Garmin - 10-Q quarterly report FY2010 Q1

 

Commission file number 0-31983

 

(Exact name of Company as specified in its charter)

Company's telephone number, including area code:  (345) 640-9050

(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 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 ¨

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 outstanding of the Company's common shares as of May 1, 2010

Common Shares, $.005 par value:  199,171,926

 

 

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 26, 2009.  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 period ended March 27, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year 2010.

 

See accompanying notes.

See accompanying notes.

 

See accompanying notes.

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 period ended March 27, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 25, 2010.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 26, 2009 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 26, 2009.

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 ended March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009 both contain operating results for 13-weeks for both year-to-date periods.

The components of inventories consist of the following:

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, 2010.   In the quarter ended March 27, 2010, the Company repurchased 1,437,801 shares using cash of $47,092.  There remains approximately $252,908 available for repurchase under this authorization.

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:

 

There were 1,165,620 anti-dilutive options for the 13-week period ended March 27, 2010.   There were 9,488,615 anti-dilutive options for the 13-week period ended March 28, 2009.

There were 291,714 shares issued as a result of exercises of stock appreciation rights and stock options for the 13-week period ended March 27, 2010.  There were 12,098 shares issued as a result of exercises of stock appreciation rights and stock options for the 13-week period ended March 28, 2009.

Comprehensive income is comprised of the following:

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

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 long-lived assets (property and equipment) by geographic area are as follows as of and for the 13-week periods ended March 27, 2010 and March 28, 2009:

 

The Company’s products sold are generally covered by a warranty for periods ranging from one to two 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.

The 13-weeks ended March 27, 2010 include the effect of a change in estimate in the warranty reserves which decreased the accrual for the period by $21,776.

Pursuant to certain supply agreements, the Company is contractually committed to make purchases of approximately $68,415 over the next 5 years.

Our earnings before taxes decreased 24% when compared to the same quarter in 2009, and our income tax expense decreased by $3,192, to $8,194 for the 13-week period ended March 27, 2010, from $11,386 for the 13-week period ended March 28, 2009.  The effective tax rate was 18.0% in the first quarter of 2010 and 19.0% in the first quarter of 2009.    The slight decrease is due to the mix of income by tax jurisdiction.

 

The Accounting Standards Code (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:

 

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 

 

All Level 3 investments have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer.  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:

 

 

The following is a summary of the company’s marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities at March 27, 2010:

 

The following is a summary of the company’s marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities at December 26, 2009:

 

 

The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of marketable securities at March 27, 2010, 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.

 

 

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, "Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements" ("ASU 2010-06"), which is included in the ASC Topic 820 (Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures). ASU 2010-06 requires new disclosures on the amount and reason for transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 fair value measurements.  ASU 2010-06 also requires disclosure of activities, including purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements within the Level 3 fair value measurements and clarifies existing disclosure requirements on levels of disaggregation and disclosures about inputs and valuation techniques.  ASU 2010-06 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements.

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09, "Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements" ("ASU 2010-09"), which is included in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the "ASC") Topic 855 (Subsequent Events).  ASU 2010-09 clarifies that an SEC filer is required to evaluate subsequent events through the date that the financial statements are issued.  ASU 2010-09 is effective upon the issuance of the final update and did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

On April 28, 2010, Garmin announced a cash offer of 15 pence per share to acquire all the shares of Raymarine plc.  This offer provides total consideration to Raymarine shareholders of approximately £12.5 million and implies an enterprise value of approximately £107.4 million when considering Raymarine’s most recently reported net debt of £94.9 million. This offer remains subject to shareholder acceptance and regulatory approvals, but Garmin expects to obtain the necessary merger control approvals. 

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 26, 2009.  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 26, 2009.

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 four 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 four segments may vary significantly.  As such, the segments are managed separately.

 

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

The Company manages its operations in four 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 four 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.

 

(Amounts included in the following discussion are stated in thousands unless otherwise indicated)

Net Sales

Net sales decreased 1.3% for the 13-week period ended March 27, 2010 when compared to the year-ago quarter.  The decline was driven by a 14.9% year-over-year decline in the automotive/mobile segment.  This decline was largely offset by increased revenues in outdoor/fitness, aviation and marine.  Automotive/mobile revenue remains the largest portion of our revenue mix, but declined from 59.5% in the first quarter of 2009 to 51.3% in the first quarter of 2010.

Total unit sales decreased 12% to 2,137,000 in the first quarter of 2010 from 2,416,000 in the same period of 2009.   The lower unit sales volume in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was attributable to declining volumes in automotive as excess retailer inventory cleared the channel in first quarter offset by unit growth in the outdoor/fitness, aviation and marine segments.

Automotive/mobile segment revenue declined 14.9% from the year-ago quarter, as the average selling price improvement was more than offset by volume declines associated with excess channel inventory levels and timing of orders from one of our major retail partners.  The aviation and marine segments grew 11.8% and 8.7%, respectively, from the year-ago quarter as both industries have begun to recover from the weak macroeconomic conditions experienced in 2009.  Revenues in our outdoor/fitness segment grew 28.4% relative to the first quarter of 2009 as global penetration of our outdoor and fitness products continues.

Gross Profit

Gross profit dollars in the first quarter of 2010 increased 17.8% and gross profit margin increased 870 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2009.  Gross margins were positively impacted by 510 basis points due to a $21.8 million warranty adjustment related to a change in the estimated warranty reserve.  This adjustment impacted all segments with automotive/mobile, outdoor/fitness and marine having the largest benefits.

The automotive/mobile segment’s margin increased 1050 basis points as the average selling price increased and per unit costs decreased including the warranty benefit.  The impact to total company gross margin of the automotive/mobile segment fell to 41.0% of total gross margin from 43.0% in the year-ago quarter.  The Company benefited from increased margins in the outdoor/fitness and aviation segments.  Outdoor/fitness margins improved 330 basis points due to slightly increased pricing and decreases in per unit costs including the warranty benefit.  Marine gross margins decreased 160 basis points from the year-ago quarter due to product mix.

Advertising Expense

Advertising expense decreased both as a percentage of sales and in absolute dollars when compared with the year-ago period.  As a percent of sales, advertising expenses declined to 4.0% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 5.3% in first quarter of 2009.  The decrease was primarily related to reduced cooperative advertising paid to our retail partners as volumes declined in the automotive/mobile segment.  We continued to invest in advertising in the outdoor/fitness, aviation and marine segments which are experiencing revenue growth.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expense increased both as a percentage of sales and in absolute dollars compared to the year-ago quarter as costs increased in information technology, administration, legal and finance.  This increase is partially related to expenses associated with the Company’s proposed redomestication to Switzerland.  The increased expense for the outdoor/fitness segment is driven by the allocation of costs based on revenues.  As a percent of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 13.7% of sales in the first quarter of 2009 to 15.7% of sales in the first quarter of 2010, as revenues declined slightly.

Research and Development Expense

The 13.5% increase in research and development expense was due to ongoing development activities for new products and the addition of over 300 new engineering personnel to our staff since the year-ago quarter as a result of our continued emphasis on product innovation.   Research and development costs increased $7.4 million when compared with the year-ago quarter representing a 190 basis point increase as a percent of revenue, as revenues declined slightly.

Operating Income

Operating income increased 600 basis points as a percent of revenue when compared to the first quarter of 2009 due to the significant improvement in gross margins and reduced advertising expense offset by continued growth in research and development expense and selling, general and administrative costs.   Operating margins increased in all segments excluding marine when compared with the first quarter in 2009.   Operating income increased $25.4 million, or 43.8%, when compared to the year ago quarter, with outdoor/fitness contributing 46% of the operating income.  Management expects operating margins in the automotive/mobile segment to increase sequentially as volumes increase in the second quarter of 2010.

Other Income (Expense)

 

The average interest rate return on cash and investments during the first quarter of 2010 was 1.4% compared to 1.8% during the same quarter of 2009.  The increase in interest income is attributable to increasing cash balances offset by decreasing 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 U.S. Dollar remains the functional currency of Garmin (Europe) Ltd.  The Euro is the functional currency of all other European subsidiaries excluding Garmin Danmark and Garmin Sweden.  As these entities have grown, Euro currency moves generate material gains and losses.   Additionally, Euro-based inter-company transactions in Garmin Ltd. can also generate currency gains and losses.  The Canadian Dollar, Danish Krone, Swedish Krona, and Australian Dollar are the functional currency of Dynastream Innovations, Inc., Garmin Danmark, Garmin Sweden, and Garmin Australasia, respectively; due to these entities’ relative size, currency moves are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

The majority of the $46.5 million currency loss in the first quarter of 2010 was due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Euro and the British Pound Sterling.  The weakening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Taiwan Dollar also contributed to the loss.  The currency movement of the Taiwan Dollar and Euro both generated losses in the current quarter 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 quarter of 2010, the U.S. Dollar strengthened 7.0% and 6.9%, respectively, compared to the Euro and the British Pound Sterling, resulting in a loss of $39.1 million.  In addition, the U.S. Dollar weakened 1.3% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in a $9.1 million loss.  The remaining net currency gain of $1.7 million related to other currencies and timing of transactions.

The majority of the $2.4 million currency loss in the first quarter of 2009 was due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Euro, the British Pound Sterling, and the Taiwan Dollar.   During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the U.S. Dollar strengthened 4.3% and 2.3%, respectively, compared to the Euro and the British Pound Sterling, resulting in a loss of $13.6 million.  Offsetting this loss was a gain of $11.1 million due to the U.S. Dollar strengthening 2.1% against the Taiwan Dollar.  The remaining net currency gain of $0.1 million related to other currencies and timing of transactions.

Income Tax Provision

 

Our earnings before taxes decreased 24% when compared to the same quarter in 2009, and our income tax expense decreased by $3.2 million, to $8.2 million, for the 13-week period ended March 27, 2010, from $11.4 million for the 13-week period ended March 28, 2009.  The effective tax rate was 18.0% in the first quarter of 2010 and 19.0% in the first quarter of 2009.

Net Income

As a result of the above, net income decreased 23.1% for the 13-week period ended March 27, 2010 to $37.3 million compared to $48.5 million for the 13-week period ended March 28, 2009.

 

Net cash generated by operating activities was $200.1 million for the 13-week period ended March 27, 2010 compared to $299.4 million for the 13-week period ended March 28, 2009. Primary drivers of the cash generation included $37.3 million of net income with non-cash adjustments for depreciation/amortization of $21.9 million and foreign currency losses of $47.8 million, $436.4 million related to accounts receivable collections following the seasonally strong fourth quarter and $14.3 million of cash received but deferred due to revenue recognition policies.  This cash generation was offset by uses of cash including $94.7 million reduction in accounts payable following the seasonally strong fourth quarter, $216.9 million reduction in other current and noncurrent liabilities related to the timing of royalty payments and a $50.2 million increase in inventories as we prepare for the seasonally strong second quarter.

Cash flow provided by investing activities during the 13-week period ending March 27, 2010 was $63.9 million.  Cash flow provided by investing activities principally related to the net redemption of $71.8 million of fixed income securities associated with the investment of our on-hand cash balances offset by $3.9 million in capital expenditures primarily related to business operation and maintenance activities, and the purchase of intangible assets for $5.0 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 first quarter of 2010 was 1.4%

Net cash used in financing activities during the period was $43.1 million resulting from the use of $47.2 million for stock repurchased under our stock repurchase plan, offset by $4.1 million from the issuance of common stock related to our Company stock option plan and stock based compensation tax benefits.

In the second quarter, we will use cash flow from operations for payment of our declared dividend, to fund our capital expenditures and to support our working capital requirements. We expect that future cash requirements will principally be for capital expenditures, working capital requirements, repurchase of shares, and payment of dividends declared.

We believe that our existing cash balances and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our projected capital expenditures, working capital, repurchase of shares, and other cash requirements at least through the end of fiscal 2010.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

Pursuant to certain supply agreements, the Company is contractually committed to make purchases of approximately $68.4 million over the next 5 years.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

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.

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 functional currency of Garmin Ltd. and Garmin International, Inc.    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 have been included in accumulated other comprehensive gain/(loss) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Foreign currency gains and losses for the Company are primarily tied to movements by the Taiwan Dollar (TD), the Euro, and the British Pound Sterling.   The U.S. Dollar (USD) remains the functional currency of Garmin (Europe) Ltd.  The Euro is the functional currency of all European subsidiaries excluding Garmin Danmark and Garmin Sweden.  As these entities have grown, Euro currency moves generated material gains and losses.   Additionally, Euro-based inter-company transactions in Garmin Ltd. can also generate currency gains and losses.  The Canadian Dollar and Danish Krone, and Swedish Krona are the functional currency of Dynastream Innovations, Inc., Garmin Danmark, and Garmin Sweden respectively; due to these entities’ relative size, currency moves are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

As of March 27, 2010, 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.

 

(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 March 27, 2010, 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 March 27, 2010 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 March 27, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. v. Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., Alpine Electronics, Inc., Denso

Corporation, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and Garmin International, Inc.

On May 16, 2005, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. (“Encyclopaedia Britannica”) filed suit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, against Garmin International, Inc. and five other  unrelated companies, alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,241,671 (“the ’671 patent”). On December 30, 2005, Garmin International filed a Motion for Summary Judgment for Claim Invalidity Based on Indefiniteness. On September 30, 2008, the court issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order granting Garmin International’s Motion for Summary Judgment for Claim Invalidity Based on Indefiniteness with respect to the ’671 patent.  On October 8, 2008, the court issued an Amended Final Judgment ordering that Encyclopaedia Britannica take nothing from its action against Garmin International with respect to the ’671 patent and closed that case. On November 12, 2008, Encyclopaedia Britannica filed a Notice of Appeal to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. On December 4, 2009, the Federal Circuit issued its decision affirming the district court’s judgment.

On May 23, 2006, Encyclopaedia Britannica filed an amended complaint claiming that Garmin International and the other defendants also infringe U.S. Patent No. 7,051,018 (“the ‘018 patent”), a continuation patent of the ‘671 patent, which issued on May 23, 2006. On July 25, 2006, Encyclopaedia Britannica filed a new complaint claiming that Garmin International and the other defendants also infringe U.S. Patent No. 7,082,437 (“the ‘437 patent”), a continuation patent of the ‘671 patent, which issued on July 25, 2006. Encyclopaedia Britannica also asserted the ’018 and ’437 patents against other parties in a separate lawsuit, Encyclopaedia Britannica v. Magellan Navigation, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-CA-787 (LY)(W.D. Tex).

On February 6, 2009, the court entered a scheduling order enabling all defendants in these cases to file a consolidated Joint Motion for Summary Judgment of Invalidity of the ’018 and ’437 patents and stayed all proceedings pending the court’s ruling on the joint motion for summary judgment. On February 20, 2009, the defendants filed a consolidated Joint Motion for Summary Judgment of Invalidity of the ’018 and ’437 patents. On August 3, 2009, the court issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order granting the defendants’ consolidated Joint Motion for Summary Judgment of Invalidity of the ’018 and ’437 patents and holding that these patents are invalid. On August 24, 2009, Encyclopaedia Britannica filed a Notice of Appeal to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.  The briefing has been completed and the Federal Circuit will hold an oral argument on May 4, 2010.  Garmin International believes the Federal Circuit will affirm the district court’s judgment.

SP Technologies, LLC v. Garmin Ltd., Garmin International, Inc., TomTom, Inc., and Magellan Navigation, Inc.

On June 5, 2008, SP Technologies, LLC filed suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Garmin Ltd. and Garmin International, Inc. alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,784,873 (“the ’873 patent”). On July 7, 2008, SP Technologies, LLC filed an amended complaint removing all claims against Garmin Ltd. and alleging infringement of the ’873 patent against additional defendants TomTom, Inc. and Magellan Navigation, Inc. Garmin believes that it should not be found liable for infringement of the ’873 patent and additionally that the ’873 patent is invalid. On August 18, 2008, Garmin filed its answer to the amended complaint along with a motion for dismissal of SP Technologies, LLC’s claims of willful and inducement infringement of the ’873 patent. On October 16, 2008, the court granted Garmin’s motion for partial dismissal, striking the willful and inducement infringement allegations from the amended complaint.

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. 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.

Pioneer Corporation v. Garmin Deutschland GmbH, Garmin Ltd., Garmin International, Inc., Garmin (Europe Ltd. and Garmin Corporation

On October 9, 2009, Pioneer Corporation filed suit in the District Court in Düsseldorf, Germany against Garmin Deutschland GmbH, Garmin Ltd., Garmin International, Inc., Garmin Corporation and Garmin (Europe) Ltd. alleging infringement of European Patent No. 775 892 (“the ‘892 Patent”) and European Patent No. 508 681 (“the‘681 Patent”). Garmin believes that none of Garmin’s products infringe either of these patents. Garmin has filed separate lawsuits in the German Federal Patent Court in Munich seeking declaratory judgments of invalidity of the ‘892 Patent and the ‘681 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.

In the Matter of Certain Multimedia Display and Navigation Devices and Systems, Components Thereof, and Products Containing the Same.

On November 13, 2009, Pioneer Corporation filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission against Garmin International, Inc., Garmin Corporation, and Honeywell International Inc. alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,365,448 (“the ’448 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 6,122,592 (“the ’592 patent”), and U.S. Patent No. 5,424,951 (“the ’951 patent”). On January 12, 2010, Garmin filed its Answer asserting the ’448 patent, the ’592 patent, and the ’951 patent are invalid and 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 these claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.

Vehicle IP, LLC v. AT&T Mobility LLC, Cellco Partnership, Garmin International, Inc., Garmin USA, Inc., Networks in Motion, Inc., Telecommunication Systems, Inc., Telenav Inc., United Parcel Service, Inc., and UPS Logistics Technologies, Inc.

On December 31, 2009, Vehicle IP, LLC filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against Garmin International, Inc. and Garmin USA, Inc. along with several codefendants alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,987,377 (“the ’377 patent”). On March 11, 2010, Garmin filed its Answer and Counterclaims asserting the ’377 patent is invalid and 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 these claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.

Nazomi Communications, Inc. v. Nokia Corporation, Nokia Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Amazon.com, Inc., Western Digital Corporation, Western Digital Technologies, Inc., Garmin Ltd., Garmin Corporation, Garmin International,  Inc., Garmin USA, Inc., Sling Media, Inc., VIZIO, Inc., and Iomega Corporation.

On February 8, 2010, Nazomi Communications, Inc. filed suit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against Garmin Ltd., Garmin Corporation, Garmin International, Inc., and Garmin USA, Inc. along with several codefendants alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,080,362 (“the ’362 patent”) and U.S. Patent No. 7,225,436 (“the ’436 patent”). Garmin believes the ’362 patent and the ’436 patent are not infringed. On April 27, 2010, ARM Ltd., the designer of the accused hardware, filed a Motion to Intervene and a Motion to Transfer the case to the Northern District of California.  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.

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”). Garmin believes that each claim of the ‘060 patent, the ‘892 patent, the ‘408 patent and the ‘375 patent is not infringed and/or 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 these claims 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.

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 26, 2009.  There have been no material changes during the 13-week period ended March 27, 2010 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.

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 million of its common shares as market and business conditions warrant.   The share repurchase authorization expires on December 31, 2010.    The following table lists the Company’s share purchases during the first quarter of fiscal 2010: