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Garmin

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FY2014 Annual Report · Garmin
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20
14

A N N U A L   R E P O R T

Garmin Ltd.

Mühlentalstrasse 2  
8200 Schaffhausen
Switzerland

Garmin.com

© 2015 Garmin Ltd. All rights reserved.
M00-60329-00  0415

has been a worldwide leader 

F or the last 25 years, Garmin 

the  bar  for  personal  navigation 

in satellite navigation, setting 

We  leveraged our experience 

Customer  testimonials   and  

Based on the accomplishments 

developing dedicated watches 

professional recommendations 

and milestones we achieved  in 

for fitness, outdoor and aviation 

from last year demonstrate the  

2014, we’re looking forward to the 

enthusiasts to launch an exciting 

relationship our customers have 

future. We continue to invest  in 

Innovation
from experience

devices (PND) by creating superior  

new line of activity trackers, which 

with  our  products and  their  

research and development (R&D) 

products  that  are  essential to 

our customers’  lives.  However, 

appeal to all levels of fitness. We 

correlation to success in their  

and continue to pursue business 

added connectivity across all our 

chosen  fields.  For  instance,  

opportunities in our core market 

we recognize that innovation and 

markets by integrating social and 

fishing legend and broadcast  

segments, as well as to explore 

diversification  are  the  key s  to  

winning and retaining customers 

and  maint aining  lon g -t erm  

sustained growth. To that end, in 

2014 we continued to offer and 

improve on the strong portfolio  

of products in all our markets— 

aviation,  automotive/mob ile, 

fitness, outdoor and marine— 

while also venturing into new  

smart technology in select products 

personality Bill Dance partnered 

emerging categories. By celebrating  

to provide a profound,  data-rich 

with Garmin, and is thrilled to use  

25 years in the industry last year,  

experience  to our customers, 

and recommend Garmin marine 

we have established our legacy as 

allowing  them to gain a deeper 

electronics. Recognized as one  

an innovative products company, 

understanding of themselves and 

of the world’s top professional  

and we expect not just to endure 

their goals. In addition, we widened 

the displays and angles for some 

triathletes, Timothy O’Donnell 
helped launch the Forerunner® 

of our products to provide users 

920XT, our highly anticipated 

more detailed information at a 

multisport device that’s qualified 

glance, decreasing distraction and 

to guide the training of elite and 

but also to succeed for many years 

to come.

territory with additional products 

enhancing safety.

amateur athletes alike.

and categories.

Dear Shareholders,

2014 was a year of change for Garmin.  

Notably, we entered new markets and we 

launched  new  product  categories  that  

produced growth in both revenue and  

profits. In 2014, revenue grew 9% for the  

full year and our pro-forma EPS grew 18%, 

ahead of revenue, due to strong margin  

performance and operating expenses that 

grew consistent with sales. This successful 

outcome was made possible by the dedication 

and hard work of Garmin associates around 

the globe. I am proud of what our team 

has accomplished and I am thankful for the 

strong contributions made by our associates.

One of Garmin’s greatest strengths is the 

As we look at 2015 and beyond, we will  

diversity of our target markets and product 

continue to employ a strategy of multi- 

portfolio. While we are excited about the  

market diversification. We will focus on  

new markets we have entered and the new 

building share in recently entered markets  

product categories that we have launched, 

and product categories, while investing for  

we also recognize that we could not have 

the future by creating more new markets  

achieved these results without the strong 

and categories where we can play an  

contributions from existing markets and 

essential role in the lives of our customers.  

product categories. In 2014, we further  

We will continue to invest in our core  

diversified our business, generating 57%  

markets creating compelling, innovative,  

of our revenue and 69% of our operating 

and differentiated products that our  

income from Aviation, Fitness, Marine,  

customers seek.

and Outdoor. While the PND market size  

continues to decline, we have offset some  

of the declines with market share gains,  

and we have invested in new markets  

and product categories that have further 

softened the impact. We believe we are  

in a stronger position thanks to the  

intentional investments we have been  

making to diversify our business.

I want to thank our shareholders for your  

ongoing support of our business and  

strategy. We will continue to focus on the 

long term, building a sustainable enduring 

company that plays an ever increasing role  

in the lives of our customers.

CLIFF PEMBLE | PRESIDENT AND CEO

2014 will be remembered 

as the year the target 

audience for wearable technology 

began the transition from early 

The most recent additions to the 

lineup combine practical function 

with personalized feedback. We 
launched Connect IQ™, our first- 

adopters to mainstream consumers.  

ever open platform for third-party 

This shift was led by the advanced 

developers to create apps for our 

engineering  that  enabled  the 

watches. The software development  

development of devices able to be 

kit  (SDK )  allows  developers  to 

worn easily and every day, driving 

translate  rich sensor  data  into 

the evolution of the technology 

new relevant metrics using fully 

from pure novelty product to one 

customizable data screens. Users 

that provides value. 

can then tailor these apps to meet 

Over the last decade, we began 

their individual needs.

developing watches for dedicated 

This  expansion  to  our collection 

enthusiasts. They have helped  

of  watches, which  now includes 

our customers win races, sail the 

both those intended for exclusive 

seas, break par, summit mountains 

pursuits as well as lifestyle bands 

and land safely, providing robust  

targeted  to  all  levels  of  fitness, 

and accurate metrics for specific 

provided strong growth driven by 

activities. Nevertheless, we realize 

the combination of breakthrough 

not all our customers are  elite 

design and market demand, and 

athletes or backcountry explorers. 

is perfectly timed to coincide with 

Therefore,  we  leveraged  our  

consumers’  newfound  comfort 

expertise and pushed further into 

with the use of wearable technology.

the emerging wearable technology 

market. 

Ahead

of the trend

INSPIRING

a Movement

implementing a pilot program for 

To  help  our  customers  stay on  

our own associates. Designed to 

track,  Garmin  Connect™  and 

improve employee wellness and  

Garmin Connect™ Mobile received 

inspire  individuals  to  keep a 

a complete design  update, with 

healthy  balance between  work 

improved navigation, customizable 

and life, the corporate wellness 

dashboard, enhanced reports to 

program uses Garmin devices and 

track performance over time and 

technology to provide motivation 

easier  social  network  sharing. A 

and accountability for participants. 

partnership  signed  in  2014  with 

For added inspiration, our devices 

made their broadcast debut when 

we partnered with the most recent  
season of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser®,”  

the competition reality show, for 

a branded version of our basic 

activity tracker.

the popular app MyFitnessPal® now 

lets users view calories consumed 

and  then  burned,  and  also see 

their net count for the remainder 

of the day based on their set calorie 

goal, providing a more complete 

view of their health habits. 

More  than 10 years ago, 

then, the company has retained 

Garmin  launched  its 

first fitness watch. Since 

when it’s time to start moving again.  

In addition, our devices are capable  

of learning a user’s activity level 

and using it to set a personalized,  

its  position  as  a  pioneer  in  the 

attainable  daily  goal. We also 

market. In 2014, Garmin drew on 

were among the first to add smart 

this long-standing reputation in the 

notifications and offer a version 

fitness market to begin offering a 

that, with a year-long battery life, 

complete array of wellness devices 

doesn’t need to be charged.

and  programs.

To  coincide  with  the  release  of 

True to our vision to be the global 

these activity trackers,  Garmin 

leader  in  every market  we  serve, 

also began offering a corporate 

we “raised the bar” for features in 

wellness program to engage the 

activity trackers. Our distinctive red 

workplace population of other  

Move  Bar  gently reminds  users  

companies — but  not  before 

Everything is
Connected

A s  the world  increasingly 

people are seeking ways to simplify 

intensifies its demands 

on time  and  attention, 

their lives through the use of smart, 

integrated technology. More users 

are choosing to control their own 

data, capturing and translating it 

through personal, mobile devices—  

especially the ever-present smart-

phone —and  customizing  the 

metrics to better understand and 

streamline the way they live, reach 

their destinations and achieve their 

goals. The same smart devices our 

technology enhanced our products’  

integrate scanning sonar capabilities, 

customers  use  in their everyday 

features  and  improved  both  

interactive  features that  make it 

lives can now be used as a wireless 

performance and safety.

easier  for  pilots  to navigate and 

gateway in numerous ways.

These technology-enabled devices  

In  2014  we added  connectivity  

can now share weather, traffic, GPS  

and  wireless  capabilities  to  

information and even flight plans, 

communicate  with or control  

receive  satellite radio  signals, 

our avionics, marine networks  

gauge tire pressure, allow drivers  

and  transportation  electronics  

to keep their eyes on the road  

to provide added flexibility and 

and capture in-flight footage  

information  in  the  cockpit, at  

or  incidents  on  the  road.  We 

the helm and behind the wheel.  

introduced  smartphone-based 

Smart and Bluetooth®-enabled 

fleet navigators, chartplotters that 

read charts throughout their flight 

and expanded an entire portfolio 

of  products  to feature  wireless 

connectivity between select avionics 

and a tablet or phone. 

Windows

to the Future

major milestones in 2014. 

Garmin  celebrated several 

We  observed  the  25th  

anniversary  of  the company’s 

For  25  years  Garmin  has  been 

offered in sonar and non-sonar 

committed to providing superior 

versions, is a premier line that 

products that are known for their 

streamlines high performance, 

innovation, reliability and intuitive 

usability and superior  boating 

founding. We also recognized the 

design.  But we’re resolved not  

features with a renowned interface 

20th anniversary of the industry’s 

to rest on our accomplishments. 

that makes any time on the water 

first FAA approval of an instrument 

The  same  commitment  to  

more productive and enjoyable.  

approach approved GPS receiver, 

innovation  that  drove  our  

The  series  includes a vibrant  

and  the  tenth  anniversary of  

cutting-edge technology when  

widescreen display available in a 

delivering the revolutionary G1000®  

we began still resides in the DNA  

variety of sizes. Garmin DownVü™ 

Integrated  Flight Deck (IFD) to 

of our latest products.

and Garmin  SideVü™  scanning  

customers.

In 2014  we  released a large  

We  have  a lot  to be proud of at 

touchscreen glass flight-display 

Garmin. The introduction of GPS  

system  for  installation  in  

navigation  revolutionized  the  

experimental amateur-built  

aviation industry, setting in motion 

and light sport aircraft (LSA) and  

the  phase-out  of  ground-based 

an intuitive,  safety-enhancing,  

navigational aids (NAVAIDs) and 

and easy-to-install angle of attack 

ushering in the next generation 

(AOA) system available for simple 

(NextGen)  of  technology. GPS  

installation in general aviation 

sonar provide an almost picture- 

quality representation of objects, 

structure and fish that are found 

both underneath the boat and  

also to the sides. These true-to- 

life images give an angler a better 

idea of the most ideal spots and 

underwater structure for fishing, 

and provide a clear sonar picture.

navigation  proved  to be  more 

aircraft.  We  also  announced  

The displays on our products are 

precise and provided instrument 

new capabilities and enhanced 

the windows through which many 

approach capability, particularly 

important  for  remote  airports  

operational  benefits  for  the  
G1000® King Air C90 aircraft.

of our customers view the world. 

They rely on the data they provide 

that  did  not  have  funding, or  

accessibility to NAVAIDs.

In our marine market, we launched  

new  products, boasting  glass- 

bonded, monochrome displays 

that show more than 50 marine 

and vessel parameters, including 

depth, speed, wind and navigational  

data. The GPSMAP® 7400/7600 series  

of multifunction displays (MFD), 

to enhance their experiences and 

improve performance and safety. 

These  true -to-life  images  give 

pilots, mariners and drivers clear 

pictures and advanced information 

to make accurate decisions not just 

to get from Point A to Point B, but 

to get there efficiently, safely and 

enjoyably.

What Our Users 

Say
L ast year fishing legend  

Bill  Dance  partnere d  

with  Garmin  to use  

and  recommend  our  marine  

electronics, including our new line  

of sonar and GPS devices designed  

specifically for freshwater anglers.  

A professional  angler for nearly  

50 years, Bill  has introduced 

thousands to the sport of fishing 

through  his television show “Bill 

Dance Outdoors,” which has been 

on the air since 1968 — totaling 

more than two thousand episodes. 

The	full	stories	behind	these	testimonials	can	be	found	on sites.garmin.com/en-US/annualreport/.

“	I’m	thrilled	to	have	the	opportunity	to	fish	with	
Garmin’s	completely	redesigned	fishfinder	and	
GPS	units.	Not	only	do	they	have	the	clearest	
sonar	and	the	most	detailed	lake	maps	on	the	
market	today,	but	Garmin	units	are	designed	 
to	be	easy	to	use.”	
  GARMIN-SPONSORED ANGLER, BILL DANCE

“ My Astro®320/DC™	50	bundle	

saved	my	dog’s	life	tonight!“

  TOM M. 

“	I	just	want	to	say	that	your	Approach®	golf	watches	 

are	great	products.	Keep	up	the	great	work,	Garmin!	 

You	have	a	customer	for	life.”

   BRIAN T.

“	While	on	a	fishing	trip	I	had	the	good	 

fortune	to	use	a	friend’s	brand	new 	

echoMAP™DownVü/SideVü,	and	all 	 

I	can	say	is	WOW!” 		

  BEN S.

“	The	fēnix®	2	saved	my	life.”

  WENDY R.

“	Twenty-four	pounds	lost	in	less	than	 

5	months	all	because	of	the	vívofit.”

  CHRIS T.

“	It	eased	my	mind	knowing	I	would	

have	my	GPS	with	me.”

  MARY M.

“	My	Garmin	Forerunner ® 10  

is	my	secret	weapon	and	my	

constant	companion.”	

  LESLIE M.

Recognized as one of the world’s 

elite and amateur athletes alike. 

top  professional  triathletes, 

Timothy won the 2013 IRONMAN® 

Timothy O’Donnell helped launch 

long-distance triathlon in Brazil in a  

the Forerunner® 920XT, our highly 

record-setting 8:01:32, and in the 

anticipated multisport device that’s 

same year was the top American in  

qualified to guide the training of 

the IRONMAN® World Championship. 

“	In	a	sport	where	records	and	seconds	count,	Garmin	 

is	an	essential	tool	for	training	and	racing.	They	

continually	and	methodically	raise	the	bar	for	their	

products,	just	as	I	strive	to	do	with	each	race.” 

GARMIN-SPONSORED TRIATHLETE, TIMOTHY O’DONNELL

Our Markets

Marine

Revenue
IN MILLIONS

Operating  
Income
IN MILLIONS

Outdoor

Revenue
IN MILLIONS

Operating  
Income
IN MILLIONS

Fitness

Revenue
IN MILLIONS

Operating  
Income
IN MILLIONS

12

208

21+22+
25

3+2+
3

40+41+
43

16+16+
15

32+36+
57

11+12+
19

322

569

248

428

223

356

402

120

191

112

151

164

411

159

26

34

18

13

12

12

13

14

14

14

13

Aviation

Revenue

IN MILLIONS

Automotive/Mobile

Total Company

Operating  
Income

IN MILLIONS

Revenue

IN MILLIONS

Operating  
Income

IN MILLIONS

Revenue

IN MILLIONS

Operating  
Income

IN MILLIONS

12

292

29+34+
39

7+9+
11

50+43+
41

22+19+
22

43+45+
50

22+20+
25

2,632

2,871

2,716

1,240

1,302

1,492

386

339

691

574

604

221

107

189

216

73

88

12

13

13

12

13

14

14

14

Financial Review

The selected financial data below and elsewhere in this annual report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial 
statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, a copy of which is included with this annual report or 
is available at Garmin.com/10K.

Revenue by Segment

% OF TOTAL

Operating Income by Segment

% OF TOTAL

7

8

11

13

12

2012

55+

55 49+

49 43+

43 36+

3633+

2014

2012

2013

2013

2014

31+

20

22

31

28

33

27

28

21

19

15

12

15

14

15

16

15

13

6

3

4

9

 AUTOMOTIVE/MOBILE    

 OUTDOOR     

 FITNESS     

 AVIATION     

 MARINE

Revenue and  
Net Income
$ IN MILLIONS

Diluted  
EPS
$ PER SHARE

R&D  
Expenditures
$ IN MILLIONS

Book Value  
Per Share
$ PER SHARE

11

10 

585

521

90
19
92
17
91
18
88
20
96
12

612

542

364

12

13

14

2,690

2,759

2,716

2,632

2,871

11

10 

10 

2.67

2.95

30+27+28+31

55+60+65+73

+19

+79

3.12 

2.76

1.88

299

277

395

326

365

13

14

11

12

14

13

12

Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return

AMONG GARMIN LTD., THE NASDAQ COMPOSITE INDEX, AND THE NASDAQ 100 INDEX

GARMIN LTD. 
NASDAQ COMPOSITE
NASDAQ 100

179.27
196.83
199.67

212.25
223.74
234.29

141.48
118.70
121.87

151.01
139.00
143.60

100.00
100.00
100.00

105.11
117.61
114.80

+35+47+50+60+71
+38+41+48+67+78
+39+40+46+66+75

10 

11 

12 

13 

09 

14

11

10 

16.71

15.40

31+33+36+37

+35

18.64 

 17.53

18.00

13

12

14

The graph below matches 
Garmin Ltd.’s cumulative 
5-year total shareholder 
return on common stock 
with the cumulative total 
returns of the NASDAQ 
Composite index and 
the NASDAQ 100 index. 
The graph tracks the 
performance of a $100 
investment in our common 
stock and in each index 
(with the reinvestment 
of all dividends) from 
12/31/2009 to 12/31/2014.

*$100 invested on 12/31/08 
in stock or index, including 
reinvestment of dividends. 
Fiscal year ending December 31.

The stock price performance 
included in this graph is not 
necessarily indicative of future 
stock price performance.

Investor Relations
investor.relations@garmin.com 
Security analysts, investment professionals  
and shareholders can find investor relations  
information on the company’s website at  
Garmin.com/10K

Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. 
250 Royall Street 
Canton, Massachusetts, 02021 
United States of America

Independent Accountants
Ernst & Young LLP

Market Information
The shares of Garmin Ltd. are traded on  
the NASDAQ Global Select Market under  
the symbol GRMN. Garmin Ltd. is a  
component of the S&P 500 Index.

Offices
Garmin Ltd. 
Mühlentalstrasse 2  
8200 Schaffhausen 
Switzerland

Garmin International, Inc. 
1200 East 151st Street 
Olathe, Kansas, 66062 
United States of America

Garmin (Europe) Ltd.  
Liberty House 
Hounsdown Business Park 
Southampton 
SO40 9LR 
United Kingdom

Garmin Corporation 
No. 68, Zhangshu 2nd Road 
Xizhi Dist., New Taipei City 221 
Taiwan, R.O.C.

Board of Directors
Dr. Donald H. Eller 2 | 3 
INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL EXPERT
Joseph J. Hartnett 1 | 2 | 3 
FORMER PRESIDENT AND  
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 
INGENIENT TECHNOLOGIES

Dr. Min H. Kao 
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN 
GARMIN LTD.
Charles W. Peffer 1 | 2 | 3 
RETIRED PARTNER 
KPMG LLP

Clifton A. Pemble 
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF  
EXECUTIVE OFFICER 
GARMIN LTD.
Thomas P. Poberenzy 1 | 2 | 3 
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS EXPERIMENTAL  
AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION (EAA) 

1 | Audit Committee 
2 | Nominating and Corporate  
Governance Committee 
3 | Compensation Committee

Executive Officers
Dr. Min H. Kao 
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Clifton A. Pemble 
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF  
EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Douglas G. Boessen 
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND TREASURER

Andrew R. Etkind 
VICE PRESIDENT,  
GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY

Danny J. Bartel 
VICE PRESIDENT, WORLDWIDE SALES  
GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Patrick G. Desbois 
VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS 
GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Philip I. Straub 
VICE PRESIDENT AND  
MANAGING DIRECTOR, AVIATION 
GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Sean M. Biddlecombe 
MANAGING DIRECTOR, EMEA 
GARMIN (EUROPE) LTD.

P.C. Huang 
GENERAL MANAGER 
GARMIN CORPORATION

Garmin, the Garmin logo, Forerunner, G1000, GPSMAP, Approach, fēnix, Astro and vívofit are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or  
its subsidiaries and are registered in one or more countries, including the U.S. Connect IQ, Garmin DownVü, Garmin SideVü ,  
Garmin Connect, Garmin Connect Mobile, GNX, echoMAP and DC and are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

The Biggest Loser® is a registered trademark of Universal City Studios Productions, LLLP.

MyFitnessPal is a registered trademark of MyFitnessPal, Inc.

The Bluetooth® word mark is owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

IRONMAN® is a registered trademark of World Triathlon Corporation (WTC).

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20
14

A N N U A L   R E P O R T

Garmin Ltd.

Mühlentalstrasse 2  
8200 Schaffhausen
Switzerland

Garmin.com

© 2015 Garmin Ltd. All rights reserved.
M00-60329-00  0415