Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN) shares are tanking today after the maker of personal navigation devices said that its new nuvifone will be delayed by several months. I would avoid this fad stock for a while.The device, which the company had originally hoped to be available for the fourth quarter holiday season, will not be launched until the first quarter, according to a statement from the Cayman Islands-based company. Of course, the company tried to put a positive spin one the announcement.
"While we had hoped to have carrier launches in the fourth quarter, we have found that meeting some of the carrier specific requirements will take longer than anticipated," Garmin said. "We remain pleased with carrier interest in the device and are working toward making necessary design changes to meet their requirements. We anticipate launching the product during the first half of 2009."
First half of 2009? Nothing like setting a vague target that can easily be changed. And the company's problems don't stop with new products. Fewer people are buying the old ones as well. Garmin expects 2008 revenue of $3.9 billion, down from a previous estimate of $4.5 billion. Earnings per share are seen at $4.13, below its previous forecast of $4.40.









