Garmin $55.76 – Nasdaq symbol GRMN

Article Excerpt

GARMIN $55.76 (Nasdaq symbol GRMN; SI Rating: Speculative) (913-397-8200; www.garmin.com; Shares outstanding: 216.3 million; Market cap: $12.1 billion) makes portable and fixed-mount GPS products in four major areas: automotive and mobile, outdoor and fitness, marine and aviation. Its products include both portable and dash-mounted navigation systems for automobiles, cell phones, sea craft and aircraft. Consumer products account for 80% of Garmin’s sales. It sells these products through 3,000 independent dealers and distributors in 100 countries. They include major U.S. retailers Wal-Mart, Target, Bass Pro Shops, Boaters World and Best Buy. The company also sells products to the aviation industry. Garmin’s sales rose 52.7% in the three months ended March 31, 2007, to $492.2 million from $322.3 million. Earnings rose 59.8%, to $139.9 million or $0.65 a share from $87.5 million or $0.40. Garmin has cash of $573.1 million or $2.65 a share, and no long term debt. The automotive/mobile segment had the strongest growth, with sales up 110%. The mobile segment includes sales…