These two need an economic rebound

Article Excerpt

TRIMBLE NAVIGATION $24 (Nasdaq symbol TRMB; SI Rating: Speculative) (408-481-6914; www.trimble.com; Shares outstanding: 120.4 million; Market cap: $2.9 billion; No dividends paid) makes GPS devices and technology for four main markets: 1) Engineering and construction accounts for the largest share (50%) of Trimble’s sales. 2) Agricultural GPS products (28% of sales) help farmers cut costs and increase yields. For example, GPS allows for more precise plowing, seeding or fertilizing, even at night. 3) Fleet products (14% of sales) track moving vehicles and time their stops and starts. 4) GPS components (8% of sales) consist of GPS boards, modules, chipsets and technology licenses for major customers around the world. In the three months ended October 2, 2009, Trimble’s revenue fell 17.8%, to $269.7 million from $328.1 million (all figures in U.S. dollars). Excluding one-time items, earnings per share fell 37.5%, to $0.25 from $0.40. The company’s balance sheet remains strong, with cash of $222.1 million, or $1.85 a share. Its $151.5 million of debt is just 5.2%…