Unassociated Document
United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 24, 2011

or

¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to _____

Commission file number 0-31983
 

GARMIN LTD.
(Exact name of Company as specified in its charter)

Switzerland
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
98-0229227
(I.R.S. Employer identification no.)
Mühlentalstrasse 2
8200 Schaffhausen
Switzerland
(Address of principal executive offices)
N/A
(Zip Code)

Company's telephone number, including area code:  +41 52 630 1600

 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the Company (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Company was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES þ NO ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES þ NO ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer  þ    Accelerated Filer ¨     Non-accelerated Filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ¨ NO þ

Number of shares issued and registered of the registrant’s common shares as of October 31, 2011
CHF 10.00 par value:  208,077,418 (including treasury shares)

 
 

 

Garmin Ltd.
Form 10-Q
Quarter Ended September 24, 2011

Table of Contents

       
Page
Part I - Financial Information
   
         
 
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
3
         
   
Introductory Comments
 
3
         
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 24, 2011 (Unaudited) and December 25, 2010
 
4
         
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the 13-weeks and 39-weeks ended September 24, 2011 and September 25, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
5
         
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 39-weeks ended September 24, 2011 and September 25, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
6
         
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
7
         
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
15
         
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
25
         
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
26
         
Part II - Other Information
   
         
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
27
         
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
29
         
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
29
         
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
29
         
 
Item 4.
(Removed and Reserved)
    
         
 
Item 5.
Other Information
 
29
         
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
30
         
Signature Page
 
31
         
Index to Exhibits
 
32

 
2

 
 
Garmin Ltd.
Form 10-Q
Quarter Ended September 24, 2011

Part I – Financial Information

Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Introductory Comments

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Garmin Ltd. ("Garmin" or the "Company") included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to enable a reasonable understanding of the information presented.  These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 25, 2010.  Additionally, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with Item 2 of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in this Form 10-Q.

The results of operations for the 13-week and 39-week periods ended September 24, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year 2011.

 
3

 

Garmin Ltd. And Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share information)

   
(Unaudited)
       
   
Sept 24,
   
December 25,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,389,406     $ 1,260,936  
Marketable securities
    72,784       24,418  
Accounts receivable, net
    519,226       747,249  
Inventories, net
    461,304       387,577  
Deferred income taxes
    26,297       33,628  
Deferred costs
    31,780       20,053  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    53,117       24,894  
Total current assets
    2,553,914       2,498,755  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    423,041       427,805  
                 
Marketable securities
    983,563       777,401  
Restricted cash
    1,399       1,277  
Licensing agreements, net
    7,603       1,800  
Noncurrent deferred income tax
    73,613       73,613  
Noncurrent deferred costs
    36,134       24,685  
Other intangible assets, net
    255,618       183,352  
Total assets
  $ 4,334,885     $ 3,988,688  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 182,651     $ 132,348  
Salaries and benefits payable
    46,591       49,288  
Accrued warranty costs
    43,473       49,885  
Accrued sales program costs
    44,549       107,261  
Deferred revenue
    139,528       89,711  
Accrued royalty costs
    77,907       95,086  
Accrued advertising expense
    24,595       21,587  
Other accrued expenses
    97,081       63,043  
Deferred income taxes
    4,645       4,800  
Income taxes payable
    20,163       56,028  
Dividend payable
    232,889       0  
Total current liabilities
    914,072       669,037  
                 
Deferred income taxes
    12,199       6,986  
Non-current income taxes
    165,545       153,621  
Non-current deferred revenue
    173,355       108,076  
Other liabilities
    1,522       1,406  
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
Shares, CHF 10 par value, 208,077,418 shares authorized and issued; 194,171,773 shares outstanding at September 24, 2011; and 194,358,038 shares outstanding at December 25, 2010;
    1,797,435       1,797,435  
Additional paid-in capital
    61,309       38,268  
Treasury stock
    (113,681 )     (106,758 )
Retained earnings
    1,248,443       1,264,613  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    74,686       56,004  
Total stockholders' equity
    3,068,192       3,049,562  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 4,334,885     $ 3,988,688  

See accompanying notes.

 
4

 

Garmin Ltd. And Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share information)

   
13-Weeks Ended
   
39-Weeks Ended
 
   
Sept 24,
   
Sept 25,
   
Sept 24,
   
Sept 25,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net sales
  $ 666,993     $ 692,364     $ 1,848,925     $ 1,852,196  
                                 
Cost  of goods sold
    322,662       348,344       944,120       885,615  
                                 
Gross profit
    344,331       344,020       904,805       966,581  
                                 
Advertising expense
    35,310       41,002       89,364       100,843  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    88,751       66,869       247,833       208,379  
Research and development expense
    72,936       69,512       213,930       205,332  
Total operating expense
    196,997       177,383       551,127       514,554  
                                 
Operating income
    147,334       166,637       353,678       452,027  
                                 
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    8,464       5,695       23,318       18,364  
Foreign currency gains (losses)
    14,893       35,527       12,422       (54,614 )
Other
    4,345       3,057       9,616       5,071  
Total other income (expense)
    27,702       44,279       45,356       (31,179 )
                                 
Income before income taxes
    175,036       210,916       399,034       420,848  
                                 
Income tax provision (benefit)
    24,655       (68,636 )     43,694       (30,848 )
                                 
Net income
  $ 150,381     $ 279,552     $ 355,340     $ 451,696  
                                 
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.77     $ 1.44     $ 1.83     $ 2.28  
Diluted
  $ 0.77     $ 1.43     $ 1.82     $ 2.27  
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    194,112       194,482       194,028       197,785  
Diluted
    194,828       195,305       194,809       198,891  
                                 
Dividends declared per share
                  $ 2.00     $ 1.50  

See accompanying notes.

 
5

 

Garmin Ltd. And Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

   
39-Weeks Ended
 
   
Sept 24,
   
Sept 25,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 355,340     $ 451,696  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    40,558       39,755  
Amortization
    19,772       32,471  
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment
    (2,407 )     34  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    6,227       (3,104 )
Deferred income taxes
    12,429       260  
Unrealized foreign currency losses/(gains)
    (5,366 )     38,635  
Provision for obsolete and slow moving inventories
    2,590       14,406  
Stock compensation expense
    27,258       29,412  
Realized losses/(gains) on marketable securities
    (5,633 )     1,022  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
               
Accounts receivable
    256,656       351,225  
Inventories
    (58,655 )     (196,270 )
Other current assets
    (36,713 )     24,495  
Accounts payable
    (5,603 )     (13,051 )
Other current and non-current liabilities
    (72,349 )     (261,132 )
Deferred revenue
    115,096       65,552  
Deferred cost
    (23,175 )     (10,531 )
Income taxes payable
    (21,987 )     24,383  
License fees
    (6,562 )     (3,043 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    597,476       586,215  
                 
Investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (26,523 )     (22,983 )
Purchase of intangible assets
    (8,611 )     (7,891 )
Purchase of marketable securities
    (835,965 )     (413,312 )
Redemption of marketable securities
    599,740       534,500  
Change in restricted cash
    (122 )     1,091  
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (52,688 )     -  
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
    (324,169 )     91,405  
                 
Financing activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of common stock through stock purchase and stock option plans
    5,619       6,369  
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards
    (375 )     -  
Stock repurchase
    -       (223,378 )
Dividends
    (154,835 )     (299,103 )
Tax benefit related to stock option exercise
    1,542       2,377  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (148,049 )     (513,735 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    3,212       (19,501 )
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    128,470       144,384  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,260,936       1,091,581  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,389,406     $ 1,235,965  

See accompanying notes.

 
6

 

Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 24, 2011
(In thousands, except share and per share information)

1.
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the 13-week and 39-week periods ended September 24, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 25, 2010 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2010.

The Company’s fiscal year is based on a 52-53 week period ending on the last Saturday of the calendar year.  Therefore the financial results of certain fiscal years, and the associated 14-week quarters, will not be exactly comparable to the prior and subsequent 52-week fiscal years and the associated quarters having only 13-weeks.  The quarters and year-to-date periods ended September 24, 2011 and September 25, 2010 both contain operating results for 13-weeks and 39-weeks, respectively.

2.
Inventories

The components of inventories consist of the following:

   
September 24, 2011
   
December 25, 2010
 
             
Raw Materials
  $ 149,134     $ 103,277  
Work-in-process
    55,311       43,507  
Finished goods
    283,344       278,513  
Inventory Reserves
    (26,485 )     (37,720 )
Inventory, net of reserves
  $ 461,304     $ 387,577  

3.
Share Repurchase Plan

The Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program on February 12, 2010, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $300,000 of its common shares as market and business conditions warrant on the open market or in negotiated transactions in compliance with the SEC’s Rule 10b-18.   The share repurchase authorization expires on December 31, 2011.   As of September 24, 2011, the Company had repurchased 7,366,646 shares using cash of $223,149 with all purchases made prior to fiscal 2011.  There remains approximately $76,851 available for repurchase under this authorization.

 
7

 

In addition, 522,856 shares repurchased for $16,723 prior to the Company’s redomestication to Switzerland on June 27, 2010, but for which transactions settled after that date, were treated as retired when such shares were still in treasury.  These shares were reflected as additional treasury shares during the 13-weeks ended March 26, 2011 with a corresponding increase to retained earnings.

4.
Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:
 
   
13-Weeks Ended
 
   
Sept 24,
   
Sept 25,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Numerator:
           
Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share - net income
  $ 150,381     $ 279,552  
                 
Denominator:
               
Denominator for basic net income per share – weighted-average common shares
    194,112       194,482  
                 
Effect of dilutive securities – employee stock options and stock appreciation rights
    716       823  
                 
Denominator for diluted net income per share – adjusted weighted-average common shares
    194,828       195,305  
                 
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.77     $ 1.44  
                 
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.77     $ 1.43  
                 
   
39-Weeks Ended
 
   
Sept 24,
   
Sept 25,
 
    2011     2010  
Numerator:
               
Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share - net income
  $ 355,340     $ 451,696  
                 
Denominator:
               
Denominator for basic net income per share – weighted-average common shares
    194,028       197,785  
                 
Effect of dilutive securities – employee stock options and stock appreciation rights
    781       1,106  
                 
Denominator for diluted net income per share – adjusted weighted-average common shares
    194,809       198,891  
                 
Basic net income per share
  $ 1.83     $ 2.28  
                 
Diluted net income per share
  $ 1.82     $ 2.27  

 
8

 

There were 5,880,506 anti-dilutive options for the 13-week period ended on September 24, 2011.  There were 6,851,107 anti-dilutive options for the 13-week period ended September 25, 2010.

There were 5,966,364 anti-dilutive options for the 39-week period ended on September 24, 2011.  There were 6,225,969 anti-dilutive options for the 39-week period ended September 25, 2010.

There were 84,328 shares issued as a result of exercises of stock appreciation rights and stock options for the 13-week period ended September 24, 2011.  There were 97,369 shares issued as a result of exercises of stock appreciation rights and stock options for the 13-week period ended September 25, 2010.

There were 366,244 shares issued as a result of exercises of stock appreciation rights and stock options for the 39-week period ended September 24, 2011.  There were 462,657 shares issued as a result of exercises of stock appreciation rights and stock options for the 39-week period ended September 25, 2010.

5.
Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is comprised of the following:

   
13-Weeks Ended
 
   
Sept 24,
   
Sept 25,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net income
  $ 150,381     $ 279,552  
Translation adjustment
    (53,367 )     26,020  
Change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities, net of deferred taxes
    (1,628 )     4,938  
Comprehensive income
  $ 95,386     $ 310,510  
                 
   
39-Weeks Ended
 
   
Sept 24,
   
Sept 25,
 
    2011     2010  
Net income
  $ 355,340     $ 451,696  
Translation adjustment
    785       26,213  
Change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities, net of deferred taxes
    17,897       20,140  
Comprehensive income
  $ 374,022     $ 498,049  

6.
Segment Information

Beginning in 2011, for external reporting purposes, the Company has identified five operating segments – Auto/Mobile, Aviation, Marine, Outdoor and Fitness.  Each operating segment is individually reviewed and evaluated by our Chief Operating Decision Maker, who allocates resources and assesses performance of each segment individually.  Prior to 2011, the Outdoor and Fitness operating segments were combined into a single reportable segment due to the similar nature of those products, their production processes, the types of customers served, their distribution processes, and similar economic conditions.  Management re-evaluated the combination of these operating segments and determined that based on the growth of these segments they should now be reported as two distinct reportable segments.

 
9

 

Net sales, operating income, and income before taxes for each of the Company’s reportable segments are presented below:

Garmin Ltd. And Subsidiaries
Revenue, Gross Profit, and Operating Income by Segment

   
Reportable Segments
 
                     
Auto/
             
   
Outdoor
   
Fitness
   
Marine
   
Mobile
   
Aviation
   
Total
 
13-Weeks Ended September 24, 2011
                                   
                                     
Net sales
  $ 94,720     $ 69,030     $ 48,055     $ 384,150     $ 71,038     $ 666,993  
Operating income
  $ 41,331     $ 20,452     $ 9,870     $ 56,215     $ 19,466     $ 147,334  
Income before taxes
  $ 44,149     $ 22,619     $ 11,373     $ 77,566     $ 19,329     $ 175,036  
                                                 
13-Weeks Ended September 25, 2010
                                               
                                                 
Net sales
  $ 90,329     $ 53,656     $ 46,086     $ 441,891     $ 60,402     $ 692,364  
Operating income
  $ 48,230     $ 19,928     $ 15,618     $ 66,588     $ 16,273     $ 166,637  
Income before taxes
  $ 53,319     $ 23,076     $ 17,991     $ 97,770     $ 18,760     $ 210,916  
                                                 
39-Weeks Ended September 24, 2011
                                               
                                                 
Net sales
  $ 242,178     $ 203,411     $ 178,479     $ 1,011,405     $ 213,452     $ 1,848,925  
Operating income
  $ 101,805     $ 61,293     $ 48,360     $ 83,087     $ 59,133     $ 353,678  
Income before taxes
  $ 107,258     $ 65,686     $ 51,896     $ 112,449     $ 61,745     $ 399,034  
                                                 
39-Weeks Ended September 25, 2010
                                               
                                                 
Net sales
  $ 229,562     $ 159,475     $ 161,710     $ 1,110,040     $ 191,409     $ 1,852,196  
Operating income
  $ 110,634     $ 58,851     $ 56,694     $ 172,117     $ 53,731     $ 452,027  
Income before taxes
  $ 107,563     $ 55,648     $ 53,235     $ 149,932     $ 54,470     $ 420,848  

Allocation of certain research and development expenses, and selling, general, and administrative expenses are made to each segment on a percent of revenue basis.

Net sales and property and equipment, net by geographic area are shown below as of and for the 39-week periods ended September 24, 2011 and September 25, 2010.  Note that APAC includes Asia Pacific and EMEA includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa:

   
Americas
   
APAC
   
EMEA
   
Total
 
September 24, 2011
                       
Net sales to external customers
  $ 990,155     $ 176,379     $ 682,391     $ 1,848,925  
Long lived assets
  $ 227,894     $ 145,741     $ 49,406     $ 423,041  
                                 
September 25, 2010
                               
Net sales to external customers
  $ 1,109,376     $ 154,594     $ 588,226     $ 1,852,196  
Long lived assets
  $ 232,546     $ 145,129     $ 50,181     $ 427,856  

7.
Warranty Reserves
 
The Company’s products sold are generally covered by a warranty for periods ranging from one to three years.   The Company’s estimate of costs to service its warranty obligations are based on historical experience and expectation of future conditions and are recorded as a liability on the balance sheet.   The following reconciliation provides an illustration of changes in the aggregate warranty reserve.

 
10

 

   
13-Weeks Ended
 
   
Sept 24,
   
Sept 25,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Balance - beginning of the period
  $ 41,691     $ 41,445  
Accrual for products sold during the period
    12,737       23,183  
Expenditures
    (10,955 )     (20,605 )
Balance - end of the period
  $ 43,473     $ 44,023  
                 
   
39-Weeks Ended
 
   
Sept 24,
   
Sept 25,
 
    2011     2010  
                 
Balance - beginning of the period
  $ 49,885     $ 87,424  
Accrual for products sold during the period
    37,070       53,801  
Expenditures
    (43,482 )     (54,426 )
Change in accrual for products sold in prior periods
    -       (42,776 )
Balance - end of the period
  $ 43,473     $ 44,023  

The 39-weeks ended September 25, 2010 include the effect of a refinement in the estimated warranty reserve which decreased the accrual for the period by $42,776.

8.
Commitments

We are a party to certain commitments, which includes raw materials, advertising and other indirect purchases in connection with conducting our business.  Pursuant to these agreements, the Company is contractually committed to make purchases of approximately $100,458 over the next 5 years.

9.
Income Taxes
 
Our earnings before taxes decreased from $210,916 in the third quarter of 2010 to $175,036 in the third quarter of 2011, while our income tax expense increased by $$93,291, to $24,655 for the 13-week period ended September 24, 2011, from ($68,636) for the 13-week period ended September 25, 2010.  For the 39-week period ended September 24, 2011, our earnings before taxes decreased 5% when compared to the same period in 2010, while our income tax expense increased by $74,542, to $43,694, for the 39-week period ended September 24, 2011, from ($30,848) for the 39-week period ended September 25, 2010.   The significant increase was due to the impact of one-time items booked in the third quarter of 2010.  The one-time adjustment of ($114,605) includes the release of uncertain tax position reserves from 2006 to 2008 related to our settlement with the IRS in the US, partially offset by a settlement for the 2007 tax year in the US, and Taiwan surtax expense due to the release of reserves.  Without one-time items, we would have reported an effective tax rate of 22% and 20% for the 13-weeks and the 39-weeks ended September 25, 2010, respectively, compared to 14% and 11% for the 13-weeks and 39-weeks ended September 24, 2011, respectively.  The change in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the first quarter of 2011 release of reserves related to the expiration of certain statutes for the Company’s United Kingdom subsidiary, Garmin (Europe) Ltd. (“Garmin Europe”), and lower reserves provided in 2011 following favorable audits in both 2010 and 2011.
  
10.
Fair Value Measurements
 
The Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  The ASC classifies the inputs used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:

 
11

 
 
Level 1
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liability
 
Level 2
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities
 
Level 3
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability
 
The Company endeavors to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value.  Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 
For fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, an independent third party provided the valuation.  The collateral composition was used to estimate weighted average life based on historical and projected payment information.  Cash flows were projected for the issuing trusts, taking into account underlying loan principal, bonds outstanding, and payout formulas.  Taking this information into account, assumptions were made as to the yields likely to be required, based upon then current market conditions for comparable or similar term asset based securities as well as other fixed income securities.
 
Assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
 
   
Fair Value Measurements as of September 24, 2011
 
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Available for-sale securities
  $ 1,049,107     $ 1,049,107     $ -     $ -  
Failed Auction rate securities
    7,240       -       -       7,240  
Total
  $ 1,056,347     $ 1,049,107     $ -     $ 7,240  
                                 
   
Fair Value Measurements as of December 25, 2010
 
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Available for-sale securities
  $ 781,257     $ 781,257     $ -     $ -  
Failed Auction rate securities
    20,562       -       -       20,562  
Total
  $ 801,819     $ 781,257     $ -     $ 20,562  
 
All Level 3 investments have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer.  However, it is the Company’s intent to hold these securities until they recover their value.  For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the period, the ASC requires a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately for each major category of assets.  The reconciliation is as follows:
 
   
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
   
13-Weeks Ended
   
39-Weeks Ended
 
   
Sept 24, 2011
   
Sept 24, 2011
 
             
Beginning balance of auction rate securities
  $ 7,156     $ 20,562  
Total unrealized appreciation included in other comprehensive income
    734       3,228  
Sales out of Level 3
    (650 )     (16,550 )
Ending balance of auction rate securities
  $ 7,240     $ 7,240  
 
The following is a summary of the company’s marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities at September 24, 2011:
 
 
12

 
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Other Than
Temporary 
Impairment
   
Estimated Fair
Value (Net
Carrying Amount)
 
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 567,083     $ 17,362     $ -     $ -     $ 584,445  
Auction Rate Securities
    9,227       -       (1,987 )     -       7,240  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    303,735       2,353       (456 )     -       305,632  
U.S. corporate bonds
    113,174       898       (881 )     (1,274 )     111,917  
Other
    50,944       908       (4,739 )     -       47,113  
Total
  $ 1,044,163     $ 21,521     $ (8,063 )   $ (1,274 )   $ 1,056,347  
 
The following is a summary of the company’s marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities at December 25, 2010:
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Other Than
Temporary
Impairment
   
Estimated Fair
Value (Net
Carrying
Amount)
 
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 527,249     $ 1,913     $ (1,520 )   $ -     $ 527,642  
Auction Rate Securities
    25,599       -       (5,037 )     -       20,562  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    160,618       347       (3,340 )     -       157,625  
U.S. corporate bonds
    54,348       637       (185 )     (1,274 )     53,526  
Other
    39,838       2,626       -       -       42,464  
Total
  $ 807,652     $ 5,523     $ (10,082 )   $ (1,274 )   $ 801,819  
 
The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of marketable securities at September 24, 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.
 
         
Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
             
Due in one year or less
  $ 72,369     $ 72,784  
Due after one year through five years
    295,972       297,430  
Due after five years through ten years
    252,456       254,868  
Due after ten years
    386,778       394,215  
Other (No contractual maturity dates)
    36,588       37,050  
    $ 1,044,163     $ 1,056,347  
 
 
13

 
 
11. Change in Accounting Estimate

Sales from products bundled with lifetime map updates and premium traffic services have increased significantly as a percentage of total product sales in 2011, including the impact of new product introductions.  Concurrently, market conditions have caused decreases in the ASP and margins of comparable models year over year.  In addition, the difference in pricing of such bundled units and comparable unbundled models has considerably decreased.  Due to the impact of these and other factors, the Company changed its estimate of the per unit revenue and cost deferrals during the third quarter of 2011. The impact of the change in estimate in the third quarter and year to date period was an increase in gross profit, net income and net income per share (basic and diluted) of $17.8 million, $15.3 million and $0.07, respectively.
 
12. Acquisitions

In the third quarter of 2011, subsidiaries of Garmin Ltd. completed the following acquisitions:
 
 
·
Navigon AG (“Navigon”), a privately-held navigation provider based in Hamburg, Germany
 
 
14

 
 
 
·
Tri-Tronics Inc., the leading designer and manufacturer of electronic dog training equipment

 
·
Garmin Distribution Africa (Pty) Ltd., the distributor of Garmin’s consumer products in Southern Africa

 
·
Garmap (Pty) Ltd., a South African mapping and mobile applications provider
 
These companies were acquired for an aggregate amount of $68,029 in cash less $15,341 cash acquired. The preliminary purchase price allocation for these acquisitions included goodwill and intangible assets of $74,034. Garmin also recognized $3,923 of restructuring costs in the current quarter related specifically to the Navigon acquisition. Individually and in the aggregate, these acquisitions are not considered material; therefore supplemental pro forma information is not presented. The allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in these acquisitions is based upon certain valuations and other analyses, including a review of acquired income tax loss carry forwards that have not been finalized as of the date of this filing. Accordingly, the purchase price allocations are considered preliminary and are subject to future adjustments during the allocation period.
 
13. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. The guidance allows two presentation alternatives; present items in net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income. This guidance is effective as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, but full retrospective application is required under both sets of accounting standards. The Company is currently evaluating which presentation alternative it will utilize.

In September 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, which simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment. Previous guidance under ASC 350 required an entity to test goodwill for impairment using a two-step process on at least an annual basis. First, the fair value of a reporting unit was calculated and compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Second, if the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, the amount of impairment loss, if any, was required to be measured. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads the entity to determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If the entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to test goodwill for impairment under the two-step process as described under paragraphs 350-20-35-4.   If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any, as described in paragraph 350-20-35-9.  The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating whether early adoption will be elected.
 
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The discussion set forth below, as well as other portions of this Quarterly Report, contains statements concerning potential future events.  Such forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions by our management, as of the date of this Quarterly Report, including assumptions about risks and uncertainties faced by the Company.  Readers can identify these forward-looking statements by their use of such verbs as expects, anticipates, believes or similar verbs or conjugations of such verbs.  If any of our assumptions prove incorrect or should unanticipated circumstances arise, our actual results could materially differ from those anticipated by such forward-looking statements.  The differences could be caused by a number of factors or combination of factors including, but not limited to, those factors identified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2010.  This report has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC" or the "Commission") in Washington, D.C. and can be obtained by contacting the SEC's public reference operations or obtaining it through the SEC's web site on the World Wide Web at http://www.sec.gov.  Readers are strongly encouraged to consider those factors when evaluating any forward-looking statement concerning the Company.  The Company will not update any forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report to reflect future events or developments.

The information contained in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in this Form 10-Q and the audited financial statements and notes thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2010.

The Company is a leading worldwide provider of navigation, communications and information devices, most of which are enabled by Global Positioning System, or GPS, technology.  We operate in five business segments, the outdoor, fitness, marine, automotive/mobile and aviation markets.  Our segments offer products through our network of independent dealers and distributors.  However, the nature of products and types of customers for the five segments may vary significantly.  As such, the segments are managed separately.

 
15

 

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our results of operations as a percentage of net sales during the periods shown:

   
13-Weeks Ended
 
   
September 24, 2011
   
September 25, 2010
 
             
Net sales
    100 %     100 %
Cost of goods sold
    48 %     50 %
Gross profit
    52 %     50 %
Advertising
    5 %     6 %
Selling, general and administrative
    14 %     10 %
Research and development
    11 %     10 %
Total operating expenses
    30 %     26 %
Operating income
    22 %     24 %
Other income (expense), net
    4 %     6 %
Income before income taxes
    26 %     30 %
Provision for/(Benefit from) income taxes
    3 %     -10 %
Net income
    23 %     40 %
                 
    39-Weeks Ended  
   
September 24, 2011
   
September 25, 2010
 
                 
Net sales
    100 %     100 %
Cost of goods sold
    51 %     48 %
Gross profit
    49 %     52 %
Advertising
    5 %     6 %
Selling, general and administrative
    13 %     11 %
Research and development
    12 %     11 %
Total operating expenses
    30 %     28 %
Operating income
    19 %     24 %
Other income (expense), net
    3 %     -2 %
Income before income taxes
    22 %     22 %
Provision for/(Benefit from) income taxes
    3 %     -2 %
Net income
    19 %     24 %

The Company manages its operations in five segments: outdoor, fitness, marine, automotive/mobile, and aviation, and each of its segments employs the same accounting policies. Allocation of certain research and development expenses, and selling, general, and administrative expenses are made to each segment on a percent of revenue basis.   The following table sets forth our results of operations (in thousands) including revenue (net sales), operating income, and income before taxes for each of our five segments during the periods shown.  For each line item in the table, the total of the outdoor, fitness, marine, automotive/mobile, and aviation segments' amounts equals the amount in the condensed consolidated statements of income included in Item 1.

 
16

 

Comparison of 13-Weeks Ended September 24, 2011 and September 25, 2010
(Amounts included in the following discussion are stated in thousands unless otherwise indicated)

Net Sales

   
13-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
13-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
   
Quarter over Quarter
 
   
Net Sales
   
% of Revenues
   
Net Sales
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 94,720       14 %   $ 90,329       13 %   $ 4,391       5 %
Fitness
    69,030       10 %     53,656       8 %     15,374       29 %
Marine
    48,055       7 %     46,086       6 %     1,969       4 %
Automotive/Mobile
    384,150       58 %     441,891       64 %     (57,741 )     -13 %
Aviation
    71,038       11 %     60,402       9 %     10,636       18 %
Total
  $ 666,993       100 %   $ 692,364       100 %   $ (25,371 )     -4 %
 
Net sales decreased 4% for the 13-week period ended September 24, 2011 when compared to the year-ago quarter.  The decrease was driven by declines in the automotive/mobile segment with partially offsetting growth in all other segments.  Automotive/mobile revenue remains the largest portion of our revenue mix at 58% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 64% in the third quarter of 2010.
 
Total unit sales decreased 9% to 3,457 in the third quarter of 2011 from 3,811 in the same period of 2010.   The decrease in unit sales volume in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was attributable to declining volumes in the automotive/mobile and marine segments with partially offsetting growth in fitness, aviation and outdoor.

Automotive/mobile segment revenue decreased 13% from the year-ago quarter, as volumes decreased 13% and the average selling price (ASP) was stable due to an increase in the popularity of our bundled product offerings, offset by a decrease in the ASP of comparable models from the previous year.  Volume declines were driven by the North American market as competitive technologies reduced the portable navigation device (PND) market.  Revenues in our fitness segment increased 29% from the year-ago quarter on the strength of recent product introductions that expand the addressable market and ongoing global penetration in the segment.  Aviation revenues increased 18% from the year-ago quarter as sales of updated panel mount avionics products continued to increase.
 
Cost of Goods Sold

   
13-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
13-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
   
Quarter over Quarter
 
   
COGS
   
% of Revenues
   
COGS
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 32,333       34 %   $ 27,982       31 %   $ 4,351       16 %
Fitness
    27,554       40 %     21,484       40 %     6,070       28 %
Marine
    21,677       45 %     18,321       40 %     3,356       18 %
Automotive/Mobile
    217,209       57 %     262,621       59 %     (45,412 )     -17 %
Aviation
    23,889       34 %     17,936       30 %     5,953       33 %
Total
  $ 322,662       48 %   $ 348,344       50 %   $ (25,682 )     -7 %

Cost of goods sold decreased 7% for the 13-week period ended September 24, 2011 when compared to the year ago quarter.  Cost per unit increased by 2% year-over-year due to product mix shifting toward bundled PNDs, as well as aviation and fitness products which had a higher cost per unit.  This was offset by the 9% decline in unit volumes mentioned above.
 
Gross Profit

   
13-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
13-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
   
Quarter over Quarter
 
   
Gross Profit
   
% of Revenues
   
Gross Profit
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 62,387       66 %   $ 62,347       69 %   $ 40       0 %
Fitness
    41,476       60 %     32,172       60 %     9,304       29 %
Marine
    26,378       55 %     27,765       60 %     (1,387 )     -5 %
Automotive/Mobile
    166,941       43 %     179,270       41 %     (12,329 )     -7 %
Aviation
    47,149       66 %     42,466       70 %     4,683       11 %
Total
  $ 344,331       52 %   $ 344,020       50 %   $ 311       0 %

 
17

 
 
Gross profit dollars in the third quarter of 2011 were flat while gross profit margin increased 190 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2010 driven by the automotive/mobile segment.  Gross profit dollars in all segments excluding automotive/mobile represented 52% of gross profit in third quarter 2011 compared to 48% of gross profit in third quarter 2010, reflecting the continuing growth of these segments.
 
The automotive/mobile segment gross profit margin percentage increased 290 basis points driven by lower cost per unit due to improved sourcing arrangements and reduced deferral of gross profit due to a change in accounting estimate.  Sales from products bundled with lifetime map updates and premium traffic services have increased significantly as a percentage of total product sales in 2011, including the impact of new product introductions.  Concurrently, market conditions have caused decreases in the ASP and margins of comparable models year over year.  In addition, the difference in pricing of such bundled units and comparable unbundled models has considerably decreased.  Due to the impact of these and other factors, the Company changed its estimate of the per unit revenue and cost deferrals during the third quarter of 2011. The impact of the change in estimate was an increase in gross profit of $17.8 million.

Outdoor, marine and aviation gross profit margin percentage decreased 320 basis points, 540 basis points and 390 basis points, respectively, from the year-ago quarter.  In both outdoor and marine, the decline is primarily related to product mix shifting toward lower margin products, specifically golf and dog-related products in outdoor and fishfinders in marine.  In aviation, our retrofit panel mount products have a slightly lower margin profile than the OEM and portable products.
 
Advertising Expense
 
   
13-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
13-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
   
Quarter over Quarter
 
   
Advertising
   
% of Revenues
   
Advertising
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 4,395       5 %   $ 3,754       4 %   $ 641       17 %
Fitness
    5,063       7 %     3,119       6 %     1,944       62 %
Marine
    2,451       5 %     2,139       5 %     312       15 %
Automotive/Mobile
    22,414       6 %     31,078       7 %     (8,664 )     -28 %
Aviation
    987       1 %     912       2 %     75       8 %
Total
  $ 35,310       5 %   $ 41,002       6 %   $ (5,692 )     -14 %
 
Advertising expense decreased 14% in absolute dollars and decreased as a percentage of revenues when compared with the year-ago period.  The decrease in absolute dollars was driven by cooperative advertising, which decreased with volume declines, and reduced media advertising in automotive/mobile.  As a percentage of revenues, advertising expenses declined 60 basis points in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 2010.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expense

   
13-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
13-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
       
   
Selling, General &
         
Selling, General &
         
Quarter over Quarter
 
   
Admin. Expenses
   
% of Revenues
   
Admin. Expenses
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 12,331       13 %   $ 7,379       8 %   $ 4,952       67 %
Fitness
    10,442       15 %     5,536       10 %     4,906       89 %
Marine
    7,209       15 %     4,615       10 %     2,594       56 %
Automotive/Mobile
    56,030       15 %     46,301       10 %     9,729       21 %
Aviation
    2,739       4 %     3,038       5 %     (299 )     -10 %
Total
  $ 88,751       14 %   $ 66,869       10 %   $ 21,882       33 %

Selling, general and administrative expense increased 33% in absolute dollars while increasing 360 basis points as a percentage of revenues compared to the year-ago quarter.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 10% of revenues in the third quarter of 2010 to 14% of revenues in the third quarter of 2011.  The absolute dollar increase is primarily related to acquisitions and related restructuring costs of $3.9 million for Navigon, and product support costs and commissions associated with a new web-based sales program.  Percentage change for the outdoor, fitness and marine segments is driven largely by the allocation of costs based on revenues.
 
 
18

 

Research and Development Expense

   
13-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
13-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
       
   
Research &
         
Research &
         
Quarter over Quarter
 
   
Development
   
% of Revenues
   
Development
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 4,330       5 %   $ 2,984       3 %   $ 1,346       45 %
Fitness
    5,519       8 %     3,589       7 %     1,930       54 %
Marine
    6,848       14 %     5,393       12 %     1,455       27 %
Automotive/Mobile
    32,282       8 %     35,303       8 %     (3,021 )     -9 %
Aviation
    23,957       34 %     22,243       37 %     1,714       8 %
Total
  $ 72,936       11 %   $ 69,512       10 %   $ 3,424       5 %

Research and development expense increased 5% due to the additional headcount associated with our recent acquisitions.   Research and development costs increased $3.4 million when compared with the year-ago quarter representing a 90 basis point increase as a percent of revenue.

Operating Income

   
13-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
13-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
   
Quarter over Quarter
 
   
Operating Income
   
% of Revenues
   
Operating Income
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 41,331       44 %   $ 48,230       53 %   $ (6,899 )     -14 %
Fitness
    20,452       30 %     19,928       37 %     524       3 %
Marine
    9,870       21 %     15,618       34 %     (5,748 )     -37 %
Automotive/Mobile
    56,215       15 %     66,588       15 %     (10,373 )     -16 %
Aviation
    19,466       27 %     16,273       27 %     3,193       20 %
Total
  $ 147,334       22 %   $ 166,637       24 %   $ (19,303 )     -12 %

Operating income decreased 12% in absolute dollars and declined 200 basis points as a percent of revenue when compared to the third quarter of 2010.  Improved gross margin percentage, as discussed above, was offset by increased selling, general and administrative expense as a percent of revenues.

Other Income (Expense)

   
13-weeks ended
   
13-weeks ended
 
   
Sept 24, 2011
   
Sept 25, 2010
 
Interest Income
  $ 8,464     $ 5,695  
Foreign Currency Exchange
    14,893       35,527  
Other
    4,345       3,057  
Total
  $ 27,702     $ 44,279  

The average interest rate return on cash and investments during the third quarter of 2011 was 1.4% compared to 1.2% during the same quarter of 2010.  The increase in interest income is attributable to increasing cash balances and increasing interest rates.

Foreign currency gains and losses for the Company are primarily tied to movements by the Taiwan Dollar, the Euro, and the British Pound Sterling.   The Taiwan Dollar is the functional currency of Garmin Corporation.  The U.S. Dollar remains the functional currency of Garmin Europe.  The Euro is the functional currency of most European subsidiaries. As these entities have grown, currency moves can generate material gains and losses.   Additionally, Euro-based inter-company transactions in Garmin Ltd. can also generate currency gains and losses.  Due to the relative size of entities using a functional currency other than the Taiwan Dollar, the Euro and the British Pound Sterling, currency fluctuations within these entities are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
The majority of the $14.9 million currency gain in the third quarter of 2011 was due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Taiwan Dollar offset by losses associated with the U.S. Dollar strengthening against the Euro and the British Pound Sterling.  The currency movement of the Euro and Taiwan Dollar generate gains and losses due to the revaluation of Euro denominated assets (cash and receivables) in Garmin Ltd. and Garmin Europe, and also the revaluation of the U.S. Dollar denominated assets/liabilities (cash, receivables and payables) in Garmin Corp. (Taiwan).  During the third quarter of 2011, the U.S. Dollar strengthened 4.8% compared to the Taiwan Dollar resulting in a gain of $43.2 million.  Offsetting this gain in the third quarter of 2011, the U.S. Dollar strengthened 5.1% and 3.6%, respectively, compared to the Euro and the British Pound Sterling, resulting in a loss of $27.4 million.  The remaining net currency loss of $0.9 million related to other currencies and timing of transactions.
 
 
19

 

The majority of the $35.5 million currency gain in the third quarter of 2010 was due to the weakening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Euro and other global currencies.  The weakening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Taiwan Dollar contributed a partially offsetting loss.  During the third quarter of 2010, the U.S. Dollar weakened 8.9% and 5.3% compared to the Euro and the British Pound Sterling, respectively, resulting in a gain of $48.6 million.  In addition, the U.S. Dollar weakened 2.1% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in a $14.0 million loss.  The remaining net currency gain of $0.9 million related to other currencies and timing of transactions.

Income Tax Provision
 
Our earnings before taxes decreased 17% when compared to the same quarter in 2010, while our income tax expense increased by $93.3 million, to $24.7 million for the 13-week period ended September 24, 2011, from ($68.6) million for the 13-week period ended September 25, 2010.  The significant increase was due to the impact of one-time items booked in the third quarter of 2010.  The one-time items of ($114.6) million include the release of uncertain tax position reserves from 2006 to 2008 offset by a settlement for the 2007 tax year in the US, and Taiwan surtax expense due to the release of reserves.  The effective tax rate was 14.1% in the third quarter of 2011 and 21.8% without one-time items in the third quarter of 2010.  The change in the effective tax rate was primarily driven by lower reserves provided in 2011 related to uncertain tax positions following favorable audits in both 2010 and 2011.
 
Net Income

As a result of the above, net income decreased 46% for the 13-week period ended September 24, 2011 to $150.4 million compared to $279.6 million for the 13-week period ended September 25, 2010.

Comparison of 39-Weeks Ended September 24, 2011 and September 25, 2010
(Amounts included in the following discussion are stated in thousands unless otherwise indicated)

Net Sales

   
39-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
39-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
   
Year over Year
 
   
Net Sales
   
% of Revenues
   
Net Sales
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 242,178       13 %   $ 229,562       12 %   $ 12,616       5 %
Fitness
    203,411       11 %     159,475       9 %     43,936       28 %
Marine
    178,479       10 %     161,710       9 %     16,769       10 %
Automotive/Mobile
    1,011,405       55 %     1,110,040       60 %     (98,635 )     -9 %
Aviation
    213,452       12 %     191,409       10 %     22,043       12 %
Total
  $ 1,848,925       100 %   $ 1,852,196       100 %   $ (3,271 )     0 %

Net sales were flat for the 39-week period ended September 24, 2011 when compared to the year-ago period.  A 9% decline in the automotive/mobile segment was offset by increases in all other segments.  Automotive/mobile revenue remains the largest portion of our revenue mix, but declined from 60% in the first three quarters of 2010 to 55% in the first three quarters of 2011.

 
20

 
 
Total unit sales decreased 2% to 9,738 in the first three quarters of 2011 compared to 9,953 in the same period of 2010.   The unit sales volume decline in the first three quarters of 2011 was attributable to a decline in automotive/mobile units as the North American PND market slowed due to penetration rates and competing technologies offset by increasing volumes in the fitness and marine segments.
 
Automotive/mobile segment revenue decreased 9% from the year-ago period, as volumes decreased 6% and the ASP decreased 3%.  Volumes declined in the North American market as competitive technologies reduced the PND market.  ASP declines resulted from product mix shifting toward products bundled with lifetime maps requiring the net deferral of $107 million of revenue.  Fitness segment revenue increased 28% on the strength of recent product introductions and ongoing global penetration.  Marine revenues increased 10% due to shipments to new OEM partners and market share gains in fishfinders.  Aviation revenues increased 12% from the year-ago period as sales of the Company’s updated panel mount avionics products grew.
 
Cost of Goods Sold

   
39-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
39-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
   
Year over Year
 
   
Cost of Goods
   
% of Revenues
   
Cost of Goods
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 85,489       35 %   $ 75,447       33 %   $ 10,042       13 %
Fitness
    82,641       41 %     61,747       39 %     20,894       34 %
Marine
    74,695       42 %     60,607       37 %     14,088       23 %
Automotive/Mobile
    633,125       63 %     630,659       57 %     2,466       0 %
Aviation
    68,170       32 %     57,155       30 %     11,015       19 %
Total
  $ 944,120       51 %   $ 885,615       48 %   $ 58,505       7 %

Cost of goods sold increased 7% for the 39-week period ended September 24, 2011 when compared to the year ago period.  The increase was driven primarily by a non-recurring warranty benefit that contributed to reduced costs in 2010, as well as a 4% year-over-year cost per unit increase due to product mix.  In the first three quarters of 2010, cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was positively impacted by 230 basis points due to a $42.8 million warranty adjustment related to a change in estimate in warranty reserves.
  
Gross Profit

   
39-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
39-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
   
Year over Year
 
   
Gross Profit
   
% of Revenues
   
Gross Profit
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 156,689       65 %   $ 154,115       67 %   $ 2,574       2 %
Fitness
    120,770       59 %     97,728       61 %     23,042       24 %
Marine
    103,784       58 %     101,103       63 %     2,681       3 %
Automotive/Mobile
    378,280       37 %     479,381       43 %     (101,101 )     -21 %
Aviation
    145,282       68 %     134,254       70 %     11,028       8 %
Total
  $ 904,805       49 %   $ 966,581       52 %   $ (61,776 )     -6 %

Gross profit dollars in the first three quarters of 2011 decreased 6% while gross profit margin percentage decreased 320 basis points over the same period of the previous year.  Gross profit margins for the first three quarters decreased in all segments when compared to the same period in 2010.  Gross margins in 2010 were positively impacted by 230 basis points due to a $42.8 million warranty adjustment related to refinement in the estimated warranty reserve.

The automotive/mobile segment gross profit margin percentage decreased 580 basis points driven primarily by the 2010 warranty benefit and ASP declines discussed above. The shift in product mix toward products bundled with lifetime maps required us to defer revenue and related costs, thereby lowering gross profit by $86 million during the 39-weeks ended September 24, 2011 compared to $57 million for the 39-weeks ended September 25, 2010.  This year-over-year impact did lessen in the current quarter due to a change in accounting estimate as discussed above.  Outdoor and fitness gross profit margin percentage decreased 240 basis points and 190 basis points, respectively, from the year-ago quarter driven primarily by the 2010 warranty benefit.  Marine gross profit margin percentage decreased 440 basis points driven by the 2010 warranty benefit and product mix shift toward lower margin products including fishfinders.
 
 
21

 

Advertising Expense
 
   
39-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
39-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
       
   
Advertising
         
Advertising
         
Year over Year
 
   
Expense
   
% of Revenues
   
Expense
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 11,598       5 %   $ 10,148       4 %   $ 1,450       14 %
Fitness
    13,306       7 %     8,015       5 %     5,291       66 %
Marine
    8,678       5 %     7,913       5 %     765       10 %
Automotive/Mobile
    52,548       5 %     71,648       6 %     (19,100 )     -27 %
Aviation
    3,234       2 %     3,119       2 %     115       4 %
Total
  $ 89,364       5 %   $ 100,843       6 %   $ (11,479 )     -11 %
 
Advertising expense decreased 11% in absolute dollars and decreased to 5% of sales when compared with the year-ago period.  The decrease in advertising for the auto/mobile segment was driven by reduced cooperative advertising paid to our retail partners and the elimination of mobile handset specific advertising, partially offset by  the increase in the outdoor and fitness segments where we continue to invest for growth and are seeing increases in sales.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

   
39-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
39-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
             
   
Selling, General &
         
Selling, General &
         
Year over Year
 
   
Admin. Expenses
   
% of Revenues
   
Admin. Expenses
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 31,113       13 %   $ 24,281       11 %   $ 6,832       28 %
Fitness
    29,703       15 %     19,037       12 %     10,666       56 %
Marine
    25,380       14 %     19,277       12 %     6,103       32 %
Automotive/Mobile
    150,676       15 %     133,954       12 %     16,722       12 %
Aviation
    10,961       5 %     11,830       6 %     (869 )     -7 %
Total
  $ 247,833       13 %   $ 208,379       11 %   $ 39,454       19 %
 
Selling, general and administrative expense increased in both absolute dollars and as a percentage of sales compared to the year-ago period.  As a percent of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 11% of sales in the first three quarters of 2010 to 13% of sales in the first three quarters of 2011. The expense increase was driven by acquisitions, commissions associated with a new web-based sales program, bad debt expense, legal costs and product support costs.  Percentage change for the fitness and marine segments is driven largely by the allocation of costs based on revenues.
 
Research and Development Expense

   
39-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
39-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
       
   
Research &
         
Research &
         
Year over Year
 
   
Development
   
% of Revenues
   
Development
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 12,173       5 %   $ 9,052       4 %   $ 3,121       34 %
Fitness
    16,468       8 %     11,825       7 %     4,643       39 %
Marine
    21,366       12 %     17,219       11 %     4,147       24 %
Automotive/Mobile
    91,969       9 %     101,662       9 %     (9,693 )     -10 %
Aviation
    71,954       34 %     65,574       34 %     6,380       10 %
Total
  $ 213,930       12 %   $ 205,332       11 %   $ 8,598       4 %

Research and development expense increased 4% due to ongoing development activities for new products, and a year-over-year increase in headcount due to acquisitions in the first three quarters of 2011 offset by the discontinuation of costs associated with the mobile handset initiative.   Research and development costs increased $8.6 million when compared with the year-ago period and increased 50 basis points as a percent of revenue.

 
22

 

Operating Income

   
39-weeks ended Sept 24, 2011
   
39-weeks ended Sept 25, 2010
   
Year over Year
 
   
Operating Income
   
% of Revenues
   
Operating Income
   
% of Revenues
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Outdoor
  $ 101,805       42 %   $ 110,634       48 %   $ (8,829 )     -8 %
Fitness
    61,293       30 %     58,851       37 %     2,442       4 %
Marine
    48,360       27 %     56,694       35 %     (8,334 )     -15 %
Automotive/Mobile
    83,087       8 %     172,117       16 %     (89,030 )     -52 %
Aviation
    59,133       28 %     53,731       28 %     5,402       10 %
Total
  $ 353,678       19 %   $ 452,027       24 %   $ (98,349 )     -22 %

Operating income decreased 530 basis points as a percent of revenue and 22% in absolute dollars when compared to the year-ago period due to declining gross profits and increased operating expenses as discussed above.

Other Income (Expense)

   
39-weeks ended
   
39-weeks ended
 
   
Sept 24, 2011
   
Sept 25, 2010
 
Interest Income
  $ 23,318     $ 18,364  
Foreign Currency Exchange
    12,422       (54,614 )
Other
    9,616       5,071  
Total
  $ 45,356     $ (31,179 )

The average taxable equivalent interest rate return on invested cash during the first three quarters of 2011 was 1.4% compared to 1.3% during the same period of 2010.  The increase in interest income is attributable to increasing cash balances and a slight increase in interest rates.

The majority of the $12.4 million currency gain in the first three quarters of 2011 was due to the weakening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Euro and Taiwan Dollar.  The currency movement of the Euro and Taiwan Dollar generate gains and losses due to the revaluation of EUR denominated assets (cash and receivables) in Garmin Ltd. and Garmin Europe, and also the revaluation of the USD denominated assets/liabilities (cash, receivables and payables) in Garmin Corp. (Taiwan).  During the first three quarters of 2011, the U.S. Dollar weakened 2.9% compared to the Euro resulting in a gain of $5.6 million.  In addition, the U.S. Dollar weakened 0.5% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in a $6.5 million gain due to the timing of currency movements and asset/liability balances.  The remaining net currency gain of $0.3 million related to other currencies and timing of transactions.

The majority of the $54.6 million currency loss in the 39-weeks ended September 25, 2010 was due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Euro and other global currencies.  The weakening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Taiwan Dollar contributed to a loss as well.  During the 39-weeks ended September 25, 2010, the U.S. Dollar strengthened 6.7% and 1.4% compared to the Euro and the British Pound Sterling, respectively, resulting in a loss of $37.1 million.  In addition, the U.S. Dollar weakened 2.8% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in a $19.7 million loss.  The remaining net currency gain of $2.2 million related to other currencies and timing of transactions.
 
Income Tax Provision
 
Our earnings before taxes decreased 5% when compared to the same period in 2010, while our income tax expense increased by $74.5 million, to $43.7 million, for the 39-week period ended September 24, 2011, from ($30.8) million for the 39-week period ended September 25, 2010.  The significant increase was due to the impact of one-time items booked in the third quarter of 2010.  The 2010 one-time items of ($114.6) million include release of uncertain tax position reserves from 2006 to 2008 offset by a settlement for the 2007 tax year in the US and Taiwan surtax expense due to the release of reserves.  The effective tax rate was 11.0% in the first three quarters of 2011 and 19.9% without one-time items in the first three quarters of 2010.    The decrease is primarily due to the first quarter release of reserves related to the expiration of certain statutes for Garmin Europe and lower reserves provided in 2011 related to uncertain tax positions following favorable audits in both 2010 and 2011.
 
 
23

 

Net Income

As a result of the above, net income decreased 21% for the 39-week period ended September 24, 2011 to $355.3 million compared to $451.7 million for the 39-week period ended September 25, 2010.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Net cash generated by operating activities was $597.5 million for the 39-week period ended September 24, 2011 compared to $586.2 million for the 39-week period ended September 25, 2010. Primary drivers of the cash generation in 2011 included $355.3 million of net income with non-cash adjustments for depreciation/amortization of $60.3 million, and stock compensation expense of $27.3 million, $256.7 million related to accounts receivable collections on 2010 fourth quarter sales and $115.1 million of net deferred revenue as required by our revenue recognition policies.  This cash generation was partially offset by uses of cash including a $72.3 million reduction in other current and noncurrent liabilities related primarily to the timing of royalty payments and sales program costs, a $58.7 million increase in inventories going into a seasonally strong quarter, $23.2 million of net deferred costs associated with bundled products as previously discussed and a $22.0 million reduction in income taxes payable due to timing of payments.
  
Cash flow used in investing activities during the 39-week period ending September 24, 2011 was $324.2 million compared to cash provided by investing activities of $91.4 million for the 39-week period ended September 25, 2010.  Cash flow used in investing activities in 2011 principally related to the net purchase of $236.2 million of fixed income securities associated with the investment of our on-hand cash balances, $26.5 million in capital expenditures primarily related to business operation and maintenance activities, $52.7 million net cash paid for acquisitions and the purchase of intangible assets for $8.6 million. It is management’s goal to invest the on-hand cash consistent with the Company’s investment policy, which has been approved by the Board of Directors. The investment policy’s primary purpose is to preserve capital, maintain an acceptable degree of liquidity, and maximize yield within the constraint of maximum safety. The average interest rate return on cash and investments during the 39-weeks ended September 24, 2011 was 1.4%.  Cash flow from investing activities in 2010 primarily related to the net redemption of $121.2 million of fixed income securities associated with the investment of our on-hand cash balances offset by $23.0 million in capital expenditures and $7.9 million for purchases of intangibles.
 
Net cash used by financing activities during the 2011 period was $148.0 million resulting from the $154.8 million dividend payment offset by proceeds related to our Company stock option plan and stock based compensation tax benefits.
 
We believe that our existing cash balances and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our projected capital expenditures, working capital, payment of dividends, and other cash requirements at least through the end of fiscal 2011.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

We are a party to certain commitments, which includes raw materials, advertising and other indirect purchases in connection with conducting our business.  Pursuant to these agreements, the Company is contractually committed to make purchases of approximately $100.5 million over the next 5 years.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 
24

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Sensitivity

We have market risk primarily in connection with the pricing of our products and services and the purchase of raw materials.  Product pricing and raw material costs are both significantly influenced by semiconductor market conditions.  Historically, during cyclical economic downturns, we have been able to offset pricing declines for our products through a combination of improved product mix and success in obtaining price reductions in raw material costs.

Inflation

We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.  If our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through price increases.  Our inability or failure to do so could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The operation of the Company’s subsidiaries in international markets results in exposure to movements in currency exchange rates. The potential of volatile foreign exchange rate fluctuations in the future could have a significant effect on our results of operations.    In accordance with the Accounting Standards Code, the financial statements of all Company entities with functional currencies that are not United States dollars (USD) are translated for consolidation purposes into USD, the reporting currency of Garmin Ltd.    Sales, costs, and expenses are translated at rates prevailing during the reporting periods and at end-of-period rates for all assets and liabilities.   The effect of this translation is recorded in a separate component of stockholders’ equity and has been included in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Foreign currency gains and losses for the Company are primarily tied to movements by the Taiwan Dollar, the Euro, and the British Pound Sterling.   The Taiwan Dollar is the functional currency of Garmin Corporation.  The U.S. Dollar remains the functional currency of Garmin Europe.  The Euro is the functional currency of most European subsidiaries. As these entities have grown, currency moves can generate material gains and losses.   Additionally, Euro-based inter-company transactions in Garmin Ltd. can also generate currency gains and losses.  Due to the relative size of entities using a functional currency other than the Taiwan Dollar, the Euro and the British Pound Sterling, currency fluctuations within these entities are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
Interest  Rate Risk

As of September 24, 2011, we are exposed to interest rate risk in connection with our investments in marketable securities.   As interest rates change, the unrealized gains and losses associated with those securities will fluctuate accordingly.    As we have no outstanding long term debt, we have no meaningful debt-related interest rate risk.

 
25

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

(a)      Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information, which is required to be timely disclosed, is accumulated and communicated to management in a timely fashion.  A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. As of September 24, 2011, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded as of September 24, 2011 that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information relating to the Company, required to be disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") reports (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended September 24, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
26

 

Part II - Other Information

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
 
Ambato Media, LLC v. Clarion Co., Ltd., Clarion Corporation of America, Delphi Corporation, Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Ten Corporation of America, Garmin Ltd., Garmin International, Inc., Victor Company of Japan Ltd., JVC Americas Corporation, JVC Kenwood Holdings, Inc., J&K Car Electronics Corporation, LG Electronics, Inc., LG Electronics USA, Inc., MiTAC International Corporation, MiTAC Digital Corporation, Mio Technology USA Ltd., Navigon, Inc. Nextar Inc., Panasonic Corporation, Panasonic Corporation of North America, Pioneer Corporation, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo North America Corporation, Sanyo Electronic Device (U.S.A.) Corporation, TomTom N.V., TomTom International B.V., and TomTom, Inc.
 
On August 14, 2009, Ambato Media, LLC filed suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against Garmin Ltd. and Garmin International, Inc. along with several codefendants alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,432,542 (“the ’542 patent”). On September 28, 2009, Garmin filed its answer and counterclaims asserting the ’542 patent is invalid and not infringed. On July 18, 2011, the court issued an order construing the claims of the ‘542 patent.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavorable outcome of this litigation would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, Garmin believes that the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.
 
Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. and Visteon Technologies LLC v. Garmin International, Inc.
 
On February 10, 2010, Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. and Visteon Technologies LLC filed suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, against Garmin International, Inc. alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,544,060 (“the ‘060 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 5,654,892 (“the ‘892 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 5,832, 408 (“the ‘408 patent”), U.S. Patent No 5,987,375 (“the ‘375 patent”) and U.S. Patent No 6,097,316 (“the ‘316 patent”). On May 17, 2010, Garmin filed its Answer asserting that each claim of the ‘060 patent, the ‘892 patent, the ‘408 patent and the ‘375 patent is not infringed and/or invalid. On April 12, 2011, the special master appointed by the court held a claim construction hearing.  On May 2, 2011, the special master issued his report construing the claims of the patents-in-suit.  On May 16, 2011, Garmin filed its objections with the court to the special master’s claim construction report.  The parties await the court’s resolution of claim construction.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavorable outcome of this litigation would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, Garmin believes that the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.
 
Bandspeed, Inc. v. Acer, Inc., Acer American Corporation,  Belkin International, Inc., Belkin,Inc., Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Xasio Hitachi Mobile CommunicationsCo. Ltd., Xasio America, Inc., Dell Inc., Garmin International, Inc., Garmin USA, Inc., GN Netcom A/S, GN U.S. Inc. a/k/a GN Netcom Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., HTC Corporation, HTC America, Inc., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Kyocera Corporation, Kyocera International, Inc., Kyocera Communications, Inc., Kyocera Wireless Corporation, Lenovo (United States), Inc., LG Electronics, Inc., LG Electronics U.S.A. Inc., LG  Electronics Mobilecomm U.S.A. Inc., Motorola, Inc., Nokia Corporation, Nokia Inc., Pantech Wireless, Inc. Plantronics, inc., Research in Motion Ltd., Research in Motion Corporation, Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, TomTom International B.V., TomTom, Inc., Toshiba Corporation, Toshiba America information Systems, Inc., and Toshiba America, Inc.
 
On June 30, 2010, Bandspeed, Inc. filed suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against 38 companies, including Garmin International, Inc. and Garmin USA, Inc. alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No 7,027,418 (“the ‘418 patent”) and U.S. Patent No 7,670,614 (“the ‘614 patent”). On October 6, 2010, the defendants filed a motion to transfer Venue to the Western District of Texas and the parties await the court’s ruling on this motion.  On January 21, 2011, Bandspeed, Inc. filed an amended complaint adding additional claims against several of the codefendants, but not against Garmin.  On February 22, 2011, Garmin filed its answer to the amended complaint with counterclaims asserting that the asserted claims of the ’418 and ’614 patents are invalid and not infringed.  On August 15, 2011, the court granted Garmin’s motion and transferred the case to the Western District of Texas.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavorable outcome of this litigation would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, Garmin believes the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.
 
 
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Taranis IP LLC v. Garmin International, Inc., Universal Avionics Systems Corporation, Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc., Johnson Outdoors Inc., Raymarine Inc., Raymarine UK Ltd., Navico, Inc., and Navico Holdings A.S.
 
On November 22, 2010, Taranis IP LLC filed suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against eight companies, including Garmin International, Inc., alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,995,903 (“the ’903 patent”).  On February 1, 2011, Garmin filed its answer and counterclaims asserting that each claim of the ’903 patent is not infringed and/or invalid.  On August 31, 2011, the court granted Garmin’s motion and stayed this case pending the conclusion of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s reexamination of the ‘903 patent.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavorable outcome of this litigation would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity, or financial position, Garmin believes the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.
 
Triangle Software, LLC v. Garmin International, Inc., TomTom Inc., Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Westwood One, Inc.
 
On December 28, 2010, Triangle Software, LLC filed suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against four companies, including Garmin International, Inc., alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,557,730 (“the ’730 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 7,221,287 (“the ’287 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 7,375,649 (“the ’649 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 7,508,321 (“the ’321 patent”), and U.S. Patent No. 7,702,452 (“the ’452 patent”).  On March 16, 2011, Garmin filed its amended answer asserting that the patents-in-suit are unenforceable because of the inequitable conduct committed by the inventors before the Patent Office and filed counterclaims asserting that each asserted claim of the ’730, ’287, ’649, ’321, and ’452 patents is not infringed and/or invalid.  On July 27, 2011, the court issued its claim construction order.  Trial is set to begin on November 1, 2011.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavorable outcome of this litigation would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity, or financial position, Garmin believes the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.
 
In the Matter of Certain Semiconductor Chips and Products Containing Same
 
On December 1, 2010, Rambus Inc. filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (the “ITC”) against 33 companies, including Garmin International, Inc., alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,470,405 (“the ’405 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 6,591,353 (“the ’353 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 7,287,109 (“the ’109 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 7,602,857 (“the ’857 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 7,602,858 (“the ’858 patent”), and U.S. Patent No. 7,715,494 (“the ’494 patent”).  Garmin’s semiconductor chip suppliers are also named in the complaint and Garmin believes these suppliers have indemnification obligations to defend Garmin in this matter.  On February 1, 2011, Garmin filed its answer asserting that the asserted claims of the ’405, ’353, ’109, ’857, ’858, and the ’494 patents are invalid and/or not infringed.  The ITC’s hearing was held on October 12-20, 2011.  The parties post-hearing briefs are due on November 4, 2011.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavorable outcome of this litigation would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position, Garmin believes these claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.
 
Avocet Sports Technology, Inc. v. Garmin International, Inc., Implus Footcare, LLC d/b/a Highgear, Polar Electro, Inc., Brunton d/b/a Brunton Outdoor Group, and Casio America, Inc.
 
On August 18, 2011, Avocet Sports Technology, Inc. filed suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against five companies, including Garmin International, Inc., alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,058,427 (“the ‘427 patent”). Garmin believes that the asserted claims of the ‘427 patent are not infringed and/or are invalid.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavorable outcome of this litigation would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity, or financial position, Garmin believes the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.
 
 
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Tramontane IP, LLC v. Garmin International, Inc., Garmin USA, Inc., MiTAC Digital Corporation d/b/a Magellan, Mio Technology USA Ltd., Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., and TomTom, Inc.
 
On August 30, 2011, Tramontane IP, LLC filed suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against six companies, including Garmin International, Inc. and Garmin USA, Inc. (collectively “Garmin”), alleging infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,526,268 (“the ‘268 patent”) and 7,133,775 (“the ‘775 patent”).  On September 23, 2011, Garmin filed its answer asserting that the asserted claims of the ‘268 and ‘775 patents are invalid and/or not infringed.  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavorable outcome of this litigation would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity, or financial position, Garmin believes the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.
 
Silver State Intellectual Technologies, Inc. v. Garmin International, Inc. and Garmin USA, Inc.
 
On September 29, 2011, Silver State Intellectual Technologies, Inc. filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada against Garmin International, Inc. and Garmin USA, Inc. (collectively “Garmin”), alleging infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,525,768 (“the ‘768 patent”), 6,529,824 (“the ‘824 patent”), 6,542,812 (“the ‘812 patent”), 7,343,165 (“the ‘165 patent”), 7,522,992 (“the ‘992 patent”), 7,593,812 (“the ‘812 patent”), 7,650,234 (“the ‘234 patent”), 7,702,455 (“the ‘455 patent”), and 7,739,039 (“the ‘039 patent”).  Although there can be no assurance that an unfavorable outcome of this litigation would not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity, or financial position, Garmin believes the claims in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.
 
From time to time Garmin is involved in other legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business. We believe that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors

There are many risks and uncertainties that can affect our future business, financial performance or share price.  In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2010.  There have been no material changes during the 13-week period ended September 24, 2011 in the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.  These risks, however, are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Items (a) and (b) are not applicable.

(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program on February 12, 2010, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $300,000 of its common shares as market and business conditions warrant.   The share repurchase authorization expires on December 31, 2011.    The Company did not purchase any shares under this authorization in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 5.   Other Information

Not applicable

 
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Item 6.   Exhibits

Exhibit 31.1        Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a).

Exhibit 31.2        Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a).

Exhibit 32.1        Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.2        Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Exhibit 101.INS
XBRL Instance Document

Exhibit 101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

Exhibit 101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

Exhibit 101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

Exhibit 101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
     
GARMIN LTD.
 
     
By
/s/ Kevin Rauckman
 
 
Kevin Rauckman
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer and
 
 
Principal Accounting Officer)
 

Dated:   November 2, 2011

 
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
Exhibit 31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act  Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a).
     
Exhibit 31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a).
     
Exhibit 32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the  Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
Exhibit 32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
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