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Garmin

grmn · NASDAQ Technology
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FY2020 Annual Report · Garmin
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

[☒] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 26, 2020
or

[☐]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  

For the transition period from            

  to             

Commission file number 0-31983

GARMIN LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Switzerland
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
Mühlentalstrasse 2
8200 Schaffhausen
Switzerland 
(Address of principal executive offices)

98-0229227
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

N/A
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:   +41 52 630 1600

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Registered Shares, CHF 0.10 Per Share Par Value
(Title of each class)

GRMN
(Trading Symbol)

The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC
(Name of each exchange on which registered)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES [☑] NO [☐]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES [☐] NO [☑]

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the 
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the 
past 90 days. YES [☑] NO [☐]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations 
S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). YES [☑] NO [☐]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging 
growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of 
the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer
Non-accelerated Filer
Emerging growth company

[☑]
[☐]
[☐]

Accelerated Filer
Smaller reporting company

[☐]
[☐]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised 
financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over 
financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit 
report.  ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES [☐] NO [☑]

Aggregate market value of the common shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 27, 2020 (based on the closing price of the registrant's common 
shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market for June 26, 2020) was approximately $14,141,000,000.

Number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common shares as of February 12, 2021:

Registered Shares, CHF 0.10 par value – 191,571,374 (excluding treasury shares)

Documents incorporated by reference:

Portions of the following document are incorporated herein by reference into Part III of the Form 10-K as indicated: 

Document

Part of Form 10-K into 
which Incorporated

Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed no later than 120 days 
after December 26, 2020.

Part III

 
 
Garmin Ltd.

2020 Form 10-K Annual Report

Table of Contents

Cautionary Statement With Respect To Forward-Looking Comments

Item 1. Business
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2. Properties
Item 3.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Information about our Executive Officers 

Legal Proceedings

Part I

Part II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 

Equity Securities

Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Part III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 

Matters

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
Signatures

Part IV

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT WITH RESPECT TO FORWARD-LOOKING COMMENTS

The  discussions  set  forth  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  contain  statements  concerning  potential 
future events. Such forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions by the Company’s management, as 
of the date of this Annual Report, including assumptions about risks and uncertainties faced by the Company. In 
addition, management may make forward-looking statements orally or in other writings, including, but not limited 
to, in press releases, in the annual report to shareholders and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission. Readers can identify these forward-looking statements by their use of such verbs as 
“expects,”  “anticipates,”  “believes”  or  similar  verbs  or  conjugations  of  such  verbs.  Forward-looking  statements 
include  any  discussion  of  the  trends  and  other  factors  that  drive  our  business  and  future  results  in  “Item  7. 
Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Conditions  and  Results  of  Operations.”  Readers  are 
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their date. If 
any of management’s assumptions prove incorrect or should unanticipated circumstances arise, the Company’s 
actual results could materially differ from those anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The differences 
could  be  caused  by  a  number  of  factors  or  combination  of  factors  including,  but  not  limited  to,  those  factors 
identified  under  Item  1A  “Risk  Factors.”  Readers  are  strongly  encouraged  to  consider  those  factors  when 
evaluating  any  forward-looking  statements  concerning  the  Company.  Except  as  may  be  required  by  law,  the 
Company  does  not  undertake  to  update  any  forward-looking  statements  in  this  Annual  Report  to  reflect  future 
events or developments.

3

Part I

Item 1.

Business

Company Overview 

For more than 30 years, Garmin Ltd. and subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) has pioneered new wireless 
devices  and  applications  that  are  designed  for  people  who  live  an  active  lifestyle,  many  of  which  feature  location 
technology such as Global Positioning System (GPS). Garmin serves five primary markets, auto, aviation, fitness, 
marine,  and  outdoor,  and  we  design,  develop,  manufacture,  market,  and  distribute  a  diverse  family  of  hand-held, 
wearable,  portable,  and  fixed-mount  GPS-enabled  products  and  other  navigation,  communications,  sensor-based 
and information products for these markets. Since the inception of its business, Garmin has delivered over 235 million 
products, which included more than 15 million products delivered during fiscal 2020.  

Available Information 

Garmin’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy 
statement and Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed by Garmin’s directors and executive officers and all amendments to those 
reports  will  be  made  available  free  of  charge  through  the  Investor  Relations  section  of  Garmin’s  website 
(http://www.garmin.com)  as  soon  as  reasonably  practicable  after  such  material  is  electronically  filed  with,  or 
furnished  to,  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (the  “SEC”).  The  SEC  maintains  a  website 
(http://www.sec.gov)  that  contains  reports,  proxy  and  information  statements,  and  other  information  regarding 
issuers  that  file  electronically  with  the  SEC.  The  reference  to  Garmin’s  website  address  does  not  constitute 
incorporation  by  reference  of  the  information  contained  on  this  website,  and  such  information  should  not  be 
considered  part  of  this  report  on  Form  10-K  or  in  any  other  report  or  document  we  file  with  the  SEC,  and  any 
references to our website are intended to be inactive textual references only.

This  discussion  of  Garmin  Ltd.  ("Garmin"  or  the  "Company")  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with,  and  is 
qualified  by  reference  to,  “Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of 
Operations” under Item 7 herein and the information set forth in response to Item 101 of Regulation S-K in such 
Item 7 is incorporated herein by reference in partial response to this Item 1.

Products 

Garmin  offers  a  broad  range  of  solutions  across  its  reported  segments  as  outlined  below.  In  general, 
Garmin  believes  that  its  products  are  known  for  their  value,  high  performance,  ease  of  use,  innovation,  and 
ergonomics. 

Many  of  the  Company’s  products  utilize  Global  Positioning  System  (GPS)  and  other  global  navigation 
satellite systems (GNSS) receivers as a product feature that can be utilized in a variety of applications, including 
navigation,  global  positioning  and  tracking.  GPS  is  a  United  States  owned  satellite  network  constellation  that 
supports  global  positioning  and  navigation,  providing  precise  geographic  location  and  related  data  to  both 
commercial and government GPS receivers. Commercial access to GPS is provided free of charge. 

In addition to GPS, other global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) utilized by Garmin products include 
Japan’s MTSAT-based Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay 
Service  (EGNOS)  aviation  Safety  of  Life  (SoL)  service,  the  Russian  Global  Navigation  Satellite  System 
(GLONASS), the European Union Galileo system (Galileo), and the Chinese BeiDou Navigation Satellite System 
(BDS).

Some  of  Garmin’s  products  utilize  a  combination  of  global  navigation  satellite  systems  to  improve 

navigational fix, which results in improved accuracy.

On  a  subscription  basis,  certain  Garmin  products  offer  access  to  the  Iridium  satellite  network,  a 
synchronized  constellation  of  66  low  Earth  orbit  (LEO)  satellites  offering  global  data  communication  coverage. 
Iridium’s  use  of  this  constellation  gives  it  the  ability  to  span  the  entire  globe,  offering  100  percent  coverage 
worldwide to enable reliable satellite-based communication.

4

Fitness

Garmin  offers  a  broad  range  of  products  designed  for  use  in  health,  wellness,  and  fitness  activities. 
Garmin  currently  offers  the  following  product  categories  within  the  Fitness  segment  to  consumers  around  the 
world:

• Running  and  Multi-sport  Watches:  Garmin  running  and  multi-sport  watches  are  offered  under  the 
Forerunner® product series. The Forerunner series offers GPS-enabled watches with features unique 
to  each  model.  Depending  on  the  model,  features  include  wrist-based  heart  rate  monitoring,  wrist-
based pulse oximeter, music storage capabilities, mapping capabilities, and Garmin Pay™ contactless 
payment.

• Cycling Products: Garmin cycling products include cycling computers, power meters, bike radars, and 
smart  lights.  Additionally,  Garmin  offers  Tacx®  indoor  training  equipment  including  smart  and  basic 
trainers, and a smart bike. 

• Activity Tracking and Smartwatch Devices: Garmin offers a wide range of activity tracking devices and 
smartwatch  devices.  The  Garmin  product  offerings  include  activity  tracking  fitness  bands,  GPS-
enabled  smartwatches,  and  fashion-forward  hybrid  smartwatches  with  analog  style  displays.  The 
activity  tracking  and  smartwatch  devices  offered  by  Garmin  are  the  vívomove®  series,  vívoactive® 
series, vívosmart® series, vívofit® series, vívosport® series, and the Venu®. Each series of activity 
tracking and smartwatch devices offered has unique features, all to enhance and promote healthy and 
active lifestyles. Features of the activity tracking and smartwatch devices, depending on the series and 
model, include Garmin Pay, music storage capabilities, and 24/7 health monitoring. 

•

Fitness and Cycling Accessories: Garmin offers a wide range of fitness and cycling accessories 
including chest strap heart rate monitors, cycling speed and cadence sensors, and smart scales.

• Garmin Connect and Garmin Connect Mobile: Garmin Connect™ and Garmin Connect™ Mobile are 
web and mobile platforms where users can track and analyze their fitness, activities and workouts, and 
wellness data. In addition, users can share their accomplishments, create training groups and group 
challenges, and get feedback and encouragement from the Connect community.

• Connect  IQ:  The  Connect  IQ™  application  development  platform  enables  third  parties  to  create  a 
variety  of  applications  that  run  on  a  wide  assortment  of  Garmin  devices.  Connect  IQ  provides 
developers  with  an  easy-to-use  software  development  kit  (SDK)  to  facilitate  development  efforts  in 
creating  watch  faces,  applications,  widgets,  and  data  fields.  These  third-party  applications  are 
available  for  download  by  Garmin  users  via  their  mobile  phone  or  computer  and  run  on  their 
compatible Garmin wearable, bike computer, golf device, or outdoor handheld.

Outdoor

Garmin offers a broad range of products designed for use in outdoor activities. Garmin currently offers the 

following product categories within the Outdoor segment to consumers around the world:

•

Adventure  Watches:  Garmin  adventure  watches  include  the  fēnix®  series,  Instinct®  series,  tactix® 
series, the Descent™ series, and the MARQ® collection. The fenix series offers premium multisport 
smartwatches  with  features  such  as  wrist-based  heart  rate  monitoring,  wrist-based  pulse  oximeter, 
music  storage  capabilities,  preloaded  full-color  topographical  maps,  Garmin  Pay™,  and  solar 
charging,  depending  on  model.  The  Instinct  series  offers  a  rugged  and  reliable  outdoor  GPS 
smartwatch  with  built-in  sports  apps,  heart  rate  sensor,  smart  connectivity  and  wellness  data.  The 
tactix  series  provides  preloaded  full-color  topographical  maps  and  tactical-inspired  features.  The 
Descent series are watch style dive computers that offer divers GPS navigation, multiple dive modes, 
support  for  up  to  six  gasses,  as  well  as  integrated  air  pressure  monitoring.  The  MARQ  series  is  a 
collection of six luxury smart tool watches with premium materials and features unique to each watch.

• Outdoor  Handhelds:  Garmin  offers  outdoor  handhelds  under  the  Oregon®,  Rino®,  Montana®, 
eTrex®, GPSMAP®, Foretrex® and inReach® product lines. Handhelds range from basic waypoints 

5

navigation  capabilities  to  advanced  color  touchscreen  devices  offering  barometric  altimeter,  3-axis 
compass,  camera,  preloaded  maps,  wi-fi  and  smartphone  connectivity, 
two-way  satellite 
communication and other features. Each series of products is designed to serve various price points. 
Handhelds  with  inReach  include  global  satellite  technology  which,  when  combined  with  an  active 
subscription, offers 2-way text messaging, S.O.S. capabilities and weather forecasts while anywhere 
in the world.

• Golf Devices: Garmin golf devices are offered under the Approach® product line. The Approach series 
includes  handhelds,  wearables,  club  sensors,  and  laser  ranging  devices.  Over  41,000  preloaded 
worldwide  golf  courses  are  available  to  be  utilized  on  certain  Garmin  golf  devices.  Handheld  and 
wearable  golf  devices  provide  yardage  distances  to  the  front,  back,  and  middle  of  the  green.  In 
addition to course maps, the Approach G80 handheld device utilizes radar to provide swing metrics 
including estimated carry and roll, club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, and swing tempo.

• Dog  Tracking  and  Training  Devices:  Garmin  offers  a  variety  of  dog  tracking  and  training  devices, 

including those under the Astro®, Alpha®, PRO, BarkLimiter™, and Delta® product lines. 

Marine

Garmin is a leading manufacturer of recreational marine electronics and offers a broad range of products. 
Garmin currently offers the following product categories within the Marine segment to consumers around the world:

• Chartplotters and Multi-Function Displays (MFDs): Garmin offers numerous chartplotters/MFDs under 
the  GPSMAP®  and  ECHOMAP™  product  lines.  The  offerings  range  from  4-inch  portable  and  fix-
mounted products to 24-inch fully integrated Glass Helm offerings and include wireless connectivity to 
the ActiveCaptain® mobile app.

• Cartography: Garmin is a premier supplier of cartography for the recreational marine market. Including 
the Garmin-owned Navionics® branded charting products, Garmin is a leading supplier of recreational 
marine content for most major chartplotters and MFDs on the market.

•

•

•

Fishfinders: Garmin offers an advanced line of fishfinders, the Striker™ series, which incorporate GPS 
technology  enabling  Quickdraw™  Contours,  and  wireless  features  through  the  ActiveCaptain  and 
StrikerCast mobile apps.

SONAR:  Garmin  also  offers  the  Panoptix™  all  seeing  sonar  smart  transducer  line.  Panoptix 
LiveScope™ provides real-time, high-resolution images that can be seen in downward, perspective, 
and forward-looking views for locating the fish and seeing what is coming before you get there. The 
Panoptix line also offers detailed 3D underwater views of fish and structure under your boat. Garmin’s 
CHIRP  “black-box”  sounders  and  “smart  transducers”  interface  with  Garmin  MFDs  to  enhance  their 
utility by providing the deep-water sounders and fish finder functions in a remote mounted package.

Autopilot  Systems:  Garmin  offers  full-featured  marine  autopilot  systems  designed  for  sailboats  and 
powerboats.  The  systems  incorporate  such  features  as  Garmin’s  patented  Shadow  Drive™ 
technology,  which  automatically  disengages  the  autopilot  if  the  helm  is  turned,  remote  steering  and 
speed control, and integration with the Volvo Penta IPS steering and propulsion system. Garmin has 
also introduced steer-by-wire autopilot capabilities for various steering systems.

• RADAR: Garmin offers high-tech solid state Fantom™ radar with MotionScope™ Doppler technology, 
lowering  system  power  consumption  and  increasing  reliability,  while  greatly  improving  situational 
awareness of the captain. Fantom radars are available in both radomes and open array radar products 
with  compatibility  to  any  network-compatible  Garmin  chartplotter.  Garmin  also  offers  a  full  line  of 
magnetron radars up to 25kW of transmit power.

•

Instruments: Garmin offers NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 compliant instrument displays and sensors 
that show data from multiple remote sources on one screen.

6

•

VHF Communication Radios: Garmin offers a full line-up of marine VHF radios and AIS transceivers 
with  the  latest  feature  sets  including  integrated  GPS  receivers  for  the  communication  needs  of  all 
types  of  mariners.  Garmin  radios  are  NMEA  2000  compatible  and  offer  multi-station  support,  and 
monitor all AIS channels.

• Handhelds  and  Wearable  Devices:  Garmin  offers  the  quatix®  series  wearable,  GPS-enabled 
smartwatches  designed  for  mariners,  which  include  marine  features  for  navigation,  sailing,  stereo 
control, and autopilot functions. Garmin also offers floating marine GPS handhelds with wireless data 
transfer  between  compatible  units  and  preloaded  cartography.  Some  handhelds  contain  built-in 
InReach® satellite communication and support Connect IQ™ applications.

•

•

Sailing: Garmin has integrated many basic and advanced sailing features into our MFD and instrument 
systems. These SailAssist™ features include enhanced wind rose with true and apparent wind data, 
pre-race guidance, synchronized race timer, virtual starting line, time to burn and lay line data fields. 

Entertainment: Garmin’s entertainment brand, Fusion®, consists of marine audio head units, speakers 
and  amplifiers.  These  products  are  designed  specifically  for  the  marine  or  RV  environments  and 
support many connectivity options for integrating with MFDs, smartphones, and Garmin wearables.

• Digital  Switching:  Garmin  offers  digital  switching  products  under  the  EmpirBus™  product  line.  The 
Garmin  EmpirBus  products  provide  power  distribution  and  control  solutions  for  marine  and  RV 
applications which enable advanced logic controls and smart electrical systems to enhance features in 
a  boat  or  RV.  The  system  features  fully  customizable  graphics  and  user  interface  that  can  be 
controlled through Garmin’s marine multi-function displays and RV OEM products.

•

Trolling Motors: Garmin offers the Force™ Trolling Motor, a powerful, efficient scissor-lift style trolling 
motor with built-in CHIRP and Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü sonar. The Force product line 
also  connects  wirelessly  to  Garmin  chartplotters/MFDs  to  provide  navigation,  autopilot,  and  anchor 
lock integration.

Aviation 

Garmin  designs,  manufactures  and  markets  a  wide  range  of  innovative  aircraft  avionics  solutions  to  the 
broad  and  diverse  aviation  sector.  Avionics  are  sold  directly  into  original  equipment  manufacturer  (OEM) 
applications as well as through Garmin’s worldwide dealer network for retrofit installations on existing aircraft.

Garmin  has  developed  growth-minded  products  and  technologies  serving  general  aviation,  business 
aviation, rotorcraft, and experimental/light sport markets. Our solutions are available for all aircraft categories and 
classes; from small piston and electric-powered general aviation aircraft, to large business jet aircraft, as well as a 
wide-ranging variety of helicopters serving critical public service and oil and gas missions, to name a few.

Garmin  also  provides  innovative  products  and  software-as-a-service  solutions  to  other  markets  such  as 
commercial  air-carrier,  military  and  defense,  and  Advanced  Air  Mobility  /  eVTOL.  By  offering  products  such  as 
Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and mission-optimized solutions to military and defense contractors/customers, 
and products tested and optimized for high duty cycle commercial aviation operations, Garmin is emerging as a 
strong competitor in these rapidly evolving business spaces.

Garmin currently offers the following products, systems, and services to the global aviation market:

•

•

Integrated Flight Decks: Known for defining the integrated flight deck (IFD) space in general aviation 
and light business aviation applications, Garmin offers OEM and retrofit IFD systems scaled for any 
size aircraft and rotorcraft, featuring communication and navigation, weather information, terrain and 
traffic awareness and avoidance, aircraft performance, and automated safety solutions.

Electronic  Flight  Displays  and  Instrumentation:  Garmin  flight  display  and  instrument  solutions  can 
serve as primary and back-up instruments, which also provide a wealth of valuable information in the 
cockpit, dramatically increasing situational awareness and capability.

7

• Navigation and Communication Products: Garmin offers a wide range of integrated and stand-alone 
GPS and VHF navigation and communication products, with a variety of capabilities, available for all 
market segments. 

•

•

•

•

•

Automatic Flight Control Systems and Safety-Enhancing Technologies: Garmin offers scalable flight 
control  systems  with  unique  integrated  safety  features  for  aircraft  and  rotorcraft.  Our  Autopilot  and 
Autonomí™  safety-enhancing  solutions  cover  the  entire  spectrum  of  aircraft,  from  large-cabin 
business  jets  and  helicopters,  to  light  general  aviation  aircraft.  Garmin’s  award-winning  Autoland 
system will autonomously land the aircraft in the event the pilot is not able to do so. We also offer an 
innovative smart rudder bias system that can help the pilot maintain control of a twin-engine aircraft in 
the event of an engine failure. 

Audio Control Systems: Garmin produces a broad array of cutting-edge audio panels, including panel-
mount  and  remote-mounted  units,  incorporating  features  such  as  Bluetooth  connectivity,  voice 
command technology, and integrated intercoms.

Engine Indication Systems: Garmin offers a variety of advanced engine indication systems for piston 
and  turbine-powered  aircraft  with  comprehensive  data-logging  capabilities  as  well  as  wireless 
offloading, cloud storage and analysis capability through our flyGarmin.com online services portal.

Traffic  Awareness  and  Avoidance  Solutions:  Garmin  offers  an  array  of  traffic  advisory  and  collision 
avoidance  systems,  including  TAS  and  TCAS  /  ACAS  solutions,  with  applications  in  all  types  of 
aircraft.

ADS-B and Transponders: Garmin offers a full lineup of ADS-B and transponder solutions, including 
ADS-B “Out” compliant solutions as well as ADS-B “In” and Bluetooth capable units that allow pilots to 
connect to their mobile device to display ADS-B traffic and weather.

• Weather  Information  and  Avoidance  Solutions:  Garmin  offers  multiple  weather  solutions,  including 
onboard Doppler digital radar products, along with satellite-based SiriusXM, ground-based ADS-B, as 
well as Garmin Connext® global satellite weather options.

• Datalink and Connectivity: Garmin datalink and connectivity solutions allow pilots to download global 
weather  data,  communication  via  text/voice,  as  well  as  select  mobile  apps  to  transfer  flight  plans, 
manage database subscriptions, and stream weather and traffic data from installed avionics solutions.

•

•

Portable GPS Navigators and Wearables: Garmin offers portable GPS navigators, smartwatches for 
pilots, satellite communicators, and portable traffic and weather solutions, providing pilots tools they 
can take with them from aircraft to aircraft.

Services: Garmin offers a variety of services products to the aviation market. Web and mobile app-
based products offered via FltPlan.com and our Garmin Pilot™ electronic flight bag application, help 
pilots  plan,  file,  fly,  and  log  flights  and  offer  a  wealth  of  information  across  all  phases  of  flights. 
Business  and  commercial  aviation  customers  also  benefit  from  our  safety  management  system, 
runway analysis and performance data, weight and balance, obstacle clearance, load planning, and 
navigation  database  solutions.  Garmin  continues  to  provide  industry  leading  product  support,  and 
offers a wide selection of databases, training products, extended warranties, and subscription services 
for all aviation segments.

8

Auto

world. 

Garmin designs and develops products for use in the auto market that are offered to customers around the 

Auto OEM

• Original  Equipment  Manufacturer  (OEM)  Solutions:  Garmin  has  cultivated  key  relationships  with 
leading automobile manufacturers to be the provider of a variety of hardware and software solutions 
for  their  vehicles.  These  range  from  embedded  computing  models  and  infotainment  systems  that 
provide a broad range of functionality, to integrated camera solutions, embedded navigation solutions, 
and precise positioning technology solutions. These support not only the infotainment system in the 
vehicle, but also key advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) functionality as well.

Consumer Auto

•

Personal  Navigation  Devices  (PNDs):  Garmin  is  a  leading  manufacturer  of  PNDs  in  the  following 
categories, which include features such as large screens, Amazon Alexa integration, integrated traffic 
receivers for traffic avoidance, map updates, spoken street names, voice activated navigation, speed 
limit indication, lane assist with PhotoReal junction views (thousands of high-quality photos of actual 
upcoming junctions), Bluetooth hands-free capability, and driver awareness alerts:

• Consumer PND: The Drive series offers traditional PNDs for a wide range of consumers.

• Motorcycle: The zūmo® series offers motorcycle-specific features. 

•

Truck and fleet: The dēzl™ series offers over-the-road trucking features while the Garmin fleet™ 
series delivers an integrated tracking and dispatch fleet system.

• RV: The RV series offers features specific to the RV enthusiast.

• Offroad:  The  Overlander®  is  a  rugged,  all-terrain  navigator  with  topography  maps  for  off-road 

guidance.

• Racing:  The  Garmin  Catalyst™  is  an  industry-first  racing  coach  and  driving  performance 

optimizer.

• Camera:  The  Garmin  Dash  Cam™  series  offers  GPS-enabled  dash  cams  that  provide  high-quality 
video  recording,  automatic  saving  of  video  footage  with  G-sensor  incident  detection,  and  forward 
collision and lane departure warnings. Dash cams are offered as compact, standalone cameras that 
can be mounted to a car windshield. Garmin also offers wireless backup cameras that can be utilized 
with compatible PNDs to display camera footage behind the vehicle.

Sales and Marketing 

Garmin’s distribution strategy is to support a broad and diverse network of sales channels for our products 
while maintaining high quality standards to ensure end-user satisfaction. Our products are sold in approximately 
100  countries  through  a  large  worldwide  network  of  independent  retailers,  online  retailers,  dealers,  distributors, 
installation and repair shops, as well as through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). We also offer products 
through  our  online  webshop,  www.garmin.com.  No  single  customer’s  purchases  represented  10%  or  more  of 
Garmin’s consolidated net sales in the years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 
2018. Marketing support is provided geographically from Garmin’s offices around the world.

9

Competition 

We operate in highly competitive markets, though competitive conditions vary among our diverse target 
markets and geographies. Garmin believes the principal competitive factors impacting the market for its products 
are  design,  functionality,  quality  and  reliability,  customer  service,  brand,  price,  time-to-market  and  availability. 
Garmin believes that it generally competes favorably in each of these areas and as such, is generally a significant 
competitor in each of our major markets.

Garmin believes that its principal competitors for fitness products are Apple, Bryton, Elite, Fitbit, Huami, 
Huawei, Polar, Samsung, Sigma Sports, Suunto, Wahoo Fitness, and Xiaomi. Garmin believes that its principal 
competitors  for  outdoor  product  lines  are  Casio,  Dogtra,  Shearwater  Research,  Globalstar,  SportDOG,  Suunto, 
TAG Heuer, Tissot, and Vista Outdoor. For marine products, Garmin believes that its principal competitors are Flir 
Systems, Furuno, Johnson Outdoors, and Navico. Garmin considers its principal avionics competitors to be Aspen 
Avionics, Avidyne Corporation, CMC Electronics, Raytheon, Dynon Avionics, ForeFlight, Genesys Aerosystems, 
Honeywell  Aerospace  &  Defense,  Innovative  Solutions  and  Support  Inc.,  L-3  Avionics  Systems,  Safran  SA, 
Thales, and Universal Avionics Systems Corporation. Garmin believes that its principal competitor for consumer 
automotive products is TomTom N.V., and Rand McNally. Garmin believes that its principal competitors for auto 
OEM  infotainment  solutions  are  Alpine  Electronics,  Harman  International  Industries,  Continental,  Bosch,  the 
Mitsubishi Group, and Panasonic Corporation. 

Research and Development

Garmin’s  product  innovations  are  driven  by  its  strong  emphasis  on  research  and  development  and  the 
close partnership between Garmin’s engineering and manufacturing teams. Garmin’s products are created by its 
engineering and development staff. Garmin’s manufacturing staff includes manufacturing process engineers who 
work  closely  with  Garmin’s  design  engineers  to  ensure  manufacturability  and  manufacturing  cost  control  for  its 
products.  Garmin’s  development  staff  includes  industrial  designers,  as  well  as  software  engineers,  electrical 
engineers,  mechanical  engineers,  and  cartographic  engineers.  Garmin  believes  the  industrial  design  of  its 
products has played an important role in Garmin’s success.

Manufacturing and Operations 

Garmin  believes  one  of  its  core  competencies  and  strengths  is  its  vertically  integrated  manufacturing 
capabilities at its Taiwan facilities in Xizhi, Jhongli and LinKou, its China facility in Yangzhou, its Netherlands facility 
in  Oegstgeest,  its  Poland  facility  in  Wroclaw,  and  at  its  U.S.  facilities  in  Olathe,  Kansas  and  Salem,  Oregon. 
Garmin  believes  that  its  ownership  and  operation  of  its  own  manufacturing  facilities  and  distribution  networks 
provides significant capability and flexibility to address the breadth and depth of resources necessary to serve its 
diverse products and markets.

Specifically,  Garmin  believes  that  its  vertical  integration  of  its  manufacturing  capabilities  provides 

advantages to product cost, quality, and time to market. 

Cost: Garmin’s manufacturing resources rapidly and iteratively prototype designs, concepts, products and 
processes,  achieving  higher  efficiency,  resulting  in  lower  cost.  Garmin’s  vertical  integration  approach  enables 
leveraging  of  manufacturing  resources  across  high,  mid  and  low  volume  products.  Sharing  of  these  resources 
across product lines favorably affects Garmin’s costs to produce its range of products, with lower volume products 
realizing the economies of scale of higher volume products. The ownership and integration of its resources allows 
Garmin to optimize the design for manufacturing of its products, yielding improved cost. 

Quality:  Garmin’s  automation  and  advanced  production  processes  provide  in-service  robustness  and 
consistent  reliability  standards  that  enable  Garmin  to  maintain  strict  process  and  quality  control  of  the  products 
manufactured,  thereby  improving  the  overall  quality  of  our  products.  Additionally,  the  immediate  feedback 
throughout the manufacturing processes is provided to the development teams, providing integrated continuous 
improvement throughout design and supply chain.

Time to Market: Garmin uses multi-disciplinary teams of design engineers, process engineers, and supply 
chain  specialists  to  develop  products,  allowing  them  to  quickly  move  from  concept  to  manufacturing.  This 
integrated ownership provides inherent flexibility to enable faster time to market. 

10

Garmin’s  design,  manufacturing,  distribution,  and  service  functions  in  its  U.S.,  Taiwan,  China  and  U.K. 
facilities are certified to ISO 9001, an international quality standard developed by the International Organization for 
Standardization. Garmin’s automotive operations in Taiwan, China, U.K., and Olathe have achieved IATF 16949 
certification,  a  quality  standard  for  automotive  suppliers.  Garmin’s  Olathe  and  Salem  aviation  operations  have 
achieved certification to AS9100, the quality standard for the aviation industry.

Garmin International, Inc., Garmin (Europe) Ltd., and Garmin Corporation have also achieved certification 
of  their  environmental  management  systems  to  the  ISO  14001  standard,  recognizing  Garmin’s  systems  and 
processes  which  minimize  or  prevent  harmful  effects  on  the  environment  and  continually  strive  to  improve  its 
environmental performance.

Materials

Although most components essential to Garmin’s business are generally available from multiple sources, 
certain  key  components  are  currently  obtained  by  the  Company  from  single  or  limited  sources,  which  subjects 
Garmin  to  supply  and  pricing  risks.  Many  of  these  and  other  key  components  that  are  available  from  multiple 
sources,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  NAND  flash  memory,  dynamic  random  access  memory  (DRAM),  GPS 
chipsets and certain LCDs, are subject, at times, to industry-wide shortages and commodity pricing fluctuations.

Garmin  and  other  participants  in  the  personal  computer,  tablet,  mobile  communication,  automotive, 
aviation  electronics,  and  consumer  electronics  industries  also  compete  for  various  components  with  other 
industries  that  have  experienced  increased  demand  for  their  products.  In  addition,  Garmin  uses  some  custom 
components  that  are  not  common  to  the  rest  of  the  personal  computer,  tablet,  mobile  communication,  and 
consumer  electronics  industries.  New  products  introduced  by  the  Company  often  utilize  custom  components 
available from only one source until Garmin has evaluated whether there is a need for, and subsequently qualifies, 
additional suppliers. When a component or product uses new technologies, initial capacity constraints may exist 
until the suppliers’ yields have matured or manufacturing capacity has increased. Garmin makes efforts to manage 
risks in these areas through the use of supply agreements and safety stock for strategically important components. 

Seasonality

Our net sales are subject to seasonal fluctuation. Sales of our consumer products are generally higher in 
the fourth quarter due to increased demand during the holiday buying season, and, to a lesser extent, the second 
quarter  due  to  increased  demand  during  the  spring  and  summer  season.  Sales  of  consumer  products  are  also 
influenced by the timing of the release of new products. Our auto OEM and aviation products do not experience 
much  seasonal  variation,  but  are  more  influenced  by  the  timing  of  auto  program  manufacturing,  aircraft 
certifications,  regulatory  mandates,  and  the  release  of  new  products  when  the  initial  demand  is  typically  the 
strongest.

Intellectual Property 

Our  success  and  ability  to  compete  is  dependent  in  part  on  our  proprietary  technology.  We  rely  on  a 
combination  of  patent,  copyright,  trademark  and  trade  secret  laws,  as  well  as  confidentiality  agreements,  to 
establish and protect our proprietary rights. In addition, Garmin often relies on licenses of intellectual property for 
use in its business. 

As of January 28, 2021, Garmin has been issued over 1,450 patents throughout the world and holds more 
than 930 trademark registrations. The duration of patents varies in accordance with the provisions of applicable 
local  law.  We  believe  that  our  continued  success  depends  on  the  intellectual  skills  of  our  employees  and  their 
ability to continue to innovate. Garmin will continue to file and prosecute patent applications when appropriate to 
attempt to protect Garmin’s rights in its proprietary technologies. 

There is no assurance that our current patents, or patents which we may later acquire, may successfully 
withstand any challenge, in whole or in part. It is also possible that any patent issued to us may not provide us with 
any  competitive  advantages,  or  that  the  patents  of  others  will  preclude  us  from  manufacturing  and  marketing 
certain  products.  Despite  our  efforts  to  protect  our  proprietary  rights,  unauthorized  parties  may  attempt  to  copy 
aspects of our products or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. Litigation may be necessary 
in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine the validity and 
scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity.

11

Regulations 

The  telecommunications  industry  is  highly  regulated,  and  the  regulatory  environment  in  which  Garmin 
operates is subject to change. In accordance with the United States’ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 
rules  and  regulations,  wireless  transceiver  products  are  required  to  be  certified  by  the  FCC  and  comparable 
authorities in foreign countries where they are sold. Garmin’s products sold in Europe are required to comply with 
relevant directives of the European Commission. A delay in receiving required certifications for new products, or 
enhancements to Garmin’s products, or losing certification for Garmin’s existing products could adversely affect 
our  business.  In  addition,  aviation  products  that  are  intended  for  installation  in  “type  certificated  aircraft”  are 
required  to  be  certified  by  the  Federal  Aviation  Administration  (FAA),  its  European  counterpart,  the  European 
Aviation Safety Agency, and other comparable organizations before they can be used in an aircraft. 

Because Garmin Corporation, one of the Company’s principal subsidiaries, is located in Taiwan, foreign 
exchange control laws and regulations of Taiwan with respect to remittances into and out of Taiwan may have an 
impact  on  Garmin’s  operations.  The  Taiwan  Foreign  Exchange  Control  Statute,  and  regulations  thereunder, 
provides that all foreign exchange transactions must be executed by banks designated to handle such business by 
the Ministry of Finance of Taiwan and by the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan), also referred to as 
the CBC. Current regulations favor trade-related foreign exchange transactions. Consequently, foreign currency 
earned  from  exports  of  merchandise  and  services  may  now  be  retained  and  used  freely  by  exporters,  while  all 
foreign currency needed for the import of merchandise and services may be purchased freely from the designated 
foreign exchange banks. Aside from trade-related foreign exchange transactions, Taiwan companies and residents 
may, without foreign exchange approval, remit outside and into Taiwan foreign currencies of up to $50 million and 
$5  million  respectively,  or  their  equivalent,  each  calendar  year.  Currency  conversions  within  the  limits  are 
processed by the designated banks and do not have to be reviewed and approved by the CBC. The above limits 
apply to remittances involving a conversion between Taiwan Dollars and U.S. Dollars or other foreign currencies. 
The CBC typically approves foreign exchange in excess of the limits if a party applies with the CBC for review and 
presents  legitimate  business  reasons  justifying  the  currency  conversion.  A  requirement  is  also  imposed  on  all 
enterprises to register all medium and long-term foreign debt with the CBC. 

Environmental Matters 

Garmin’s operations are subject to various environmental laws, including laws addressing air and water 
pollution  and  management  of  hazardous  substances  and  wastes. Substantial  noncompliance  with  applicable 
environmental laws could have a material adverse effect on our business. Capital expenditures for environmental 
controls are included in our normal capital budget. Historically, capital expenditures associated with environmental 
controls  have  not  been  material  and  compliance  with  environmental  laws  has  not  had  a  material  impact  on  the 
Company’s competitive position. 

Many  of  Garmin's  products  are  subject  to laws  relating  to  the  chemical  and  material  composition  of  our 
products  and  their  energy  efficiency. Garmin  is  also  subject  to  laws  requiring manufacturers  to  be  financially 
responsible  for  collection, recovery and  recycling  of  wastes  from  certain  electronic  products.  Compliance  with 
current environmental laws does not have a material impact on our business, but the impact of future enactment of 
environmental laws cannot yet be fully determined and could be substantial.

Garmin has implemented multiple Environmental Management System (EMS) policies in accordance with 
the  International  Organization  for  Standardization  (ISO)  14001  standard  for  Environmental  Health  and  Safety 
Management. Garmin’s  EMS  policies  set  forth  practices,  standards,  and  procedures  to  ensure  compliance  with 
applicable  environmental  laws  and  regulations  at  Garmin’s  Kansas  headquarters  facility,  Garmin’s  European 
headquarters facility, and Garmin’s Taiwan and China manufacturing facilities. 

Garmin  continues  to  strive  to  reduce  our  carbon  footprint  by  increasing  our  environmental  sustainability 
efforts. Our  manufacturing  locations  have  implemented  increased  recycling  processes  that  keep  all  obsolete 
Garmin manufactured material from entering the waste stream. Additionally, our most recently completed facility in 
Olathe, Kansas has been constructed with energy efficient considerations, including reduced water consumption, 
LED lighting, and reflective roofing to deflect solar radiation.

12

Human Capital 

Successful execution of our strategy is dependent on attracting, developing, and retaining key employees 
and  members  of  our  management  team.  To  facilitate  talent  attraction  and  retention,  we  strive  to  provide 
opportunities for our employees to grow and develop in their careers, supported by generous compensation and 
benefits, and through programs that build connections between our employees and their communities. 

As  of  December  26,  2020,  the  Company  had  approximately  16,000  full  and  part-time  employees 
worldwide, of whom approximately 6,000 were in the Americas region, 7,800 were in APAC, and 2,200 were in 
EMEA. Garmin’s vertical integration model enables us to provide a variety of opportunities across many different 
professions  including  engineering,  human  resources,  information  technology,  marketing,  sales,  and  operations. 
The  Company’s  products  are  created  by  its  engineering  and  development  staff,  which  numbered  approximately 
4,900 people worldwide as of December 26, 2020. Garmin’s manufacturing staff, which numbered approximately 
6,100 people worldwide as of December 26, 2020, includes manufacturing process engineers who work closely 
with Garmin’s design engineers to ensure manufacturability and manufacturing cost control for its products.

Garmin respects the right of all employees to form and join an association to represent their interests as 
employees,  to  organize,  and  to  bargain  collectively  or  individually.  We  also  respect  any  employee’s  choice  to 
refrain from joining a union. Except for some of Garmin’s employees in Sweden, none of Garmin’s employees are 
represented  by  a  labor  union  and  none  of  Garmin's  North  American  or  Taiwan  employees  are  covered  by  a 
collective  bargaining  agreement.  We  believe  our  efforts  in  managing  our  workforce  have  been  effective,  as 
evidenced by a strong company culture and positive relations between the Company and our employees.

We offer a range of robust benefits to our employees that enable us to attract and retain leading talent. In 
addition  to  salaries,  these  programs  (which  vary  by  country/region)  include  stock  awards,  retirement  plans, 
healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, family leave, and 
an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which provides employees an opportunity to acquire company ownership for 
a discounted price. We also invest significant resources in our talent development programs to provide employees 
with the training and education they need to help achieve their career goals, build relevant skills, and lead their 
organizations. Employee Resource Groups provide opportunities for employees to connect, network, and become 
involved in community engagement initiatives. 

We support local community engagement initiatives where we have a business presence, and we provide 
opportunities for employees to give back to those communities. One such initiative is through active engagement 
in  Science,  Technology,  Engineering,  and  Math  (“STEM”)  community  outreach  programs.  Our  strategic  aim  in 
these  educational  programs 
the 
engineering  field,  especially  those  in  underrepresented  groups,  which  we  believe  benefits  not  only  our 
company  but  the  overall industry.

to  educate  and  encourage 

to  pursue  careers 

local  students 

in 

is 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The risks described below are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties 
not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also impair our business operations. If 
any  of  the  following  risks  occur,  our  business,  financial  condition  or  operating  results  could  be  materially 
adversely affected.

Risks Related to the Company

If  we  are  not  successful  in  the  continued  development,  timely  manufacture,  and  introduction  of 
new products or product categories, demand for our products could decrease to the extent that lost sales 
and profits, or losses, from declining segments or product categories are not entirely offset. 

We expect that a significant portion of our future revenue will continue to be derived from sales of newly 
introduced products. This is particularly important to replace sales and profits lost, or losses incurred, in declining 
segments  or  product  categories.  The  market  for  our  products  is  characterized  by  rapidly  changing  technology, 
evolving industry standards and changes in customer needs. If we fail to introduce new products, or to modify or 
improve our existing products, in response to changes in technology, industry standards or customer needs, our 
products could rapidly become less competitive or obsolete. We must continue to make significant investments in 
research and development in order to continue to develop new products, enhance existing products and achieve 
market acceptance for such products. However, there can be no assurance that development stage products will 
be successfully completed or, if developed, will achieve significant customer acceptance. 

13

If  we  are  unable  to  successfully  develop  and  introduce  competitive  new  products,  and  enhance  our 
existing  products,  our  future  results  of  operations  would  be  adversely  affected.  Our  pursuit  of  necessary 
technology may require substantial time and expense. We may need to license new technologies to respond to 
technological change. These licenses may not be available to us on terms that we can accept or may materially 
change the gross profits that we are able to obtain on our products. We may not succeed in adapting our products 
to  new  technologies  as  they  emerge.  Development  and  manufacturing  schedules  for  technology  products  are 
difficult to predict, and there can be no assurance that we will achieve timely initial customer shipments of new 
products. The timely availability of these products in volume and their acceptance by customers are important to 
our future success. Any future challenges related to new products, whether due to product development delays, 
manufacturing  delays,  lack  of  market  acceptance,  delays  in  regulatory  approval,  or  otherwise,  could  have  a 
material adverse effect on our results of operations. 

If we are unable to compete effectively with existing or new competitors, our resulting loss of competitive 
position  could  result  in  price  reductions,  fewer  customer  orders,  reduced  margins  and  loss  of  market 
share. 

The markets for many of our products are highly competitive, and we expect competition to increase in the 
future. Some of our competitors have significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. 
These competitors may be able to respond more rapidly to new or emerging technologies or changes in customer 
requirements. They may also be able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their 
products or secure better product positioning with retailers. Increased competition could result in price reductions, 
fewer  customer  orders,  reduced  margins  and  loss  of  market  share.  Our  failure  to  compete  successfully  against 
current or future competitors could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

Public health emergencies or outbreaks of epidemics, pandemics, or contagious diseases have had and 
will likely continue to have significant impacts on our business.

Widespread  public  health  emergencies  or  outbreaks  of  epidemics,  pandemics,  or  contagious  diseases, 
such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have had, and will likely continue to have, significant impacts on our business. 
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rapidly evolve, creating disruption and uncertainty around the world, which 
has resulted in, and we expect will continue to result in, reduced overall demand for certain of our products and 
other  operational  impacts.  There  are  unknown  factors,  such  as  the  duration  and  severity  of  the  pandemic,  the 
nature and length of actions taken by governments, businesses and individuals to contain or mitigate its impact, 
the  severity  and  duration  of  the  economic  impact  caused  by  the  pandemic,  the  uncertainty  surrounding  the 
efficacy,  distribution  and  uptake  of  vaccines,  along  with  the  effectiveness  of  our  response,  that  may  affect  the 
magnitude  of  effects  to  our  business  operations,  results  of  operations,  and  its  ultimate  impact  on  our  financial 
condition.

Demand  for  certain  of  our  products  has  been,  and  is  expected  to  continue  to  be,  adversely  affected  in 
several ways. Consumers have been and may continue to be less able or less likely to purchase certain of our 
products due to economic hardships, governmental restrictions affecting them and the retail outlets that sell our 
products, voluntary behavior changes associated with public health guidance, the prioritization of other goods and 
services by online retailers that sell our products, restrictions on the ability of online retailers to ship products to 
certain areas, the cancellation of trade shows and other events that are otherwise important in the marketing and 
sale of our products, and the potential failure and closure of retail outlets and online retailers that sell our products. 
Certain of our sales and distribution offices have experienced and may again experience temporary closure due to 
governmental restrictions. Additional or prolonged closures of certain sales and distribution offices could affect our 
ability to market and distribute products to meet customer demand. The adverse impacts of the pandemic have 
created economic stress in the global marketplace, high levels of unemployment, loss of income and/or wealth for 
some individuals, and general economic uncertainty. These conditions have affected and are expected to continue 
to affect the willingness or ability of customers to purchase certain of our products or those of original equipment 
manufacturers in which our products are installed.

Our  supply  chain  may  also  be  adversely  impacted  by  COVID-19.  We  may  be  unable  to  procure,  or 
experience  delays  in  procuring,  certain  components  from  our  suppliers,  and  the  cost  of  procuring  components 
could increase. Reduced demand for certain of our products has resulted in, and may continue to result in, reduced 
utilization  of  certain  of  our  manufacturing  facilities  and  higher  per-unit  costs  for  certain  products.  Certain  of  our 
manufacturing  facilities  may  also  experience  inopportune  temporary  closures  or  reduced  hours,  which  could 
adversely affect the costs incurred to produce our products and our ability to meet demand.

14

COVID-19 has had and will continue to have several other operational impacts on our business, which will 
or may include employees working remotely, temporarily ceasing operations in some offices due to government 
restrictions,  business  travel  restrictions,  and  the  cancellation  of  events  that  are  otherwise  important  in  the 
development,  marketing  and  sale  of  our  products.  These  changes  in  our  business  operations  may  result  in 
reduced efficiency and lower productivity. We have incurred and are expected to continue to incur increased costs 
as we provide additional benefits to assist our employees during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a safe and 
healthy workplace for employees who continue to work in our facilities. Similar operational and financial hardships 
on our business partners may result in aged or uncollectable receivables, and the reduced demand for certain of 
our products could result in obsolescence of certain inventory. If the economy experiences a sustained downturn of 
significant proportion that impacts portions of our business, we may also need to incur the costs and organizational 
impacts of personnel restructuring. 

Additional  risks  and  impacts  associated  with  COVID-19  including  gross  margin  fluctuation,  foreign 
currency fluctuations, successful continued product development, impacts to our key personnel, and dependencies 
on third party suppliers, may  be heightened  as  a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are further unknown 
risks and impacts due to the uncertainty and rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic including, but not limited to, 
uncertainty  around  the  evolution  of  the  pandemic,  the  unprecedented  imposition  of  preventative  measures  by 
governments  that  impact  the  economy  and  normal  operations  of  a  business  and  the  timing  and  manner  of 
relaxation  of  those  measures.  Potential  future  health  emergencies  may  present  risks  and  impacts  similar  to  the 
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If we are unable to manage these risks and uncertainties, our business, financial 
condition, and results of operations could be materially impacted.

Maturation  or  contraction  of  the  market  for  wearable  devices  or  categories  of  these  devices  could 
adversely affect our revenue and profits.

We  have  experienced  growth  in  sales  and  profits  in  our  outdoor  and  fitness  segments,  which  in  recent 
years have benefited from increased sales of wearable devices. If the overall wearable device market declines, or 
categories of devices within the wearable device market decline significantly, our business, financial condition or 
operating results could be materially adversely affected.

We depend on third party suppliers and licensors, some of which are sole source, for content, technology, 
and components used in our products. Our production and business would be seriously harmed if these 
suppliers  are  not  able  to  meet  our  demand  and  alternative  sources  are  not  available,  or  if  the  costs  of 
components rise. 

We are dependent on third party suppliers for various components used in our current products. Some of 
the components that we procure from third party suppliers include semiconductors and electroluminescent panels, 
liquid  crystal  displays,  memory  chips,  batteries  and  microprocessors.  The  cost,  quality  and  availability  of 
components are essential to the successful production and sale of our products. Some components we use are 
from sole source suppliers. Certain application-specific integrated circuits incorporating our proprietary designs are 
manufactured for us  by sole source suppliers. Alternative sources may not be currently available for these sole 
source components. 

We  have  and  may  continue  to  experience  shortages  of  certain  components.  In  addition,  a  shortage  in 
supply of components may result in an increase of the costs of available components. If suppliers are unable to 
meet our demand for components on a timely basis or if we are unable to obtain an alternative source, or if the 
price  of  the  alternative  source  is  prohibitive,  our  ability  to  maintain  timely  and  cost-effective  production  of  our 
products would be seriously harmed. 

We  are  committed  to  make  significant  investments  in  auto  OEM  for  the  foreseeable  future,  which  could 
negatively impact total Company profits and shareholder value if we fail to become profitable. 

We have been awarded several tier-one and tier-two auto OEM supplier contracts. To fulfill the associated 
program commitments, we are investing significantly in facilities, research and development, and other operating 
expenses  and  we  will  continue  to  do  so  in  the  coming  years.  Gross  margins  associated  with  these  auto  OEM 
programs are lower than the gross margins realized by the Company as a whole in recent periods. If we are not 
successful  in  winning  additional  contract  awards  or  substantially  leveraging  our  investments,  periods  of  lower 
operating income or operating losses in the auto OEM segment could continue to negatively impact total Company 
profits and may negatively impact shareholder value if we fail to become profitable.

15

We rely on information technology systems for our business operations. Failures or disruptions, including 
security breaches or cyber attacks, to our information technology systems may harm our reputation and 
adversely affect our business and result of operations.

Our  information  technology  systems  allow  for  our  daily  business  operations  to  operate  efficiently  and 
effectively.  These  systems  assist  in  our  business  processes,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  communications, 
financial  management,  supply  chain  management,  manufacturing,  order  processing,  shipping  and  billing,  and 
providing services and support to our customers. Additionally, we electronically maintain sensitive data, including 
our intellectual property and confidential and proprietary information and that of our business partners. We also 
electronically maintain personal information of our users and employees. The secure processing, maintenance and 
transmission  of  this  information  is  important  to  our  operations.  A  disruption  to  any  of  these  processes  can 
adversely  affect  our  business  and  results  of  operations.  Furthermore,  a  breach  of  our  security  systems  and 
procedures  or  those  of  our  vendors  could  result  in  significant  data  losses  or  theft  of  our  intellectual  property  or 
confidential  and  proprietary  information  or  that  of  our  business  partners,  as  well  as  our  users’  or  employees' 
personal information. 

We have technology and processes in place to detect and respond to data security incidents. However, 
because  the  techniques  used  to  obtain  unauthorized  access,  disable  or  degrade  service,  or  sabotage  systems 
change  frequently  and  may  be  difficult  to  detect  for  long  periods  of  time,  we  may  be  unable  to  anticipate  these 
techniques  or  implement  adequate  preventive  measures.  In  addition,  hardware,  software  or  applications  we 
develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could 
unexpectedly compromise information security. Unauthorized parties have also attempted, and may in the future 
attempt, to gain access to our systems or facilities through fraud, trickery or other forms of deceiving our customers 
and employees. Accordingly, we have been and may in the future be unable to anticipate these techniques or to 
implement adequate security barriers or other preventative measures, or if such measures are implemented, and 
even with appropriate training conducted in support of such measures, human errors may still occur. It is virtually 
impossible for us to entirely mitigate this risk. A party, whether internal or external, who is able to circumvent our 
security measures could misappropriate information.

Actual  or  anticipated  attacks  and  risks  have  caused  and  are  expected  to  continue  to  cause  us  to  incur 
increasing costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, to conduct additional 
employee training, and to engage third party security experts and consultants. 

If  we  fail  to  reasonably  maintain  the  security  of  our  intellectual  property  or  confidential  and  proprietary 
information  or  that  of  our  business  partners,  or  if  we  fail  to  reasonably  maintain  the  security  of  the  personal 
information of our users or employees, we may suffer significant reputational and financial losses and our results of 
operations, cash flows, financial condition, and liquidity may be adversely affected. In addition, a system breach 
could result in other negative consequences, including disruption of internal operations and loss of functionality of 
critical systems and online services, and may subject us to private litigation, government investigations, regulatory 
proceedings, enforcement actions, and cause us to incur potentially significant liability, damages, or remediation 
costs. Although we maintain cyber insurance coverage that, subject to policy terms and conditions and a significant 
self-insured  retention,  is  designed  to  address  certain  aspects  of  cyber  risks,  such  insurance  coverage  may  be 
insufficient to cover all losses or all types of claims that may arise in the continually evolving area of cyber risk.

The Company was the victim of a cyber attack that encrypted some of our systems on July 23, 2020. As a result, 
many  of  our  online  services  were  interrupted  including  website  functions,  customer  support,  customer  facing 
applications, and company communications. We immediately began to assess the nature of the attack and started 
remediation.  Based  on  our  due  diligence  and  independent  forensic  analysis,  we  have  no  indication  that  any 
customer data was accessed, lost or stolen. Additionally, the functionality of Garmin products was not affected, 
other than the ability to access online services. The impact of this outage to our operations and financial results 
was not material, and we do not expect it to have material impacts on future periods. However, we may still suffer 
negative  consequences,  including  certain  of  those  described  in  the  paragraphs  above,  beyond  our  current 
expectations.

Our annual and quarterly financial statements will reflect fluctuations in foreign currency translation.

The  operation  of  our  subsidiaries  in  global  markets  results  in  exposure  to  movements  in  currency 
exchange rates. We have experienced significant foreign currency gains and losses due to the strengthening and 
weakening of the U.S. Dollar relative to certain other  currencies. The potential of volatile foreign exchange rate 
fluctuations in the future could have a significant effect on our results of operations. We have not historically used 
financial instruments to hedge our foreign currency exchange rate risks.

16

The currencies that typically create a majority of our exchange rate exposure are the Taiwan Dollar, Euro, 
British Pound Sterling, Australian Dollar, Chinese Yuan, and Japanese Yen. The Taiwan Dollar is the functional 
currency of Garmin Corporation, the Euro is the functional currency of several subsidiaries, and the U.S. Dollar is 
the  functional  currency  of  Garmin  (Europe)  Ltd.,  although  some  transactions  and  balances  are  denominated  in 
British Pounds. Other legal entities primarily use the local currency as the functional currency. Due to the relative 
size of entities with other functional currencies, fluctuations of other currencies are not expected to have a material 
impact on our financial statements. 

We translate income and expense activity at the approximate rate of exchange at the transaction date, and 
all assets and liabilities at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense activity in 
a currency other than the U.S. Dollar can be impacted by exchange rate variations over time. The majority of our 
consolidated  foreign  currency  gain  or  loss  is  typically  driven  by  exchange  rate  impacts  on  the  significant  cash, 
receivables, and payables held in a currency other than the functional currency at a given legal entity. Such gain or 
loss will create variations in our earnings per share. However, because there is minimal cash impact caused by 
such exchange rate variations, management will continue to focus on our operating performance before the impact 
of foreign currency gains and losses. 

Changes in applicable tax laws or resolutions of tax disputes could result in adverse tax consequences to 
the Company. 

Our tax positions could be adversely impacted by changes to tax laws, tax treaties, or tax regulations or 
the interpretation or enforcement thereof by any tax authority in which we file income tax returns, particularly in the 
US, Switzerland, Taiwan, and UK. We cannot predict the outcome of any specific legislative proposals. 

Global taxing standards continue to evolve as a result of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and 
Development (OECD) recommendations aimed at preventing perceived base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) by 
multinational corporations. While these recommendations do not change tax law, the countries where we operate 
may implement legislation or take unilateral actions which may result in adverse effects to our income tax provision 
and financial statements. Partially to respond to recent and continuing changes to global tax standards, we initiated 
an  intercompany  transaction  which  migrates  ownership  of  certain  consumer  products  intellectual  property  from 
Switzerland  to  the  United  States,  which  is  the  primary  location  of  research,  development  and  executive 
management. Due to the subjectivity inherent in transfer pricing associated with this intercompany transaction, we 
are pursuing an advanced pricing agreement with relevant jurisdictions to provide certainty regarding the pricing. 
However, we are unable to predict the outcome of the final advanced pricing agreement and related negotiations, 
which  could  materially  and/or  adversely  impact  our  income  tax  provision,  net  income  or  cash  flows  for  periods 
during negotiation and upon finalization. 

Significant  judgment  is  required  in  determining  our  global  provision  for  income  taxes.  In  the  ordinary 
course  of  our  business,  there  are  many  transactions  and  calculations  where  the  ultimate  tax  determination  is 
uncertain, most notably in the area of transfer pricing. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities. Although we 
believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be 
materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of an audit or litigation could 
have a material effect on our income tax provision, net income, or cash flows in the period or periods for which that 
determination is made.

Changes  to  trade  regulations,  including  trade  restrictions,  sanctions,  or  tariffs,  could  significantly  harm 
our results of operations.

We manufacture goods in the People’s Republic of China, also referred to as the PRC, and import certain 
materials  from  the  PRC  that  are  used  to  manufacture  goods  in  the  United  States.  The  imposition  of  additional 
governmental controls or regulations that create new or enhanced restrictions on free trade, trade sanctions, or 
tariffs, particularly those applicable to materials or goods from the PRC, could have a substantial adverse effect on 
our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

17

Economic,  regulatory,  and  political  conditions  and  uncertainty  could  adversely  affect  our  revenue  and 
profits.

Our revenue and profits depend significantly on general economic conditions and the demand for products 
in  the  markets  in  which  we  compete.  We  have  operations  outside  the  United  States  that  make  up  a  significant 
portion of our total revenue, which can present challenges depending on economic and geopolitical conditions on 
both  a  global  and  regional  scale.  Economic  weakness  or  constrained  consumer  and  business  spending  has 
resulted  in  periods  of  decreased  revenue  in  the  past,  and  could  in  the  future  result  in  decreased  revenue  and 
problems  with  our  ability  to  manage  inventory  levels  and  collect  customer  receivables.  In  addition,  financial 
difficulties  experienced  by  our  retailers  and  OEM  customers  have  resulted,  and  could  result  in  the  future,  in 
significant bad debt write-offs and additions to reserves in our receivables and could have an adverse effect on our 
results of operations. 

We  may  experience  unique  economic  and  political  risks  associated  with  companies  that  operate  in 
Taiwan. 

Our principal manufacturing facilities, where we manufacture most of our consumer products, are located 
in Taiwan. Relations between Taiwan and the PRC and other factors affecting the political or economic conditions 
of Taiwan in the future, could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and the 
market price and the liquidity of our shares. 

The PRC asserts sovereignty over all of China, including Taiwan, certain other islands, and all of mainland 
China. The PRC government does not recognize the legitimacy of the Taiwan government. Although significant 
economic and cultural relations exist between Taiwan and the PRC, the PRC government has indicated that it may 
use military force to gain control over Taiwan in certain circumstances, such as the declaration of independence by 
Taiwan. The United States' relations with Taiwan are governed by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which signifies 
when  the  U.S.  switched  diplomatic  recognition  from  Taiwan  to  the  PRC,  referred  to  as  the  "one-China"  policy. 
Deviations from the "one-China" policy could lead to adverse changes in China-U.S. and China-Taiwan relations 
and could adversely affect our operations in Taiwan in the future.

If  we  do  not  correctly  anticipate  demand  for  our  products,  we  may  not  be  able  to  secure  sufficient 
quantities  or  cost-effective  production  of  our  products  or  we  could  have  costly  excess  production  or 
inventories. 

We  have  generally  been  able  to  increase  or  decrease  production  to  meet  fluctuations  in  demand. 
However, the demand for our products depends on many factors and may be difficult to forecast. We expect that it 
will become more difficult to forecast demand as we introduce and support a diverse product portfolio, competition 
in  the  market  for  our  products  intensifies  and  the  markets  for  some  of  our  products  mature.  Significant 
unanticipated fluctuations in demand could cause the following problems in our operations: 

•

•

•

If  demand  increases  beyond  what  we  forecast,  we  would  have  to  rapidly  increase  production.  We 
would depend on suppliers to provide additional volumes of components and those suppliers might 
not be able to increase production rapidly enough to meet unexpected demand. 
Rapid increases in production levels to meet unanticipated demand could result in higher costs for 
manufacturing and supply of components, higher freight costs associated with urgent distribution of 
the  products,  and  other  expenses.  These  higher  costs  could  lower  our  profit  margins.  Further,  if 
production  is  increased  rapidly,  manufacturing  quality  could  decline,  which  may  also  lower  our 
margins and reduce customer satisfaction.
If forecasted demand does not develop, we could have excess inventories of finished products and 
components,  which  would  use  cash  and  could  lead  to  write-offs  of  some  or  all  of  the  excess 
inventories.  Lower  than  forecasted  demand  could  also  result  in  excess  manufacturing  capacity  or 
reduced manufacturing efficiencies at our facilities, which could result in lower margins.

18

The  effects  of  the  United  Kingdom’s  withdrawal  from  the  European  Union  (“Brexit”),  including  trade 
agreements,  are  not  yet  known  and  the  uncertainty  creates  challenges  and  risks  which  could  have  a 
material effect on our business and results of operations.

The  United  Kingdom  (UK)  formally  left  the  European  Union  (EU)  on  January  31,  2020,  and  a  transition 
period through December 31, 2020 was established to allow the UK and EU to negotiate the terms of the UK’s 
withdrawal.  As  a  result,  the  UK  is  no  longer  part  of  the  European  Single  Market  and  European  Union  Customs 
Union effective January 1, 2021. The UK and EU signed the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) in 
December 2020, which has been applied provisionally since January 1, 2021 until it is ratified by all parties to the 
agreement. Under the TCA, there is no longer the free movement of goods or people between the UK and the EU, 
which has resulted and could continue to result in certain delays in the shipment of these goods. The long-term 
risks of Brexit include economic recessions in the UK or other European markets and currency instability for both 
the British Pound Sterling and the Euro.

We have operations in the UK, including offices and a distribution facility, and several EU member states. 
Brexit therefore has impacted and will continue to impact our operations. While these impacts have not yet been 
material to our business operations, results of operations, and financial condition, risks such as slow or inefficient 
border clearance, prolonged economic recession, and currency fluctuations could have material adverse effects in 
the future. 

Our intellectual property rights are important to our operations, and we could suffer loss if they infringe 
upon others’ rights or are infringed upon by others. 

We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, confidentiality provisions 
and licensing arrangements to establish and protect our proprietary rights. To this end, we hold rights to a number 
of  patents  and  registered  trademarks  and  regularly  file  applications  to  attempt  to  protect  our  rights  in  new 
technology  and  trademarks.  However,  there  is  no  guarantee  that  our  patent  applications  will  become  issued 
patents,  or  that  our  trademark  applications  will  become  registered  trademarks.  In  addition,  effective  copyright, 
patent and trade secret protection may be unavailable,  limited or not applied for in certain countries. Moreover, 
even  if  approved,  our  patents  or  trademarks  may  thereafter  be  successfully  challenged  by  others  or  otherwise 
become  invalidated  for  a  variety  of  reasons.  Thus,  any  patents  or  trademarks  we  currently  have  or  may  later 
acquire may not provide us a significant competitive advantage. 

The value of our products relies substantially on our technical innovation in fields in which there are many 
patent  filings.  Third  parties  may  claim  that  we  or  our  customers  (some  of  whom  are  indemnified  by  us)  are 
infringing their intellectual property rights. For example, individuals and groups may purchase intellectual property 
assets  for  the  purpose  of  asserting  claims  of  infringement  and  attempting  to  extract  settlements  from  us  or  our 
customers. The number of these claims has increased in recent years and may continue to increase in the future. 
Such claims could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. From time to time we 
receive letters alleging infringement of patents, trademarks or other intellectual property rights and we have been, 
and  currently  are,  a  defendant  in  lawsuits  alleging  patent  infringement.  Litigation  concerning  patents  or  other 
intellectual property is costly and time consuming. We may seek licenses from such parties, but they could refuse 
to grant us a license or demand commercially unreasonable terms. Such infringement claims could also cause us 
to incur substantial liabilities and to suspend or permanently cease the use of critical technologies or processes or 
the production or sale of major products. 

We may become subject to significant product liability costs. 

If  our  products  malfunction  or  contain  errors  or  defects,  we  could  be  subject  to  significant  liability  for 
personal injury and property damage and, under certain circumstances, could be subject to a judgment for punitive 
damages. We maintain insurance against accident-related risks involving our products. However, there can be no 
assurance that such insurance would be sufficient to cover the cost of damages to others or that such insurance 
will  continue  to  be  available  at  commercially  reasonable  rates.  In  addition,  insurance  coverage  may  not  cover 
awards of punitive damages and may not cover the cost of associated legal fees and defense costs, which could 
result in lower margins. If we are unable to maintain sufficient insurance to cover product liability costs or if our 
insurance coverage does not cover the award, this could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial 
condition and results of operations. 

19

We have claims and lawsuits against us that may result in adverse outcomes.

We are subject to a variety of claims and lawsuits. Adverse outcomes in some or all of these claims may 
result  in  significant  monetary  damages  or  injunctive  relief  that  could  adversely  affect  our  ability  to  conduct  our 
business.  Litigation  and  other  claims  are  subject  to  inherent  uncertainties  and  the  outcomes  can  be  difficult  to 
predict. Management may not adequately reserve for a contingent liability, or we may suffer unforeseen liabilities, 
which could then impact the results of a financial period. A material adverse impact on our consolidated financial 
statements could occur for the period in which the effect of an unfavorable final outcome becomes probable and 
reasonably estimable and could harm our results of operations and financial condition.

Continued declines in consumer auto revenue could negatively impact the carrying value of the goodwill 
associated with the reporting unit. 

We  experienced  substantial  growth  through  2008  in  our  auto  segment  as  PNDs  became  mass-market 
consumer  electronics  in  both  Europe  and  North  America.  The  consumer  auto  market  has  been  declining  as 
competing  technologies  emerged  and  market  saturation  occurred.  Navigation  technologies  have  been 
incorporated into and become more prevalent in competing devices such as mobile handsets, tablets, and new 
automobiles through factory-installed systems. The acceptance by consumers of these alternative solutions has 
negatively impacted sales and profits in  the consumer auto segment. There is no assurance that the  decline  in 
sales will end, and thus no assurance that we can continue to generate profits from the consumer auto segment, 
which  could  put  some  or  all  of  the  goodwill  associated  with  the  consumer  auto  reporting  unit  at  further  risk  of 
impairment. 

Our  products  may  contain  undetected  security  vulnerabilities,  which  could  result  in  damage  to  our 
reputation, lost revenue, diverted development resources and increased warranty claims, and litigation.

Undiscovered  vulnerabilities  in  our  products  could  expose  them  to  hackers  or  other  unscrupulous  third 
parties  who  develop  and  deploy  viruses  and  other  malicious  software  programs  that  could  attack  our  products. 
Actual or perceived security vulnerabilities in our products could harm our reputation and lead some customers to 
return products, to reduce or delay future purchases, or use competing products.

Our business is subject to a variety of United States and international laws, regulations and other legal 
obligations regarding data protection. 

We  collect,  store,  process,  and  use  personal  information  and  other  user  data.  Our  users’  personal 
information may include, among other information, names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, payment 
account information, height, weight, age, gender, heart rates, sleeping patterns, GPS-based location, and activity 
patterns. 

Regulatory  authorities  and  legislative  bodies  around  the  world,  including  in  the  United  States,  have 
enacted or are considering enacting a number of legislative and regulatory proposals concerning data protection. 
These  laws  continue  to  develop  and  may  be  inconsistent  from  jurisdiction  to  jurisdiction.  Complying  with  these 
various laws could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a manner 
adverse  to  our  business.  Noncompliance  could  result  in  significant  penalties,  governmental  investigations  and 
regulatory proceedings, litigation, harm to our brand, and a decrease in the use of our products and services. Many 
of  these  laws  provide  for  significant  penalties.  Under  the  General  Data  Protection  Regulation  in  the  European 
Union, for example, potential penalties can be as high as 4% of a company’s total global revenue.

Gross margins for our products may fluctuate or erode. 

Gross  margins  in  some  of  our  segments  are  volatile  and  could  decline  in  the  future  due  to  competitive 
price  reductions  that  are  not  fully  offset  by  material  cost  reductions.  In  addition,  our  overall  gross  margin  may 
fluctuate from period to period due to a number of factors, including product mix, competition and unit volumes. In 
particular, the average selling prices of a specific product tend to decrease over that product’s life. To offset such 
decreases,  we  intend  to  rely  primarily  on  component  cost  reduction,  obtaining  yield  improvements  and 
corresponding  cost  reductions  in  the  manufacturing  of  existing  products  and  on  introducing  new  products  that 
incorporate advanced features and therefore can be sold at higher average selling prices. However, there can be 
no assurance that we will be able to obtain any such yield improvements or cost reductions or introduce any such 
new products in the future. To the extent that such cost reductions and new product introductions do not occur in a 
timely manner or our products do not achieve market acceptance, our business, financial condition and results of 
operations could be materially adversely affected.

20

Changes in our United States federal income tax classification, or that of our subsidiaries, could result in 
adverse tax consequences to our 10% or greater U.S. shareholders.

The  Tax  Cuts  and  Jobs  Act  (the  “2017  Act”)  signed  on  December  22,  2017  may  have  changed  the 
consequences  to  U.S.  shareholders  that  own,  or  are  considered  to  own,  as  a  result  of  the  attribution  rules,  ten 
percent or more of the voting power or value of the stock of a non-U.S. corporation (a 10% U.S. shareholder) under 
the U.S. federal income tax law applicable to owners of U.S. controlled foreign corporations (“CFCs”).

The  2017  Act  repealed  Internal  Revenue  Code  Section  958(b)(4),  which,  unless  clarified  in  future 
regulations or other guidance, may result in classification of certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries as CFCs 
with  respect  to  any  single  10%  U.S.  shareholder.  This  may  be  the  result  without  regard  to  whether  10%  U.S. 
shareholders  together  own,  directly  or  indirectly,  more  than  fifty  percent  of  the  voting  power  or  value  of  the 
Company as was the case under prior rules.

Additional tax consequences to 10% U.S. shareholders of a CFC may result from other provisions of the 
2017 Act. For example, the 2017 Act added Section 951A which requires a 10% U.S. shareholder of a CFC to 
include in income its pro-rata share of the global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) of the CFC. The 2017 Act 
also eliminated the requirement in Section 951(a) necessitating that a foreign corporation be considered a CFC for 
an uninterrupted period of at least 30 days in order for a 10% U.S. shareholder to have a current income inclusion.

From  time  to  time,  the  Company  may  elect  to  employ  antidilutive  measures  such  as  a  stock  buyback 
program. These measures could inadvertently create additional 10% U.S. shareholders and thus trigger adverse 
tax consequences for those shareholders as described above. We urge shareholders to consult their individual tax 
advisers for advice regarding the 2017 Act revisions to the U.S. federal income tax law applicable to owners of 
CFCs given the current uncertainty regarding their scope of applicability.

Some  of  our  products  are  subject  to  governmental  regulation  or  certification.  Failure  to  obtain  required 
certifications of our products on a timely basis, either due to government shutdown or other delays in the 
certification process, could harm our business. 

Federal  Aviation  Administration  (FAA)  certification  is  required  for  all  of  our  aviation  products  that  are 
intended for installation in type-certificated aircraft. To the extent required, certification is an expensive and time-
consuming  process  that  requires  significant  focus  and  resources.  An  inability  to  obtain,  or  excessive  delay  in 
obtaining, such certifications could have an adverse effect on our ability to introduce new products and, for certain 
aviation OEM products, our customers’ ability to sell airplanes. Delays in our obtaining certification for our aviation 
products have resulted and may in the future result in our being required to pay compensation to our customers. 
Additionally,  failure  of  the  United  States  Congress  to  appropriate  funds  for  FAA  operations  that  results  in  a 
shutdown of FAA operations or furloughing of FAA employees, due to partial or complete government shutdowns 
or otherwise, could result in delays in the required FAA certification of our avionics products and in the production, 
sale and registration of aircraft that use our avionics products. Therefore, such inabilities or delays could have a 
material  adverse  effect  on  our  business  and  financial  results.  In  addition,  we  cannot  assure  that  our  certified 
products will not be decertified. Any such decertification could have an adverse effect on our operating results. 

In addition, in accordance with FCC rules and regulations, wireless transceiver products are required to be 
certified  by  the  FCC  in  the  United  States  and  comparable  authorities  in  foreign  countries  where  they  are  sold. 
Garmin’s products sold in Europe are required to comply with relevant directives of the European Commission. A 
delay  in  receiving  required  certifications  for  new  products,  or  enhancements  to  Garmin’s  products,  or  losing 
certification for Garmin’s existing products could adversely affect our business. 

21

Our business may suffer if we are not able to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel or if we lose our 
key personnel. 

Our future success depends partly on the continued contribution of our key executive, engineering, sales, 
marketing, manufacturing and administrative personnel. We currently do not have employment agreements with 
any of our key executive officers. Swiss law prohibits us from paying severance payments to our senior executive 
officers, which may impair our ability to recruit for these positions. We do not have key person life insurance on any 
of our key executive officers and do not currently intend to obtain such insurance. The loss of the services of any of 
our  senior  level  management,  or  other  key  employees,  could  harm  our  business.  Recruiting  and  retaining  the 
skilled  personnel  we  require  to  maintain  and  grow  our  market  position  may  be  difficult.  For  example,  in  recent 
years there has been a global shortage of qualified engineers who are necessary for us to design and develop new 
products, and therefore, it has sometimes been challenging to recruit such personnel. If we fail to hire and retain 
qualified employees, we may not be able to maintain and expand our business. 

Our quarterly operating results are subject to fluctuations and seasonality. 

Our  operating  results  are  difficult  to  predict.  Our  future  quarterly  operating  results  may  fluctuate 
significantly.  If  such  operating  results  decline,  the  price  of  our  stock  could  decline.  As  we  have  expanded  our 
operations,  our  operating  expenses,  particularly  our  research  and  development  costs,  have  increased  as  a 
percentage  of  our  sales  in  some  periods.  If  revenues  decrease  and  we  continue  to  increase  research  and 
development costs, our operating results would be negatively affected. 

Historically, our revenues have been lower in the first quarter of each fiscal year as many of our devices 
are  highly  consumer-oriented,  and  consumer  buying  is  traditionally  lower  in  this  quarter.  Sales  of  certain  of  our 
auto,  fitness,  marine,  and  outdoor  products  tend  to  be  higher  in  our  second  fiscal  quarter  due  to  increased 
consumer  spending  for  such  products  in  the  spring  season  and  travel  season.  Sales  of  many  of  our  consumer 
products  also  have  been  higher  in  our  fourth  fiscal  quarter  due  to  increased  consumer  spending  patterns  on 
electronic devices during the holiday season. 

We  rely  on  independent  dealers  and  distributors  to  sell  our  products,  and  disruption  to  these  channels 
would harm our business. 

Because we sell many of our products to independent dealers and distributors, we are subject to many 
risks, including risks related to their inventory levels and support for our products. In particular, our dealers and 
distributors  maintain  significant  levels  of  our  products  in  their  inventories.  If  dealers  and  distributors  attempt  to 
reduce  their  levels  of  inventory  or  if  they  do  not  maintain  sufficient  levels  to  meet  customer  demand,  our  sales 
could be negatively impacted. 

Many of our dealers and distributors also sell products offered by our competitors. If our competitors offer 
our dealers and distributors more favorable terms, those dealers and distributors may de-emphasize or decline to 
carry our products. In the future, we may not be able to retain or attract a sufficient number of qualified dealers and 
distributors. If we are unable to maintain successful relationships with dealers and distributors or to expand our 
distribution channels, our business will suffer. 

We  may  pursue  strategic  acquisitions,  investments,  strategic  partnerships  or  other  ventures,  and  our 
business could be materially harmed if we fail to successfully identify, evaluate, complete, and integrate 
such transactions. 

We  continually  evaluate  acquisition  opportunities  and  opportunities 

in 
complementary businesses, technologies, services or products, or to enter into strategic partnerships with parties 
who  can  provide  access  to  those  assets,  additional  product  or  services  offerings,  additional  distribution  or 
marketing  synergies  or  additional  industry  expertise.  We  may  not  be  able  to  identify  suitable  acquisition, 
investment or strategic partnership candidates, or if we do identify suitable candidates in the future, we may not be 
able to complete those transactions on commercially favorable terms, or at all. 

investments 

to  make 

22

Any past or future acquisition could also result in difficulties assimilating acquired employees, operations, 
and  products  and  diversion  of  capital  and  management’s  attention  away  from  other  business  issues  and 
opportunities. Integration of acquired companies may result in problems related to integration of technology and 
inexperienced management teams. Due diligence performed prior to closing acquisitions may not uncover certain 
risks or liabilities that could materially impact our business and financial results. In addition, the key personnel of 
the  acquired  company  may  decide  not  to  work  for  us.  We  may  not  successfully  integrate  internal  controls, 
compliance  under  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002,  the  GDPR  and  other  corporate  governance  and  regulatory 
matters,  operations,  personnel  or  products  related  to  acquisitions  we  may  make  in  the  future.  If  we  fail  to 
successfully integrate such transactions, our business could be materially harmed.

Many of our products rely on the Global Positioning System and other Global Satellite Navigation Systems 
(GNSS).

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation and positioning system consisting of 
a constellation of orbiting satellites. The satellites and their ground control and monitoring stations are maintained 
and operated by the United States Department of Defense. The Department of Defense does not currently charge 
users for access to the satellite signals. These satellites and their ground support systems are complex electronic 
systems  subject  to  electronic  and  mechanical  failures  and  possible  sabotage.  GPS  satellites  have  a  limited 
lifespan and are subject to damage by the hostile space environment in which they operate. While many of the 
original satellites deployed by the U.S. have been in operation for more than 20 years, the U.S. Space Force and 
Missile Systems Center continue to launch new satellites to replace retired and aged satellites.

Despite ongoing efforts to repair, maintain and replace non-operational satellites, if a significant number of 
satellites  were  to  become  inoperable,  there  could  be  a  substantial  delay  before  they  are  replaced  with  new 
satellites. A reduction in the number of operating satellites may impair the current utility of GPS and the growth of 
current  and  additional  market  opportunities.  Furthermore,  as  GPS  satellites  and  ground  control  segments  are 
being  modernized,  software  updates  can  cause  problems.  We  depend  on  public  access  to  open  technical 
specifications in advance of GPS updates.

GPS is operated by the U.S. Government, which is committed to maintenance and improvement of GPS; 
however,  if  the  policy  were  to  change,  and  commercial  access  to  GPS  was  no  longer  supported  by  the  U.S. 
Government,  or  if  user  fees  were  imposed,  it  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  results  of 
operations, and financial condition.

Some of our products also use signals from Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) that augment 
GPS,  such  as  the  U.S.  Wide  Area  Augmentation  System  (WAAS),  Japanese  MTSAT-based  Satellite 
Augmentation  System  (MSAS),  and  European  Geostationary  Navigation  Overlay  Service  (EGNOS).  Any 
curtailment  of  SBAS  operating  capability  could  result  in  decreased  user  capability  for  many  of  our  aviation 
products, thereby impacting our markets.

Some  of  our  products  also  use  satellite  signals  from  Russia’s  GLONASS,  Japan’s  MSAS,  EGNOS’ 
aviation SoL service, the European Union Galileo system, and the Chinese BDS. National or European authorities 
may provide preferential access to signals to companies associated with their markets, including our competitors, 
which  could  harm  our  competitive  position.  Use  of  non-US  GNSS  signals  may  also  be  subject  to  FCC  waiver 
requirements and to restrictions based upon international trade or geopolitical considerations. If we are unable to 
develop timely and competitive commercial products using these systems, or obtain timely and equal access to 
service signals, it could result in lost revenue.

Our  business  is  subject  to  disruptions  and  uncertainties  caused  by  geopolitical  instability,  war  or 
terrorism.

Acts of war or acts of terrorism, especially any directed at the GPS signals, could have a material adverse 
impact on our business, operating results, and financial condition. The threat of terrorism and war and heightened 
security  and  military  response  to  this  threat,  or  any  future  acts  of  terrorism,  may  cause  a  redeployment  of  the 
satellites used in GPS or interruptions of the system. To the extent that such interruptions have an effect on sales 
of  our  products,  this  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  results  of  operations,  and  financial 
condition.

23

A shut down of airspace or imposition of restrictions on general aviation would harm our business. The 
shutdown of airspace could cause reduced sales of our general aviation products and delays in the shipment of our 
products manufactured in our Taiwan manufacturing facilities to our global distribution facilities, thereby adversely 
affecting our ability to supply new and existing products to our dealers and distributors.

Any  reallocation  or  repurposing  of  radio  frequency  spectrum  could  cause  harmful  interference  with  the 
reception of Global Positioning System signals. This interference could harm our business. 

Our Global Positioning System technology is dependent on the use of the Standard Positioning Service 
(SPS) provided by the U.S. Government’s GPS satellites. GPS operates in radio frequency bands that are globally 
allocated  for  radio  navigation  satellite  services.  International  allocations  of  radio  frequency  are  made  by  the 
International  Telecommunications  Union  (ITU),  a  specialized  technical  agency  of  the  United  Nations.  These 
allocations  are  further  governed  by  radio  regulations  that  have  treaty  status  and  which  may  be  subject  to 
modification  every  two  to  three  years  by  the  World  Radio  Communication  Conference.  Each  country  also  has 
regulatory  authority  on  how  each  band 
the  National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) share responsibility for radio frequency allocations and 
spectrum usage regulations. 

the  United  States, 

the  FCC  and 

is  used. In 

Any ITU or national reallocation of radio frequency spectrum, including frequency band segmentation or 
sharing of spectrum, or other modifications of the permitted uses of relevant frequency bands, may materially and 
adversely affect the utility and reliability of our products and have significant negative impacts on our business and 
our customers. 

Natural disasters, catastrophic events, or climate change could affect our financial results. 

Natural  disasters  and  extreme  weather  events,  such  as  tsunamis,  typhoons,  floods,  wildfires,  or 
earthquakes, could occur in a region where we have a manufacturing or warehousing facility which would cause 
disruptions in our business operations or loss of inventory. Global climate change could also result in certain types 
of natural disasters occurring more frequently or with more intense effects. For descriptions and locations of our 
principal properties, see Item 2, “Properties”. These events could also have an impact on our suppliers and affect 
our  supply  chain.  If our backup  and  recovery  plans  are  not  sufficient  to  minimize business  disruption  and  if  our 
insurance is not sufficient to recover the costs associated with these types of events, our financial results could be 
adversely affected.

Climate change can also pose a risk to our business due to evolving regulatory and legislative measures 
surrounding  climate  change.  The  U.S.  Environmental  Protection  Agency  regulates  greenhouse  gas  emissions 
under the authority granted to it under the Clean Air Act. U.S. Congress, in addition to other regulatory authorities 
and  legislative  bodies  around  the  world,  could  pass  further  legislation  to  mandate  greenhouse  gas  emission 
reduction,  implement  cap-and-trade  programs,  or  promote  renewable  energy  and  energy  efficiency.  Such 
measures could influence mobility and transportation trends, which could decrease the demand for certain of our 
products.

If climate change has impacts on natural disasters or the regulatory environment as discussed above, it 
could  result  in  a  change  in  demand  for  certain  products  in  markets  that  we  serve,  including  auto,  aviation,  and 
marine. If we fail to adjust our product and service offerings to respond to new opportunities driven by changes in 
regulation and/or consumer preferences, it could have an adverse effect on our financial results.

Because it is uncertain what laws and regulations will be enacted, we cannot predict the potential impact of 

such laws and regulations on our future consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

24

Risks Relating to Our Shares 

The volatility of our stock price could adversely affect investment in our common shares.

The market price of our shares has been, and may continue to be, highly volatile. During 2020, the closing 
price of our shares ranged from a low of $63.63 to a high of $122.85. A variety of factors could cause the price of 
our shares to fluctuate, perhaps substantially, including:

•
•

•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

•

•

•

new products or product enhancements by us or our competitors;
general  conditions  in  the  worldwide  economy,  including  fluctuations  in  interest  rates  and  global 
currency exchange rates;
announcements of technological innovations;
product obsolescence and our ability to manage product transitions;
developments in our relationships with our customers and suppliers; 
the availability, pricing and timeliness of delivery of components, such as flash memory and liquid 
crystal displays, used in our products;
quarterly fluctuations in our actual or anticipated operating results;
changes in applicable tax laws and tax rates;
developments in patents or other intellectual property rights and litigation;
announcements and rumors of developments related to our business, our competitors, our suppliers 
or the markets in which we compete;
research reports or opinions issued by securities analysts or brokerage houses related to Garmin, 
our competitors, our suppliers or our customers; 
any significant acts of terrorism against the United States, Taiwan or significant markets where we 
sell our products; and
other factors as discussed in the previously listed risks.

In  addition,  in  recent  years  the  stock  market  in  general  and  the  markets  for  shares  of  technology 
companies  in  particular,  have  experienced  extreme  price  fluctuations  which  have  often  been  unrelated  to  the 
operating performance of affected companies. Any such fluctuations in the future could adversely affect the market 
price of our common shares.

Our officers and directors exert substantial influence over us. 

As of January 26, 2021, members of our Board of Directors and our executive officers, together with their 
respective immediate family members and entities that may be deemed affiliates of or related to such persons or 
entities, beneficially owned approximately 22% of our outstanding shares. Accordingly, these shareholders may be 
able  to  determine  the  outcome  of  corporate  actions  requiring  shareholder  approval,  such  as  mergers  and 
acquisitions and shareholder proposals. This level of ownership may have a significant effect in delaying, deferring, 
or preventing a change in control of Garmin and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of other holders of 
our common shares.

The rights of our shareholders are governed by Swiss law.

The rights of our shareholders are governed by Swiss law and Garmin Ltd.’s articles of association. The 
rights of shareholders under Swiss law differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in other 
jurisdictions. For example, Swiss law allows our shareholders acting at a shareholders’ meeting to authorize share 
capital  that  can  be  issued  by  the  board  of  directors  without  approval  of  a  shareholders’  meeting,  but  this 
authorization  is  limited  to  50%  of  the  existing  registered  share  capital  and  must  be  renewed  at  a  shareholders’ 
meeting  at  least  every  two  years  for  it  to  continue  to  be  available.  Additionally,  subject  to  specified  exceptions, 
including  the  exceptions  described  in  our  articles  of  association,  Swiss  law  grants  preemptive  rights  to  existing 
shareholders to subscribe for new issuances of shares and other securities. Swiss law also does not provide as 
much  flexibility  in  the  various  terms  that  can  attach  to  different  classes  of  shares  as  the  laws  of  some  other 
jurisdictions. Swiss law also reserves for approval by shareholders certain corporate actions over which a board of 
directors  would  have  authority  in  some  other  jurisdictions.  For  example,  Swiss  law  provides  that  dividends  and 
other distributions must be approved by shareholders at the general meeting of shareholders. These Swiss law 
requirements relating to our capital management may limit our flexibility, and situations may arise where greater 
flexibility would have provided substantial benefits to our shareholders.

25

 
We  have  limited  capital  reserves  from  which  to  make  distributions  or  repurchase  shares  without 
subjecting our shareholders to Switzerland withholding tax.

As  of  December  26,  2020,  we  had  CHF  5,214  million  of  unappropriated  capital  contribution  reserves 
available  from  which  the  Company  may  make  dividend  payments  or  utilize  to  repurchase  shares  for  which  no 
withholding tax applies. At the time this reserve balance has been returned to shareholders through dividends or 
share repurchases, a Swiss federal withholding tax of 35% will generally be applicable to any dividends paid to 
shareholders. The withholding tax must be withheld from the gross distribution and paid to the Swiss federal Tax 
Administration.  A  holder  that  qualifies  for  benefits  under  a  double  tax  treaty  may  be  able  to  recover  partial 
withholding  tax.  For  example,  a  U.S  holder  that  qualifies  for  benefits  under  the  Convention  between  the  United 
States of America and the Swiss Confederation for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on 
Income may apply for a refund of the tax withheld in excess of the 15% treaty rate (or in excess of the 5% reduced 
treaty  rate  for  qualifying  corporate  shareholders  with  at  least  10%  participation  in  our  voting  stock,  or  for  a  full 
refund in case of qualified pension funds).

After we have exhausted our remaining capital contribution reserves by appropriating them for dividends 
or share repurchases, any dividends paid by the Company will generally be subject to a Swiss federal withholding 
tax  at  35%.  However,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  our  shareholders  will  approve  a  dividend  out  of  capital 
contribution reserves, or that Swiss withholding rules will not be changed in the future or that a change in Swiss law 
will not adversely affect us or our shareholders, in particular as a result of distributions out of capital contribution 
reserves becoming subject to additional corporate law or other restrictions. If we are unable to pay a dividend out 
of capital contribution reserves, we may not be able to make distributions without subjecting our shareholders to 
Swiss withholding taxes.

Under current Swiss tax law, repurchases of shares for the purposes of capital reduction are treated as a 
partial liquidation subject to 35% Swiss withholding tax on the difference between the par value and the repurchase 
price. However, the portion of the repurchase price that is attributed to capital contribution reserves of the shares 
repurchased will not be subject to the Swiss withholding tax. Therefore, repurchase of our own shares further limits 
the amount of capital reserves available for distributions to shareholders free of Swiss withholding taxes. No partial 
liquidation treatment applies and no withholding tax is triggered if the shares are not repurchased for cancellation 
but held by us as treasury shares to the extent sufficient capital reserves are available. However, should we not 
resell such treasury shares within six years and there is not sufficient capital contribution reserves, the withholding 
tax becomes due at the end of the six-year period.

There is uncertainty as to our shareholders’ ability to enforce certain foreign civil liabilities in Switzerland 
and Taiwan. 

We are a Swiss company and a substantial portion of our assets are located outside the United States, 
particularly in Taiwan. As a result, it may be difficult to effect service of process within the United States upon us. In 
addition,  there  is  uncertainty  as  to  whether  the  courts  of  Switzerland  or  Taiwan  would  recognize  or  enforce 
judgments of United States courts obtained against us predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities 
laws of the United States or any state thereof, or be competent to hear original actions brought in Switzerland or 
Taiwan against us predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof.

We have certain limitations on our ability to repurchase and hold our own shares.

Under Swiss law we have certain limitations on our ability to repurchase and hold our own shares. We and our 
subsidiaries may only repurchase and hold our own shares to the extent that sufficient freely distributable reserves 
(including contributed surplus as determined for Swiss tax and statutory purposes) are available. The aggregate 
par value of our registered shares held by us and our subsidiaries may not exceed 10% of our registered share 
capital. We may repurchase our registered shares beyond the statutory limit of 10%, however, if our shareholders 
have adopted a resolution at a general meeting of shareholders authorizing the board of directors to repurchase 
registered shares in an amount in excess of 10% and the repurchased shares are dedicated for cancellation. Any 
restriction on our ability to repurchase our shares could make our stock less attractive to investors. 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

26

Item 2. Properties

Garmin and its subsidiaries own a majority of their principal properties and lease certain other properties. 
Depending on location, the properties could be used for manufacturing, warehousing, research and development, 
office space, or a combination of activities. Garmin’s principal properties are described below:

Garmin  International,  Inc.  owns  and  occupies  facilities  of  approximately  1,990,000  square  feet  on 
approximately 107 acres at 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas, U.S. where the majority of product design and 
development work is conducted, the majority of aviation panel-mount products are manufactured, and products are 
warehoused, distributed, and supported for North, Central and South America. The 1,990,000 square feet includes 
a  newly  constructed  775,000  square  foot  manufacturing  and  distribution  center.  In  connection  with  the  bond 
financings for the facility in Olathe and the expansions of that facility, the City of Olathe holds the legal title to the 
Olathe facilities, which are leased to Garmin’s subsidiaries by the City. Upon the payment in full of the outstanding 
bonds,  the  City  of  Olathe  is  obligated  to  transfer  title  to  Garmin’s  subsidiaries  for  the  aggregate  sum  of  $200. 
Garmin International, Inc. has purchased all the outstanding bonds and expects to continue to hold the bonds until 
maturity in order to benefit from property tax abatement.

Garmin International, Inc. leases 148,000 square feet of land at New Century Airport at 1 New Century 
Pkwy, Gardner, Kansas, U.S. under a ground lease and occupies two aircraft hangars on this land, one of which is 
owned  (47,000  square  feet)  and  the  other  leased  (53,000  square  feet).  Both  properties  serve  as  flight  test  and 
certification facilities that are used in development and certification of aviation products. 

Garmin  AT,  Inc.  leases  approximately  18  acres  of  land  at  2345  Turner  Road  SE,  Salem,  Oregon,  U.S. 
under a ground lease. The current term of this ground lease ends in 2030, but Garmin AT, Inc. has the option to 
extend the ground lease until 2050. Garmin AT, Inc. owns and occupies a 115,000 square foot facility for office and 
manufacturing use and a 33,000 square foot aircraft hangar that serves as a flight test and certification facility on 
this land. Garmin AT, Inc. also owns and occupies an additional 66,000 square foot facility on the same property 
for customer support and research and development activities.

Garmin  Corporation  owns  and  occupies  a  247,000  square  foot  facility  at  No.  68,  Zhangshu  2nd  Road, 
Xizhi Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan, a 185,000 square foot facility at No.97, Sec. 1, Xintai 5th Rd., Xizhi Dist., New 
Taipei City, Taiwan, a 224,000 square foot facility at No. 24 Beiyuan Road, Jhongli, Tao-Yang County, Taiwan, and 
a  576,000  square  foot  facility  at  No.  270  Huaya  2nd  Road,  LinKou,  Tao-Yang  County,  Taiwan.  Garmin  China 
YangZhou  Co.,  Ltd.  leases  a  204,000  square  foot  manufacturing  facility  at  No.  122,  Jinshan  Road,  Bali  Town, 
Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China. These facilities are used for the manufacturing and warehousing 
of  most  of  Garmin’s  auto,  fitness,  marine,  and  outdoor  products,  as  well  as  portable  aviation  products.  These 
facilities  are  also  used  for  research  and  development  activities  and  marketing  and  support  of  products  for  Asia 
Pacific countries.

Garmin  (Europe)  Ltd.  owns  and  occupies  a  155,000  square  foot  building  located  at  Liberty  House, 

Hounsdown Business Park, Southampton, U.K., used as offices and a distribution facility.

Tacx B.V. owns and occupies a 291,000 square foot facility located at De Boeg 2, 2343 MA Oegstgeest, 
Netherlands. This facility is used for design and development, manufacturing, and warehousing of indoor training 
products.

Garmin Wroclaw sp. zo.o leases a 319,000 square foot facility located at Ul. Ryszarda Chomicza 2, 55-
040 Biskupice Podgórne, Poland. This facility is used for the manufacturing of certain auto OEM products, as well 
as distribution of other Garmin products in the region.

Garmin also owns and leases other properties around the world that are not described above and used for 

office space, warehousing, and retail.

27

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

In  the  normal  course  of  business,  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  are  parties  to  various  legal  claims, 
actions,  and  complaints,  including  matters  involving  patent  infringement,  other  intellectual  property,  product 
liability,  customer  claims  and  various  other  risks.  It  is  not  possible  to  predict  with  certainty  whether  or  not  the 
Company and its subsidiaries will ultimately be successful in any of these legal matters, or if not, what the impact 
might be. However, the Company’s management does not expect that the results in any of these legal proceedings 
will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

The Company settled or resolved certain matters during the fiscal year ended December 26, 2020 that did 
not  individually  or  in  the  aggregate  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Company’s  financial  condition  or  results  of 
operations.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosure

None.

Information about our Executive Officers

Pursuant  to  General  Instruction  G(3)  of  Form  10-K  and  instruction  3  to  paragraph  (b)  of  Item  401  of 
Regulation S-K, the following list is included as an unnumbered Item in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K in 
lieu  of  being  included  in  the  Company’s  Definitive  Proxy  Statement  in  connection  with  its  annual  meeting  of 
shareholders scheduled for June 4, 2021. 

Dr. Min H. Kao, age 72, has served as Executive Chairman of Garmin Ltd. since January 2013 and was 
previously Chairman of Garmin Ltd. from August 2004 to December 2012 and Co-Chairman of Garmin Ltd. from 
August 2000 to August 2004. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Garmin Ltd. from August 2002 to December 
2012 and previously served as Co-Chief Executive Officer from August 2000 to August 2002. Dr. Kao served as a 
director and officer of various subsidiaries of the Company from August 1990 until January 2013. Dr. Kao holds 
Ph.D. and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a BS degree in Electrical 
Engineering from National Taiwan University.

Clifton A. Pemble, age 55, has served as a director of Garmin Ltd. since August 2004. He has served as 
President and Chief Executive Officer of Garmin Ltd. since January 2013. Previously, he served as President and 
Chief Operating Officer of Garmin Ltd. from October 2007 to December 2012. Previously, he was Vice President, 
Engineering  of  Garmin  International,  Inc.  from  2005  to  October  2007,  Director  of  Engineering  of  Garmin 
International, Inc. from 2003 to 2005, Software Engineering Manager of Garmin International, Inc. from 1995 to 
2002, and a Software Engineer with Garmin International, Inc. from 1989 to 1995. Mr. Pemble has served as a 
director  and  officer  of  various  Garmin  subsidiaries  since  August  2003.  Mr.  Pemble  holds  BA  degrees  in 
Mathematics and Computer Science from MidAmerica Nazarene University.

28

Douglas G. Boessen, age 58, has served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Garmin Ltd. since 
July  2014.  He  previously  served  as  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  EiKO  Global,  LLC  from  September  2013  to  May 
2014, as well as Collective Brands, Inc. from November 1997 to November 2012. Mr. Boessen has served as a 
director and officer of various Garmin subsidiaries since July 2014. Mr. Boessen is a certified public accountant 
and  holds  a  BS  degree  in  Business  from  the  University  of  Central  Missouri  and  is  a  graduate  of  the  executive 
development program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Andrew R. Etkind, age 65, has served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Garmin Ltd. 
since  June  2009.  He  was  previously  General  Counsel  and  Secretary  of  Garmin  Ltd.  from  August  2000  to  June 
2009. He has been Vice President and General Counsel of Garmin International, Inc. since July 2007, General 
Counsel since February 1998, and Secretary since October 1998. Mr. Etkind has served as a director and officer of 
various Garmin subsidiaries since December 2001. Mr. Etkind holds BA, MA and LLM degrees from Cambridge 
University, England and a JD degree from the University of Michigan Law School.

All executive officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. None 
of  the  executive  officers  have  an  employment  agreement  with  the  Company.  There  are  no  arrangements  or 
understandings between the executive officers and any other person pursuant to which he or she was or is to be 
selected as an officer. There is no family relationship among any of the executive officers. 

29

PART II

Item 5.

Market for the Company’s Common Shares, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases 
of Equity Securities

Garmin’s shares have traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC under the symbol “GRMN” since its initial 

public offering on December 8, 2000 (the “IPO”). As of January 31, 2021, there were 199 shareholders of record.

The  Board  of  Directors  approved  a  share  repurchase  program  on  February  13,  2015,  authorizing  the 
Company to repurchase up to $300 million of the Company’s shares as market and business conditions warrant. 
The  share  repurchase  authorization  expired  on  December  31,  2017.  The  Company  made  no  repurchases  of 
shares during the years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018. See Note 11 in 
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the share repurchase plan.

We refer you to Item 12 of this report under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” for certain 

equity plan information required to be disclosed by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K.

30

Stock Performance Graph

This performance graph shall not be deemed ‘‘filed’’ with the SEC or subject to Section 18 of the Securities 
Exchange  Act  of  1934,  nor  shall  it  be  deemed  incorporated  by  reference  in  any  of  our  filings  under  the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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 December 31, 2015 (“12/15”) to December 31, 2020 (“12/20”).

Garmin Ltd.
NASDAQ Composite
NASDAQ 100

12/15
100.00
100.00
100.00

12/16
136.60
108.87
107.27

12/17
174.28
141.13
142.67

12/18
191.41
137.12
142.72

12/19
302.68
187.44
199.03

12/20
380.74
271.64
296.31

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

31

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

The  following  table  sets  forth  selected  consolidated  financial  data  of  the  Company.  The  selected 
consolidated balance sheet data as of December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 and the selected consolidated 
statements of income data for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018 
were derived from the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto which 
are  included  in  Item  8  of  this  annual  report  on  Form  10-K.  The  selected  consolidated  balance  sheet  data  as  of 
December 29, 2018, December 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016 and the selected consolidated statements of 
income data for the years ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were derived from the Company’s 
audited Consolidated Financial Statements, not included herein.

The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations and should 
be read together with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" 
and the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to those statements included in Items 7 and 8 in Part II of 
this Form 10-K. 

The  Company  adopted  Accounting  Standards  Update  No.  2014-09,  Revenue  from  Contracts  with 
Customers (Topic 606) effective beginning with the Company’s first quarter of 2018. Adoption of the new revenue 
recognition standard was applied using the full retrospective method, and information for prior periods within Item 6 
in Part II of this Form 10-K have been restated accordingly. 

In the table presented below, the selected consolidated statements of income and selected balance sheet 
data for the years ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 have been restated in accordance with the 
Company’s adoption of the new revenue recognition standard.

32

Years ended (1)
  Dec. 26, 2020    Dec. 28, 2019    Dec. 29, 2018    Dec. 30, 2017    Dec. 31, 2016 
(in thousands, except per share data)

Consolidated Statements of Income Data:

Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income
Net income (2)

  $

4,186,573    $
2,481,336     
1,054,240     
992,324     

3,757,505    $
2,233,976     
945,586     
952,486     

3,347,444    $
1,979,719     
778,343     
694,080     

3,121,560    $
1,797,941     
683,637     
709,007     

3,045,797 
1,688,525 
632,864 
517,724 

Net income per share:

Diluted
Weighted average 
common shares 
outstanding:
Diluted

Dividends declared per 
share (3)

  $

5.17    $

4.99    $

3.66    $

3.76    $

2.73 

191,895     

190,899     

189,734     

188,732     

189,343 

  $

2.44    $

2.28    $

2.12    $

2.04    $

2.04 

Balance Sheet Data (at end of Period):

Cash, cash equivalents, 
and marketable securities   $
Total assets
Total debt
Total stockholders’ equity    

2,977,259    $
7,031,373     
—     
5,516,116     

2,609,505    $
6,166,799     
—     
4,793,496     

2,714,844    $
5,382,858     
—     
4,162,974     

2,313,208    $
4,948,289     
—     
3,852,419     

2,327,120 
4,484,549 
— 
3,453,259 

(1) Our fiscal year-end is the last Saturday of the calendar year and does not always fall on December 31. All years 
presented contain 52 weeks, excluding fiscal 2016 which includes 53 weeks.

(2) The following significant items are included in the Net income line that may affect comparability:

In  2020,  a  $14.3  million  tax  benefit  was  recognized  resulting  from  the  release  of  uncertain  tax  position 
reserves associated with a 2014 intercompany restructuring, partially offset by income tax expense of $11.0 million 
resulting from the revaluation of certain Switzerland tax assets related to the Switzerland tax reform transitional 
measures;

In 2019, a $118.0 million income tax benefit was recognized resulting from the revaluation and step-up of 
certain Switzerland tax assets as a result of the enactment of Switzerland Federal and Schaffhausen cantonal tax 
reform and related transitional measures;

In 2017, a $180.0 million income tax benefit was recognized, primarily related to the revaluation of certain 
Switzerland deferred tax assets resulting from the Company's election to align Switzerland corporate tax positions 
with global tax initiatives, partially offset by $22.6 million of income tax expense due to the expiration of certain 
share-based awards.

(3) Dividends declared per share refers to the cash dividend per share that has been approved by shareholders in 
the given fiscal year. See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Dividends for additional detail.

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
      
      
      
      
  
   
      
      
      
      
  
   
      
      
      
      
  
   
 
   
      
      
      
      
  
 
   
      
      
      
      
  
 
   
   
 
     
       
       
       
       
 
Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations focuses on and is 
intended to clarify the results of our operations, certain changes in our financial position, liquidity, capital structure 
and  business  developments  for  the  periods  covered  by  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  included  in  this 
Form 10-K. This discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by reference to, the other related 
information  including,  but  not  limited  to,  the  audited  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  (including  the  notes 
thereto), the description of our business, all as set forth in this Form 10-K, as well as the risk factors discussed 
above in Item 1A.

This section provides discussion and a year-to-year comparison for the fiscal years ended December 26, 
2020 and December 28, 2019. Discussion regarding our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 
29,  2018  and  a  year-to-year  comparison  between  the  fiscal  years  ended  December  28,  2019  and  December 
29, 2018 can be found in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.

As previously noted, the discussion set forth below, as well as other portions of this Form 10-K, contain 
statements concerning potential future events. Readers can identify these forward-looking statements by their use 
of such verbs as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes” or similar verbs or conjugations of such verbs. If any of our 
assumptions on which the statements are based prove incorrect or should unanticipated circumstances arise, our 
actual results could materially differ from those anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The differences 
could be  caused  by  a  number of  factors  or  combination  of  factors including, but  not  limited  to,  those  discussed 
above in Item 1A. Readers are strongly encouraged to consider those factors when evaluating any such forward-
looking  statement.  Except  as  may  be  required  by  law,  we  do  not  undertake  to  update  any  forward-looking 
statements in this Form 10-K.

Garmin’s fiscal year is a 52-53 week period ending on the last Saturday of the calendar year. Fiscal years 
2020, 2019 and 2018 contained 52 weeks. Unless otherwise stated, all years and dates refer to the Company’s 
fiscal  year  and  fiscal  periods.  Unless  the  context  otherwise  requires,  references  in  this  document  to  "we,"  "us," 
"our" and similar terms refer to Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries.

Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts set forth in the tables are in thousands, except per share data.

Overview

We  are  a  leading  worldwide  provider  of  navigation,  communications  and  information  devices,  most  of 
which are enabled by Global Positioning System,  or GPS, technology. Garmin is organized in the six operating 
segments of auto OEM, aviation, consumer auto, fitness, marine, and outdoor. The Company’s Chief Executive 
Officer,  who  has  been  identified  as  the  Chief  Operating  Decision  Maker  (CODM),  allocates  resources  and 
assesses performance of each operating segment individually. The aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor operating 
segments represent reportable segments. The auto OEM and consumer auto operating segments, which serve the 
auto market, do not meet the quantitative thresholds to separately qualify as reportable segments, and they are 
therefore reported together in an “all other” category captioned as auto. Auto, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor 
are collectively referred to as our reported segments. 

The  operating  segments  offer  products  through  our  network  of  subsidiary  distributors  and  independent 
dealers and distributors, our own webshop, as well as through various auto, aviation, and marine OEMs. Each of 
the operating segments is managed separately. The consumer auto operating segment was previously referred to 
as our auto PND operating segment. We have revised the name of this operating segment to reflect the evolution 
of the product lines and focus of that part of our business. The name change did not impact the composition or 
operating results of the segment.

Since  our  first  products  were  delivered  in  1991,  we  have  generated  positive  income  from  consolidated 

operations each year and have funded our growth from these profits. 

34

Impacts of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has created disruption and uncertainty in the global economy and has affected 
our business, suppliers, and customers. Our operating segments were not all impacted equally, as COVID-19 had 
an  unfavorable  impact  on  net  sales  and  profitability  of  the  auto  and  aviation  segments  during  fiscal  year  2020. 
However, the diversity of our business and product offerings helped mitigate the impacts to our consolidated net 
sales and operating income.

With pre-existing fundamentals such as trade credit insurance, direct online sales through our webshops, 
direct  fulfillment  arrangements  with  certain  retailers,  our  strong  cash  and  marketable  securities  position,  market 
and  product  diversity,  a  vertically  integrated  business  model,  and  ample  inventory  on  hand,  we  were  well-
positioned to mitigate the initial impacts of COVID-19. While COVID-19 continues to evolve into a complicated and 
prolonged global pandemic, we have implemented further mitigation measures, such as initiating additional direct 
fulfillment  arrangements  with  retailers,  mitigating  single  source  supplier  dependencies,  enhancing  cleaning  and 
sanitation within our facilities to maintain a healthy and safe environment for essential on-site functions, boosting 
functionality  and  security  of  technology  for  employees  who  are  working  from  home,  and  fostering  the  safe 
reintegration of our on-site workforce. These mitigation efforts complement our top priorities of ensuring the health 
and  safety  of  our  employees  and  continuing  to  serve  our  customers.  Additional  benefits  have  been  provided  to 
many  of  our  employees,  including  increased  flexible  work  arrangements,  remote  work  access,  and  flexible  paid 
leave  policies.  We  have  also  focused  on  mitigating  impacts  to  operating  income  and  liquidity  by  monitoring  our 
expense  structure  and  balance  sheet,  reducing  and  prioritizing  certain  discretionary  operating  expenses  and 
capital expenditures, and slowing the number of new employees hired.

Sustained adverse impacts to us, our suppliers or our customers may affect the future valuation of certain 
assets  and  therefore  may  increase  the  likelihood  of  an  impairment  charge,  write-off,  write-down,  reserve,  or 
accelerated  expense  associated  with  such  assets,  including  marketable  securities,  accounts  receivable, 
inventories, prepaid expenses, property and equipment, tax assets, goodwill, indefinite and finite-lived intangible 
assets, capitalized preproduction design and development costs, and other assets. 

Although we believe we have taken appropriate actions to help mitigate risks associated with COVID-19 as 
described  above,  the  duration  and  magnitude  of  COVID-19  impacts  to  our  business  operations  and  financial 
results may be affected by a number of factors including uncertainty regarding the evolution of the pandemic, the 
imposition or relaxation of government restrictions on business and social gathering activities, voluntary behavior 
changes  associated  with  public  health  guidance,  the  efficacy,  distribution  and  uptake  of  vaccines,  and  those 
presented above in Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Annual Report. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

General

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted  in  the  United  States.  The  presentation  of  these  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make 
estimates  and  judgments  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities,  revenues  and  expenses,  and 
related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including 
those  related  to  customer  sales  programs  and  incentives,  product  returns,  bad  debts,  inventories,  investments, 
intangible assets, income taxes, warranty obligations, and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on 
historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, 
the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are 
not  readily  apparent  from  other  sources.  Actual  results  may  differ  from  these  estimates  under  different 
assumptions or conditions.

35

Goodwill

We  allocate  goodwill  to  reporting  units  in  proportion  to  the  expected  benefit  from  each  business 
combination.  Each  of  the  Company’s  operating  segments  (auto  OEM,  aviation,  consumer  auto,  fitness,  marine, 
and outdoor) represents a distinct reporting unit. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an 
annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not 
reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a 
significant  change  in  the  operating  performance  indicators,  competition,  or  expectations  about  future  market  or 
economic conditions.

Application  of  the  goodwill  impairment  test  requires  significant  judgment,  including  the  identification  of 
reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and 
determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated through the 
use of a discounted cash flow methodology. This analysis requires significant assumptions, including discount rate, 
projected future revenues, projected future operating margins, and terminal growth rates. The estimates used to 
calculate the fair value of a reporting unit change from year to year based on operating results, market conditions, 
and other factors. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair 
value and goodwill impairment for each reporting unit.

Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits

We recognize liabilities associated with uncertain income tax positions, including those related to transfer 
pricing, based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. We recognize the 
tax benefits from an uncertain tax position only if payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be not required or 
it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, based on 
the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are 
measured  based  on  the  largest  amount  of  benefit  that  is  more  likely  than  not  to  be  realized  upon  ultimate 
settlement. 

Assessing  uncertain  tax  positions  requires  significant  judgment,  including  the  evaluation  of  unique  facts 
and circumstances and the interpretation of laws and regulations, especially the assessment of pricing analyses 
that may produce various ranges of outcomes. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences 
could materially impact our consolidated financial statements.

Other

For further information on the Company’s critical accounting policies, refer to the discussion in the Notes to 

the Consolidated Financial Statements as indicated in the table below:

Intangible Assets
Income Taxes

Revenue Recognition
Product Warranty
Legal and Other Contingencies

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies & Note 6 - Income 
Taxes
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies & Note 13 - Revenue
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies & Note 4 - 
Commitments and Contingencies

36

Accounting Terms and Characteristics

Net Sales

Our net sales are primarily generated through sales to our retail partners, dealer and distributor network, 
our own webshop, and to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Refer to the Revenue Recognition discussion 
in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We aim to achieve a quick turnaround on orders we receive 
from our retail, dealer, and distributor customers. Certain arrangements with OEM customers are entered into at 
the beginning of an aircraft or vehicle life cycle with the intent to fulfill customer purchasing requirements for the 
entire production life, although there are generally no firm volume commitments, and sales are therefore generated 
on an order-by-order basis. As a result, we do not believe backlog information is material to the understanding of 
our business. 

Net sales are subject to seasonal fluctuation. Typically, sales of our consumer products are highest in the 
fourth  quarter  due  to  increased  demand  during  the  holiday  buying  season,  and  in  the  second  quarter,  due  to 
increased demand during the spring and summer season. Our auto OEM and aviation products do not experience 
much  seasonal  variation  but  are  more  influenced  by  the  timing  of  auto  program  manufacturing,  aircraft 
certifications,  regulatory  mandates,  and  the  release  of  new  products  when  the  initial  demand  is  typically  the 
strongest.

Cost of Sales/Gross Profit

Raw  material  costs  are  our  most  significant  component  of  cost  of  goods  sold.  Our  existing  practice  of 
performing  the  design  and  manufacture  of  our  products  in-house  has  enabled  us  to  source  components  from 
different suppliers and, where possible, to redesign our products to leverage lower cost components. We believe 
that  our  flexible  production  model  allows  our  factories  to  experience  relatively  low  costs  of  manufacturing.  In 
general, products manufactured in Taiwan have been our highest volume products. Our manufacturing labor costs 
historically have been lower in Taiwan and China than in Olathe and Salem. 

Sales price variability has had and can be expected to have an effect on our gross profit. Our gross profit is 

dependent on segment mix, and to a lesser extent, product mix within each segment.

Advertising Expense

Our advertising expenses consist primarily of costs for media advertising, cooperative advertising with our 

retail partners, point of sale displays, and sponsorships. 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

salaries for sales, marketing and product support personnel;
salaries and related costs for executives and administrative personnel;
marketing, and other brand building costs;
finance and legal costs;
human resource costs;
information systems and infrastructure costs;
travel and related costs; and
occupancy and other overhead costs.

37

 
Research and Development

The majority of our research and development costs represent engineering personnel costs, costs of test 
equipment and components used in product and prototype development, and outside product development costs. 

We are committed to increasing the level of innovative design and development of new products as we 
strive for expanded ability to serve our existing consumer and aviation markets as well as new auto OEM programs 
and new markets for active lifestyle products. 

Income Taxes

We  have  experienced  a  relatively  low  effective  income  tax  rate  due  to  the  proportion  of  our  income 

generated by entities in tax jurisdictions with low statutory rates. 

Results of Operations

The  following  table  sets  forth  our  results  of  operations  as  a  percentage  of  net  sales  during  the  periods 

shown (the table may not foot due to rounding):

52-Weeks Ended
  December 26, 2020  

52-Weeks Ended
  December 28, 2019  

52-Weeks Ended
  December 29, 2018  

Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit
Operating expenses:

Advertising
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development

Total operating expenses
Operating income
Other income (expense), net
Income before income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Net income

100%   
41%   
59%   

4%   
14%   
17%   
34%   
25%   
1%   
26%   
2%   
24%   

100%   
41%   
59%   

4%   
14%   
16%   
34%   
25%   
1%   
26%   
1%   
25%   

100%
41%
59%

5%
14%
17%
36%
23%
1%
25%
4%
21%

The table below sets forth our results of operations through operating income for each of our five reported 
segments  and  supplemental  information  for  the  consumer  auto  and  auto  OEM  operating  segments  that 
management believes is useful. The Company’s CODM uses operating income as the measure of profit or loss, 
combined  with  other  measures,  to  assess  segment  performance  and  allocate  resources.  Operating  income 
represents net sales less costs of goods sold and operating expenses. Net sales are directly attributed to each 
segment.  Most  costs  of  goods  sold  and  the  majority  of  operating  expenses  are  also  directly  attributed  to  each 
segment,  while  certain  other  costs  of  goods  sold  and  operating  expenses  are  allocated  to  the  segments  in  a 
manner appropriate to the specific facts and circumstances of the expenses being allocated. For each line item in 
the table below, the total of the reported segments’ amounts equals the amount in the consolidated statements of 
income data included in Item 6.

As indicated in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the methodology used to allocate certain 
selling, general, and administrative expenses was refined at the beginning of the 2019 fiscal year. The amounts 
presented below for the 52-weeks ended December 29, 2018 are presented here as they were originally reported. 
For comparative purposes, we estimate operating income for the 52-weeks ended December 29, 2018 would have 
been  approximately  $18  million  less  for  aviation,  approximately  $11  million  more  for  marine,  approximately  $7 
million more for outdoor, and not significantly different for auto and fitness.

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
52-Weeks Ended December 26, 2020

Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit

  Fitness  
 $ 1,317,498 
619,959 
697,539 

  Outdoor
  $ 1,128,081 
388,304 
739,777 

  Marine
 $

657,848 
273,398 
384,450 

  Aviation  
622,820 
 $
169,812 
453,008 

 $

Total
Auto
460,326 
253,764 
206,562 

 $

Auto

Consumer
Auto

Auto
OEM

 $

275,493  
135,629  
139,864  

184,833  
118,135  
66,698  

Advertising expense
Selling, general and administrative 
expenses
Research and development expense
Total operating expenses

66,157  

49,957  

21,549  

2,921  

10,582  

10,387  

195  

190,109 
122,389 
378,655 

143,714 
105,021 
298,692 

94,376  
92,801  
208,726 

76,504  
236,380 
315,805 

65,542  
149,094 
225,218 

40,094  
47,919  
98,400  

25,448  
101,175  
126,818  

Operating income (loss)

 $

318,884 

  $

441,085 

 $

175,724 

 $

137,203 

 $

(18,656 )

 $

41,464  

 $

(60,120 )

52-Weeks Ended December 28, 2019

Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit

  Fitness  
 $ 1,047,527 
514,923 
532,604 

  Outdoor
  $

917,567 
319,124 
598,443 

  Marine
 $

508,850 
205,901 
302,949 

  Aviation  
735,458 
 $
192,073 
543,385 

 $

Total
Auto
548,103 
291,508 
256,595 

 $

Consumer
Auto

Auto
OEM

 $

365,511  
193,293  
172,218  

182,592  
98,215  
84,377  

Advertising expense
Selling, general and administrative 
expenses
Research and development expense
Total operating expenses

71,772  

52,171  

20,411  

5,667  

14,435  

14,174  

261  

159,793 
109,181 
340,746 

124,650 
87,581  
264,402 

90,352  
82,310  
193,073 

65,663  
219,112 
290,442 

78,110  
107,182 
199,727 

53,444  
41,301  
108,919  

24,666  
65,881  
90,808  

Operating income (loss)

 $

191,858 

  $

334,041 

 $

109,876 

 $

252,943 

 $

56,868  

 $

63,299  

 $

(6,431 )

52-Weeks Ended December 29, 2018

Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit

  Fitness  
858,329 
 $
386,565 
471,764 

  Outdoor
  $

809,883 
281,629 
528,254 

  Marine
 $

441,560 
182,804 
258,756 

  Aviation  
603,459 
 $
153,307 
450,152 

 $

Total
Auto
634,213 
363,420 
270,793 

 $

Consumer
Auto

Auto
OEM

 $

425,684  
245,822  
179,862  

208,529  
117,598  
90,931  

Advertising expense
Selling, general and administrative 
expenses
Research and development expense
Total operating expenses

64,707  

46,041  

18,284  

7,207  

19,155  

18,803  

352  

135,096 
90,216  
290,019 

120,588 
71,115  
237,744 

97,682  
79,446  
195,412 

36,139  
202,060 
245,406 

88,672  
124,968 
232,795 

71,265  
46,653  
136,721  

17,407  
78,315  
96,074  

Operating income (loss)

 $

181,745 

  $

290,510 

 $

63,344  

 $

204,746 

 $

37,998  

 $

43,141  

 $

(5,143 )

Net Sales

Net Sales
Fitness

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Outdoor

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Marine

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Aviation

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Auto

Percentage of Total Net Sales
Consumer Auto

Percentage of Total Net Sales

Auto OEM

Percentage of Total Net Sales

52-Weeks Ended 
December 26, 2020

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 28, 2019

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 29, 2018

  $

1,317,498 

26 %  $

1,047,527 

31 %   

1,128,081 

27 %   

657,848 

16 %   

622,820 

15 %   

460,326 

11 %   

275,493  

7 %   

184,833  

4 %   

23 %   

29 %   

(15 %)   

(16 %)   

(25 %)   

1 %   

28 %   

917,567 

24 %   

508,850 

13 %   

735,458 

20 %   

548,103 

15 %   

365,511  

10 %   

182,592  

5 %   

22 %  $

13 %   

15 %   

22 %   

(14 %)   

(14 %)   

(12 %)   

858,329 

26 %

809,883 

24 %

441,560 

13 %

603,459 

18 %

634,213 

19 %

425,684  

13 %

208,529  

6 %

Total

  $

4,186,573 

11 %  $

3,757,505 

12 %  $

3,347,444  

39

 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Net sales increased 11% in 2020 when compared to the year-ago period. All operating segments had an 
increase in revenue except for aviation and consumer auto. Fitness revenue represented the largest portion of our 
revenue mix in 2020 at 31% compared to 28% in 2019. 

Total unit sales decreased 1.3% to 15.4 million units in 2020 from 15.6 million units in 2019.

Fitness, outdoor, marine, and auto OEM revenues increased 26%, 23%, 29%, and 1%, respectively, when 
compared  to  the  year-ago  period.  The  fitness  revenue  increase  was  primarily  driven  by  strong  demand  for 
advanced  wearables  and  cycling  products.  The  outdoor  revenue  increase  was  driven  by  sales  growth  across 
multiple product categories, primarily led by adventure watches. Marine revenue increases were driven by sales 
growth across all product categories, led primarily by chartplotters and SONAR products. The auto OEM revenue 
increase was driven by sales growth in new auto OEM programs. Aviation revenue decreased 15% from the year-
ago  period,  due  to  fewer  shipments  to  OEM  customers  and  reduced  contributions  from  ADS-B  products. 
Consumer  auto  revenue  decreased  25%  from  the  year-ago  period,  primarily  due  to  the  ongoing  personal 
navigation device market contraction.

Gross Profit

Gross Profit
Fitness

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Outdoor

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Marine

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Aviation

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Auto

Percentage of Segment Net Sales
Consumer Auto

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Auto OEM

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

52-Weeks Ended 
December 26, 2020  
697,539 

  $

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 28, 2019  
532,604 

31 %  $

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 29, 2018  
471,764 

13 %  $

53 %   

739,777 

66 %   

384,450 

58 %   

453,008 

73 %   

206,562 

45 %   

139,864  

51 %   

66,698  

36 %   

24 %   

27 %   

(17 %)   

(19 %)   

(19 %)   

(21 %)   

51 %   

598,443 

65 %   

302,949 

60 %   

543,385 

74 %   

256,595 

47 %   

172,218  

47 %   

84,377  

46 %   

13 %   

17 %   

21 %   

(5 %)   

(4 %)   

(7 %)   

Total

  $

2,481,336 

11 %  $

2,233,976 

13 %  $

Percentage of Total Net Sales

59 %   

59 %   

Gross profit dollars in fiscal year 2020 increased 11%, primarily due to the increase in net sales compared 
to the year-ago period. Consolidated gross margin was relatively flat compared to fiscal year 2019. The fitness and 
consumer  auto  gross  margin  increases  of  210  basis  points  and  365  basis  points,  respectively,  were  primarily 
attributable  to  product  mix.  Gross  margin  remained  relatively  flat  within  the  outdoor  segment.  The  marine  and 
aviation gross margin decreases of 110 basis points and 115 basis points, respectively, were primarily attributable 
to product mix. The auto OEM gross margin decrease of 1,010 basis points was primarily attributable to product 
mix associated with growth in new auto OEM programs. This product mix and associated gross margin trend is 
generally expected to continue into 2021 and beyond.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising
Fitness

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Outdoor

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Marine

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Aviation

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Auto

Percentage of Segment Net Sales
Consumer Auto

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Auto OEM

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

52-Weeks Ended 
December 26, 2020  
66,157  

  $

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 28, 2019  
71,772  

(8 %)  $

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 29, 2018  
64,707  

11 %  $

5 %   

49,957  

4 %   

21,549  

3 %   

2,921  

0 %   

10,582  

2 %   

10,387  

4 %   

195  

0 %   

(4 %)   

6 %   

(48 %)   

(27 %)   

(27 %)   

(25 %)   

7 %   

52,171  

6 %   

20,411  

4 %   

5,667  

1 %   

14,435  

3 %   

14,174  

4 %   

261  

0 %   

13 %   

12 %   

(21 %)   

(25 %)   

(25 %)   

(26 %)   

Total

  $

151,166 

(8 %)  $

164,456 

6 %  $

Percentage of Total Net Sales

4 %   

4 %   

40

55 %

528,254 

65 %

258,756 

59 %

450,152 

75 %

270,793 

43 %

179,862  

42 %

90,931  

44 %
1,979,719 

59 %

8 %

46,041  

6 %

18,284  

4 %

7,207  

1 %

19,155  

3 %

18,803  

4 %

352  

0 %
155,394 

5 %

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
Advertising expense decreased 8% in absolute dollars and decreased slightly as a percent of revenue in 
fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019. The overall decrease in absolute dollars was primarily attributable to 
decreased  media  advertising  in  fitness  and  outdoor  and  decreased  cooperative  advertising  in  consumer  auto. 
These  decreases  were  partially  offset  by  increased  cooperative  advertising  expense  in  fitness,  outdoor,  and 
marine. Advertising expenses in all operating segments decreased slightly as a percent of revenue compared to 
the prior year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

52-Weeks Ended 
December 26, 2020  
190,109 

  $

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 28, 2019  
159,793 

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 29, 2018  
135,096 

18 %  $

19 %  $

Selling, General & Admin. 
Expenses
Fitness

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Outdoor

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Marine

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Aviation

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Auto

Percentage of Segment Net Sales
Consumer Auto

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Auto OEM

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

14 %   

143,714 

13 %   

94,376  

14 %   

76,504  

12 %   

65,542  

14 %   

40,094  

15 %   

25,448  

14 %   

15 %   

4 %   

17 %   

(16 %)   

(25 %)   

3 %   

15 %   

124,650 

14 %   

90,352  

18 %   

65,663  

9 %   

78,110  

14 %   

53,444  

15 %   

24,666  

14 %   

3 %   

(8 %)   

82 %   

(12 %)   

(25 %)   

42 %   

16 %

120,588 

15 %

97,682  

22 %

36,139  

6 %

88,672  

14 %

71,265  

17 %

17,407  

8 %
478,177 

14 %

Total

  $

570,245 

10 %  $

518,568 

8 %  $

Percentage of Total Net Sales

14 %   

14 %   

Selling, general and administrative expense increased 10% in absolute dollars and was relatively flat as a 
percent  of  revenue  when  compared  to  the  prior  year.  The  absolute  dollar  increase  was  primarily  attributable  to 
information technology costs and personnel related expenses.

As  noted  above  and  in  Note  8  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  the  Company  refined  its 
methodology to allocate certain selling, general and administrative expenses at the beginning of the 2019 fiscal 
year. The prior year amounts are presented here as originally reported. For comparative purposes, we estimate 
selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal year 2018 would have been approximately $18 million more 
for  aviation,  approximately  $11  million  less  for  marine,  approximately  $7  million  less  for  outdoor,  and  not 
significantly different for fitness and auto. 

Research and Development Expense

52-Weeks Ended 
December 26, 2020  
122,389 

  $

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 28, 2019  
109,181 

12 %  $

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 29, 2018  
90,216  

21 %  $

Research & Development
Fitness

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Outdoor

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Marine

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Aviation

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Auto

Percentage of Segment Net Sales
Consumer Auto

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Auto OEM

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Total

  $

Percentage of Total Net Sales

9 %   

105,021 

9 %   

92,801  

14 %   

236,380 

38 %   

149,094 

32 %   

47,919  

17 %   

101,175  

55 %   

705,685 

17 %   

20 %   

13 %   

8 %   

39 %   

16 %   

54 %   

10 %   

87,581  

10 %   

82,310  

16 %   

219,112 

30 %   

107,182 

20 %   

41,301  

11 %   

65,881  

36 %   

23 %   

4 %   

8 %   

(14 %)   

(11 %)   

(16 %)   

17 %  $

605,366 

7 %  $

16 %   

11 %

71,115  

9 %

79,446  

18 %

202,060 

33 %

124,968 

20 %

46,653  

11 %

78,315  

38 %
567,805 

17 %

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
Research and development expense increased 17% in absolute dollars when compared to the year-ago 
period  and  increased  slightly  as  a  percent  of  revenue.  The  absolute  dollar  increase  was  primarily  due  to 
engineering  personnel  costs  across  all  of  our  operating  segments  and  other  expenses  related  to  auto  OEM 
programs. The auto OEM increase in absolute dollars and as a percent of revenue was primarily attributable to 
higher engineering personnel costs and other expenses related to investments in auto OEM programs and a lower 
proportion of such costs being contractually reimbursable in fiscal year 2020. This trend of increasing auto OEM 
research  and  development  expense  is  expected  to  continue  in  2021  as  we  expect  higher  total  costs  and  the 
majority of costs will not be contractually reimbursable. 

Operating Income

Operating Income
Fitness

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Outdoor

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Marine

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Aviation

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Auto

Percentage of Segment Net Sales
Consumer Auto

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

Auto OEM

Percentage of Segment Net Sales

52-Weeks Ended 
December 26, 2020  
318,884 

  $

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 28, 2019  
191,858 

Year-over-Year 
Change

52-Weeks Ended 
December 29, 2018  
181,745 

6 %  $

66 %  $

24 %   

441,085 

39 %   

175,724 

27 %   

137,203 

22 %   

(18,656 )

(4 %)   

41,464  

15 %   

(60,120 )

(33 %)   

32 %   

60 %   

(46 %)   

(133 %)   

(34 %)   

835 %   

18 %   

334,041 

36 %   

109,876 

22 %   

252,943 

34 %   

56,868  

10 %   

63,299  

17 %   

(6,431 )

(4 %)   

15 %   

73 %   

24 %   

50 %   

47 %   

25 %   

21 %

290,510 

36 %

63,344  

14 %

204,746 

34 %

37,998  

6 %

43,141  

10 %

(5,143 )

(2 %)

Total

  $

1,054,240 

11 %  $

945,586 

21 %  $

778,343 

Percentage of Total Net Sales

25 %   

25 %   

23 %

Total operating income increased 11% in absolute dollars and was relatively flat as a percent of revenue 
when compared to fiscal year 2019. The growth in total operating income on an absolute dollar basis was the result 
of  revenue  growth  as  discussed  above.  Operating  income,  in  absolute  dollars  and  as  a  percent  of  revenue, 
decreased in aviation primarily due to a decline in sales compared to the year-ago period. Auto OEM experienced 
an operating loss in fiscal year 2020, and we expect this trend of an operating loss to continue in 2021, primarily 
due to a lower gross margin and increased expense associated with certain programs, as described above.

Other Income (Expense)

Other Income (Expense)
Interest income
Foreign currency (losses)
Other income
Total

52-Weeks Ended 

December 26, 2020  
37,002 
2,825 
9,343 
49,170 

  $

  $

52-Weeks Ended 

52-Weeks Ended 

December 28, 2019  
52,817 
(16,799)
5,618 
41,636 

 $

 $

December 29, 2018  
47,147 
(7,616)
5,373 
44,904  

 $

 $

The average returns on cash and investments, including interest and capital gain/loss returns during the 
52-weeks ended December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, were 1.4% and 2.0%, respectively. Interest income 
decreased primarily due to lower yields on fixed-income securities.

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
Foreign  currency  gains  and  losses  for  the  Company  are  typically  driven  by  movements  of  a  number  of 
currencies in relation to the U.S. Dollar. The Taiwan Dollar is the functional currency of Garmin Corporation, the 
Euro  is  the  functional  currency  of  several  subsidiaries,  and  the  U.S.  Dollar  is  the  functional  currency  of  Garmin 
(Europe)  Ltd.,  although  some  transactions  and  balances  are  denominated  in  British  Pounds.  Other  notable 
currency exposures include the Australian Dollar, and Chinese Yuan. The majority of the Company’s consolidated 
foreign currency gain or loss is typically driven by the significant cash and marketable securities, receivables and 
payables held in a currency other than the functional currency at a given legal entity. 

The $2.8 million currency gain recognized in fiscal 2020 was primarily due to the U.S. Dollar weakening 
against the Euro, Australian Dollar, Chinese Yuan, and British Pound Sterling, partially offset by the U.S. Dollar 
weakening against the Taiwan Dollar. During fiscal 2020, the U.S. Dollar weakened 9.2% against the Euro, 9.4% 
against  the  Australian  Dollar,  7.2%  against  the  Chinese  Yuan,  and  3.6%  against  the  British  Pound  Sterling, 
resulting in gains of $21.1 million, $6.5 million, $2.9 million, and $2.6 million, respectively, while the U.S. Dollar 
weakened 7.1% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in a loss of $32.2 million. The remaining net currency gain of 
$1.9 million is related to the timing of transactions and impacts of other currencies, each of which was individually 
immaterial.

The  $16.8  million  currency  loss  recognized  in  fiscal  2019  was  primarily  due  to  the  U.S.  Dollar 
strengthening  against  the  Euro  and  weakening  against  the  Taiwan  Dollar,  offset  by  the  U.S.  Dollar  weakening 
against  the  British  Pound  Sterling.  During  fiscal  2019,  the  U.S.  Dollar  strengthened  2.3%  against  the  Euro  and 
weakened 1.5% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in losses of $9.3 million and $7.1 million, respectively, while 
the U.S. Dollar weakened 2.9% against the British Pound Sterling, resulting in a gain of $2.8 million. The remaining 
net currency loss of $3.2 million is related to the timing of transactions and impacts of other currencies, each of 
which was individually immaterial.

Income Tax Provision

Income tax expense for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2020 was $111.1 million compared to income 
tax expense of $34.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, representing a net increase of $76.4 
million. Contributing to the year-over-year increase in income tax expense in fiscal year 2020 was an income tax 
benefit  of  $118.0  million  recognized  in  fiscal  year  2019  associated  with  the  revaluation  and  step-up  of  certain 
Switzerland  tax  assets  as  a  result  of  the  October  2019  enactment  of  Switzerland  federal  and  Schaffhausen 
cantonal  tax  reform  and  related  transitional  measures.  A  revaluation  of  these  assets  performed  in  the  fourth 
quarter  of  2020  resulted  in  an  $11.0  million  income  tax  expense  in  fiscal  year  2020.  In  connection  with  these 
transitional  measures  included  in  Switzerland  tax  reform,  a  reduced  income  tax  rate  will  be  utilized  on  certain 
Switzerland taxable income for up to five years. The Company also recognized a $14.3 million income tax benefit 
in  fiscal  2020  due  to  the  release  of  uncertain  tax  position  reserves  associated  with  a  2014  intercompany 
restructuring.

Excluding the aforementioned $11.0 million income tax expense and $14.3 million income tax benefit in 
fiscal 2020, and the $118.0 million tax benefit in fiscal 2019, income tax expense for fiscal years 2020 and 2019 
was $114.4 million and $152.7 million, respectively. In this comparison, income tax expense for fiscal year 2020 
was  lower  primarily  due  to  a  transaction  initiated  by  the  Company  in  February  2020  between  wholly-owned 
subsidiaries to migrate ownership of certain intellectual property from Switzerland to the United States, the primary 
location  of  research,  development,  and  executive  management.  The  migration,  which  includes  a  multi-year 
intercompany license of intellectual property, has resulted in a favorable shift of income mix by jurisdiction and a 
reduction in expense related to uncertain tax positions. During the term of the license agreement, this transaction is 
expected to continue to result in a lower effective income tax rate as compared to the fiscal year 2019 effective 
income  tax  rate,  excluding  the  $118.0  million  income  tax  benefit  in  2019  described  above.  The  Company  is 
pursuing an Advance Pricing Agreement between relevant jurisdictions related to this transaction. At the end of the 
license agreement, a higher percentage of income will be recognized in the United States.

Net Income 

As  a  result  of  the  various  factors  noted  above  net  income  increased  4%  to  $992.3  million  from  $952.5 

million in the prior year. 

43

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 26, 2020, we had approximately $3.0 billion of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable 
securities. We primarily use cash flow from operations, and expect that future cash requirements may be used, to 
fund  our  capital  expenditures,  support  our  working  capital  requirements,  pay  dividends,  and  fund  strategic 
acquisitions. We believe that our existing cash balances and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet 
our short- and long-term projected working capital needs, capital expenditures, and other cash requirements.

It is management’s goal to invest the on-hand cash in accordance with the investment policy, which has 
been  approved  by  the  Company’s  Board  of  Directors.  The  investment  policy’s  primary  purpose  is  to  preserve 
capital,  maintain  an  acceptable  degree  of  liquidity,  and  maximize  yield  within  the  constraint  of  low  credit  risk. 
Garmin’s  average  interest  rate  returns  on  cash  and  investments  during  fiscal  2020,  2019,  and  2018  were 
approximately 1.4%, 2.0% and 1.9%, respectively. The fair value of our securities varies from period to period due 
to changes in interest rates, in the performance of the underlying collateral, and in the credit performance of the 
underlying issuer, among other factors. See Note 8 for additional information regarding marketable securities.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities

  52-Weeks Ended  
  December 26, 2020  
1,135,267 
  $

  52-Weeks Ended  
  December 28, 2019  
698,549 
 $

  52-Weeks Ended  
  December 29, 2018  
919,520  
 $

The $436.7 million increase in cash provided by operating activities in fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal 
year 2019 was due to a decrease in cash used in working capital of $294.3 million (which included an increase of 
$14.5  million  in  net  receipts  of  accounts  receivable,  a  decrease  of  $198.9  million  in  cash  paid  for  inventory,  a 
decrease of $13.6 million net cash used for income taxes, and a decrease of $92.0 million net cash used in other 
activities primarily driven by prior year payments associated with an amendment to a license agreement, partially 
offset by an increase of $24.7 million net cash used in accounts payable). Additional changes were due to the year-
over-year increase in net income of $39.8 million and an increase in other non-cash adjustments to net income of 
$102.6 million primarily driven by a prior year income tax benefit of $118.0 million associated with the revaluation 
and step-up of certain Switzerland tax assets. 

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities

  52-Weeks Ended  
  December 26, 2020  
  $

(260,524)   $

  52-Weeks Ended  
  December 28, 2019  

(450,746)   $

  52-Weeks Ended  
  December 29, 2018  
(307,503)

The $190.2 million decrease in cash used in investing activities in fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 
2019  was  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  cash  payments  for  acquisitions  of  $151.6  million,  an  increase  in  net 
redemptions of marketable securities of $104.2 million, and partially offset by increased net purchases of property 
and equipment of $65.9 million.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities

  52-Weeks Ended  
  December 26, 2020  
  $

(461,760)   $

  52-Weeks Ended  
  December 28, 2019  

(416,028)   $

  52-Weeks Ended  
  December 29, 2018  
(286,161)

The $45.7 million increase in cash used in financing activities in fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 

2019 was primarily due to an increase in dividend payments of $33.4 million.

Our declared dividend has increased from $0.53 per share for the four calendar quarters beginning in June 
2018 to $0.57 per share for the four calendar quarters beginning in June 2019, and to $0.61 per share for the four 
calendar quarters beginning in June 2020.

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

As  of  December  26,  2020,  operating  leases  comprise  the  substance  of  the  Company’s  commercial 

commitments with long-term scheduled payments, as summarized below:

Contractual Obligations
Operating Leases

Less than
1 year

Payments due by period
1-3
years

3-5
years

More than
5 years

Total

  $

107,859    $

22,900    $

36,965    $

24,965    $

23,029  

The  Company  is  party  to  certain  other  commitments,  which  include  purchases  of  raw  materials,  capital 
expenditures, advertising, and other indirect purchases in connection with conducting our business. The aggregate 
amount  of  purchase  orders  and  other  commitments  open  as  of  December  26,  2020  was  approximately  $880.0 
million. We cannot determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent contractual obligations 
because purchase orders may represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. Our purchase 
orders are generally based on our current needs and are typically fulfilled within short periods of time.

We may be required to make significant cash outlays related to unrecognized tax benefits. However, due 
to the uncertainty of the timing of future cash flows associated with our unrecognized tax benefits, we are unable to 
make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement, if any, with the respective taxing authorities. 
Accordingly, unrecognized tax benefits of $85.0 million as of December 26, 2020, have been excluded from the 
contractual  obligations  table  above.  For  further  information  related  to  unrecognized  tax  benefits,  see  Note  2  – 
Summary  of  Significant  Accounting  Policies,  Income  Taxes  and  Note  6  –  Income  Taxes  to  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements included in this Report.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Sensitivity

We have market risk primarily in connection with the pricing of our products and services and the purchase 
of raw materials. Product pricing and raw materials costs are both significantly influenced by semiconductor market 
conditions.  Historically,  during  cyclical  industry  downturns,  we  have  been  able  to  offset  pricing  declines  for  our 
products through a combination of improved product mix and success in obtaining price reductions in raw materials 
costs.

Inflation

We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of 
operations. If our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully 
offset  such  higher  costs  through  price  increases.  Our  inability  or  failure  to  do  so  could  adversely  affect  our 
business, financial condition and results of operations.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The  operation  of  Garmin’s  subsidiaries  in  international  markets  results  in  exposure  to  movements  in 
currency  exchange  rates.  We  have  experienced  significant  foreign  currency  gains  and  losses  due  to  the 
strengthening and weakening of the U.S. dollar. The potential of volatile foreign exchange rate fluctuations in the 
future  could  have  a  significant  effect  on  our  results  of  operations.  The  Company  has  not  historically  hedged  its 
foreign currency exchange rate risks.

45

 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
The currencies that create a majority of the Company’s exchange rate exposure are the Taiwan Dollar, 
Euro,  British  Pound  Sterling,  Australian  Dollar,  Chinese  Yuan,  and  Japanese  Yen.  Garmin  Corporation, 
headquartered in Xizhi, Taiwan, uses the local currency as the functional currency. The Company translates all 
assets and liabilities at year‐end exchange rates and income and expense accounts at average rates during the 
year. In order to minimize the effect of the currency exchange fluctuations on our net assets, we have elected to 
retain most of our Taiwan subsidiary’s cash and investments denominated in U.S. Dollars.

Most European subsidiaries use the Euro as the functional currency. The functional currency of our largest 
European  subsidiary,  Garmin  (Europe)  Ltd.  remains  the  U.S.  Dollar,  and  as  some  transactions  occur  in  British 
Pounds  Sterling  or  Euros,  foreign  currency  gains  or  losses  have  been  realized  historically  related  to  the 
movements  of  those  currencies  relative  to  the  U.S.  Dollar.  The  Company  believes  that  gains  and  losses  may 
become more material in the future as our European presence grows.

During fiscal year 2020, the Company incurred a net foreign currency gain of $2.8 million. The U.S. Dollar 
weakening against the Euro, Australian Dollar, Chinese Yuan, and British Pound Sterling was partially offset by the 
U.S. Dollar weakening against the Taiwan Dollar. During fiscal 2020, the U.S. Dollar weakened 9.2% against the 
Euro,  9.4%  against  the  Australian  Dollar,  7.2%  against  the  Chinese  Yuan,  and  3.6%  against  the  British  Pound 
Sterling, resulting in gains of $21.1 million, $6.5 million, $2.9 million, and $2.6 million, respectively, while the U.S. 
Dollar weakened 7.1% against the Taiwan Dollar, resulting in a loss of $32.2 million. The remaining net currency 
gain of $1.9 million was related to the timing of transactions and impacts of other currencies, each of which was 
individually  immaterial.  These  and  other  currency  moves  during  fiscal  year  2020  also  resulted  in  a  currency 
translation adjustment of $107.7 million within Accumulated other comprehensive income.

We  assessed  the  Company’s  exposure  to  movements  in  currency  exchange  rates  by  performing  a 
sensitivity  analysis  of  adverse  changes  in  exchange  rates  and  the  corresponding  impact  to  our  results  of 
operations. Based on monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than respective functional 
currencies  as  of  December  26,  2020  and  December  28,  2019,  hypothetical  and  reasonably  possible  adverse 
changes of 10% for the Taiwan Dollar, Euro, and British Pound Sterling would have resulted in an adverse impact 
on income before income taxes of approximately $84 million and $90 million at December 26, 2020 and December 
28, 2019.

Interest Rate Risk

We  have  no  outstanding  long-term  debt  as  of  December  26,  2020.  We,  therefore,  have  no  meaningful 

debt-related interest rate risk.  

We  are  exposed  to  interest  rate  risk  in  connection  with  our  investments  in  marketable  securities.  As 

interest rates change, the unrealized gains and losses associated with those securities will fluctuate accordingly. 

The  Company’s  investment  policy  targets  low  risk  investments  with  the  objective  of  minimizing  the 
potential risk of principal loss. The Company does not intend to sell securities in an unrealized loss position and it 
is  not  more  likely  than  not  that  the  Company  will  be  required  to  sell  such  investments  before  recovery  of  their 
amortized costs bases, which may be maturity. During 2020 and 2019, the Company did not record any material 
impairment charges on its outstanding securities.

We assessed the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk by performing a sensitivity analysis of a parallel 
shift in the yield curve and the corresponding impact to the Company’s portfolio of marketable securities. Based on 
balance  sheet  positions  as  of  December  26,  2020  and  December  28,  2019,  the  hypothetical  and  reasonably 
possible 100 basis point increases in interest rates across all securities would have resulted in declines in portfolio 
fair  market  value  of  approximately  $34  million  and  $35  million  at  December  26,  2020  and  December  28,  2019, 
respectively. Such losses would only be realized if the Company sold the investments prior to maturity.

46

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries 
Years Ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018

Contents

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and 
December 29, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 26, 2020, 
December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 26, 2020, December 
28, 2019, and December 29, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, 
and December 29, 2018
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

48
51
52

53

54

55

57

47

 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries (the Company) 
as of December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive 
income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 2020, 
and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as 
the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all 
material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, and the 
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 2020, in 
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board 
(United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2020, based 
on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control-Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 17, 2021, expressed 
an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express 
an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered 
with  the  PCAOB  and  are  required  to  be  independent  with  respect  to  the  Company  in  accordance  with  the  U.S. 
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and 
the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan 
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material 
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.    Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of 
material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that 
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and 
disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  Our  audits  also  included  evaluating  the  accounting  principles  used  and 
significant  estimates  made  by  management,  as  well  as  evaluating  the  overall  presentation  of  the  financial 
statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The  critical  audit  matters  communicated  below  are  matters  arising  from  the  current  period  audit  of  the  financial 
statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to 
accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, 
subjective,  or  complex  judgments.  The  communication  of  critical  audit  matters  does  not  alter  in  any  way  our 
opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical 
audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to 
which they relate.

Valuation of Goodwill

Description of 
the Matter

The Company assigns goodwill acquired in business combinations to its reporting units as of 
each acquisition date. At December 26, 2020, the Company’s goodwill balance related to the 
consumer auto reporting unit was approximately $80 million. As discussed in Note 2 of the 
consolidated financial statements, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually at the 
reporting unit level. The consumer auto market has declined in recent years as competing 
technologies have emerged and market saturation has occurred. This has resulted in periods 
of lower revenues and profits for the Company’s consumer auto reporting unit. Considering 
these qualitative factors, management performed a quantitative impairment test of the 
consumer auto reporting unit in the fourth quarter of 2020. Considering the uncertainty of future 
operating results and/or market conditions deteriorating faster or more drastically than the 
forecasts utilized in management’s estimation of fair value, the Company disclosed some or all 

48

of the approximately $80 million of goodwill associated with the consumer auto reporting unit is 
at risk of future impairment. 

Auditing management’s annual goodwill impairment test for the consumer auto reporting unit 
was complex and highly judgmental due to the significant estimation required in determining 
the fair value of the reporting unit. In particular, the fair value estimate was sensitive to 
significant assumptions such as the discount rate, projected future revenues, projected future 
operating margins, and terminal growth rates which are affected by expectations about future 
market or economic conditions.

How We 
Addressed the 
Matter in Our 
Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of 
controls over the Company’s consumer auto goodwill impairment review process. For example, 
we tested controls over management's review of the significant assumptions (e.g., discount 
rate, projected revenue growth rates, projected operating margins, terminal growth rates) used 
to develop the prospective financial information (PFI) for the quantitative analysis. We also 
tested management's controls to validate that the data used in the valuation was complete and 
accurate.

To test the estimated fair value of the Company’s consumer auto reporting unit, we performed 
audit procedures that included, among others, assessing the methodology and testing the 
significant assumptions discussed above and the underlying data used by the Company in its 
analysis. We included valuation specialists on our team to review the Company’s model, 
method, and the more sensitive assumptions such as the discount rate and terminal growth 
assumptions. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to current 
industry and economic trends, changes to the Company’s business model, forecasts used in 
the Company’s annual operating plans and other relevant factors. We assessed the historical 
accuracy of management’s forecast estimates and performed sensitivity analyses of significant 
assumptions to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the consumer auto reporting unit that 
would result from changes in the assumptions. We reconciled the fair value of the reporting unit 
to its carrying value, testing the Company’s determination of the assets and liabilities used 
within the reporting unit that are the basis for the carrying value. In addition, we tested 
management’s reconciliation of the fair value of the reporting units to the market capitalization 
of the Company.

49

Measurement of Reserve for Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits 

Description of 
the Matter

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with the FASB ASC 740 
topic, Income Taxes.  The Company operates in a multinational tax environment and is subject 
to tax laws, regulations and guidelines for intercompany transactions that have transfer pricing 
subjectivity. The Company uses significant judgment to evaluate uncertain tax positions and 
determine whether the threshold for recognition has been met and to measure the largest 
amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. As 
discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s balance of gross 
unrecognized income tax benefits was $85 million at December 26, 2020, primarily related to 
transfer pricing positions.

Auditing management’s assessment and measurement of material tax positions is complex and 
involved especially subjective and complex judgements. The assessment process involves both 
significant judgment to evaluate each position against the recognition threshold and estimation 
because the pricing of the intercompany transactions is based on pricing analyses that may 
produce a number of different outcomes or ranges of outcomes (e.g., the price that would be 
charged in an arm’s-length transaction). Each transfer pricing tax position carries unique facts 
and circumstances that must be evaluated, and ultimate resolution will be dependent on 
uncontrollable factors, such as the interpretation of laws and regulations; new case law; the 
willingness of the income tax authority to settle the issue, including the timing thereof; and other 
factors.

How We 
Addressed the 
Matter in Our 
Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of 
controls that address the risks of material misstatement relating to the identification, 
assessment, measurement and valuation of uncertain tax positions related to transfer pricing 
from intercompany transactions. For example, we tested controls over management’s review of 
intercompany transfer pricing positions against the measurement criteria, review of inputs and 
calculations of these uncertain tax positions, which included management’s evaluation of the 
ranges of outcomes and pricing conclusions reached within the transfer pricing studies. 

Our audit procedures included, among others, involving our tax professionals to test the 
Company’s assessment and measurement of tax positions related to transfer pricing used in 
intercompany transactions to assess the appropriateness of the ranges of outcomes utilized and 
the pricing conclusions reached within the transfer pricing studies conducted by the Company. 
For example, we compared the transfer pricing methodology utilized by management to 
alternative methodologies and industry benchmarks. We also verified our understanding of the 
relevant facts by reading the Company’s correspondence with the relevant tax authorities and 
any third-party advice obtained by the Company. In addition, we used our knowledge of 
international and local income tax laws, as well as historical settlement activity from income tax 
authorities, to evaluate the appropriateness of the Company’s measurement of uncertain tax 
positions related to transfer pricing used in these intercompany transactions.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1990.
Kansas City, Missouri
February 17, 2021

50

Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except per share information)

December 26, 
2020

December 28, 
2019

Assets
Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Marketable securities (Note 3)
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,086 in 2020 and
    $6,754 in 2019
Inventories
Deferred costs
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Total current assets

Property and equipment, net (Note 2)
Operating lease right-of-use assets (Note 14)
Restricted cash (Note 4)
Marketable securities (Note 3)
Deferred income taxes (Note 6)
Noncurrent deferred costs
Intangible assets, net
Other assets
Total assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:

Accounts payable
Salaries and benefits payable
Accrued warranty costs
Accrued sales program costs
Deferred revenue
Accrued advertising expense
Other accrued expenses
Income taxes payable
Dividend payable
Total current liabilities

Deferred income taxes (Note 6)
Noncurrent income taxes
Noncurrent deferred revenue
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
Other liabilities

Stockholders’ equity:

Shares, CHF 0.10 par value, 198,077 shares authorized and issued, 191,571
    shares outstanding at December 26, 2020; and 190,686 shares outstanding
    at December 28, 2019; (Notes 9, 10, and 11):
Additional paid-in capital
Treasury stock
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income

Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

See accompanying notes.

  $

1,458,442     $
387,642    

849,469    
762,084    
20,145    
191,569    
3,669,351    

855,539    
94,626    
306    
1,131,175    
245,455    
16,510    
828,566    
189,845    
7,031,373     $

258,885     $
181,937    
42,643    
109,891    
86,865    
31,950    
149,817    
68,585    
233,644    
1,164,217    

116,844    
92,810    
49,934    
75,958    
15,494    

17,979    
1,880,354    
(320,016 )  
3,754,372    
183,427    
5,516,116    
7,031,373     $

  $

  $

  $

1,027,567  
376,463  

706,763  
752,908  
25,105  
169,044  
3,057,850  

728,921  
63,589  
71  
1,205,475  
268,518  
23,493  
659,629  
159,253  
6,166,799  

240,831  
128,426  
39,758  
112,578  
94,562  
35,142  
110,461  
56,913  
217,262  
1,035,933  

114,754  
105,771  
67,329  
49,238  
278  

17,979  
1,835,622  
(345,040 )
3,229,061  
55,874  
4,793,496  
6,166,799  

51

 
 
 
 
 
     
       
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share information)

Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit

Advertising expense
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and development expense

Operating income
Other income (expense):

Interest income
Foreign currency gains (losses)
Other income

Income before income taxes

Income tax provision (benefit): (Note 6)

Current
Deferred

Net income

Basic net income per share (Note 10)
Diluted net income per share (Note 10)

See accompanying notes.

December 26, 
2020
4,186,573   $
1,705,237    
2,481,336    

Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 
2019
3,757,505   $
1,523,529    
2,233,976    

 $

December 29, 
2018
3,347,444 
1,367,725 
1,979,719 

151,166    
570,245    
705,685    
1,427,096    
1,054,240    

37,002    
2,825    
9,343    
49,170    
1,103,410    

164,456    
518,568    
605,366    
1,288,390    
945,586    

155,394 
478,177 
567,805 
1,201,376 
778,343 

52,817    
(16,799)  
5,618    
41,636    
987,222    

104,471    
6,615    
111,086    
992,324   $

123,073    
(88,337)  
34,736    
952,486   $

5.19   $
5.17   $

5.01   $
4.99   $

3.68 
3.66 

47,147 
(7,616)
5,373 
44,904 
823,247 

93,424 
35,743 
129,167 
694,080 

 $

 $
 $

52

 
 
 
 
 
    
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
  
  
 
  
     
     
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
     
     
  
  
     
     
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
     
     
  
 
    
      
      
 
    
      
      
 
Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)

December 26, 
2020

Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 
2019

December 29, 
2018

Net income
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities, 
net of deferred taxes
Comprehensive income

  $

  $

992,324   $
107,664    

952,486   $
7,962    

694,080 
(31,965)

19,889    
1,119,877   $

39,482    
999,930   $

(15,581)
646,534 

See accompanying notes.

53

 
 
 
 
    
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
   
   
 
     
      
      
 
     
      
      
 
Balance at December 30, 2017

Net income
Translation adjustment
Adjustment related to unrealized gains 
(losses) on available-for-sale securities net of 
income tax effects of $2,174
Comprehensive income

Dividends declared ($2.12 per share)
Issuance of treasury stock related to equity 
awards
Stock compensation
Purchase of treasury stock related to equity 
awards
Reclassification under ASU 2016-16
Reclassification under ASU 2018-02

Balance at December 29, 2018

Net income
Translation adjustment
Adjustment related to unrealized gains 
(losses) on available-for-sale securities net of 
income tax effects of $5,982
Comprehensive income

Dividends declared ($2.28 per share)
Issuance of treasury stock related to equity 
awards
Stock compensation
Purchase of treasury stock related to equity 
awards

Balance at December 28, 2019

Net income
Translation adjustment
Adjustment related to unrealized gains 
(losses) on available-for-sale securities net of 
income tax effects of $3,157
Comprehensive income

Dividends declared ($2.44 per share)
Issuance of treasury stock related to equity 
awards
Stock compensation
Purchase of treasury stock related to equity 
awards

Balance at December 26, 2020

See accompanying notes.

Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands)

Common

Stock   

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Treasury

Stock    

Retained
Earnings    

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)    

Total

  $ 17,979   $1,828,386   $ (468,818) $2,418,444   $
694,080    
—    

—    
—    

—    
—    

—    
—    

56,428   $3,852,419 
694,080 
(31,965)

—    
(31,965)  

—    

—    

(15,581)  

—    

(400,657)  

(61,139)  
56,391    

87,781    
—    

—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

—    
(1,700)  
452    
  $ 17,979   $1,823,638   $ (397,692) $2,710,619   $
952,486    
—    

(16,655)  
—    
—    

—    
—    

—    
—    

—    
—    

—    

—    

—    

—    

—    

—    

—    
—    

—    

—    

—    
—    

—    

—    

39,482    

—    

(434,044)  

(51,416)  
63,400    

78,538    
—    

—    
—    

(15,581)
646,534 
(400,657)

26,642 
56,391 

—    

—    
—    

—    
—    
(452)  

(16,655)
(1,700)
— 
8,430   $4,162,974 
952,486 
7,962 

—    
7,962    

39,482 
999,930 
(434,044)

27,122 
63,400 

—    

—    
—    

—    

—    

—    
  $ 17,979   $1,835,622   $ (345,040) $3,229,061   $
992,324    
—    

—    
—    

—    
—    

—    
—    

(25,886)  

—    

(25,886)
55,874   $4,793,496 
992,324 
107,664 

—    
107,664    

—    

—    

—    
—    

—    

—    

—    

—    

—    

(467,013)  

19,889    

19,889 
      1,119,877 
(467,013)

—    

(36,153)  
80,885    

51,354    
—    

—    
—    

—    
—    

15,201 
80,885 

—    
  $ 17,979   $1,880,354   $ (320,016) $3,754,372   $

(26,330)  

—    

—    

—    

(26,330)
183,427   $5,516,116 

54

 
 
 
 
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
 
     
      
      
      
    
 
      
 
     
      
      
      
    
 
      
 
Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

December 26, 
2020

Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 
2019

December 29, 
2018

  $

992,324   $

952,486   $

694,080 

Operating Activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    operating activities:

Depreciation
Amortization
Gain on sale of property and equipment
Unrealized foreign currency (gains) losses
Deferred income taxes
Stock compensation expense
Realized (gains) losses on marketable securities
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
Inventories
Other current and non-current assets
Accounts payable
Other current and non-current liabilities
Deferred revenue
Deferred costs
Income taxes payable

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of marketable securities
Redemption of marketable securities
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Net cash used in investing activities

78,121    
48,594    
(1,799)  
(9,873)  
6,931    
80,885    
(1,392)  

(108,859)  
28,726    
(33,690)  
1,447    
87,761    
(25,211)  
11,973    
(20,671)  
1,135,267    

(185,401)  
1,977    
(2,065)  
(1,052,640)  
1,126,253    
(148,648)  
(260,524)  

71,921    
34,254    
(233)  
18,663    
(88,358)  
63,400    
(799)  

(123,401)  
(170,169)  
(86,073)  
26,192    
36,660    
(11,032)  
9,335    
(34,297)  
698,549    

(118,031)  
529    
(2,377)  
(789,352)  
758,774    
(300,289)  
(450,746)  

Financing activities:
Dividends
Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock related to equity awards    
Purchase of treasury stock related to equity awards
Net cash used in financing activities

(450,631)  
15,201    
(26,330)  
(461,760)  

(417,264)  
27,122    
(25,886)  
(416,028)  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

18,127    

(5,942)  

(15,810)

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted 
cash
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year

431,110    
1,027,638    
1,458,748   $

(174,167)  
1,201,805    
1,027,638   $

310,046 
891,759 
1,201,805 

  $

See accompanying notes.

55

64,798 
31,396 
(479)
13,790 
38,978 
56,391 
827 

7,290 
(57,737)
7,358 
40,628 
(1,323)
(17,208)
5,611 
35,120 
919,520 

(155,755)
1,600 
(4,600)
(403,181)
283,603 
(29,170)
(307,503)

(296,148)
26,642 
(16,655)
(286,161)

 
 
 
 
  
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
     
     
  
   
     
     
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
     
     
  
   
     
     
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
     
     
  
   
     
     
  
   
   
   
 
   
     
     
  
   
 
   
     
     
  
   
   
 
    
     
     
 
    
     
     
 
Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
(In thousands)

December 26, 
2020

Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 
2019

December 29, 
2018

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

Cash paid during the year for income taxes

Cash received during the year from income tax refunds

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and 
financing activities

(Decrease) increase in accrued capital expenditures related to 
purchases of property and equipment

Change in marketable securities related to unrealized 
appreciation (depreciation)

Fair value of assets acquired
Liabilities assumed
Less: cash acquired
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

See accompanying notes.

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

133,057   $

160,286   $

67,592 

4,820   $

6,063   $

6,122 

(4,192) $

2,821   $

(14,647)

23,045   $

45,464   $

(17,755)

165,082   $
(14,884)  
(1,550)  
148,648   $

354,631   $
(25,507)  
(28,835)  
300,289   $

31,920 
(2,273)
(477)
29,170  

56

 
 
 
 
    
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
  
     
     
  
 
  
     
     
  
 
  
     
     
  
 
  
     
     
  
  
     
     
  
 
  
     
     
  
 
  
     
     
  
 
  
     
     
  
  
  
Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands, except share and per share information)
December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 

1. Description of the Business

Garmin  Ltd.  and  subsidiaries  (together,  the  “Company”)  design,  develop,  manufacture,  market,  and 
distribute a diverse family of hand-held, wrist-based, portable, and fixed-mount Global Positioning System (GPS)-
enabled  products  and  other  navigation,  communications,  information  and  sensor-based  products.  Garmin 
Corporation (GC) is primarily responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of the Company’s products to the 
Company’s  subsidiaries  and,  to  a  lesser  extent,  new  product  development  and  sales  and  marketing  of  the 
Company’s products in Asia and the Far East. Garmin International, Inc. (GII) is primarily responsible for sales and 
marketing of the Company’s products in the Americas region and for most of the Company’s research and new 
product  development.  GII  also  manufactures  most  of  the  Company’s  products  in  the  aviation  segment.  Garmin 
(Europe) Ltd. (GEL) is responsible for sales and marketing of the Company’s products in Europe, the Middle East 
and Africa (EMEA). Many of GEL’s sales are to other Company-owned distributors in the EMEA region.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the 
accounts of Garmin Ltd. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions 
have  been  eliminated.  Certain  prior  period  amounts  have  been  reclassified  or  presented  to  conform  to  current 
period presentation.

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year is based on a 52-53-week period ending on the last Saturday of the calendar 
year. Due to the fact that there are not exactly 52 weeks in a calendar year, and there is slightly more than one 
additional day per year (not including the effects of leap year) in each calendar year as compared to a 52-week 
fiscal year, the Company will have a fiscal year comprising 53 weeks in certain fiscal years, as determined by when 
the last Saturday of the calendar year occurs.

In those resulting fiscal years that have 53 weeks, the Company will record an extra week of sales, costs, 
and related financial activity. Therefore, the financial results of those 53-week fiscal years, and the associated 14-
week  fourth  quarters,  will  not  be  entirely  comparable  to  the  prior  and  subsequent  52-week  fiscal  years  and  the 
associated 13-week quarters. Fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018 each included 52 weeks.

Use of Estimates

The  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally 
accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts 
reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those 
estimates.

57

Foreign Currency 

Many  Garmin  Ltd.  subsidiaries  utilize  currencies  other  than  the  United  States  Dollar  (USD)  as  their 
functional  currency.  As  required  by  the  Foreign  Currency  Matters  topic  of  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards 
Board  (FASB)  Accounting  Standards  Codification  (ASC),  the  financial  statements  of  these  subsidiaries  for  all 
periods  presented  have  been  translated  into  USD,  the  functional  currency  of  Garmin  Ltd.,  and  the  reporting 
currency herein, for purposes of consolidation at rates prevailing during the year for sales, costs, and expenses 
and  at  end-of-year  rates  for  all  assets  and  liabilities.  The  effect  of  this  translation  is  recorded  in  a  separate 
component of stockholders’ equity. Cumulative currency translation adjustments of $162,953 and $55,289 as of 
December  26,  2020  and  December  28,  2019,  respectively,  have  been  included  in  accumulated  other 
comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Transactions  in  foreign  currencies  are  recorded  at  the  approximate  rate  of  exchange  at  the  transaction 
date. Assets and liabilities resulting from these transactions are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the 
balance sheet date. The majority of the Company’s consolidated foreign currency gain or loss is typically driven by 
the  significant  cash  and  marketable  securities,  receivables,  and  payables  held  in  a  currency  other  than  the 
functional currency at a given legal entity. Net foreign currency gains recorded in results of operations were $2,825 
for  the  year  ended  December  26,  2020,  and  net  foreign  currency  losses  recorded  in  results  of  operations  were 
$16,799, and $7,616, for the years ended December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018, respectively. The gain in 
fiscal 2020 was primarily due to the U.S. Dollar weakening against the Euro, Australian Dollar, Chinese Yuan, and 
British Pound Sterling, partially offset by the U.S. Dollar weakening against the Taiwan Dollar. The loss in fiscal 
2019 was primarily driven by the U.S. Dollar strengthening against the Euro and weakening against the Taiwan 
Dollar, which was partially offset by the U.S. Dollar weakening against the British Pound Sterling. The loss in fiscal 
2018 was due primarily to the USD strengthening against the Euro and British Pound Sterling, offset by the U.S. 
Dollar strengthening against the Taiwan Dollar. 

Earnings Per Share

Basic  earnings  per  share  amounts  are  computed  based  on  the  weighted-average  number  of  common 
shares outstanding. For purposes of diluted earnings per share, the number of shares that would be issued from 
the exercise of dilutive share-based compensation awards has been reduced by the number of shares which could 
have been purchased from the proceeds of the exercise or release at the average market price of the Company’s 
stock  during  the  period  the  awards  were  outstanding.  See  Note  10  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

Cash  and  cash  equivalents  include  cash  on  hand,  operating  accounts,  money  market  funds,  deposits 
readily  convertible  to  known  amounts  of  cash,  and  securities  with  maturities  of  three  months  or  less  when 
purchased. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value, given the short maturity of 
those  instruments.  Restricted  cash  is  reported  separately  from  cash  and  cash  equivalents  on  the  consolidated 
balance  sheets.  See  Note  4  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  additional  information  on 
restricted cash.

The  total  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  restricted  cash  balances  presented  on  the  Consolidated 
Balance  Sheet  reconciles  to  the  total  cash,  cash  equivalents,  and  restricted  cash  shown  in  the  Consolidated 
Statements of Cash Flows.

Trade Accounts Receivable

The Company sells its products to retailers, wholesalers, and other customers and extends credit based 
on  its  evaluation  of  the  customer’s  financial  condition. Potential  losses  on  receivables  are  dependent  on  each 
individual  customer’s  financial  condition.  The  Company  carries  its  trade  accounts  receivable  at  net  realizable 
value.  Typically,  its  accounts  receivable  are  collected  within  90  days  and  do  not  bear  interest.  The  Company 
monitors its exposure to losses on receivables and maintains allowances for potential losses or adjustments. The 
Company determines these allowances by (1) evaluating the aging of its receivables and (2) reviewing its high-risk 
customers. Past due receivable balances are written off when internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful in 
collecting the amount due. The Company maintains trade credit insurance to provide some security against certain 
losses within policy limits.

58

 
Concentration of Credit Risk 

The  Company  grants  credit  to  certain  customers  who  meet  the  Company’s  pre-established  credit 
requirements. Generally, the Company does not require security when trade credit is granted to customers. Credit 
losses  are  provided  for  in  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial  statements  and  typically  have  been  within 
management’s  expectations.  Certain  customers  are  allowed  extended  terms  consistent  with  normal  industry 
practice. Most of these extended terms can be classified as either relating to seasonal sales variations or to the 
timing of new product releases by the Company.

The Company’s top ten customers have contributed between 20% and 23% of net sales annually since 
2018. None of the Company’s customers accounted for more than or equal to 10% of consolidated net sales in the 
years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018, respectively. 

Inventories

Inventories  are  stated  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  net  realizable  value.  Cost  includes  materials,  labor,  and 
manufacturing overhead associated with purchases and production and is determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) 
basis. The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the 
difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about 
future  demand  and  market  conditions.  If  actual  market  conditions  are  less  favorable  than  those  projected  by 
management, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Inventories consisted of the following:

Raw materials
Work-in-process
Finished goods
Inventories

Property and Equipment

December 26, 
2020

December 28, 
2019

  $

  $

282,287    $
147,821     
331,976     
762,084    $

260,070 
133,157 
359,681 
752,908  

Property and equipment is recorded at cost and typically depreciated using the straight-line method. The 
components of property and equipment were as follows and are generally depreciated over the following estimated 
useful lives:

Land
Building and improvements
Machinery, equipment and software
Total, at cost
Accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net

Estimated 
Useful Life

December 26,
2020

December 28,
2019

  15 to 50 years    
3 to 10 years    

124,654     
662,753     
800,410     
1,587,817     
(732,278)    
855,539     

112,267 
597,387 
696,343 
1,405,997 
(677,076)
728,921  

As required by the Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the FASB ASC (ASC Topic 360), the Company 
reviews property and equipment assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the 
carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be fully recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset 
is  not  recoverable  if  it  exceeds  the  sum  of  the  undiscounted  cash  flows  expected  to  result  from  the  use  and 
eventual disposition of the asset. That assessment is based on the carrying amount of the asset at the date it is 
tested for recoverability. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-
lived  asset  exceeds  its  fair  value.  The  Company  did  not  recognize  any  material  long-lived  asset  impairment 
charges in the fiscal years of 2020, 2019, or 2018. 

59

 
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
    
 
    
Intangible Assets

At December 26, 2020, and December 28, 2019, the Company had patents, customer related intangibles 
and  other  identifiable  finite-lived  intangible  assets  recorded  at  a  cost  of  $523,990  and  $432,296,  respectively. 
Identifiable,  finite-lived  intangible  assets  are  amortized  over  their  estimated  useful  lives  on  a  straight-line  basis 
typically over three to ten years. Accumulated amortization was $279,633 and $239,776 at December 26, 2020 
and  December  28,  2019,  respectively.  Amortization  expense  on  these  intangible  assets  was  $34,797,  $26,225, 
and $21,796 for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018, respectively. 
In  the  next  five  years,  the  amortization  expense  is  estimated  to  be  $33,371,  $30,255,  $28,309,  $26,357,  and 
$23,941, respectively. The Company also reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment in accordance with 
ASC Topic 360, as described above, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount 
of an asset or asset group may not be fully recoverable.

The Company’s excess purchase cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) was $584,210 at 

December 26, 2020, and $467,108 at December 28, 2019.

Goodwill balance at beginning of year
Acquisitions
Effect of foreign currency translation, finalization of purchase price 
allocations, and impairment charges
Goodwill balance at end of year

December 26, 
2020

December 28, 
2019

  $

  $

467,108    $
89,499     

27,603     
584,210    $

301,017 
171,773 

(5,682)
467,108  

The Intangibles – Goodwill and Other topic of the FASB ASC (ASC Topic 350) requires that goodwill and 
intangible assets with indefinite useful lives should not be amortized but rather be assessed for impairment at least 
annually  or  sooner  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  they  may  be  impaired.  The 
Company performs its annual impairment assessments of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, if any, in 
the fourth quarter of each year, as of the Company’s fiscal year end date. ASC Topic 350 allows management to 
first perform a qualitative assessment by assessing the qualitative factors of relevant events and circumstances at 
the reporting unit level to determine if it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If factors 
indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then 
the quantitative test will be performed. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then a 
goodwill impairment charge will be recognized in the amount by which carrying amount exceeds fair value, limited 
to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.     

Each  of  the  Company’s  operating  segments  (auto  OEM,  aviation,  consumer  auto,  fitness,  marine,  and 
outdoor) represents a distinct reporting unit. The consumer auto market has declined in recent years as competing 
technologies have emerged and market saturation has occurred. This has resulted in periods of lower revenues 
and profits for the Company’s consumer auto reporting unit. Considering these qualitative factors, management 
performed  a  quantitative  impairment  test  of  the  consumer  auto  reporting  unit  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2020  and 
determined that the fair value of the reporting unit was substantially in excess of its carrying amount. However, 
considering  the  uncertainty  of  future  operating  results  and/or  market  conditions  deteriorating  faster  or  more 
drastically than the forecasts utilized in management’s estimation of fair value, management believes some or all 
of the approximately $80 million of goodwill associated with the Company’s consumer auto reporting unit is at risk 
of future impairment. 

Management concluded that no other reporting units are currently at risk of impairment, and the Company 
did not recognize any material goodwill or intangible asset impairment charges in fiscal years 2020, 2019, or 2018. 

60

 
 
   
 
   
   
Leases

The Company leases certain real estate properties, vehicles, and equipment in various countries around 
the world. Leased properties are typically used for office space, distribution, and retail. The Company’s leases are 
classified as operating leases with remaining terms of 1 to 33 years, some of which include an option to extend or 
renew. If the exercise of an option to extend or renew is determined to be reasonably certain, the associated right-
of-use asset and lease liability reflects the extended period and payments. For newly signed leases, the right-of-
use  asset  and  lease  liability  is  recognized  on  lease  commencement  date.  Variable  lease  costs,  such  as 
adjustments to payments based on consumer price indices, are excluded in the recognition of right-of-use assets 
and lease liabilities. For all real estate leases, any non-lease components, including common area maintenance, 
have  been  separated  from  lease  components  and  excluded  from  the  associated  right-of-use  asset  and  lease 
liability  calculations.  For  all  equipment  and  vehicle  leases,  an  accounting  policy  election  has  been  made  to  not 
separate lease and non-lease components.

Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (“short-term leases”) are not recognized on the Company’s 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as a right-of-use asset or lease liability.

Dividends 

Under Swiss corporate law, dividends must be approved by shareholders at the general meeting of the 

Company’s shareholders.

On June 5, 2020, the shareholders approved a dividend of $2.44 per share (of which, $1.22 was paid in 
the Company’s 2020 fiscal year) payable in four equal installments on dates determined by the Board of Directors. 
The dates determined by the Board were as follows:

Dividend Date

Record Date

June 30, 2020
September 30, 2020
December 31, 2020
March 31, 2021

  June 15, 2020
  September 15, 2020
  December 15, 2020
  March 15, 2021

  $s per share  
0.61 
  $
0.61 
  $
0.61 
  $
0.61  
  $

The Company paid dividends in 2020 in the amount of $450,631, which included four dividend distributions 
in  the  fiscal  year.  Both  the  dividends  paid  and  the  remaining  dividend  payable  were  reported  as  a  reduction  of 
retained earnings.

On June 7, 2019, the shareholders approved a dividend of $2.28 per share (of which, $1.14 was paid in 
the Company’s 2019 fiscal year) payable in four equal installments on dates determined by the Board of Directors. 
The dates determined by the Board were as follows:

Dividend Date

Record Date

June 28, 2019
September 30, 2019
December 31, 2019
March 31, 2020

  June 17, 2019
  September 16, 2019
  December 16, 2019
  March 16, 2020

  $s per share  
0.57 
  $
0.57 
  $
0.57 
  $
0.57  
  $

The Company paid dividends in 2019 in the amount of $417,264, which included four dividend distributions 
in  the  fiscal  year.  Both  the  dividends  paid  and  the  remaining  dividend  payable  were  reported  as  a  reduction  of 
retained earnings.

On June 8, 2018, the shareholders approved a dividend of $2.12 per share (of which, $1.06 was paid in 
the Company’s 2018 fiscal year) payable in four equal installments on dates determined by the Board of Directors. 
The dates determined by the Board were as follows:

61

 
 
Dividend Date

Record Date

June 29, 2018
September 28, 2018
December 31, 2018
March 29, 2019

  June 18, 2018
  September 14, 2018
  December 14, 2018
  March 15, 2019

  $s per share  
0.53 
  $
0.53 
  $
0.53 
  $
0.53  
  $

The  Company  paid  dividends  in  2018  in  the  amount  of  $296,148,  which  included  three  dividend 
distributions  in  the  fiscal  year.  Both  the  dividends  paid  and  the  remaining  dividend  payable  were  reported  as  a 
reduction of retained earnings.

Approximately  $61,129  of  retained  earnings  was  indefinitely  restricted  from  distribution  to  stockholders 

pursuant to the laws of Taiwan as of December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019.

Marketable Securities

Management  determines  the  appropriate  classification  of  marketable  securities  at  the  time  of  purchase 

and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date.

All  of  the  Company’s  marketable  securities  were  considered  available-for-sale  at  December  26,  2020. 
Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in 
Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  on  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  At  December  26, 
2020, cumulative unrealized net gains of $20,474 were reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, net 
of related taxes. At December 28, 2019, cumulative unrealized net gains of $585 were reported in accumulated 
other comprehensive income, net of related taxes.

The Company recognizes impairments relating to credit losses of available-for-sale securities through an 
allowance for credit losses and Other income (expense) on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. 
Impairment  not  relating  to  credit  losses  is  recorded  in  Other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  on  the  Company’s 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Testing  for  impairment  of  investments  requires  significant  management  judgment.  The  identification  of 
potentially impaired investments, the determination of their fair value, and the assessment of whether any decline 
in  value  is  relating  to  credit  losses  are  the  key  judgment  elements.  The  discovery  of  new  information  and  the 
passage  of  time  can  significantly  change  these  judgments.  Revisions  of  impairment  judgments  are  made  when 
new information becomes known, and any resulting impairment adjustments are made at that time. The economic 
environment  and  volatility  of  securities  markets  increase  the  difficulty  of  determining  fair  value  and  assessing 
investment impairment.

In making this assessment we evaluate the extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost 
basis, any change in credit rating of the security, adverse conditions specifically related to the security, failure of 
the issuer to make scheduled payments, and other relevant factors affecting the security. If it is determined that a 
credit loss exists, the amount of the credit loss is determined by comparing the present value of the expected future 
cash flows for the security to the amortized cost basis of the security, limited by the amount that the fair value is 
less than the amortized cost basis.

The  amortized  cost  of  debt  securities  classified  as  available-for-sale  is  adjusted  for  amortization  of 
premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, or in the case of mortgage-backed securities, over the estimated 
life  of  the  security.  Such  amortization  and  realized  gains/losses  are  recorded  within  Interest  income  and  Other 
income (expense), respectively, on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost of securities sold 
is based on the specific identification method. 

Investments are discussed in detail in Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

62

 
       
Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with the FASB ASC 740 
topic Income Taxes. The liability method provides that deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the 
difference between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount for financial reporting purposes 
as measured based on the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to 
reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed 
more likely than not to be realized.

The  Company  accounts  for  uncertainty  in  income  taxes  in  accordance  with  the  FASB  ASC  740  topic 
Income  Taxes.  The  Company  recognizes  liabilities  based  on  our  estimate  of  whether,  and  the  extent  to  which, 
additional taxes will be due. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves not to be required, the reversal of the 
liabilities results in tax benefits being recognized in the period when the Company determines the liabilities are no 
longer necessary. If the Company’s estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a 
further charge to expense would result. 

Income taxes are discussed in detail in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

The  Company  recognizes  revenue  upon  the  transfer  of  control  of  promised  products  or  services  to  the 
customer  in  an  amount  that  depicts  the  consideration  the  Company  expects  to  be  entitled  to  for  the  related 
products or services. For the large majority of the Company’s sales, transfer of control occurs once product has 
shipped and title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer. The Company offers certain tangible products 
with ongoing services promised over a period of time, typically the useful life of the related tangible product. When 
such services have been identified as both capable of being distinct and separately identifiable from the related 
tangible  product,  the  associated  revenue  allocated  to  such  services  is  recognized  over  time.  The  Company 
generally does not offer specified or unspecified upgrade rights to its customers in connection with software sales.

The  Company  allocates  revenue  to  all  performance  obligations  associated  with  tangible  products 
containing  separately  identifiable  ongoing  services  based  on  the  respective  performance  obligations’  relative 
standalone selling prices (“SSP”), with the amounts allocated to ongoing services deferred and recognized over a 
period  of  time.  These  ongoing  services  primarily  consist  of  the  Company’s  contractual  promises  to  provide 
personal  navigation  device  (PND)  users  with  map  updates  and  server-based  traffic  services.  In  addition,  we 
provide map update services (map care) over a contractual period in certain hardware and software contracts with 
original  automotive  equipment  manufacturers  (OEMs).  The  Company  has  determined  that  directly  observable 
prices do not exist for map updates, map care, or server-based traffic, as stand-alone and unbundled unit sales do 
not  occur  on  more  than  a  limited  basis.  Therefore,  the  Company  uses  the  expected  cost  plus  a  margin  as  the 
primary  indicator  to  calculate  relative  SSP  of  map  updates,  map  care,  and  traffic  performance  obligations.  The 
revenue  and  associated  costs  allocated  to  map  updates,  map  care,  and/or  the  server-based  traffic  service  are 
deferred and recognized ratably over the estimated life of the products of approximately 3 years for PNDs, or the 
estimated  map  care  period  in  OEM  contracts  of  3-10  years  as  we  believe  our  efforts  related  to  providing  these 
services  are  spread  evenly  throughout  the  performance  period.  In  addition  to  the  products  listed  above,  the 
Company has offered certain other products with ongoing performance obligations including mobile applications, 
incremental navigation and communication service subscriptions, aviation database subscriptions, and extended 
warranties that are recognized over the contractual service period (typically 1-3 years).

63

The Company records revenue net of sales tax and variable consideration such as trade discounts and 
customer returns. Payment is due typically within 90 days or less of shipment of product, or upon the grant of a 
given  software  license  (as  applicable).  The  Company  records  estimated  reductions  to  revenue  in  the  form  of 
variable  consideration  for  customer  sales  programs,  returns,  and  incentive  offerings  including  rebates,  price 
protection  (product  discounts  offered  to  retailers  to  assist  in  clearing  older  products  from  their  inventories  in 
advance  of  new  product  releases),  promotions,  and  other  volume-based  incentives. Cooperative  advertising 
incentives payable to dealers and distributors are recorded as reductions of revenue unless we obtain proof of a 
distinct  advertising  service,  in  which  case  we  record  the  incentive  as  advertising  expense.  The  reductions  to 
revenue  are  based  on  estimates  and  judgments  using  historical  experience  and  expectation  of  future 
conditions. Changes in these estimates could negatively affect the Company’s operating results. These incentives 
are  reviewed  periodically  and,  with  the  exceptions  of  price  protection  and  certain  other  promotions,  typically 
accrued for on a percentage of sales basis.

Deferred Revenues and Costs

At December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, the Company had deferred revenues totaling $136,799 

and $161,891, respectively, and related deferred costs totaling $36,655 and $48,598, respectively.

Deferred revenue consists primarily of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are 
recognized over a period of time basis as discussed in the Revenue Recognition portion of this footnote. Billings 
associated with such items are typically completed upon the transfer of control of promised products or services to 
the customer and recorded to accounts receivable until payment is received. Deferred costs primarily refer to the 
royalties incurred by the Company associated with the aforementioned unsatisfied performance obligations, which 
are  amortized  over  the  same  period  as  the  revenue  is  recognized.  The  Company  typically  pays  the  associated 
royalties either monthly or quarterly in arrears, on a per item shipped or installed basis. 

The  Company  applies  a  practical  expedient,  as  permitted  within  ASC  340,  to  expense  as  incurred  the 
incremental costs to obtain a contract when the amortization period of the asset that would have otherwise been 
recognized is one year or less. 

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling activities are typically performed before the customer obtains control of the good, 
and  the  related  costs  are  therefore  expensed  as  incurred.  Shipping  and  handling  costs  are  included  in  cost  of 
goods sold in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

64

Product Warranty 

The Company accrues for estimated future warranty costs at the time products are sold. The Company’s 
standard warranty obligation to retail partners generally provides for a right of return of any product for a full refund 
in  the  event  that  such  product  is  not  merchantable,  is  damaged,  or  is  defective. The  Company’s  historical 
experience is that these types of warranty obligations are generally fulfilled within 5 months from time of sale. The 
Company’s standard warranty obligation to its end-users provides for a period of one to two years from date of 
shipment while certain aviation, marine, and auto OEM products have a warranty period of two years or more from 
the  date  of  installation. The  Company’s  estimates  of  costs  to  service  its  warranty  obligations  are  based  on 
historical  experience  and  management’s  expectations  and  judgments  of  future  conditions. To  the  extent  the 
Company experiences increased warranty claim activity or increased costs associated with servicing those claims, 
its warranty accrual will increase, which may result in decreased gross profit. The following reconciliation presents 
details of the changes in the Company’s accrued warranty costs:

Balance - beginning of period
Accrual for products sold (1)
Expenditures
Balance - end of period

December 26, 
2020

Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 
2019

December 29, 
2018

  $

  $

39,758    $
67,028     
(64,143)    
42,643    $

38,276    $
58,092     
(56,610)    
39,758    $

36,827 
59,374 
(57,925)
38,276  

(1) Changes in cost estimates related to pre-existing warranties were not material and aggregated with accruals for 
new warranty contracts in the ‘accrual for products sold’ line.

Advertising Costs

The  Company  expenses advertising  costs  as incurred.  Advertising  expense amounted  to approximately 
$151,166, $164,456, and $155,394 for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 
29, 2018, respectively.

Research and Development

A majority of the Company’s research and development is performed in the United States. Research and 
development  costs,  which  are  typically  expensed  as  incurred,  amounted  to  approximately  $705,685,  $605,366, 
and $567,805 for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018, respectively.

65

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
Preproduction Costs Related to Long-Term Supply Arrangements

Preproduction design and development costs related to long-term supply arrangements are expensed as 
incurred, and classified as Research and development, unless the customer has provided a contractual guarantee 
for reimbursement of such costs. Contractually reimbursable costs are capitalized as incurred in the Consolidated 
Balance  Sheets  within  Prepaid  expenses  and  other  current  assets  if  reimbursement  is  expected  to  be  received 
within one year, or within Other assets if expected to be received beyond one year. Such capitalized costs were 
approximately $63,610 and $24,267 as of December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, respectively.

Customer Service and Technical Support 

Customer  service  and  technical  support  costs  are  included  as  selling,  general  and  administrative 
expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Customer service and technical support costs 
include  costs  associated  with  performing  order  processing,  answering  customer  inquiries  by  telephone  and 
through  websites,  e-mail  and  other  electronic  means,  and  providing  free  technical  support  assistance  to 
customers. The technical support is typically provided within one year after the associated revenue is recognized. 
The related cost of providing this free support is not material. 

Software Development Costs 

The  FASB  ASC  topic  entitled  Software  requires  companies  to  expense  software  development  costs  as 
they incur them until technological feasibility has been established, at which time those costs are capitalized until 
the product is available for general release to customers. The Company’s capitalized software development costs 
are  not  significant,  as  the  time  elapsed  from  working  model  to  release  is  typically  short.  As  required  by  the 
Research and Development topic of the FASB ASC, costs incurred to enhance our existing products or after the 
general  release  of  the  service  using  the  product  are  expensed  in  the  period  they  are  incurred  and  included  in 
research and development costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation 

The Company currently sponsors three stock-based employee compensation plans. The FASB ASC topic 
entitled  Compensation  –  Stock  Compensation  requires  the  measurement  and  recognition  of  compensation 
expenses for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options 
and restricted stock, based on estimated fair values.

Accounting guidance requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the 
date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest 
is  recognized  as  stock-based  compensation  expense  over  the  requisite  service  period  in  the  Company’s 
consolidated financial statements. 

As  stock-based  compensation  expenses  recognized  in  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Income  are  based  on  awards  ultimately  expected  to  vest,  they  have  been  reduced  for  estimated  forfeitures. 
Accounting  guidance  requires  forfeitures  to  be  estimated  at  the  time  of  grant  and  revised,  if  necessary,  in 
subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical 
experience and management’s estimates. 

Excess  tax  benefits  or  deficiencies  from  stock-based  compensation  are  recognized  in  the  income  tax 
provision and are not estimated in the effective tax rate, rather, are recorded as discrete tax items in the period 
they  occur.  Excess  income  tax  benefits  from  stock-based  compensation  arrangements  are  classified  as  a  cash 
flow from operations. 

Stock  compensation  plans  are  discussed  in  detail  in  Note  9  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial 

Statements.

66

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 
No.  2016-13,  Financial  Instruments  –  Credit  Losses  (Topic  326):  Measurement  of  Credit  Losses  on  Financial 
Instruments  (“ASU  2016-13”).  ASU  2016-13  changes  how  entities  assess  and  measure  credit  losses  of  certain 
financial instruments, including available-for-sale securities and accounts receivable. The Company adopted the 
new standard as of the beginning of the 2020 fiscal year. The adoption of the standard did not have a material 
impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs

In  March  2017,  the  FASB  issued  Accounting  Standards  Update  No.  2017-08,  Receivables  – 
Nonrefundable  Fees  and  Other  Costs  (Topic  310-20):  Premium  Amortization  on  Purchased  Callable  Debt 
Securities (“ASU 2017-08”), which shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a 
premium, requiring the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The Company adopted the new standard 
as of the beginning of the 2020 fiscal year. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the 
Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 
2016-02”), which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases 
for  both  lessees  and  lessors.  The  FASB  subsequently  issued  Accounting  Standards  Update  No.  2018-10  and 
Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-11 in July 2018, which provide clarifications and improvements to ASU 
2016-02  (collectively,  the  “new  lease  standard”).  Accounting  Standards  Update  No.  2018-11  also  provides  the 
optional transition method which allows companies to apply the new lease standard at the adoption date instead of 
at the earliest comparative period presented. The new lease standard requires lessees to present a right-of-use 
asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet.

The  Company  adopted  the  new  lease  standard  as  of  the  beginning  of  the  2019  fiscal  year  using  the 
optional transition method. The Company did not have a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as a 
result of adopting the new lease standard and does not expect the new lease standard to have a material impact 
on  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income  or  Consolidated  Statements  of  Cash  Flows  in  future 
periods. The Company elected the package of transitional practical expedients upon adoption which, among other 
provisions,  allowed  the  Company  to  carry  forward  historical  lease  classification.  See  Note  14  –  Leases  for 
additional information regarding leases.

Intangible – Goodwill and Other

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Intangible – Goodwill and 
Other (Topic 350): Simplify the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”) which simplifies the accounting for 
goodwill  impairment.  ASU  2017-04  removes  “step  two”  of  the  goodwill  impairment  test,  such  that  a  goodwill 
impairment charge is now the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. ASU 2017-
04  is  applied  prospectively  and  was  effective  for  fiscal  years,  or  any  goodwill  impairment  tests  in  fiscal  years 
beginning  after  December  15,  2019.  Early  adoption  was  permitted  for  any  impairment  tests  performed  after 
January 1, 2017. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04 in the fourth quarter of the year ended December 28, 
2019. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

We  do  not  expect  any  recently  issued  accounting  pronouncements  not  yet  adopted  to  have  a  material 
impact  on  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial  statements,  accounting  policies,  processes,  or  systems  upon 
adoption.

67

3. Marketable Securities

The FASB ASC topic entitled Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures defines fair value as the price that 
would  be  received  to  sell  an  asset  or  paid  to  transfer  a  liability  in  an  orderly  transaction  between  market 
participants at the measurement date (exit price). The accounting guidance classifies the inputs used to measure 
fair value into the following hierarchy:

Level 1

Level 2

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liability

Observable inputs for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for 
similar  assets  or  liabilities  in  active  markets,  quoted  prices  for  identical  or  similar  assets  or 
liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable 
for the asset or liability

Level 3

Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

The Company endeavors to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets 
and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value 
measurement. Valuation is based on prices obtained from an independent pricing vendor using both market and 
income approaches. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, 
quoted  prices  for  identical  or  similar  assets  in  markets  that  are  not  active,  contractual  cash  flows,  benchmark 
yields, and credit spreads.

The  method  described  above  may  produce  a  fair  value  calculation  that  may  not  be  indicative  of  net 
realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods 
are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to 
determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the 
reporting date.

Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities are summarized below:

Available-For-Sale Securities
as of December 26, 2020

U.S. Treasury securities
Agency securities
Mortgage-backed securities
Corporate securities
Municipal securities
Other
Total

U.S. Treasury securities
Agency securities
Mortgage-backed securities
Corporate securities
Municipal securities
Other
Total

Fair 
Value 
Level
  Level 2   $
  Level 2    
  Level 2    
  Level 2    
  Level 2    
  Level 2    

Amortized 
Cost

400    $
5,954     
239,445     
984,696     
214,515     
47,760     
   $1,492,770    $

Gross 
Unrealized
Gains

Gross 
Unrealized

6    $
56     
1,051     
25,962     
3,644     
167     
30,886    $

Losses     Fair Value  
406 
—    $
6,010 
—     
(1,923)   
238,573 
(1,637)    1,009,021 
217,936 
(223)   
(1,056)   
46,871 
(4,839)  $1,518,817  

Fair 
Value 
Level
  Level 2   $
  Level 2    
  Level 2    
  Level 2    
  Level 2    
  Level 2    

Amortized 
Cost

15,204    $
64,582     
256,417     
980,590     
163,898     
98,246     
   $1,578,937    $

Available-For-Sale Securities
as of December 28, 2019

Gross 
Unrealized
Gains

Gross 
Unrealized

5    $
120     
90     
8,806     
1,092     
111     
10,224    $

Losses     Fair Value  
15,179 
64,675 
254,022 
985,650 
164,755 
97,657 
(7,223)  $1,581,938  

(30)  $
(27)   
(2,485)   
(3,746)   
(235)   
(700)   

68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
The  Company’s  investment  policy  targets  low  risk  investments  with  the  objective  of  minimizing  the 
potential risk of principal loss. The fair value of our securities varies from period to period due to changes in interest 
rates, in the performance of the underlying collateral and in the credit performance of the underlying issuer, among 
other factors. 

Accrued interest receivable, which totaled $10,176 as of December 26, 2020, is excluded from both the 
fair value and amortized cost basis of available-for-sale securities and is included within Prepaid expenses and 
other current assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company writes off impaired accrued 
interest  on  a  timely  basis,  generally  within  30  days  of  the  due  date,  by  reversing  interest  income.  No  accrued 
interest was written off during the 52-week period ended December 26, 2020.

The Company recognizes impairments relating to credit losses of available-for-sale securities through an 
allowance for credit losses and Other income (expense) on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. 
Impairment  not  relating  to  credit  losses  is  recorded  in  Other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  on  the  Company’s 
Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  The  cost  of  securities  sold  is  based  on  the  specific  identification  method. 
Approximately 21% of securities in our portfolio were at an unrealized loss position at December 26, 2020.

The  following  tables  display  additional  information  regarding  gross  unrealized  losses  and  fair  value  by 
major security type for available-for-sale securities in  an unrealized loss position as of December 26, 2020 and 
December 28, 2019.

Less than 12 Consecutive
Months

As of December 26, 2020

12 Consecutive Months 
or Longer

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses

Fair Value

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses

Fair Value

Total

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses

Fair Value

—  $
— 
(1,849)
(1,065)
(223)
(726)
(3,863) $

—    $
— 
85,688 
199,187 
50,403 
22,600 
357,878    $

—  $
— 
(74)
(572)
— 
(330)
(976) $

—    $
— 
2,122 
8,625 
— 
3,426 
14,173    $

—   $
— 
(1,923) 
(1,637) 
(223) 
(1,056) 
(4,839) $

— 
— 
87,810 
207,812 
50,403 
26,026 
372,051

Less than 12 Consecutive
Months

As of December 28, 2019

12 Consecutive Months
or Longer

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses

Fair Value

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses

Fair Value

Total

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses

Fair Value

—  $

(16)
(745)
(1,585)
(218)
(410)
(2,974) $

—    $

20,808 
79,007 
183,691 
34,165 
34,540 
352,211    $

(30) $
(11)
(1,740)
(2,161)
(17)
(290)
(4,249) $

13,087    $
20,812 
86,392 
100,926 
9,522 
21,559 
252,298    $

(30) $
(27) 
(2,485) 
(3,746) 
(235) 
(700) 
(7,223) $

13,087 
41,620 
165,399 
284,617 
43,687 
56,099 
604,509

  $

  $

  $

  $

U.S. Treasury securities
Agency securities
Mortgage-backed securities
Corporate securities
Municipal securities
Other
Total

U.S. Treasury securities
Agency securities
Mortgage-backed securities
Corporate securities
Municipal securities
Other
Total

As of December  26,  2020 and December  28,  2019, the  Company had not recognized an allowance for 

credit losses on any securities in an unrealized loss position.  

The  Company  has  not  recorded  an  allowance  for  credit  losses  and  charge  to  Other  income  for  the 
unrealized losses on mortgage-backed, corporate, municipal, and other securities presented above because we do 
not  consider  the  declines  in  fair  value  to  have  resulted  from  credit  losses.  We  have  not  observed  a  significant 
deterioration in credit quality of these securities, which are highly rated with moderate to low credit risk. Declines in 
value  are  largely  attributable  to  current  global  economic  conditions.  The  securities  continue  to  make  timely 
principal  and  interest  payments,  and  the  fair  values  are  expected  to  recover  as  they  approach  maturity.  The 
Company does not intend to sell the securities, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required 
to sell the securities, before the respective recoveries of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity.

69

The amortized cost and fair value of marketable securities at December 26, 2020, by maturity, are shown 

below.    

Due in one year or less
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through ten years
Due after ten years

4. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

Amortized 
Cost

  $

  $

386,010    $
1,049,200     
53,831     
3,729     
1,492,770    $

Fair Value

387,642 
1,071,892 
55,813 
3,470 
1,518,817  

The  Company  is  party  to  certain  commitments,  which  include  purchases  of  raw  materials,  capital 
expenditures, advertising, and other indirect purchases in connection with conducting our business. The aggregate 
amount of purchase orders and other commitments open as of December 26, 2020 was approximately $880,000. 
We  cannot  determine  the  aggregate  amount  of  such  purchase  orders  that  represent  contractual  obligations 
because purchase orders may represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. Our purchase 
orders are generally based on our current needs and typically fulfilled by our suppliers, contract manufacturers, 
and logistics providers within short periods of time.

Certain cash balances are held as collateral in relation to bank guarantees. The total amount of restricted 

cash was $306 and $71 on December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, respectively.

Contingencies

In  the  normal  course  of  business,  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  are  parties  to  various  legal  claims, 
investigations and complaints, including matters alleging patent infringement and other intellectual property claims. 
The  Company  evaluates,  on  a  quarterly  and  annual  basis,  developments  in  legal  proceedings,  investigations, 
claims, and other loss contingencies that could affect any required accrual or disclosure or estimate of reasonably 
possible loss or range of loss. An estimated loss from a loss contingency is accrued by a charge to income if it is 
probable  that  an  asset  has  been  impaired  or  a  liability  has  been  incurred  and  the  amount  of  the  loss  can  be 
reasonably estimated. If a range of loss is estimated, and some amount within that range appears to be a better 
estimate than any other amount within that range, then that amount is accrued. If no amount within the range can 
be identified as a better estimate than any other amount, the Company accrues the minimum amount in the range.

If an outcome unfavorable to the Company is determined to be probable, but the amount of loss cannot be 
reasonably estimated or is determined to be reasonably possible, but not probable, we disclose the nature of the 
contingency and an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss or a statement that such an estimate cannot be 
made. The Company’s aggregate range of reasonably possible losses includes (1) matters where a liability has 
been accrued and there is a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued for that liability, and (2) 
matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, and a liability therefore has not been 
accrued. This aggregate range only represents the Company’s estimate of reasonably possible losses and does 
not represent the Company’s maximum loss exposure. The assessment regarding whether a loss is probable or 
reasonably  possible,  and  whether  the  loss  or  a  range  of  loss  is  estimable,  often  involves  a  series  of  complex 
judgments about future events. In assessing the probability of an outcome in a lawsuit, claim or assessment that 
could  be  unfavorable  to  the  Company,  we  consider  the  following  factors,  among  others:  a)  the  nature  of  the 
litigation, claim, or assessment; b) the progress of the case; c) the opinions or views of legal counsel and other 
advisers;  d)  our  experience  in  similar  cases;  e)  the  experience  of  other  entities  in  similar  cases;  and  f)  how  we 
intend  to  respond  to  the  lawsuit,  claim,  or  assessment.  Costs  incurred  in  defending  lawsuits,  claims  or 
assessments are expensed as incurred.

70

 
 
   
 
   
   
   
 
Management of the Company currently does not believe it is reasonably possible that the Company may 
have incurred a material loss, or a material loss in excess of recorded accruals, with respect to loss contingencies 
in the aggregate, for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2020. The results of legal proceedings, investigations and 
claims,  however,  cannot  be  predicted  with  certainty.  An  adverse  resolution  of  one  or  more  of  such  matters  in 
excess of management’s expectations could have a material adverse effect in the particular quarter or fiscal year in 
which a loss is recorded, but based on information currently known, the Company does not believe it is likely that 
losses  from  such  matters  would  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s  business  or  its  consolidated 
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company settled or resolved certain legal matters during the fiscal years ended December 26, 2020, 
December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018 that did not individually or in the aggregate have a material impact on 
the Company’s business or its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

5. Employee Benefit Plans

Certain subsidiaries of the Company sponsor various defined contribution employee retirement plans. GII 
and the Company’s other U.S.-based subsidiaries sponsor a plan under which their employees may contribute up 
to  50%  of  their  annual  compensation  subject  to  Internal  Revenue  Code  maximum  limitations  and  to  which  the 
subsidiaries  contribute  a  specified  percentage  of  each  participant’s  annual  compensation  up  to  certain  limits  as 
defined in the retirement plan. During the years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 
29,  2018,  expense  related  to  this  and  other  defined  contribution  plans  of  $63,908,  $55,456,  and  $52,232, 
respectively, was recorded within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Certain  of  the  Company’s  non-U.S.  subsidiaries  sponsor  or  participate  in  local  defined  benefit  pension 
plans for which contributions are calculated by formulas that consider final pensionable salaries. The obligations, 
contributions, and associated expense of such plans for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, 
and December 29, 2018 were not material.

6. Income Taxes

The Company’s income tax provision (benefit) consists of the following:

December 26, 
2020

Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 
2019

December 29, 
2018

Federal:

Current
Deferred

State:

Current
Deferred

Foreign:

Current
Deferred

Total

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $
 $

(25,220) $
(7,115)  
(32,335) $

(3,931) $
2,715    
(1,216) $

133,622   $
11,015    
144,637   $
111,086   $

32,874   $
20,388    
53,262   $

12,605   $
831    
13,436   $

77,594   $
(109,556)  
(31,962) $
34,736   $

26,784 
13,249 
40,033 

13,015 
(1,599)
11,416 

53,625 
24,093 
77,718 
129,167  

71

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
  
     
     
  
  
 
  
     
     
  
  
 
  
     
     
  
  
 
The income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. statutory federal income 
tax rate to income before taxes. The sources and tax effects of the differences, including the impact of establishing 
tax contingency accruals, are as follows:

December 26, 
2020

Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 
2019

December 29, 
2018

Federal income tax expense at U.S. statutory rate
State income tax (benefit) expense, net of federal tax effect
Foreign-Derived Intangible Income Deduction
Foreign tax rate differential
Other foreign taxes less incentives and credits
Withholding Tax
Net Change in Uncertain Tax Positions
Federal Research and Development Credit
Share Based Compensation
Switzerland Tax Reform
Other, net
Income tax expense (benefit)

 $

 $

231,718   $
(3,404)  
—    
(98,130)  
3,446    
17,026    
(21,391)  
(21,342)  
(6,114)  
11,016    
(1,739)  
111,086   $

207,317   $
7,827    
(4,966)  
(57,302)  
6,360    
32,162    
(17,259)  
(19,338)  
(6,169)  
(117,989)  
4,093    
34,736   $

172,882 
5,339 
(4,666)
(38,563)
(12,841)
33,306 
(13,728)
(16,562)
(2,747)
— 
6,747 
129,167  

The Company recorded income tax expense of $111,086 in the year ended December 26, 2020, which 
included  a  $14,308  income  tax  benefit  recognized  by  the  Company  in  the  second  quarter  of  2020  due  to  the 
release  of  uncertain  tax  position  reserves  associated  with  a  2014  intercompany  restructuring  and  was  partially 
offset by income tax expense of $11,016 recognized by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2020 related to the 
revaluation  of  certain  Switzerland  tax  assets  related  to  the  Switzerland  tax  reform  transitional  measures.  The 
Company  recorded  income  tax  expense  of  $34,736  in  the  year  ended  December  28,  2019,  which  included  an 
income tax benefit of $117,989 related to the revaluation and step-up of certain Switzerland tax assets as a result 
of  the  October  2019  enactment  of  Switzerland  federal  and  Schaffhausen  cantonal  tax  reform  and  related 
transitional measures. 

The  Company’s  statutory  federal  and  cantonal  income  tax  rate  in  Switzerland,  the  Company's  place  of 
incorporation, is 14.03%. If the Company reconciled taxes at the Swiss holding company federal statutory tax rate 
to the reported income tax expense for 2020 as presented above, the amounts related to tax at the statutory rate 
would be approximately $77,000 lower, or $155,000, and the foreign tax rate differential would be adjusted by a 
similar amount to approximately $20,000. The Company’s statutory federal income tax rate in Switzerland prior to 
2020  was  7.83%.  For  2019,  the  amounts  related  to  tax  at  the  statutory  rate  would  be  approximately  $130,000 
lower,  or  $77,000,  and  the  foreign  tax  rate  differential  would  be  adjusted  by  a  similar  amount  to  approximately 
$73,000.  For  2018,  the  amount  related  to  tax  at  the  statutory  rate  would  be  approximately  $108,000  lower,  or 
$65,000, and the foreign tax differential would be reduced by a similar amount to approximately $65,000. All other 
amounts would remain substantially unchanged.

The  Company’s  income  before  income  taxes  attributable  to  non-U.S.  operations  was  $1,059,074, 
$606,711, and $532,657, for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018, 
respectively.

Income  taxes  of  $47,236,  $35,982,  and  $36,800  at  December  26,  2020,  December  28,  2019,  and 
December 29, 2018, respectively, have not been accrued by the Company for the unremitted earnings of several of 
its foreign subsidiaries because such earnings are intended to be reinvested in the subsidiaries indefinitely.  

72

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant 
components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 

Deferred tax assets:

Product warranty accruals
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Inventory reserves
Sales program allowances
Reserve for sales returns
Accrued vacation
Other accruals
Share based compensation
Tax credit carryforwards
Intangible assets
Net operating losses
Benefit related to uncertain tax positions
Operating leases
Deferred revenue
Other

Valuation allowance related to loss carryforward and tax credits

Deferred tax liabilities:

Fixed assets
Operating leases
Prepaid and perpetual license assets
Other prepaid expenses
Capitalized preproduction design and development costs
Book basis in excess of tax basis for acquired entities
Withholding tax
Deferred revenue
Other

Net deferred tax assets

December 26, 
2020

December 28, 
2019

  $

  $

  $
  $

10,500    $
4,874     
7,211     
1,289     
2,196     
11,438     
10,587     
10,201     
18,523     
212,695     
5,566     
5,239     
15,578     
26,199     
1,883     
(10,853)    
333,126    $

37,359     
15,343     
22,166     
2,564     
8,408     
33,154     
83,329     
—     
2,192     
204,515    $
128,611    $

2,652 
3,981 
7,187 
1,185 
1,732 
9,079 
4,320 
7,501 
11,164 
250,313 
1,981 
6,095 
12,711 
— 
1,755 
(4,562)
317,094 

33,754 
12,473 
— 
1,849 
— 
22,488 
91,966 
800 
— 
163,330 
153,764  

73

 
 
   
 
   
      
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
      
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
At  December  26,  2020,  the  Company  had  $18,523  of  tax  credit  carryover  compared  to  $11,164  at 
December 28, 2019. At December 26, 2020, the Company had a deferred tax asset of $5,566 related to the future 
tax benefit of net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards of $29,025. Included in the NOL carryforwards is $16,980 that 
relates  to  Switzerland  and  expires  in  2027,  $4,990  that  relates  to  Luxembourg  and  expires  in  2037,  $409  that 
relates to Finland and expires in varying amounts between 2025 and 2028, $607 that relates to the Netherlands 
and expires in 2026, $249 that relates to Thailand and expires in 2025, $54 that relates to Vietnam and expires in 
2025, and $5,736 that relates to various other jurisdictions and has no expiration date. The Company has recorded 
a valuation allowance for a portion of its deferred tax asset relating to various tax attributes that it does not believe 
are more likely than not to be realized. In the future, if the Company determines, based on existence of sufficient 
evidence, that it should realize more or less of its deferred tax assets, an adjustment to the valuation allowance will 
be made in the period such a determination is made.

The  total  amount  of  gross  unrecognized  tax  benefits,  as  of  December  26,  2020  was  $84,985.  A 
reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for years ended December 
26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018 is as follows:

Balance beginning of year

Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years
Additions based on tax positions related to current period
Reductions related to settlements with tax authorities
Expiration of statute of limitations

Balance at end of year

December 26, 
2020

December 28, 
2019

December 29, 
2018

 $

 $

101,251   $
10,480    
(4,169)  
16,859    
(935)  
(38,501)  
84,985   $

118,287   $
398    
(6,556)  
13,806    
(218)  
(24,466)  
101,251   $

130,798 
1,138 
(5,340)
19,368 
(527)
(27,150)
118,287  

Accounting guidance requires unrecognized tax benefits to be classified as noncurrent liabilities, except for 
the portion that is expected to be paid within one year of the balance sheet date. The balance of net unrecognized 
benefits  of  $81,938,  $92,056,  and  $114,682  are  required  to  be  classified  as  noncurrent  at  December  26,  2020, 
December  28,  2019,  and  December  29,  2018,  respectively.  The  net  unrecognized  tax  benefits,  if  recognized, 
would reduce the effective tax rate. None of the unrecognized tax benefits are due to uncertainty in the timing of 
deductibility.

Interest  and  penalties,  if  any,  accrued  on  the  unrecognized  tax  benefits  are  reflected  in  income  tax 
expense.  At  December  26,  2020,  December  28,  2019,  and  December  29,  2018,  the  Company  had  accrued 
approximately  $5,666,  $7,636,  and  $6,613,  respectively,  for  interest.  The  interest  component  of  the  reserve 
decreased  income  tax  expense  for  the  year  ending  December  26,  2020  by  $1,970,  and  increased  income  tax 
expense for the years ending December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018, by $1,023, and $1,008, respectively. 
The Company did not have significant amounts accrued for penalties for the years ending December 26, 2020, 
December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018.

The Company files income tax returns in Switzerland, U.S. federal jurisdiction, as well as various states, 
local, and foreign jurisdictions. In its major tax jurisdictions, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and U.S. federal 
and  various  states,  the  Company  is  no  longer  subject  to  income  tax  examinations  by  tax  authorities,  with  few 
exceptions, for years prior to 2016, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. 

The Company recognized a reduction of income tax expense of $42,185, $26,158, and $27,106 in fiscal 
years  ended  December  26,  2020,  December  28,  2019,  and  December  29,  2018,  respectively,  to  reflect  the 
expiration of statutes of limitations and releases due to audit settlement in various jurisdictions.

The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $5,000 to $25,000 of its reserves 
for  certain  unrecognized  tax  benefits  will  decrease  within  the  next  12  months  as  the  result  of  the  expiration  of 
statutes of limitations. This potential decrease in unrecognized tax benefits would impact the Company’s effective 
tax rate within the next 12 months.

74

 
 
   
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
7. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

As  required  by  the  Financial  Instruments  topic  of  the  FASB  ASC,  the  following  summarizes  required 
information about the fair value of certain financial instruments for which it is currently practicable to estimate such 
value. None of the financial instruments are held or issued for trading purposes. The carrying amounts and fair 
values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

December 26, 2020
Fair
Value

Carrying
Amount

December 28, 2019
Fair
Value

Carrying
Amount

Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Marketable securities

  $ 1,458,442    $ 1,458,442    $ 1,027,567    $ 1,027,567 
  $
71 
306    $
  $ 1,518,817    $ 1,518,817    $ 1,581,938    $ 1,581,938  

306    $

71    $

For certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including accounts receivable, accounts payable and 

other accrued liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their short maturities.

8. Segment Information

Garmin is organized in the six operating segments of auto OEM, aviation, consumer auto, fitness, marine, 
and  outdoor.  The  consumer  auto  operating  segment  was  previously  referred  to  as  our  auto  PND  operating 
segment.  We  have  revised  the  name  of  this  operating  segment  to  reflect  the  evolution  of  the  product  lines  and 
focus of that part of our business. The name change did not impact the composition or operating results of the 
segment. Each operating segment is individually reviewed and evaluated by the Chief Operating Decision Maker 
(CODM), who allocates resources and assesses performance of each segment individually. The aviation, fitness, 
marine,  and  outdoor  operating  segments  represent reportable  segments.  The  auto  OEM  and  consumer  auto 
operating segments, which serve the auto market, do not meet the quantitative thresholds to separately qualify as 
reportable segments, and they are therefore reported together in an “all other” category captioned as auto. Auto, 
aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor are collectively referred to as our reported segments.   

The  products  of  the  Company’s  segments  are  sold  through  the  Company’s  network  of  independent 
dealers and distributors, our own webshop, as well as through various auto, aviation, and marine OEMs. However, 
the nature of products and types of customers for the segments vary.

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who has been identified as the CODM, uses operating income as 
the  measure  of  profit  or  loss,  combined  with  other  measures,  to  assess  segment  performance  and  allocate 
resources. Operating income represents net sales less costs of goods sold and operating expenses. Net sales are 
directly  attributed  to  each  segment.  Most  costs  of  goods  sold  and  the  majority  of  operating  expenses  are  also 
directly attributed to each segment, while certain other costs of goods sold and operating expenses are allocated to 
the segments in a manner appropriate to the specific facts and circumstances of the expenses being allocated. 
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting 
policies. There are no inter-segment sales or transfers.

The  Company’s  segments  share  many  common  resources,  infrastructures  and  assets  in  the  normal 
course of business. Thus, the Company does not report accounts receivable, inventories, property and equipment, 
intangible assets, or capital expenditures by segment to the CODM.

In  the  first  quarter  of  fiscal  2019,  the  methodology  used  to  allocate  certain  selling,  general,  and 
administrative expenses to the segments was refined, endeavoring to provide the Company’s CODM with a more 
meaningful  representation  of  segment  profit  or  loss  in  light  of  the  evolution  of  its  segments.  The  Company’s 
composition  of  operating  segments  and  reportable  segments  did  not  change.  Results  for  the  52-weeks  ended 
December  29,  2018  are  presented  here  as  they  were  originally  reported,  as  it  is  not  practicable  to  accurately 
restate the activity in accordance with the refined allocation methodology. For comparative purposes, we estimate 
operating income for the 52-weeks ended December 29, 2018 would have been approximately $18 million less for 
aviation,  approximately  $11  million  more  for  marine,  approximately  $7  million  more  for  outdoor,  and  not 
significantly different for auto and fitness.

75

 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Net  sales  (“revenue”),  gross  profit,  and  operating  income  for  each  of  the  Company’s  five  reported 
segments  are  presented  below,  along  with  supplemental  financial  information  for  the  auto  OEM  and  consumer 
auto operating segments that management believes is useful.

  Fitness     Outdoor     Marine    Aviation   

Auto

Total
Auto    

Consumer
Auto

Auto
OEM    

Total

52-Weeks Ended December 26, 2020
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income

  $1,317,498    $1,128,081    $657,848   $622,820   $460,326   $ 275,493    $ 184,833    $4,186,573 
66,698      2,481,336 
(60,120)     1,054,240 

739,777      384,450     453,008     206,562     139,864     
441,085      175,724     137,203     (18,656)  
41,464     

697,539     
318,884     

52-Weeks Ended December 28, 2019
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income

  $1,047,527    $ 917,567    $508,850   $735,458   $548,103   $ 365,511    $ 182,592    $3,757,505 
84,377      2,233,976 
945,586 
(6,431)    

598,443      302,949     543,385     256,595     172,218     
334,041      109,876     252,943     56,868    
63,299     

532,604     
191,858     

52-Weeks Ended December 29, 2018
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income

  $ 858,329    $ 809,883    $441,560   $603,459   $634,213   $ 425,684    $ 208,529    $3,347,444 
90,931      1,979,719 
778,343  
(5,143)    

528,254      258,756     450,152     270,793     179,862     
290,510      63,344     204,746     37,998    
43,141     

471,764     
181,745     

Net sales, property and equipment, and net assets by geographic area are as shown below for the years 
ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018. Note that APAC includes Asia Pacific 
and Australian Continent, and EMEA includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

December 26, 2020
Net sales to external customers (1)
Property and equipment, net
Net assets (2)

December 28, 2019
Net sales to external customers (1)
Property and equipment, net
Net assets (2)

December 29, 2018
Net sales to external customers (1)
Property and equipment, net
Net assets (2)

  $

  $

  $

Americas

EMEA

APAC

Total

1,968,080    $
467,269     
3,327,748     

1,579,749    $
114,313     
1,163,127     

638,744    $
273,957     
1,025,241     

4,186,573 
855,539 
5,516,116 

1,817,770    $
435,503     
3,074,155     

1,350,533    $
65,323     
714,602     

589,202    $
228,095     
1,004,739     

3,757,505 
728,921 
4,793,496 

1,596,716    $
408,992     
2,726,196     

1,204,969    $
45,571     
441,506     

545,759    $
208,964     
995,272     

3,347,444 
663,527 
4,162,974 

(1) The U.S. is the only country which constitutes greater than 10% of net sales to external customers.

(2) Americas and APAC net assets are primarily held in the United States and Taiwan, respectively.

76

 
   
 
     
 
     
 
    
 
  
     
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
      
      
     
     
     
      
      
  
 
   
   
 
   
      
      
     
     
     
      
      
  
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
   
   
 
   
      
      
      
  
   
      
      
      
  
   
   
 
   
      
      
      
  
   
      
      
      
  
   
   
 
     
       
       
       
 
 
 
9. Stock Compensation Plans

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

The  various  Company  stock  compensation  plans  are  summarized  below.  For  all  stock  compensation 
plans,  the  Company’s  policy  is  to  issue  treasury  shares  for  option/stock  appreciation  right  (SAR)  exercises, 
restricted stock unit (RSU) releases and employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) purchases.

2011 Non-employee Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan

In  June  2011,  the  stockholders  adopted  an  equity  incentive  plan  for  non-employee  directors  (the  “2011 
Directors Plan”) providing for grants of stock options, SARs, RSUs and/or performance shares, pursuant to which 
up to 122,592 shares were available for issuance. The term of each award cannot exceed ten years. Awards are 
subject  to  a  minimum  one-year  vesting  period.  In  2020,  2019,  and  2018,  6,376,  8,016,  and  10,376  RSUs  were 
granted under this plan.

2005 Equity Incentive Plan

In June 2005, the shareholders adopted an equity incentive plan (the “2005 Plan”) providing for grants of 
incentive and nonqualified stock options, SARs, RSUs and/or performance shares to employees of the Company 
and its subsidiaries, pursuant to which up to 10,000,000 common shares were available for issuance. In 2013, the 
shareholders approved an additional 3,000,000 shares to the plan, making the total shares authorized under the 
plan 13,000,000. Option and SAR grants vest evenly over a period of five years or as otherwise determined by the 
Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee and generally expire ten years from the date of grant, if not 
exercised.  RSUs  granted  prior  to  December  10,  2012  vested  evenly  over  a  period  of  five  years,  while  RSUs 
granted on and after that date vested or are vesting evenly over a period of three years. In addition to time-based 
vesting requirements, the vesting of certain RSU grants is also contingent upon the Company’s achievement of 
certain financial performance goals. During 2020, 2019, and 2018, 753,976, 786,346, and 1,040,001 RSUs were 
granted under the 2005 Plan. No SARs were granted under the 2005 Plan in 2020, 2019, or 2018. 

2000 Equity Incentive Plan

In October 2000, the shareholders adopted an equity incentive plan (the “2000 Plan”) providing for grants 
of  incentive  and  nonqualified  stock  options,  SARs,  RSUs  and/or  performance  shares  to  employees  of  the 
Company and its subsidiaries, pursuant to which up to 7,000,000 common shares were available for issuance. The 
stock  options  and  SARs  vest  evenly  over  a  period  of  five  years  or  as  otherwise  determined  by  the  Board  of 
Directors or the Compensation Committee and generally expire ten years from the date of grant, if not exercised. 
The Company did not grant any stock awards from the 2000 Plan in 2020, 2019, or 2018.  

Stock-Based Compensation Activity

A summary of the Company’s stock-based compensation activity and related information under the 2011 
Directors Plan, the 2005 Plan, and the 2000 Plan for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019, 
and December 29, 2018 is provided below:

77

Outstanding at December 30, 2017

Granted
Exercised
Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding at December 29, 2018

Granted
Exercised
Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding at December 28, 2019

Granted
Exercised
Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding at December 26, 2020

Exercisable at December 26, 2020
Expected to vest after December 26, 2020

Stock Options and SARs

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price  

  Number of Shares 
(In Thousands)

  $

  $
  $
  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

48.94   

48.16   
83.01   
50.92   

49.07   

51.46   

51.23   

52.44   

52.44   

392 
— 
(304)
(2)
86 
— 
(20)
— 
66 
— 
(53)
— 
13 

13 
—  

Stock Options and SARs as of December 26, 2020

Exercise Price

  Awards Outstanding  
(In Thousands)

  Remaining Life (Years)  

  Awards Exercisable  
(In Thousands)

$18.00 - $40.00   
$40.01 - $60.00   
$60.01 - $80.00   
$80.01 - $100.00   
$100.01 - $120.00   
$120.01 - $140.00   

Outstanding at December 30, 2017

Granted
Released/Vested
Cancelled

Outstanding at December 29, 2018

Granted
Released/Vested
Cancelled

Outstanding at December 28, 2019

Granted
Released/Vested
Cancelled

Outstanding at December 26, 2020

—     
13     
—     
—     
—     
—     
13     

—     
3.97     
—     
—     
—     
—     
4     

— 
13 
— 
— 
— 
— 
13  

Restricted Stock Units

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

    Number of Shares  

(In Thousands)

  $
  $
  $
  $
  $
  $
  $
  $
  $
  $
  $
  $
  $

45.30   
58.66   
42.55   
47.91   
53.17   
85.93   
50.02   
58.62   
69.47   
99.57   
64.07   
72.10   
86.98   

2,062 
1,050 
(961)
(52)
2,099 
794 
(1,053)
(61)
1,779 
760 
(915)
(42)
1,582  

The weighted-average remaining contract life for stock options and SARs outstanding and exercisable at 
December  26,  2020  were  3.97  years.  The  weighted-average  remaining  contract  life  of  restricted  stock  units  at 
December 26, 2020 was 1.18 years. 

78

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The total fair value of awards vested during 2020, 2019, and 2018, was $58,602, $52,780, and $41,092, 
respectively.  The  aggregate  intrinsic  values  of  options  and  SARs  outstanding  and  exercisable  at  December  26, 
2020 were $859. The aggregate intrinsic values of options and SARs exercised during 2020, 2019, and 2018 were 
$3,701, $952, and $4,452, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of RSUs outstanding at December 26, 2020 
was  $190,203.  The  aggregate  intrinsic  values  of  RSUs  released  during  2020,  2019,  and  2018  were  $109,952, 
$103,702,  and  $60,361,  respectively.  Aggregate  intrinsic  value  of  options  and  SARs  represents  the  applicable 
number  of  awards  multiplied  by  the  positive  difference  between  the  exercise  price  and  the  Company’s  closing 
stock price on the last trading day of the relevant fiscal period. Aggregate intrinsic value of RSUs represents the 
applicable number of awards multiplied by the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the relevant 
fiscal period. The Company’s closing stock price was $120.21 on December 26, 2020 (based on the closing stock 
price on December 25, 2020). As of December 26, 2020, there was $98,315 of total unrecognized compensation 
cost related to unvested share-based compensation awards granted to employees under the stock compensation 
plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The shareholders have adopted an ESPP. Up to 8,000,000 shares of common stock have been reserved 
for the ESPP. Shares are offered to employees at a price equal to the lesser of 85% of the fair market value of the 
stock on the date of purchase or 85% of the fair market value on the first day of the ESPP period. The ESPP is 
intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. During 
2020, 2019, and 2018, 195,540, 451,625, and 463,066 shares, respectively, were purchased under the plan for a 
total purchase price of $15,955, $27,048, and $23,709, respectively. During 2020, 2019, and 2018, the purchases 
were  issued  from  treasury  shares.  At  December  26,  2020,  approximately  1,860,115  shares  were  available  for 
future  issuance.  On  December  30,  2020,  subsequent  to  Garmin’s  fiscal  2020  year  end,  215,143  shares  were 
purchased under the plan for a total purchase price of $17,762.

10. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:

December 26, 
2020

Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 
2019

December 29, 
2018

Numerator:

Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share - net 
income

  $

992,324   $

952,486   $

694,080 

Denominator (in thousands):

Denominator for basic net income per share – weighted-
average common shares

191,085 

189,931 

188,635 

Effect of dilutive equity awards

810 

968 

1,099 

Denominator for diluted net income per share – adjusted 
weighted-average common shares

191,895 

190,899 

189,734 

Basic net income per share

Diluted net income per share

  $

  $

5.19   $

5.01   $

3.68 

5.17   $

4.99   $

3.66

There were 307,724 and 297,995 outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock 
units (collectively “equity awards”) excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the 2020 and 
2019 fiscal years, respectively, because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

79

11. Share Repurchase Plan

On  February  13,  2015,  the  Board  of  Directors  approved  a  share  repurchase  program  authorizing  the 
Company to purchase up to $300,000 of its common shares through December 31, 2016. In December 2016, the 
Board  of  Directors  authorized  an  extension  through  December  31,  2017  to  purchase  remaining  common 
shares. The Company did not repurchase any shares in fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 or fiscal 2018.

12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The  following  provides  required  disclosure  of  changes  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income 

(AOCI) balances by component for the year ended December 26, 2020:

Balance - beginning of period

$

55,289  $

585  $

55,874 

Foreign 
currency
translation 
adjustment

Net gains 
(losses) on 
available-for-sale 
securities

Total

Other comprehensive income before 
reclassification, net of income tax expense of 
$3,358
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other 
comprehensive income to Other income 
(expense), net of income tax expense of $201 
included in Income tax provision

Net current-period other comprehensive income
Balance - end of period

$

13. Revenue

107,664 

21,080 

128,744 

— 
107,664 
162,953  $

(1,191)  
19,889 
20,474  $

(1,191)
127,553 
183,427

In order to further depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenue and cash flows are 
affected  by  economic  factors,  we  disaggregate  revenue  (or  “net  sales”)  by  geographic  region,  major  product 
category, and pattern of recognition.  

Disaggregated  revenue  by  geographic  region  (Americas,  APAC,  and  EMEA)  is  presented  in  Note  8  – 
Segment Information. Note 8 also contains disaggregated revenue information of the six major product categories 
identified by the Company – auto OEM, aviation, consumer auto, fitness, marine, and outdoor.

A large majority of the Company’s sales are recognized on a point in time basis, usually once the product 
is shipped and title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer. Sales recognized over a period of time are 
primarily within the auto segment and relate to performance obligations that are satisfied over the life of the product 
or  contractual  service  period.  Revenue  disaggregated  by  the  timing  of  transfer  of  the  goods  or  services  is 
presented in the table below:

December 26, 
2020
3,998,251   $
188,322 
4,186,573   $

Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 
2019
3,577,715   $
179,790 
3,757,505   $

  $

  $

December 29, 
2018
3,176,949 
170,495 
3,347,444

Point in time
Over time

Net sales

80

Transaction  price  and  costs  associated  with  the  Company’s  unsatisfied  performance  obligations  are 
reflected as deferred revenue and deferred costs, respectively, on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
Such  amounts  are  recognized  ratably  over  the  applicable  service  period  or  estimated  useful  life.  Changes  in 
deferred revenue and costs during the 52-week periods ending December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, are 
presented below:

Fiscal Year Ended

December 26, 2020

December 28, 2019

Balance, beginning of period

Deferrals in period
Recognition of deferrals in period

Balance, end of period

Deferred
Revenue (1) 
$

161,891  $
163,230 
(188,322)  
136,799  $

$

Deferred
Costs (2)

Deferred
Revenue (1)  

Deferred
Costs (2)

48,598  $
17,850 
(29,793)  
36,655  $

172,938  $
168,743 
(179,790)  
161,891  $

57,935 
25,751 
(35,088)
48,598 

(1) Deferred revenue is comprised of both Deferred revenue and Noncurrent deferred revenue per the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(2) Deferred costs are comprised of both Deferred costs and Noncurrent deferred costs per the Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Of the $188,322 of deferred revenue recognized in the 52-weeks ended December 26, 2020, $92,618 was 
deferred as of the beginning of the period. Of the $179,790 of deferred revenue recognized in the 52-weeks ended 
December 28, 2019, $95,009 was deferred as of the beginning of the period.

Of  the  $136,799  and  $161,891  of  deferred  revenue  at  the  end  of  the  periods,  December  26,  2020  and 
December 28, 2019, respectively, approximately two-thirds is recognized ratably over a period of three years or 
less.

81

14. Leases

The  following  table  represents  lease  costs  recognized  in  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Income  for  the  52-weeks  ended  December  26,  2020.  Lease  costs  are  included  in  Selling,  general  and 
administrative  expense  and  Research  and  development  expense  on  the  Company’s  Condensed  Consolidated 
Statements of Income.

Operating lease cost (1)

Fiscal Year Ended

December 26, 
2020

December 28, 
2019

  $

29,894    $

25,238  

(1)  Operating  lease  cost  includes  short-term  lease  costs  and  variable  lease  costs,  which  were  not  material  in  the  period 
presented.

Prior to the adoption of the new lease standard, lease expense for the year ended December 29, 2018 was 

$21,096.

The  following  table  represents  the  components  of  leases  that  are  recognized  on  the  Company’s 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019.

Operating lease right-of-use assets

Other accrued expenses
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities

Total lease liabilities

Weighted average remaining lease term
Weighted average discount rate

The following table represents the maturity of lease liabilities.

Year
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
Less: imputed interest
Present value of lease liabilities

December 26, 
2020

December 28, 
2019

  $

  $

  $

$

94,626 

  $

63,589 

18,874 
75,958 
94,832 

  $

  $

14,762 
49,238 
64,000 

6.3 years 

5.7 years 

3.6%   

4.1%

Amount

22,900 
19,251 
17,714 
14,289 
10,676 
23,029 
107,859 
(13,027)
94,832  

The following table presents supplemental cash flow and noncash information related to leases.

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease 
liabilities (2)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

  $
  $

20,401    $
39,009    $

18,636 
18,248  

(2) Included in Net cash provided by operating activities on the Company's Statements of Cash Flows

Fiscal Year Ended

December 26, 
2020

December 28, 
2019

82

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
   
   
 
   
  
   
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
15. Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

52-Weeks Ended December 26, 2020
Quarter Ending

Net sales
Gross profit
Net income
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share

Net sales
Gross profit
Net income
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share

March 28

June 27

 $ 856,108  $ 869,867  $

506,940 
161,180 

515,430 
184,180 

 $
 $

0.84  $
0.84  $

0.96  $
0.96  $

1,109,194  $
667,983 
313,417 

September 26  December 26 
1,351,405 
790,983 
333,547 
1.73 
1.73

1.64  $
1.63  $

52-Weeks Ended December 28, 2019
Quarter Ending

March 30

 $ 766,050  $ 954,840  $

June 29 September 28 December 28
1,102,233 
639,456 
360,792 
1.90 
1.89

934,383  $
567,458 
227,866 

575,365 
223,656 

1.20  $
1.19  $

1.18  $
1.17  $

451,698 
140,173 

 $
 $

0.74  $
0.74  $

The  above  quarterly  financial  data  is  unaudited,  but  in  the  opinion  of  management,  all  adjustments 
necessary  for  a  fair  presentation  of  the  selected  data  for  these  interim  periods  presented  have  been  included. 
These results are not necessarily indicative of future quarterly results, and the table may not foot due to rounding.

16. Subsequent Events

On December 31, 2020, subsequent to Garmin’s fiscal 2020 year end, the Company acquired substantially 
all  of  the  assets  of  GEOS  Worldwide  Limited  and  its  subsidiaries,  a  privately  held  provider  of  emergency 
monitoring and incident response services. This acquisition was not material.  

83

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

(a) Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer 
and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  we  have  evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  design  and  operation  of  our  disclosure 
controls  and  procedures  pursuant  to  Exchange  Act  Rule  13a-15(b)  as  of  the  end  of  the  period  covered  by  this 
report. Based on the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these 
disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management  of  the  Company  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control 
over  financial  reporting  for  the  Company.  The  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process 
designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of 
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect 
misstatements.  Also,  projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that 
controls  may  become  inadequate  because  of  changes  in  conditions,  or  that  the  degree  of  compliance  with  the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

Management of the Company assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting  as  of  December  26,  2020.  In  making  this  assessment,  management  used  the  criteria  set  forth  by  the 
Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO)  in  “Internal  Control-Integrated 
Framework” (2013 framework).

Based  on  such  assessment  and  those  criteria,  management  believes  that  the  Company  maintained 

effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2020.

Ernst  &  Young  LLP,  the  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  that  audited  the  Company’s 
consolidated financial statements, issued an attestation report on management’s effectiveness of the Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2020, as stated in their report which is included herein. 
That attestation report appears below. 

84

(c) Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2020, 
based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control-Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Garmin Ltd. 
and  Subsidiaries  (the  Company)  maintained,  in  all  material  respects,  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting as of December 26, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board 
(United  States)  (PCAOB),  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  the  Company  as  of  December  26,  2020  and 
December 28, 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity 
and  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  three  years  in  the  period  ended  December  26,  2020,  and  the  related  notes  and 
financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated February 17, 2021 expressed an 
unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and 
for  its  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  included  in  the  accompanying 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 
the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  based  on  our  audit.  We  are  a  public  accounting  firm 
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with 
the  U.S.  federal  securities  laws  and  the  applicable  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan 
and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting was maintained in all material respects. 

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a 
material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based 
on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. 
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance 
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in 
accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting 
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable 
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made 
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 
assurance  regarding  prevention  or  timely  detection  of  unauthorized  acquisition,  use,  or  disposition  of  the 
company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

85

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect 
misstatements.  Also,  projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that 
controls  may  become  inadequate  because  of  changes  in  conditions,  or  that  the  degree  of  compliance  with  the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
February 17, 2021

(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 
26,  2020  that  have  materially  affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  our  internal  control  over 
financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

Not applicable.

86

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Garmin  has  incorporated  by  reference  certain  information  in  response  or  partial  response  to  the  Items 
under this Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of this Form 10-K and 
Rule 12b-23 under the Exchange Act. Garmin’s definitive proxy statement in connection with its annual meeting of 
shareholders scheduled for June 4, 2021 (the “Proxy Statement”) will be filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission no later than 120 days after December 26, 2020.

(a) Directors of the Company

The information set forth in response to Item 401 of Regulation S-K under the headings “Proposal 5 – Re-
election of six directors” in the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by reference in partial response to 
this Item 10.

(b) Executive Officers of the Company

The information set forth in response to Item 401 of Regulation S-K under the heading “Information about 
our Executive Officers” in Part I of this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference in partial response to this 
Item 10.

(c) Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

The information set forth in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K under the heading “Delinquent Section 
16(a) Reports” in the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by reference in partial response to this Item 
10.

(d) Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

The information set forth in response to Item 402 of Regulation S-K under the heading “Board Meetings 
and Standing Committee Meetings - Audit Committee” in the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by 
reference in partial response to this Item 10.

The Audit Committee consists of Joseph J. Hartnett, Charles W. Peffer and Catherine A. Lewis. Mr. Peffer 
serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. All members of the Audit Committee are “independent” within the 
meaning of the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. Garmin’s Board of Directors has determined 
that  Mr.  Hartnett,  Ms.  Lewis,  and  Mr.  Peffer  are  “audit  committee  financial  experts”  as  defined  by  the  SEC 
regulations implementing Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  

(e) Code of Ethics

Garmin’s  Board  of  Directors  has  adopted  the  Code  of  Conduct  of  Garmin  Ltd.  and  Subsidiaries  (the 
“Code”). The Code is applicable to all Garmin employees including the President and Chief Executive Officer, the 
Chief Financial Officer, the Controller and other officers. A copy of the Code is available on Garmin’s website at: 
https://www8.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/documents/Code_of_Conduct.pdf. If any amendments to the 
Code are made, or any waivers with respect to the Code are granted to the President and Chief Executive Officer, 
the Chief Financial Officer or Controller, or any person performing a similar function, such amendment or waiver 
will 
at: 
https://www8.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/documents/Code_of_Conduct.pdf.

disclosed 

Garmin’s 

website 

on 

be 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The  information  set  forth  in  response  to  Item  402  of  Regulation  S-K  under  the  headings  “Executive 
Compensation Matters” and “Proposal 5 - Re-election of six directors – Non-Management Director Compensation” 
in the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by reference in partial response to this Item 11.

87

The information set forth in response to Item 407(e)(4) of Regulation S-K under the heading “Proposal 5 -
Re-election of six directors – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Certain Relationships” 
in the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by reference in partial response to this Item 11.

The information set forth in response to Item 407(e)(5) of Regulation S-K under the heading “Executive 
Compensation Matters – Compensation Committee Report” in the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein 
by reference in partial response to this Item 11.

Item 12. Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and  Management  and  Related  Stockholder 

Matters

The information set forth in response to Item 403 of Regulation S-K under the heading “Stock Ownership 
of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by reference 
in partial response to this Item 12.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table gives information as of December 26, 2020 about the Garmin common shares that may 

be issued under all of the Company’s existing equity compensation plans, as adjusted for stock splits.

A

B

Number of 
securities to be 
issued upon 
outstanding 
options, exercise of 
warrants and rights

Weighted-
average exercise 
price of 
outstanding
options, warrants 
and rights

C
Number of 
securities remaining 
available for future 
issuance under 
  equity compensation 
plans (excluding 
securities reflected in 
column A)

1,594,932  

—  
1,594,932  

$ 52.44  

—  
$ 52.44  

5,103,801 

— 
5,103,801

Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by 
shareholders
Equity compensation plans not approved by 
shareholders
Total

Table consists of the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (as Amended and Restated Effective June 5, 
2010),  the  Garmin  Ltd.  2000  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  the  Garmin  Ltd.  Amended  and  Restated  Employee  Stock 
Purchase  Plan,  effective  January  1,  2010  and  the  Garmin  Ltd.  2011  Non-Employee  Directors  Equity  Incentive 
Plan, effective June 3, 2011. The weighted-average exercise price does not reflect the shares that will be issued 
upon the payment of outstanding awards of RSUs.

The Company has no knowledge of any arrangement, the operation of which may at a subsequent date 

result in a change in control of the Company.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information set forth in response to Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the heading “Proposal 5 – Re-
election of six directors - Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Certain Relationships” in 
the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference in partial response to this Item 13.

The information set forth in response to Item 407(a) of Regulation S-K under the headings “Proposal 5 – 
Re-election of six directors” in the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated herein by reference in partial response 
to this Item 13.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information set forth under the headings “Audit Matters -- Independent Registered Public Accounting 
Firm Fees” and “Pre-Approval of Services Provided by the Independent Auditor” in the Proxy Statement is hereby 
incorporated by reference in response to this Item 14.

88

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)

List of Documents filed as part of this Report

(1) Consolidated Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements and related notes, together with the reports of Ernst & Young LLP, 

appear in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.

(2) Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, are insignificant or the required 

information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

(3) Exhibits -- The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual 

Report on Form 10-K:

EXHIBIT
NUMBER   DESCRIPTION
3.1

  Articles of Association of Garmin Ltd., as amended and restated on June 5, 2020 (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 8, 2020).

3.2

4.1

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

  Organizational  Regulations  of  Garmin  Ltd.,  as  amended  on  October  25,  2019  (incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Amendment No.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on 
November 21, 2019).

Description  of  the  Registrant’s  Securities  Registered  Pursuant  to  Section  12  of  the  Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934.

  Garmin Ltd. Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 28, 2010).*

  Garmin Ltd. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated on June 7, 2019 (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 10, 2019).*

  Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated on June 7, 2019 (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 10, 2019).*

  Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on 
May 8, 2007).*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan, for awards of performance-based and time-based vesting restricted stock unit awards to non-
Swiss  and  non-Canadian  grantees  who  are  not  executive  officers  (incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 10.62 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2018).*

Garmin  Ltd.  2005  Equity  Incentive  Plan  (as  Amended  and  Restated  Effective  June  7,  2013) 
(incorporated by reference to Schedule 1 of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed 
on April 22, 2013).*

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan,  for  Swiss  grantees  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.5  of  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 26, 2016).*

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan,  for  non-Swiss  and  non-Canadian  grantees  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.60  of  the 
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2018).*

Garmin  Ltd.  2011  Non-Employee  Directors’  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended  and  restated  on 
February 15, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.63 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K filed on February 20, 2019).*

89

 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22

10.23

Form  of  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Award  Agreement  pursuant  to  the  Garmin  Ltd.  2011  Non-Employee 
Directors’  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended  and  restated  on  February  15,  2019  (incorporated  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.64  of  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  filed  on  February  20, 
2019).*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan, for Canadian grantees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 26, 2016).*

  Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement entered into between Garmin Ltd. and each 
of its Directors and Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 8, 2014).*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan, for awards of performance-based and time-based vesting restricted stock unit awards to Swiss 
grantees  who  are  executive  officers  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.8  of  the  Registrant’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 26, 2016).*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan, for awards of performance-based and time-based vesting restricted stock unit awards to non-
Swiss and non-Canadian grantees who are executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.61 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2018).*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan, for awards of performance-based and time-based vesting restricted stock unit awards to Swiss 
grantees who are not executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Registrant’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 26, 2016).*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan, for awards of performance-based and time-based vesting restricted stock unit awards to Swiss 
grantees  who  are  executive  officers  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  of  the  Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2020).*

  Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated on October 21, 2016 (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 26, 
2016).*

  Garmin  Ltd.  2011  Non-Employee  Directors’  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended  and  restated  on 
October 21, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q filed on October 26, 2016).*

  Form  of  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Award  Agreement  pursuant  to  the  Garmin  Ltd.  2011  Non-Employee 
Directors’  Equity  Incentive  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.4  of  the  Registrant’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 26, 2016).*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan,  for  awards  of  performance-based  and  time-based  vesting  restricted  stock  unit  awards  to 
Canadian grantees who are not executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the 
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 26, 2016).*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan, for awards of performance-based and time-based vesting restricted stock unit awards to non-
Swiss  grantees  who  are  executive  officers  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  of  the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2020).*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan, for awards of performance-based and time-based vesting restricted stock unit awards to Swiss 
grantees who are not executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2020).*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan,  for  awards  of  performance-based  and  time-based  vesting  restricted  stock  unit  awards  to 
Canadian grantees who are not executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2020).*

90

10.24

21.1

23.1

24.1

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive 
Plan, for awards of performance-based and time-based vesting restricted stock unit awards to non-
Swiss  and  non-Canadian  grantees  who  are  not  executive  officers  (incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2020).*

  List of subsidiaries

  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

  Power of Attorney (included in signature page)

  Chief Executive Officer’s Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  Chief Financial Officer’s Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  Chief Executive Officer’s Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  Chief Financial Officer’s Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 
101.INS

  Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File 
because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

Exhibit 
101.SCH

Exhibit 
101.CAL

Exhibit 
101.LAB

Exhibit 
101.PRE

Exhibit 
101.DEF

  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

Exhibit 104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement pursuant to 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.

(b)

Exhibits

The  exhibits  listed  on  the  accompanying  Exhibit  Index  in  Item  15(a)(3)  are  filed  as  part  of,  or  are 

incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(c)

Financial Statement Schedules

Reference is made to Item 15(a)(2) above.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.

91

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries
(In thousands)

Description
Year ended December 26, 2020

Deducted from asset accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts
Valuation allowance - Deferred 
Tax Asset

Total

Year ended December 28, 2019

Deducted from asset accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts
Valuation allowance - Deferred 
Tax Asset

Total

Year ended December 29, 2018

Deducted from asset accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts
Valuation allowance - Deferred 
Tax Asset

Total

Additions

Balance at 
Beginning of
Period

Charged to 
Costs and 
Expenses

Charged to 
Other 
Accounts

  Deductions  

Balance at 
End of Period

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

6,754  $

5,259  $

4,562  
11,316  $

6,912  
12,171  $

5,487  $

2,029  $

4,568  
10,055  $

1,556  
3,585  $

4,168  $

2,123  $

7,267  
11,435  $

1,186  
3,309  $

—  $

—  
—  $

—  $

—  
—  $

—  $

—  
—  $

(927) $

11,086 

(621)  
(1,548) $

10,853 
21,939 

(762) $

6,754 

(1,562)  
(2,324) $

4,562 
11,316 

(804) $

5,487 

(3,885)  
(4,689) $

4,568 
10,055

92

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant 

has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

GARMIN LTD.

By

/s/ Clifton A. Pemble
Clifton A. Pemble
President and Chief Executive Officer

Dated: February 17, 2021

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know  all  persons  by  these  presents,  that  each  person  whose  signature  appears  below  constitutes  and 
appoints Clifton A. Pemble and Douglas G. Boessen and Andrew R. Etkind, and each of them, as his attorney-in-
fact, with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the 
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  hereby  ratifying  and  confirming  all  that  said  attorney-in-fact,  or  his 
substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report on Form 10-K has been 
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 17, 
2021.

/s/ Clifton A. Pemble
Clifton A. Pemble
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Douglas G. Boessen
Douglas G. Boessen
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)  

/s/ Min H. Kao
Min H. Kao
Executive Chairman

/s/ Joseph J. Hartnett
Joseph J. Hartnett
Director

/s/ Charles W. Peffer
Charles W. Peffer
Director

/s/ Jonathan C. Burrell
Jonathan C. Burrell
Director

/s/ Catherine A. Lewis
Catherine A. Lewis
Director

93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Garmin Ltd. 
2020 Form 10-K Annual Report
Exhibit Index

The following exhibits are attached hereto. See Part IV of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete 

list of exhibits.

Exhibit
Number

4.1

21.1

23.1

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

Document
Description of the Registrant's Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934

  List of subsidiaries

  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

  Chief Executive Officer’s Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 

2002

  Chief Financial Officer’s Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 

2002

  Chief Executive Officer’s Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 

2002

  Chief Financial Officer’s Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 

2002

Exhibit 101.INS   XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File 

because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

Exhibit 101.SCH   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

Exhibit 101.CAL   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

Exhibit 101.LAB   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

Exhibit 101.PRE   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

Exhibit 101.DEF   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

Exhibit 104

  Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

94

 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
EXHIBIT 4.1

DESCRIPTION OF THE REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES 
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

The  following  summary  describes  the  registered  shares,  par  value 0.10  Swiss  Francs  each 
(“Registered  Shares”),  of  Garmin  Ltd.  (the  “Company,”  “we,”  “our,”  “us,”  and  “our”),  which  are  the  only 
securities of the Company registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended.

 The  following  description  of  our  Registered  Shares  is  a  summary  and  does  not  purport  to  be 
complete. It is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our Articles of Association (the “Articles 
of Association”) and our Organizational Regulations (the "Organizational Regulations"), each of which are 
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of which this Exhibit 4.1 is a 
part.  We  encourage  you  to  read  our  Articles  of  Association,  our  Organizational  Regulations  and  the 
applicable provisions of Swiss law, for additional information. 

Issued Share Capital

As  of  February  17,  2021,  the  Company  has  issued  198,077,418  Registered  Shares.  The 

198,077,418 issued Registered Shares are fully paid.

Authorized Share Capital and Conditional Share Capital

The Company further has two types of share capital that provide for the authority of the Company 
to  issue  additional  Registered  Shares  without  further  shareholder  approval:  (1)  the  authorized  share 
capital and (2) the conditional share capital: 

(1)

Authorized Share Capital

Our Articles of Association currently provide for authorized share capital that authorizes the board 
of directors to issue up to 19,807,741 new Registered Shares, at any time until June 5, 2022 and thereby 
increase  the  share  capital,  without  obtaining  additional  shareholder  approval.  The  board  of  directors  is 
authorized to limit or withdraw the pre-emptive rights of shareholders with respect to such shares in certain 
defined circumstances, including if the shares are to be issued for the acquisition of an enterprise. After 
June 5, 2022, authorized share capital will be available to the board of directors for issuance of additional 
Registered  Shares  only  if  such  authorization  has  been  approved  again  by  the  shareholders  at  a 
shareholders’ meeting. Each such authorization may last for up to two years. There is no concept under 
Swiss law of “blank check” preferred shares. Any preferential rights of individual classes of shares must be 
specifically approved by shareholders and set forth in the Articles of Association, rather than determined 
by the board of directors. Under Swiss law, the board of directors of the Company may not create shares 
with  increased  voting  powers  without  a  resolution  of  the  general  meeting  of  shareholders  passed  by  at 
least two-thirds of the votes represented at such meeting and an absolute majority of the par value of the 
shares  represented.  The  shareholders  at  a  shareholders’  meeting  may  create  preferred  shares  with  a 
resolution passed by the majority of the votes cast (excluding unmarked, invalid and non-exercisable votes 
(which includes broker non-votes)).

(2)

Conditional Share Capital 

The Company has a conditional share capital authorizing the Company to issue up to 99,038,709 
Registered Shares.in connection with the exercise of option rights granted to employees and/or members 
of the board of directors of the Company or group companies. Preferential subscription rights of existing 
shareholders are excluded in connection with the issuance of new Registered Shares out of the conditional 
share capital. Unlike the authorized share capital, the conditional share capital is not limited in time. 

95

Voting Rights

Each Registered Share carries one vote at a general meeting of shareholders. Voting rights may 
be  exercised  by  shareholders  registered  in  the  Company's  share  register  (including  nominees),  by  an 
individually appointed proxy representing shareholders or nominees, or by the independent voting rights 
representative elected by shareholders at the Company's annual general meetings in accordance with the 
voting instructions given by shareholders or nominees.   Treasury shares, whether owned by the Company 
or one of its majority-owned subsidiaries, are not be entitled to vote at general meetings of shareholders 
(but  are,  unless  otherwise  resolved  by  our  shareholders  at  a  general  meeting,  entitled  to  the  economic 
benefits generally associated with the shares).

 Pursuant to Swiss law and pursuant to the Articles of Association, the shareholders acting at a 

shareholders’ meeting have the exclusive right to determine the following matters:

 • adoption and amendment of the Articles of Association, subject to minor formal exceptions;

 • determination of the number of members of the board of directors as well as their appointment 

and removal;

 • election and removal of the chair of the board of directors;

 • election and removal of the members of the compensation committee of the board of directors;

 • election and removal of the independent voting rights representative;

 • appointment and removal of the auditors;

 • approval of the annual report of the board of directors and the approval of the annual financial 

statements and the group financial statements;

 • the allocation of profits or losses shown in the balance sheet, in particular the determination of 

dividends and the profit share of the board of directors;

 •  approval  of  the  maximum  aggregate  compensation  of  the  board  of  directors  and  executive 

management; 

 •  discharge  of  the  members  of  the  board  of  directors  and  the  persons  entrusted  with 

management;

 •  approval  of  Business  Combinations  (as  defined  in  the  Articles  of  Association)  unless  such 

approval is covered by the inalienable powers of another corporate body; and 

• any other resolutions that are submitted to a general meeting of shareholders pursuant to law or 

the Articles of Association.

Pursuant to the Articles of Association, the shareholders generally pass resolutions and votes with 
a majority of the votes cast (excluding unmarked, invalid and non-exercisable votes (which include broker 
non-votes)) unless otherwise provided by Swiss law or the Articles of Association.  

Swiss law and/or the Articles of Association require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the 
shares  represented  at  a  general  meeting  and  an  absolute  majority  of  the  par  value  of  such  shares  to 
approve  certain  key  matters  materially  impacting  shareholders,  including  the  amendment  to  or  the 
modification of the Company's purposes, as stated in the Articles of Association, the creation of shares 
with  privileged  voting  rights  and  the  restriction  on  the  transferability  of  Registered  Shares,  among  other 
things.

96

Pursuant  to  the  Articles  of  Association,  the  presence  of  shareholders,  in  person  or  by  proxy, 
holding  at  least  a  majority  of  the  total  number  of  shares  entitled  to  vote  at  the  meeting,  whether  such 
shares are represented at the meeting or not, is a quorum for the transaction of business.

Dividend Rights

Under Swiss law, dividends may be paid out only if the Company has sufficient distributable profits 
from  the  previous  fiscal  year  or  if  the  Company  has  freely  distributable  reserves  (including  contribution 
reserves, which are also referred to as additional paid-in capital), each as will be presented on the audited 
annual stand-alone statutory balance sheet of the Company. The shareholders must approve distributions 
of  dividends  with  a  majority  of  the  votes  cast  (excluding  unmarked,  invalid  and  non-exercisable  votes 
(which  includes  broker  non-votes)).  The  board  of  directors  may  propose  to  the  shareholders  at  a 
shareholders’ meeting that a dividend be paid but cannot itself authorize the dividend.

Payments  out  of  share  capital  (in  other  words,  the  aggregate  par  value  of  the  registered  share 
capital) in the form of dividends are not allowed; however, payments out of registered share capital may be 
made by way of a par value reduction. Such a par value reduction requires the approval of shareholders 
holding a majority of the votes cast at the general meeting of shareholders (not counting abstentions and 
blank or invalid ballots). A special audit report must confirm that claims of creditors remain fully covered 
despite  the  reduction  in  the  share  capital  recorded  in  the  commercial  register.  Upon  approval  by  the 
general meeting of shareholders of the capital reduction, the board of directors must give public notice of 
the  par  value  reduction  resolution  in  the  Swiss  Official  Gazette  of  Commerce  three  times  and  notify 
creditors that they may request, within two months of the third publication, satisfaction of or security for 
their claims.

Liquidation Rights

Under Swiss law, unless otherwise provided for in the Articles of Association, any surplus arising 
out  of  liquidation,  after  the  settlement  of  all  claims  of  all  creditors,  will  be  distributed  to  shareholders  in 
proportion to the paid-up par value of Registered Shares held, with due regard to the preferential rights of 
individual classes of shares, and subject to Swiss withholding tax requirements.

Other Rights and Preferences

Except  as  noted  under  “Authorized  Share  Capital”  above,  Company  shareholders  generally  will 
have preemptive rights to purchase newly issued securities of the Company. The shareholders may, by a 
resolution passed by at least two-thirds of the votes represented at a general meeting and the absolute 
majority  of  the  par  value  of  the  shares  represented,  withdraw  or  limit  the  preemptive  rights  for  valid 
reasons (such as a merger or acquisition). 

Swiss law limits a company’s ability to hold or repurchase its own shares. The Company may only 
repurchase  shares  if  and  to  the  extent  that  sufficient  freely  distributable  reserves  are  available,  as 
described  above.  Generally,  the  aggregate  par  value  of  all  shares  held  by  the  Company  and  its 
subsidiaries may not exceed 10% of the registered share capital of the Company. However, the Company 
may  repurchase  its  own  shares  beyond  the  statutory  limit  of  10%  if  the  shareholders  have  passed  a 
resolution at a general meeting of shareholders authorizing the board of directors to repurchase shares in 
an  amount  in  excess  of  10%  and  the  repurchased  shares  are  dedicated  for  cancellation.  Any  shares 
repurchased pursuant to such an authorization will then be cancelled at a general meeting of shareholders 
upon the approval of shareholders holding a majority of the votes cast at the general meeting.  

The Company does not have a shareholder rights plan. Rights plans generally discriminate in the 
treatment of shareholders by imposing restrictions on any shareholder who exceeds a level of ownership 
interest without the approval of the board of directors. Anti-takeover measures, such as rights plans that 
are implemented by the board of directors, would generally be restricted under Swiss corporate law by the 
principle  of  equal  treatment  of  shareholders  and  the  general  rule  that  new  shares  may  only  be  issued 
based on a shareholders’ resolution.

97

Under Swiss law, each shareholder is entitled to file an action for damage caused to the Company. 
The  claim  of  the  shareholder  is  for  performance  to  the  Company.  If  the  shareholder,  based  upon  the 
factual and legal situation, had sufficient cause to file an action, the judge has discretion to impose on the 
Company all costs the plaintiff incurred in prosecuting the action.

Shareholders  who  suffer  a  direct  loss  due  to  an  intentional  or  grossly  negligent  breach  of  a 
member  of  the  board  of  director’s  or  officer’s  duties  may  sue  in  their  personal  capacity  for  monetary 
compensation.

Business Combinations

Business combinations and other transactions that are binding on all shareholders are governed by the 
Swiss Merger Act. A merger or demerger requires that at least two-thirds of the votes represented at the general 
meeting  of  shareholders  and  the  absolute  majority  of  the  par  value  of  shares  represented  vote  in  favor  of  the 
transaction.   If  a  transaction  under  the  Swiss  Merger  Act  receives  the  necessary  shareholder  approvals  as 
described above, all shareholders would be compelled to participate in the transaction.

In case of a merger or demerger subject to Swiss law, the Swiss Merger Act provides that if the equity 
rights  have  not  been  adequately  preserved  or  compensation  payments  in  the  transaction  are  unreasonable,  a 
shareholder may request a competent court to determine a reasonable amount of compensation. The action for 
review must be filed within two months of the date of publication of the shareholders’ approval of the merger or 
demerger. The court’s decision will apply to all parties who are in a similar position as the requesting shareholder. 
The costs of the proceedings must be assumed by the acquirer.

Swiss  law  generally  does  not  prohibit  business  combinations  with  interested  shareholders.  However,  in 
certain circumstances, shareholders and members of the board of directors of Swiss companies, as well as certain 
persons associated with them, must refund any payments they receive that are not made on an arm’s length basis 
and if the recipient of the payment acted in bad faith.

Limitations on Ability of Shareholders to Act by Written Consent or Call Extraordinary Meeting

Swiss law does not permit shareholders to act by written consent in lieu of a general meeting of 
shareholders. An extraordinary general meeting of the Company may be called upon the resolution of the 
board of directors or, under certain circumstances, by the auditor. Liquidators and representatives of bond 
creditors are also entitled to call a general meeting of the shareholders. In addition, Swiss law provides 
that the board of directors is required to convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders if so 
resolved by the general meeting of shareholders, or if so requested by one or more shareholders holding 
an  aggregate  of  at  least  10%  of  the  share  capital  recorded  in  the  commercial  register  or  -  according  to 
leading Swiss legal scholars – holding shares of the company with a par value of at least one million Swiss 
francs, specifying, among other things, the items for the agenda and their proposals, or if it appears from 
the  stand-alone  annual  statutory  balance  sheet  that  half  of  the  company’s  share  capital  and  statutory 
reserves are not covered by the company’s assets.

Advance Notice of Shareholder Proposals 

 A shareholder of record can request in writing for an item to be put on the agenda for an annual 
general meeting, provided that we receive such requests by the date that is 90 calendar days in advance 
of  the  anniversary  of  the  date  that  we  filed  our  proxy  statement  for  the  previous  year’s  annual  general 
meeting with the SEC. 

Listing

The  Registered  Shares  are  traded  on  The  Nasdaq  Stock  Market  LLC  under  the  trading  symbol 

“GRMN.”

98

GARMIN LTD.

List of Subsidiaries of Company

EXHIBIT 21.1

Name of Subsidiary
AeroData, Inc.
Navionics Inc.
Garmin International, Inc.
Garmin North America, Inc.
Garmin USA, Inc.
Garmin Realty, LLC
Garmin Services, Inc.
AeroNavData, Inc.
Garmin AT, Inc.
Garmin Australasia Pty Ltd.
Garmin Austria GmbH
Garmin Austria Holding GmbH
Garmin Belux NV/SA
Garmin Brasil Tecnologias Para Aviação Ltda.
Garmin Canada, Inc.
Garmin Chile Limitada
Garmin China Co., Ltd.
Garmin China Shanghai Co., Ltd.
Garmin China Shanghai RHQ Co., Ltd.
Garmin China ChengDu Co., Ltd.
Garmin China Yangzhou Co., Ltd.
Garmin Hrvatska d.o.o.
Garmin Czech s.r.o
Garmin Nordic Denmark A/S
Garmin Danmark Ejendomme ApS
Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Firstbeat Analytics OY
Garmin Nordic Finland Oy
Garmin Nordic Finland Holding Oy
Garmin France SAS
Garmin Deutschland GmbH
Garmin Deutschland Beteiligungs GmbH
Garmin Würzburg GmbH
Tacx Germany GmbH
Garmin India Private Ltd.
Navionics Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Garmin Italia S.r.l.
Navionics S.r.l.
Garmin Japan Ltd.
Garmin Luxembourg S.à r.l.
Garmin Luxembourg Holdings S.à r.l.
Garmin Comercializadora S. de RL de CV
Garmin Navigation Mexico S de RL de CV
Garmin Nederland B.V.
Tacx B.V.
Tacx International B.V.
Garmin New Zealand Ltd.
Garmin Nordic Norway AS

Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Arizona
Delaware
Kansas
Kansas
Kansas
Kansas
Kansas
Missouri
Oregon
Australia
Austria
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada (Alberta)
Chile
China
China
China
China
China
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Denmark
England
Finland
Finland
Finland
France
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
India
India
Italy
Italy
Japan
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Mexico
Mexico
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway

 
Garmin Nordic Norway Holding AS
Garmin Polska Sp. z o.o.
Garmin Wroclaw sp. Zo.o
Garmin Cluj SRL
Garmin, trgovina in servis,   d.o.o.
Garmap (Pty) Ltd.
Garmin Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd.
Garmin Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Garmin Korea Ltd.
Garmin Iberia S.A.
Garmin Spain S.L.U.
Garmin Singapore Pte. Ltd
Garmin Nordic Sweden AB
Garmin Sweden Technologies AB
Garmin Switzerland GmbH
Garmin Switzerland Distribution GmbH
Garmin Corporation
Garmin (Thailand) Ltd.
Garmin Vietnam Ltd.

Norway
Poland
Poland
Romania
Slovenia
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
Spain
Spain
Singapore
Sweden
Sweden
Switzerland
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam

 
EXHIBIT 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-189178) pertaining to the Garmin Ltd. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan
(2) Registration  Statement  (Form  S-8  No.  333-179801)  pertaining  to  the  Garmin  Ltd.  2011  Non-Employee 

Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-124818) pertaining to the Garmin International, Inc. 401(k) and 

Pension Plan,

(4) Registration  Statement  (Form  S-8  No.  333-125717)  pertaining  to  the  Garmin  Ltd.  Amended  and  Restated 

2005 Equity Incentive Plan,

(5) Registration  Statement  (Form  S-8  No.  333-51470)  pertaining  to  the  Garmin  Ltd.  Amended  and  Restated 
Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan,  Garmin  Ltd.  Amended  and  Restated  2000  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  Garmin 
Ltd. Amended and Restated 2000 Non-Employee Directors’ Option Plan,

(6) Registration  Statement  (Form  S-8  No.  333-52766)  pertaining  to  the  Garmin  International,  Inc.  401(k)  and 

Pension Plan,

(7) Registration  Statement  (Form  S-8  No.  333-160297)  pertaining  to  the  Garmin  Ltd.  Amended  and  Restated 

2000 Non-Employee Directors’ Option Plan, and

(8) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-149450) pertaining to the Garmin International, Inc. 401(k) and 

Pension Plan;

(9) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-205945) pertaining to the Garmin Ltd. Employee Stock Purchase 

Plan

(10) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-232086) pertaining to the Garmin Ltd. Employee Stock Purchase 

Plan, as Amended and Restated on June 7, 2019

of  our  reports  dated  February  17,  2021,  with  respect  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  schedule  of 
Garmin Ltd. and Subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Garmin Ltd. and 
Subsidiaries, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Garmin Ltd. for the year ended December 26, 2020.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Kansas City, Missouri 
February 17, 2021

 
EXHIBIT 31.1

I, Clifton A. Pemble, certify that:

1.       I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Garmin Ltd.;

CERTIFICATION

2.       Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state 
a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements 
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.       Based  on  my  knowledge,  the  financial  statements,  and  other  financial  information  included  in  this  report, 
fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as 
of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.       The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure 
controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  Exchange  Act  Rules  13a-15(e)  and  15d-15(e))  and  internal  control  over 
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed  under  our  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant,  including  its 
consolidated  subsidiaries,  is  made  known  to  us  by  others  within  those  entities,  particularly  during  the  period  in 
which this report is being prepared;

(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting 
to  be  designed  under  our  supervision,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles;

(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report 
our  conclusions  about  the  effectiveness  of  the  disclosure  controls  and  procedures,  as  of  the  end  of  the  period 
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that  occurred 
during  the  registrant’s  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  (the  registrant’s  fourth  fiscal  quarter  in  the  case  of  an  annual 
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over 
financial reporting; and

5.       The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 
control  over  financial  reporting,  to  the  registrant’s  auditors  and  the  audit  committee  of  the  registrant’s  board  of 
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and 
report financial information; and

(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in 
the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:February 17, 2021

By/s/ Clifton A. Pemble
  Clifton A. Pemble
  President and Chief
  Executive Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 31.2

I, Douglas G. Boessen, certify that:

1.       I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Garmin Ltd.;

CERTIFICATION

2.       Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state 
a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements 
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.       Based  on  my  knowledge,  the  financial  statements,  and  other  financial  information  included  in  this  report, 
fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as 
of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.       The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure 
controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  Exchange  Act  Rules  13a-15(e)  and  15d-15(e))  and  internal  control  over 
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed  under  our  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant,  including  its 
consolidated  subsidiaries,  is  made  known  to  us  by  others  within  those  entities,  particularly  during  the  period  in 
which this report is being prepared;

(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting 
to  be  designed  under  our  supervision,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles;

(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report 
our  conclusions  about  the  effectiveness  of  the  disclosure  controls  and  procedures,  as  of  the  end  of  the  period 
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that  occurred 
during  the  registrant’s  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  (the  registrant’s  fourth  fiscal  quarter  in  the  case  of  an  annual 
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over 
financial reporting; and

5.       The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 
control  over  financial  reporting,  to  the  registrant’s  auditors  and  the  audit  committee  of  the  registrant’s  board  of 
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and 
report financial information; and

(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in 
the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:February 17, 2021

By/s/ Douglas G. Boessen
  Douglas G. Boessen
  Chief Financial Officer

 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 32.1

Certification
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant  to  section  906  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002  (subsections  (a)  and  (b)  of  Section  1350, 
Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), I, Clifton A. Pemble, President and Chief Executive Officer of Garmin 
Ltd. (the “Company”) hereby certify that:

(1)

(2)

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2020 (the “Form 10-K”) of the 
Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934; and
the  information  contained  in  the  Form  10-K  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial 
condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: February 17, 2021

/s/ Clifton A. Pemble
Clifton A. Pemble
President and Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and 
will  be  retained  by  the  Company  and  furnished  to  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  or  its  staff  upon 
request.

This certification accompanies the Form 10-K pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company 
for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 
 
 
EXHIBIT 32.2

Certification
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant  to  section  906  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002  (subsections  (a)  and  (b)  of  Section  1350, 
Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), I, Douglas G. Boessen, Chief Financial Officer of Garmin Ltd. (the 
“Company”) hereby certify that:

(1)

(2)

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2020 (the “Form 10-K”) of the 
Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934; and
the  information  contained  in  the  Form  10-K  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial 
condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: February 17, 2021

/s/ Douglas G. Boessen
Douglas G. Boessen
Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and 
will  be  retained  by  the  Company  and  furnished  to  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  or  its  staff  upon 
request.

This certification accompanies the Form 10-K pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company 
for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.