What changed in this filing

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis

2025-04-30 compared with 2024-10-30 · 67 added, 164 removed, 98 unchanged (70% of the section changed)

12 unchanged sentences

Company Overview

The Company is a leading worldwide provider of wireless devices, many of which feature Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle.

We are organized in the five operating segments of fitness, outdoor, aviation, marine, and auto OEM.

Our products are sold through a variety of indirect distribution channels, including a large worldwide network of independent retailers, dealers, distributors, installation and repair shops, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The Company is a leading worldwide provider of wireless devices, many of which feature location technology such as Global Positioning System (GPS), and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle.

We are organized in the five operating segments of fitness, outdoor, aviation, marine, and auto OEM, which represent the primary markets served by the Company.

We design, develop, manufacture, market, and distribute a diverse family of GPS-enabled products and other navigation, communications, sensor-based and information products for these markets, as well as products installed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and for aftermarket applications.

We also sell our products and services directly through our online webshop (garmin.com), subscriptions for connected services, and our own retail stores.

Business Environment Update

Global economic and geopolitical conditions impact our operations and financial results, although we believe our vertically integrated and diversified business model enables us to be resilient and flexible in a dynamic business environment.

Foreign currency fluctuations and rapidly changing global trade policies, particularly those affecting the United States, increase the economic and operational uncertainties that could significantly harm our business and results of operations.

During the 13-week period ended March 29, 2025, net sales in the United States of imported fitness, outdoor, and marine products was approximately $400 million.

This represented approximately 25% of total net sales, which is generally representative of other recent periods.

Refer to Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report for further discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing our Company.

Results of Operations

As indicated in Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company changed the presentation of operating expense to include advertising expense within selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income, which management believes to be a more meaningful presentation.

This change in presentation had no effect on the Company's consolidated operating or net income.

The amounts presented below for selling, general and administrative expenses for the 13-week and 39-week periods ended September 30, 2023 have been recast to conform with the current period presentation.

Comparison of 13-Weeks Ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023

The following tables and discussion provides an analysis of our results of operations for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024.

Comparison of 13-Weeks Ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024

13-Weeks Ended

September 28, 2024

March 29, 2025

Year-over-Year Change

13-Weeks Ended

September 30, 2023

March 30, 2024

Percentage of Total Net Sales

3 unchanged sentences

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Net sales increased 24% for the 13-week period ended September 28, 2024 when compared to the year-ago quarter.

Total unit sales in the third quarter of 2024 increased to 4,620 when compared to total unit sales of 3,997 in the third quarter of 2023, which differs from the percent increase in revenue primarily due to shifts in segment and product mix.

Outdoor was the largest portion of our revenue mix at 33% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to 34% in the third quarter of 2023.

The increase in fitness revenue was driven by sales growth across all categories, led by strong demand for wearables.

Net sales increased 11% for the 13-week period ended March 29, 2025 when compared to the year-ago quarter.

Total unit sales in the first quarter of 2025 increased to 4,362 when compared to total unit sales of 3,890 in the first quarter of 2024, which differs from the percent increase in revenue primarily due to shifts in segment and product mix.

Outdoor was the largest portion of our revenue mix at 29% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 26% in the first quarter of 2024.

The increase in fitness revenue was driven by strong demand for advanced wearables.

Outdoor revenue increased primarily due to sales growth in adventure watches.

The increase in aviation revenue was driven by sales growth in aftermarket product categories.

The increase in marine revenue was primarily driven by contributions from the Company's acquisition of JL Audio.

The increase in aviation revenue was driven by sales growth in OEM product categories.

Auto OEM revenue increased primarily due to growth in domain controllers.

Marine revenue decreased primarily due to the timing of promotions, which contributed to the declines across multiple product categories.

13-Weeks Ended

September 28, 2024

March 29, 2025

Year-over-Year Change

13-Weeks Ended

September 30, 2023

March 30, 2024

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

4 unchanged sentences

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Gross profit dollars in the third quarter of 2024 increased 31%, primarily due to the increase in net sales when compared to the year-ago quarter, as described above.

Consolidated gross margin increased 300 basis points when compared to the year-ago quarter primarily due to lower costs of goods and favorable product mix within certain segments, partially offset by unfavorable segment mix.

The fitness, outdoor, and marine gross margin increases of 710 basis points, 570 basis points, and 290 basis points, respectively, were primarily attributable to lower costs of goods and favorable product mix.

The aviation gross margin was relatively flat when compared to the year-ago quarter.

The auto OEM gross margin decrease of 180 basis points was primarily attributable to unfavorable product mix.

Gross profit dollars in the first quarter of 2025 increased 10%, primarily due to the increase in net sales when compared to the year-ago quarter, as described above.

Consolidated gross margin was relatively flat when compared to the year-ago quarter.

The marine gross margin increase of 270 basis points was primarily attributable to lower costs of goods and favorable product mix.

Gross margin remained relatively flat within the fitness, aviation, and auto OEM segments when compared to the year-ago quarter.

The outdoor gross margin decrease of 190 basis points was primarily attributable to certain higher costs of goods.

Operating Expense

1 unchanged sentence

13-Weeks Ended

September 28, 2024

March 29, 2025

Year-over-Year Change

13-Weeks Ended

September 30, 2023

March 30, 2024

Research and development expense

3 unchanged sentences

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Total operating expense in the third quarter of 2024 increased 12% in absolute dollars and decreased 350 basis points as a percent of revenue when compared to the year-ago quarter.

Research and development expense increased 12% in absolute dollars and decreased 160 basis points as a percent of revenue when compared to the year-ago quarter.

Total operating expense in the first quarter of 2025 increased 10% in absolute dollars and was relatively flat as a percent of revenue when compared to the year-ago quarter.

Research and development expense increased 11% in absolute dollars and was relatively flat as a percent of revenue when compared to the year-ago quarter.

The absolute dollar expense increase was primarily due to higher engineering personnel costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 12% in absolute dollars and decreased 180 basis points when compared to the year-ago quarter.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 9% in absolute dollars and was relatively flat as a percent of revenue when compared to the year-ago quarter.

The absolute dollar expense increase was primarily attributable to increased personnel-related expenses.

2 unchanged sentences

13-Weeks Ended

September 28, 2024

Year-over-Year Change

13-Weeks Ended

September 30, 2023

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Total operating income in the third quarter of 2024 increased 62% in absolute dollars and increased 640 basis points as a percent of revenue when compared to the year-ago quarter.

The increase in operating income as a percent of revenue was driven by increased sales, increased gross margin as a percent of revenue, and lower operating expenses as a percent of revenue, as described above.

The improved performance in fitness, outdoor, marine, and auto OEM was partially offset by a decrease in aviation.

Other Income (Expense)

13-Weeks Ended

September 28, 2024

13-Weeks Ended

September 30, 2023

Interest income

Foreign currency gains (losses)

The average interest rate return on cash and investments during the third quarter of 2024 was 3.3%, compared to 2.8% during the same quarter of 2023.

Foreign currency gains and losses for the Company are driven by movements of a number of currencies in relation to the U.S.

The Taiwan Dollar is the functional currency of Garmin Corporation, the Euro is the functional currency of several subsidiaries, and the U.S.

Dollar is the functional currency of Garmin (Europe) Ltd., although some transactions and balances are denominated in British Pounds.

Other notable currency exposures include the Australian Dollar, Chinese Yuan, Japanese Yen, and Polish Zloty.

The majority of the Company’s consolidated foreign currency gain or loss is typically driven by the significant cash and marketable securities, receivables and payables held in a currency other than the functional currency at a given legal entity.

The $18.1 million currency gain recognized in the third quarter of 2024 was primarily due to the U.S.

Dollar weakening against the British Pound Sterling, Euro, and Polish Zloty, partially offset by the U.S.

Dollar weakening against the Taiwan Dollar, within the 13-week period ended September 28, 2024.

During this period, the U.S.

Dollar weakened 3.7% against the British Pound Sterling, 4.2% against the Euro, and 5.3% against the Polish Zloty, resulting in gains of $3.2 million, $8.9 million, and $9.3 million, respectively, while the U.S.

Dollar weakened 2.9% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in a loss of $10.4 million.

The remaining net currency gain of $7.1 million was related to the impacts of other currencies, each of which was individually immaterial.

The $11.5 million currency loss recognized in the third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to the U.S.

Dollar strengthening against the Polish Zloty, Australian Dollar, and British Pound Sterling, partially offset by the U.S.

Dollar strengthening against the Taiwan Dollar within the 13-week period ended September 30, 2023.

During this period, the U.S.

Dollar strengthened 6.8% against the Polish Zloty, 2.9% against the Australian Dollar, and 4.0% against the British Pound Sterling, resulting in losses of $18.4 million, $2.4 million, and $1.9 million, respectively, partially offset by the U.S.

Dollar strengthening 3.4% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in a gain of $15.2 million.

The remaining net currency loss of $4.0 million was related to the impacts of other currencies, each of which was individually immaterial.

Income Tax Provision

The Company recorded income tax expense of $87.1 million in the 13-week period ended September 28, 2024, compared to income tax expense of $22.3 million in the 13-week period ended September 30, 2023.

The effective tax rate was 17.9% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 8.0% in the third quarter of 2023.

The increase in effective tax rate between comparative periods was primarily due to the increase in the combined federal and cantonal Switzerland statutory tax rate in response to the implementation of global minimum tax requirements.

As a result of the above, net income for the 13-week period ended September 28, 2024 was $399.1 million compared to $257.2 million for the 13-week period ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $141.9 million.

Comparison of 39-Weeks Ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023

39-Weeks Ended

September 28, 2024

Year-over-Year Change

39-Weeks Ended

September 30, 2023

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Net sales increased 19% for the 39-week period ended September 28, 2024 when compared to the year-ago period.

Total unit sales in the first three quarters of 2024 increased to 13,165 when compared to total unit sales of 11,369 in the first three quarters of 2023, which differs from the percent increase in revenue primarily due to shifts in segment and product mix.

Outdoor was the largest portion of our revenue mix at 30% in the first three quarters of 2024 compared to 32% in the first three quarters of 2023.

The increase in fitness revenue was driven by sales growth across all categories, led by strong demand for wearables.

Outdoor revenue increased primarily due to sales growth in adventure watches.

Aviation revenue increased primarily due to growth in OEM product categories.

Marine revenue increased primarily driven by contributions from the Company's acquisition of JL Audio.

Auto OEM revenue increased primarily due to growth in domain controllers.

39-Weeks Ended

September 28, 2024

Year-over-Year Change

39-Weeks Ended

September 30, 2023

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Gross profit dollars in the first three quarters of 2024 increased 22%, primarily due to the increase in net sales when compared to the year-ago period, as described above.

Consolidated gross margin increased 130 basis points when compared to the year-ago period primarily due to favorable product mix within certain segments and lower costs of goods, partially offset by unfavorable segment mix.

The fitness and outdoor gross margin increases of 660 and 400 basis points, respectively, were primarily attributable to favorable product mix and lower costs of goods.

The aviation gross margin increase of 100 basis points was primarily attributable to lower warranty costs.

The marine gross margin was relatively flat when compared to the year-ago period.

The auto OEM gross margin decrease of 610 basis points was primarily attributable to unfavorable product mix.

Operating Expense

39-Weeks Ended

September 28, 2024

Year-over-Year Change

39-Weeks Ended

September 30, 2023

Research and development expense

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Selling, General and administrative expenses

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Total operating expense in the first three quarters of 2024 increased 11% in absolute dollars and decreased 270 basis points as a percent of revenue when compared to the year-ago period.

Research and development expense increased 10% in absolute dollars and decreased 140 basis points as a percent of revenue when compared to the year-ago period.

The absolute dollar expense increase was primarily due to higher engineering personnel costs.

Selling, general and administrative expense increased 11% in absolute dollars and decreased 130 basis points as a percent of revenue compared to the year-ago period.

The absolute dollar expense increase was primarily attributable to increased personnel-related expenses, including the impact of the Company's acquisition of JL Audio.

Operating Income

Operating Income (Loss)

39-Weeks Ended

September 28, 2024

March 29, 2025

Year-over-Year Change

13-Weeks Ended

September 30, 2023

March 30, 2024

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

4 unchanged sentences

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Total operating income in the first three quarters of 2024 increased 43% in absolute dollars and 400 basis points as a percent of revenue when compared to the year-ago period.

The increase in operating income as a percent of revenue was due to increased sales, increased gross margin as a percent of revenue, and lower operating expenses as a percent of revenue, as described above.

The improved performance in fitness, outdoor, marine, and auto OEM was partially offset by a decrease in aviation.

NM - Represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.

Total operating income in the first quarter of 2025 increased 12% in absolute dollars and was relatively flat as a percent of revenue when compared to the year-ago quarter.

The increase in operating income was driven by increased sales, while maintaining relatively consistent consolidated gross margin and operating expenses as a percent of revenue, as described above.

The improved performance in fitness, outdoor, and auto OEM was partially offset by a decrease in aviation and marine.

Other Income (Expense)

1 unchanged sentence

13-Weeks Ended

September 28, 2024

March 29, 2025

13-Weeks Ended

September 30, 2023

March 30, 2024

Interest income

Foreign currency gains

The average interest rate returns on cash and investments during the 39-week periods ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were 3.3% and 2.6%, respectively.

The average interest rate return on cash and investments during the first quarter of 2025 was 3.2%, compared to 3.1% during the same quarter of 2024.

Foreign currency gains and losses for the Company are driven by movements of a number of currencies in relation to the U.S.

1 unchanged sentence

Dollar is the functional currency of Garmin (Europe) Ltd., although some transactions and balances are denominated in British Pounds.

Other notable currency exposures include the Australian Dollar, Chinese Yuan, Japanese Yen, and Polish Zloty.

Other notable currency exposures include the Australian Dollar, and Polish Zloty.

The $15.6 million currency gain recognized in the 39-week period ended September 28, 2024 was primarily due to the U.S.

Dollar strengthening against the Taiwan Dollar within the 39-week period ended September 28, 2024.

The $24.8 million currency gain recognized in the first quarter of 2025 was primarily due to the U.S.

Dollar weakening against the Euro and Polish Zloty, and strengthening against the Taiwan Dollar, within the 13-week period ended March 29, 2025.

During this period, the U.S.

Dollar strengthened 2.8% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in a gain of $19.6 million.

The remaining net currency loss of $4.0 million was related to the impacts of other drivers, each of which was individually immaterial.

The $6.9 million currency gain recognized in the 39-week period ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to the U.S.

Dollar weakened 3.8% against the Euro, 5.6% against the Polish Zloty, and strengthened 1.1% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in gains of $12.6 million, $3.2 million, and $6.0 million, respectively.

The remaining net currency gain of $3.0 million was related to the impacts of other currencies, each of which was individually immaterial.

The $2.3 million currency gain recognized in the first quarter of 2024 was primarily due to the U.S.

Dollar strengthening against the Taiwan Dollar, partially offset by the U.S.

Dollar strengthening against the Australian Dollar, Chinese Yuan and Japanese Yen and U.S.

Dollar volatility with the Polish Zloty within the 39-week period ended September 30, 2023.

Dollar strengthening against the Polish Zloty, Australian Dollar, and Euro within the 13-week period ended March 30, 2024.

During this period, the U.S.

Dollar strengthened 4.9% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in a gain of $21.1 million, partially offset by the U.S.

Dollar strengthening 5.2% against the Australian Dollar, 4.6% against the Chinese Yuan, and 12.2% against the Japanese Yen, resulting in losses of $2.9 million, $2.9 million, and $2.8 million, respectively, while volatility with the Polish Zloty resulted in a net loss of $4.5 million as the loss in the third quarter more than offset gains in previous quarters.

Dollar strengthened 3.9% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in a gain of $21.6 million, while the U.S.

Dollar strengthened 1.8% against the Polish Zloty, 4.6% against the Australian Dollar, and 2.2% against the Euro, resulting in losses of $6.8 million, $3.3 million, and $3.0 million, respectively.

The remaining net currency loss of $6.2 million was related to the impacts of other currencies, each of which was individually immaterial.

Income Tax Provision

The Company recorded income tax expense of $203.6 million in the first three quarters of 2024, compared to income tax expense of $69.8 million in the first three quarters of 2023.

The effective tax rate was 17.3% in the first three quarters of 2024, compared to 8.5% in the first three quarters of 2023.

As a result of the above, net income for the 39-week period ended September 28, 2024 was $975.7 million compared to $747.5 million for the 39-week period ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $228.2 million.

The Company recorded income tax expense of $56.3 million in the 13-week period ended March 29, 2025, compared to income tax expense of $51.1 million in the 13-week period ended March 30, 2024.

The effective tax rate was 14.5% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 15.6% in the first quarter of 2024.

The decrease in effective tax rate between comparative periods was primarily due to increased tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

As a result of the above, net income for the 13-week period ended March 29, 2025 was $332.8 million compared to $276.0 million for the 13-week period ended March 30, 2024, an increase of $56.8 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

2 unchanged sentences

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities

As of September 28, 2024, we had approximately $3.5 billion of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.

As of March 29, 2025, we had approximately $3.9 billion of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.

Management invests idle or surplus cash in accordance with the Company's investment policy, which has been approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.

The investment policy’s primary objectives are to preserve capital, maintain an acceptable degree of liquidity, and maximize yield within the constraint of low credit risk.

Garmin’s average interest rate returns on cash and investments during the first three quarters of 2024 and 2023 were 3.3% and 2.6%, respectively.

Garmin’s average interest rate returns on cash and investments during the first quarters of 2025 and 2024 were 3.2% and 3.1%, respectively.

The fair value of our securities varies from period to period due to changes in interest rates, the performance of the underlying collateral, and the credit performance of the underlying issuer, among other factors.

See Note 4 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding marketable securities.

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $948.6 million for the first three quarters of 2024, compared to $910.3 million for the first three quarters of 2023.

The increase was primarily due to an increase in cash received from customers primarily driven by higher net sales as well as less cash paid for income taxes, partially offset by increases in cash paid for cost of goods sold and operating expenses in the first three quarters of 2024 compared to the first three quarters of 2023.

Cash used in investing activities totaled $190.8 million for the first three quarters of 2024, compared to $267.7 million for the first three quarters of 2023.

The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in cash used for acquisitions and a decrease in purchases of property and equipment, partially offset by net purchases of marketable securities in the first three quarters of 2024, compared to net redemptions of marketable securities in the first three quarters of 2023.

Cash used in financing activities totaled $449.4 million for the first three quarters of 2024, compared to $486.2 million for the first three quarters of 2023.

This decrease was primarily due to lower purchases of treasury shares under share repurchase plans and partially offset by higher cash dividend payments in the first three quarters of 2024 compared to the first three quarters of 2023.

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $420.8 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $435.3 million for the first quarter of 2024.

The increase in cash received from customers primarily driven by higher net sales was offset by increases in cash paid for cost of goods sold and operating expenses, an increase in cash paid for taxes, and a strategic increase in inventory on hand, resulting in relatively flat cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024.

Cash used in investing activities totaled $132.6 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $36.9 million for the first quarter of 2024.

The increase was primarily due to an increase in net purchases of marketable securities in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024.

Cash used in financing activities totaled $204.8 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $156.2 million for the first quarter of 2024.

This increase was primarily due to higher purchases of treasury shares under the share repurchase plan and an increase in the purchase of treasury shares related to equity awards in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024.

Operating Leases

1 unchanged sentence

Leased properties are typically used for office space, distribution, and retail.

As of September 28, 2024, the Company had fixed lease payment obligations of $161.8 million, with $33.4 million payable within 12 months.

As of March 29, 2025, the Company had fixed lease payment obligations of $202.0 million, with $38.2 million payable within 12 months.

Inventory Purchase Obligations

1 unchanged sentence

The Company’s inventory purchase obligations are primarily noncancelable.

As of September 28, 2024, the Company had inventory purchase obligations of $847.2 million, with $673.2 million payable within 12 months.

As of March 29, 2025, the Company had inventory purchase obligations of $947.1 million, with $774.1 million payable within 12 months.

Other Purchase Obligations

The Company’s other purchase obligations primarily consist of noncancelable commitments for capital expenditures and other indirect purchases in connection with conducting our business.

As of September 28, 2024, the Company had other purchase obligations of $316.6 million, with $122.1 million payable within 12 months.

As of March 29, 2025, the Company had other purchase obligations of $434.1 million, with $259.3 million payable within 12 months.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

5 unchanged sentences

For a description of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements, refer to Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 and “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.

There were no significant changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates in the 13-week and 39-week periods ended September 28, 2024.

There were no significant changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates in the 13-week period ended March 29, 2025.

Quantitative and Qualitat ive Disclosures About Market Risk

1 unchanged sentence

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part II, Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.

There have been no material changes during the 13-week and 39-week periods ended September 28, 2024 in the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K related to market sensitivity, inflation, foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk.

There have been no material changes during the 13-week period ended March 29, 2025 in the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K related to market sensitivity, inflation, foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk.

Compared sentence by sentence after normalising whitespace, quotation marks, case and digits, so re-formatting and restated figures do not read as changed language. Wording changes appear as one removal and one addition. The current filing and the prior one are authoritative.

What changed 10-Q

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis