GARMIN REPORTS STRONG REVENUE AND OPERATING INCOME GROWTH FOR FIRST QUARTER 2020; WITHDRAWS FISCAL 2020 GUIDANCE DUE TO COVID-19 ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY 

Garmin

May 5, 2020

On April 29, 2020 Garmin Ltd., announced results for the first quarter ended March 28, 2020.
 
Highlights for first quarter 2020 include: 
• Total revenue of $856 million, a 12% increase, with fitness, marine, outdoor and aviation collectively increasing 17% over the prior year quarter 
• Gross margin of 59.2% compared to 59.0% in the prior year quarter 
• Operating margin improved to 20.7% compared to 19.8% in the prior year quarter 
• Operating income of $177 million, increasing 17% over the prior year quarter 
• GAAP EPS was $0.84 and pro forma EPS(1) was $0.91, representing 25% growth over the prior year quarter 
• Strong balance sheet with no debt and $2.6 billion of cash and marketable securities 
• Garmin ADS-B solution selected for British Airways’ franchise partner SUN-AIR’s Dornier 328 aircraft 
• Recognized as an exceptional marine and aviation OEM supplier, winning several awards in the quarter 
• With the assistance of Panoptix LiveScope, Garmin sponsored anglers swept the top three spots at the 2020 Bassmaster Classic 
• Withdrawing fiscal 2020 guidance due to economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic 

Executive Overview from Cliff Pemble, President and Chief Executive Officer: 
“The first quarter of 2020 was remarkably strong continuing the momentum from last year,” said Cliff Pemble, president and chief executive officer of Garmin Ltd. “The economic uncertainty and impact on consumer behavior caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affects every business, and we are no exception. Accordingly, we are withdrawing our fiscal 2020 guidance. However, we are optimistic for the long term because the markets we serve and the products we offer are well positioned to thrive in the future.” 

Fitness: 
Revenue from the fitness segment grew 24% in the first quarter driven by strength in advanced wearables and contributions from Tacx. Gross margin and operating margin were 50% and 14%, respectively, resulting in 71% operating income growth. Now more than ever, people are looking for tools that can help them live a healthy life. Our fitness segment is committed to providing innovative and compelling products that motivate our customers to achieve their fitness, health, and wellness goals. 

Marine: 
Revenue from the marine segment grew 22% in the first quarter driven by our innovative chartplotters and advanced sonars. Gross margin and operating margin were 58% and 25%, respectively, resulting in 58% operating income growth. Boating is an active lifestyle pursuit that promotes family time, relaxation, and a sense of freedom. Our marine segment is committed to providing leading edge, high quality products and systems with the latest technology that our customers demand as they turn their attention to activities on the water. 

Outdoor: 
Revenue from the outdoor segment grew 14% in the first quarter with significant contributions from adventure watches. Gross margin and operating margin were 64% and 27%, respectively, resulting in 12% operating income growth. Outdoor recreation is important for those who love adventure and exploring nature. Our outdoor segment is committed to providing compelling products that enable and enrich the experiences of our customers as they turn their attention to activities in the great outdoors. 

2020 Guidance: 
We are withdrawing our fiscal 2020 guidance due to the rapid and unpredictable economic changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Management expects to provide guidance once the trajectory of the economy and consumer behaviors are better understood. 

For additional information, see: https://newsroom.garmin.com/newsroom/press-release-details/2020/Garmin-reports-strong-revenue-and-operating-income-growth-for-first-quarter-2020-withdraws-fiscal-2020-guidance-due-to-COVID-19-economic-uncertainty/default.aspx

Related Posts




Recreational Marine Industry Applauds Removal of the Luxury Tax on Boats in Budget 2025

NMMA Canada

OTTAWA (November 4, 2025)—Canada’s boating industry applauds Budget 2025’s commitment to remove the devastating luxury tax on boats, a failed tax policy that unfairly punished Canadian manufacturers and workers. When the luxury tax was first implemented in September 2022, Canada’s marine industry leaders were quick to point out the impending losses of middle-class jobs, government tax revenues and sales declines.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Introducing the All-New Axopar 38 

Axopar pioneers once again to set new standards, with the Axopar 38 range marking a new era in adventure boating. The first model of the range debuted at Boot Düsseldorf 2026 with the world premiere of the Axopar 38 XC Cross Cabin, to be followed by the Axopar 38 Sun Top and Cross Top launching later this year.

Read More



Simrad Marine Electronics Debuts New NSO® 4

As Simrad Marine Electronics marks its 80th anniversary, the brand celebrates eight decades of innovation with the launch of NSO® 4 – the next chapter in marine navigation. Built on the revolutionary NEON™ operating system (OS) and designed to be the world’s most intuitive chartplotter, NSO 4 is the latest premium chartplotter and fishfinder in the Simrad® portfolio, delivering an unmatched combination of effortless control, lightning-fast performance, and sleek design, setting a new standard for offshore navigation.

Read More