The recession in 2008-2009 hit hard on Logitech’s business for the fiscal year 2010, sales were $2.0 billion, down from $2.2 billion in fiscal 2009. Operating income was $78 million, down from $110 million the previous year. Net income was $65 million ($0.36 per share), compare to $107 million ($0.59 per share) in the prior year. Gross margin for fiscal 2010 was 31.9% compared to restructure its workforce. In early 2009 Logitech reduced its salaried workforce globally by 15%
Logitech’s stock price spiked to $40 in late 2007, as a result of record sales and profits from its successful launch of iPod-capable peripherals, Its iPod peripherals-speakers, dock, and headphones-made the increasingly popular IPod easier to use.
In 2009, Logitech’s operating margin was 5.15%, far below its 2007 hight of 12% due to increasing price competition.
Logitech did not issue dividends to shareholders so that it could reinvest its net income back into research and development and product advertising, as well as have it available for strategic acquisitions, causing a continuous cycle.
Logitech outlined specific financial objective that it sought to achieve. It wanted to achieve sales growth between 13%-19% and a gross margin between 32%-34%. Logitech also intended to invest 5% of its sales revenue in R&D and 12%-14% in marketing. By continuously investing resources in research and development, Logitech took a strategic approach to maintaining long-term growth and profitability.