the subsidiaries differs from the currency in which various assets and liabilities are held. However, there is minimal cash impact from such foreign currency translation. Accordingly, earnings per share before the impact of foreign currency translation gain or loss allow an assessment of the Company's operating performance before the non-cash impact of the position of the U.S. Dollar versus other currencies, which permits a consistent comparison of results between periods. The 2008 gain on sale of TeleAtlas N.V. shares is also excluded below as a one-time item.

The following table contains a reconciliation of GAAP net income per share to pro forma net income per share.

Garmin Ltd. And Subsidiaries Net income per share (Pro Forma) ( in thousands, except per share information) 13-Weeks Ended 39-Weeks Ended September 26, September 27, September 26, September 27, 2009 2008 2009 2008 Net Income (GAAP) $ 215,133 $ 171,244 $ 425,542 $ 575,115 Foreign currency (gain) / loss, net of tax effects ($9,848 ) $ 10,322 ($3,689 ) ($3,904 ) Gain on sale of equity securities, net of tax effects - - - ($41,269 ) Net income (Pro Forma) $ 205,285 $ 181,566 $ 421,853 $ 529,942 Net income per share (GAAP): Basic $ 1.07 $ 0.83 $ 2.12 $ 2.71 Diluted $ 1.07 $ 0.82 $ 2.12 $ 2.68 Net income per share (Pro Forma) Basic $ 1.02 $ 0.88 $ 2.11 $ 2.50 Diluted $ 1.02 $ 0.87 $ 2.10 $ 2.47 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 200,546 206,634 200,398 212,299 Diluted 201,599 208,107 201,038 214,252 Free cash flow Management believes that free cash flow is an important financial measure because it represents the amount of cash provided by operations that is available for investing and defines it as operating cash flow less capital expenditures for property and equipment.

The following table contains a reconciliation of GAAP net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow.

Garmin Ltd. And Subsidiaries Free Cash Flow ( in thousands) 13-Weeks Ended 39-Weeks Ended September 26, September 27, September 26, September 27, 2009 2008 2009 2008 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 292,867 $ 232,522 $ 848,555 $ 512,703 Less: purchases of property and equipment ($12,098 ) ($30,563 ) ($35,441 ) ($110,480 ) Free Cash Flow $ 280,769 $ 201,959 $ 813,114 $ 402,223 Earnings Call Information The information for Garmin Ltd.'s earnings call is as follows: When: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Where: http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/irCalendar.html How: Simply log on to the Web at the address above or call to listen in at 800-891-6383. Contact: [e-mail] A phone recording will be available for five business days following the earnings call and can be accessed by dialing 800-642-1687 or [phone] and utilizing the access code 32553589. An archive of the live webcast will be available until December 7, 2009 on the Garmin website at http://www.garmin.com.

To access the replay, click on the Investor Relations link and click over to the Events Calendar page.

This release includes projections and other forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Any statements regarding the Company's estimated earnings and revenue for fiscal 2009, the Company's expected segment revenue growth rate, margins, new products to be introduced and the Company's plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of risk factors affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors that are described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2008 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of Garmin's 2008 Form 10-K can be downloaded from http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html.

The global leader in satellite navigation, Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries have designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications since 1989 -- most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin's products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200.

Garmin, nuvi, Forerunner and Edge are registered trademarks, and Dakota , Aera and nuvifone are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Garmin Ltd. And Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share information) (Unaudited) September 26, December 27, 2009 2008 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,011,763 $ 696,335 Marketable securities 17,643 12,886 Accounts receivable, net 573,847 741,321 Inventories, net 373,290 425,312 Deferred income taxes 52,824 49,825 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 49,569 58,746 Total current assets 2,078,936 1,984,425 Property and equipment, net 444,172 445,252 Marketable securities 770,444 262,009 Restricted cash 2,044 1,941 Licensing agreements, net 8,885 16,013 Other intangible assets, net 212,070 214,941 Total assets $ 3,516,551 $ 2,924,581 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 185,668 $ 160,094 Salaries and benefits payable 32,787 34,241 Accrued warranty costs 83,081 87,408 Accrued sales program costs 56,318 90,337 Deferred revenue 48,621 680 Other accrued expenses 141,021 86,341 Income taxes payable 14,102 20,075 Dividend payable 150,447 - Total current liabilities 712,045 479,176 Deferred income taxes 8,447 4,070 Non-current income taxes 239,419 214,366 Other liabilities 1,242 1,115 Stockholders' equity: Common stock, $0.005 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized: Issued and outstanding shares - 200,596,000 as of September 26, 1,002 1,002 2009 and 200,363,000 as of December 27, 2008 Additional paid-in capital 35,428 - Retained earnings 2,537,598 2,262,503 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (18,630 ) (37,651 ) Total stockholders' equity 2,555,398 2,225,854 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,516,551 $ 2,924,581 Garmin Ltd. And Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share information) 13-Weeks Ended 39-Weeks Ended September 26, September 27, September 26, September 27, 2009 2008 2009 2008 Net sales $ 781,254 $ 870,355 $ 1,887,057 $ 2,445,830 Cost of goods sold 371,512 484,716 929,706 1,322,948 Gross profit 409,742 385,639 957,351 1,122,882 Advertising expense 45,853 50,742 103,101 147,199 Selling, general and administrative expense 71,499 67,785 193,461 194,181 Research and development expense 55,507 52,749 166,795 155,904 Total operating expense 172,859 171,276 463,357 497,284 Operating income 236,883 214,363 493,994 625,598 Interest income 6,360 8,435 16,646 26,563 Foreign currency 11,752 (12,744 ) 4,478 4,818 Gain on sale of equity securities - - - 50,949 Other 1,684 1,358 1,325 2,091 Total other income (expense) 19,796 (2,951 ) 22,449 84,421 Income before income taxes 256,679 211,412 516,443 710,019 Income tax provision 41,546 40,168 90,901 134,904 Net income $ 215,133 $ 171,244 $ 425,542 $ 575,115 Net income per share: Basic $ 1.07 $ 0.83 $ 2.12 $ 2.71 Diluted $ 1.07 $ 0.82 $ 2.12 $ 2.68 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 200,546 206,634 200,398 212,299 Diluted 201,599 208,107 201,038 214,252 Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ 0.75 Garmin Ltd. And Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In thousands) 39-Weeks Ended September 26, September 27, 2009 2008 Operating Activities: Net income $ 425,542 $ 575,115 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 39,945 33,797 Amortization 25,945 20,823 Gain on sale of property and equipment (6 ) (243 ) Provision for doubtful accounts 3,191 4,289 Deferred income taxes (1,083 ) 28,623 Foreign currency transaction gains/losses (26,936 ) 11,266 Provision for obsolete and slow moving inventories 17,309 29,439 Stock compensation expense 31,502 28,815 Realized gains on marketable securities 110 (50,884 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Accounts receivable 178,281 302,012 Inventories 43,340 (196,471 ) Other current assets (22,827 ) (977 ) Accounts payable 22,618 (175,715 ) Other current and non-current liabilities 87,216 (95,588 ) Income taxes payable 28,198 1,593 Purchase of licenses (3,790 ) (3,191 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 848,555 512,703 Investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (35,441 ) (110,480 ) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment (7 ) 8 Purchase of intangible assets (7,461 ) (4,061 ) Purchase of marketable securities (626,155 ) (366,336 ) Redemption of marketable securities 110,751 444,102 Change in restricted cash (103 ) 106 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired 0 (50,497 ) Net cash used in investing activities (558,416 ) (87,158 ) Financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of common stock from exercise of stock 1,688 2,559 options Proceeds from issuance of common stock from stock purchase plan 3,712 5,144 Stock repurchase (1,908 ) (624,688 ) Tax benefit related to stock option exercise 455 2,309 Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 3,947 (614,676 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 21,342 2,982 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 315,428 (186,149 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 696,335 707,689 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1,011,763 $ 521,540 Garmin Ltd. And Subsidiaries Revenue, Gross Profit, and Operating Income by Segment (Unaudited) Reporting Segments Outdoor/ Auto/ Fitness Marine Mobile Aviation Total 13-Weeks Ended September 26, 2009 Net sales $ 132,174 $ 45,426 $ 545,707 $ 57,947 $ 781,254 Gross profit $ 82,886 $ 24,420 $ 263,653 $ 38,783 $ 409,742 Operating income $ 53,430 $ 11,783 $ 160,053 $ 11,617 $ 236,883 13-Weeks Ended September 27, 2008 Net sales $ 118,614 $ 44,048 $ 626,506 $ 81,187 $ 870,355 Gross profit $ 74,487 $ 21,714 $ 236,339 $ 53,099 $ 385,639 Operating income $ 52,136 $ 10,606 $ 124,359 $ 27,262 $ 214,363 39-Weeks Ended September 26, 2009 Net sales $ 320,187 $ 143,641 $ 1,242,011 $ 181,218 $ 1,887,057 Gross profit $ 204,526 $ 83,078 $ 542,910 $ 126,837 $ 957,351 Operating income $ 132,351 $ 43,696 $ 271,370 $ 46,577 $ 493,994 39-Weeks Ended September 27, 2008 Net sales $ 308,255 $ 171,232 $ 1,710,248 $ 256,095 $ 2,445,830 Gross profit $ 179,834 $ 94,296 $ 675,953 $ 172,799 $ 1,122,882 Operating income $ 116,892 $ 52,510 $ 361,190 $ 95,006 $ 625,598 SOURCE: Garmin Ltd.

CONTACT: Garmin Ltd. INVESTOR CONTACT: Kerri Thurston, 913-397-8200 [e-mail] or MEDIA CONTACT: Ted Gartner, 913-397-8200 [e-mail] Copyright Business Wire 2009 -0- KEYWORD: United States

Cayman Islands

Europe

Asia Pacific

North America

Caribbean

Kansas INDUSTRY KEYWORD: Outdoors

Other Sports

Technology

Consumer Electronics

Data Management

Hardware

Internet

Software

Audio/Video

Other Technology

Transport

Satellite

Maritime

Health

Other Transport

Travel

Transportation

Fitness & Nutrition

Mobile/Wireless

Automotive

Aftermarket

Retail

Specialty

Other Retail

Sports

Biking/Cycling SUBJECT CODE: Earnings

Conference Call

Webcast