EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

  Investor Contact:    Michael Smith
     Senior Vice President and CFO
     Cobra Electronics Corporation
     773-804-6281
     msmith@cobra.com
  Media Contact:    John Waelti
     Financial Relations Board
     312-640-6760
     jwaelti@financialrelationsboard.com

COBRA ELECTRONICS REPORTS IMPROVED FIRST QUARTER RESULTS

Increased Sales and Reduced Operating Loss

CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 28, 2006 – Cobra Electronics Corporation (NASDAQ: COBR), a leading global manufacturer of mobile communications and navigation products, today announced its results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2006. The company reported a 31.2 percent increase in sales, to $25.3 million from $19.3 million in the first quarter of 2005. The company reported a first quarter net loss of $1.1 million, or $0.17 per fully diluted share, compared to a net loss in the prior year, absent certain non-operating gains, of $1.4 million, or $0.21 per fully diluted share. Cobra also maintained its strong financial position, ending the first quarter with no interest-bearing debt.

“Cobra’s sales increase in the first quarter reflected improved sales of mobile navigation products, including the NAV ONETM 4000 and NAV ONE 4500,” said Jim Bazet, Cobra’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Last year, sales of mobile navigation products were hurt by high return rates and the costs of promotional programs due to unfulfilled holiday expectations of our customers. This year, our retail customers continued to purchase products in the first quarter, reflecting strong sell-through of our mobile navigation products to the consumer. Our results for the first quarter also reflect continued strong performance in radar detection, as our newest line of 12 Band radar detectors began shipping to customers. Additionally, two-way radio sales for the first quarter exceeded those of last year in spite of production delays on our newest lithium ion battery powered radios that have since been resolved.”

In the first quarter of 2006, Cobra’s gross margin declined to 19.8 percent from 21.7 percent in the prior year’s first quarter. This decline was attributable primarily to charges related to the obsolescence of certain intellectual property owned by Cobra as the company acquired new software to support future mobile navigation products. In discussing the decline in gross


Cobra First Quarter Results – 2

margins, Mr. Bazet noted, “During the first quarter, Cobra licensed mobile navigation source code and other intellectual property from TeleAtlas North America, Inc., a leading supplier of digital maps and navigation products. This software, and the related intellectual property, will provide Cobra with cutting-edge capabilities as we launch new mobile navigation products, beginning with the NAV ONE 2500 which is set for introduction late in the second quarter of this year. In light of our decision to move to this new platform, we have determined that certain software that was developed in concert with the launch of our handheld products in 2003 will not be used in our future mobile navigation products since consumers are expecting greater functionality at a lower cost than could be supported by this older platform.” Gross margins in the first quarter also were affected by the delay in the launch of the lithium ion two-way radios, which are anticipated to be a profitable addition to the Cobra product line, and by the sale of older models of two-way radios in Europe at a lower profit as newer models are set to be launched.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $6.6 million in the first quarter from $6.3 million in the prior year. This increase in expenses was driven primarily by the increase in sales as compared to the first quarter of the prior year and the associated variable selling expenses. Additionally, general and administrative expenses increased due to fees for professional services, including consulting assistance associated with ensuring that Cobra complies with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and legal fees associated with a trademark opposition proceeding.

Cobra maintained its strong balance sheet position during the first quarter. The company had no interest-bearing debt as of March 31, 2006, the same position as one year earlier, and $10.2 million in cash, as compared to $6.0 million one year earlier. Inventory at the end of the first quarter increased to $24.7 million from $22.5 million the prior year. Accounts receivable at the end of the quarter were $24.3 million, increasing from $16.2 million one year earlier. Net book value per share as of March 31, 2006 increased to $10.81 from $10.17 one year ago.

Mr. Bazet also provided the company’s outlook for the second quarter of 2006, and reaffirmed the guidance previously provided for the year. “Cobra is forecasting that both revenue and net income in 2006 will exceed those of 2005, absent the non-recurring events from last year. We are also forecasting year-over-year increases in both revenue and net income for the second quarter of 2006.”

Cobra will be conducting a conference call on April 28, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. EST to discuss first quarter results as well as its current strategies and outlook. The call can also be accessed live or through replay via the Internet at http://www.cobra.com.

About Cobra Electronics

Cobra Electronics is a leading global manufacturer of communication and navigation products, with a track record of delivering innovative and award-winning products. Building upon its leadership position in the GMRS/FRS two-way radio, radar detector and citizens band industries, Cobra identified new growth opportunities and has aggressively expanded into the GPS, mobile navigation and marine markets over the last several months. The Consumer Electronics Association, Forbes and Deloitte & Touche have all recently recognized Cobra for the company’s innovation and industry leadership. To learn more about Cobra Electronics, please visit the Cobra site at www.cobra.com.


Cobra First Quarter Results – 3

Safe Harbor

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to factors such as the acceptance of Cobra’s new and existing products by customers, the continued success of Cobra’s cost containment efforts and the continuation of key distribution channel relationships. Please refer to Cobra’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a more detailed discussion of factors that may affect Cobra’s performance.


Cobra First Quarter Results – 4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(in thousands, except per share amounts, unaudited)

 

     For the Three Months Ended  
     March 31,
2006
    March 31,
2005
 

Net sales

   $ 25,307     $ 19,290  

Cost of sales

     20,285       15,107  
                

Gross profit

     5,022       4,183  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     6,588       6,331  
                

Operating loss

     (1,566 )     (2,148 )

Other income (expense):

    

Interest expense

     (34 )     (25 )

Other, net

     (62 )     9,121  
                

Earnings (loss) before taxes

     (1,662 )     6,948  

Tax provision (benefit)

     (535 )     1,281  
                

Net Earnings (loss)

   $ (1,127 )   $ 5,667  
                

Net earnings (loss) per common share:

    

Basic

   $ (0.17 )   $ 0.88  

Diluted

   $ (0.17 )   $ 0.86  
                

Weighted average shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     6,489       6,445  

Diluted

     6,778       6,569  
                


Cobra First Quarter Results – 5

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, unaudited)

 

      March 31,
2006
   December 31,
2005
   March 31,
2005
ASSETS:         

Current assets:

        

Cash

   $ 10,196    $ 6,704    $ 5,983

Accounts receivable, net

     24,333      28,710      16,208

Inventories, net

     24,663      21,837      22,540

Other current assets

     10,141      14,225      22,706
                    

Total current assets

     69,333      71,476      67,437

Net property, plant and equipment

     6,642      6,898      6,737

Total other assets

     14,413      14,548      11,436
                    

Total assets

   $ 90,388    $ 92,922    $ 85,610
                    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:         

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable

   $ 8,065    $ 5,292    $ 5,187

Accrued liabilities

     4,910      8,239      5,950
                    

Total current liabilities

     12,975      13,531      11,137
                    

Non-current liabilities:

        

Deferred taxes

     1,592      1,691      2,788

Deferred compensation

     5,286      5,062      5,774

Other long-term liabilities

     382      386      396
                    

Total non-current liabilities

     7,260      7,139      8,958
                    

Total shareholders’ equity

     70,153      72,252      65,515
                    

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 90,388    $ 92,922    $ 85,610
                    


Cobra First Quarter Results – 6

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Loss to GAAP Pretax Income

For the Three Months Ending March 31, 2005

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Pretax Earnings

   $ 6,948  

Gain on Insurance

     (7,244 )

Gain on Sale of Land

     (1,916 )
        

Adjusted Pretax Loss

     (2,212 )

Tax Benefit

     (856 )
        

Adjusted Net Loss

   ($ 1,356 )
        

 

Note:    Management believes that presentation of the adjusted net loss provides a useful basis for comparison of first quarter 2006 results to prior periods.