Garmin Ltd (GRMN) Share Price

GRMN, new 52 week high

GRMN new 52 week high

GRMN new 52 week high

GRMN new 52 week high

GRMN new 52 week

GRMN new 52 week high

GRMN new. 52 week high

GRMN new 52 week high

I think it looks great 100+ is very possible

We may see $100+ in the next month or so. Blue skies ahead!

Hitting 52 week highs. Just saw a 60 minute special last night on Garmin’s self landing technology for airplanes.

Will anyone be shorting this candle in the AM?

impressive

This Trade Level For Garmin Ltd Should Be On The Radar

Garmin Ltd (NASDAQ:GRMN) is a leading manufacturer of hand-held, portable and fixed mount GPS systems. The stock topped out on February 20, 2018 at $65.96 a share. Since that pivot high, the stock has sold off by nearly 7.0 points. Currently, GRMN stock is trading lower by 0.07 to $59.17 a share. It should be noted that GRMN stock is now trading below the important 50-day moving average. This technical setup puts the stock in a weak technical position. The next major daily chart support level will be around the 200-day moving average which is currently at $56.00. After that, the stock should have even more support around the $54.00 level. This major support area is where the stock broke out in October 2017. Every trader should be keeping this major support level on the radar.





Nicholas Santiago
InTheMoneyStocks

$GRMN has been in a sideways consolidation pattern for about 7 sessions / if it resolves to the upside, it could move.

Been here a long time.. Not planning on going anywhere..

"Anyone else in GRMN?"

Bought some calls on the basis of attractive money flow and accumulation characteristics + RSI. News also seems good, good earnings growth, and decent ratings. Anyone else in GRMN?

Garmin $GRMN trading at a 8% premium prior to earnings Wednesday:

Fair Value Source

Love Garmin products, but I feel pps will probably fall back a little.
I'll wait to add shares for now.

Appreciate chart url.

Garmin misses by $0.04, misses on revenue

Oct 28 2015, 07:02 ET | About: Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) | By: Niloofer Shaikh, SA News Editor

Garmin (NASDAQ:GRMN): Q3 EPS of $0.51 misses by $0.04.

Revenue of $679.69M (-3.8% Y/Y) misses by $7.89M.

Press Release

http://seekingalpha.com/news/2864236-garmin-misses-by-0_04-misses-on-revenue?uprof=45#email_link


Garmin Reports Third Quarter 2015 Results and Affirms Updated Guidance
Wed October 28, 2015 7:00 AM|Business Wire | About: GRMN

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) today announced results for the quarter ended September 26, 2015.

Summary items for the quarter and recent product announcements include:
• Total revenue of $680 million in the third quarter of 2015 with fitness, outdoor, aviation and marine delivering 61% of total revenue
• The relative strength of the US Dollar compared to other major currencies negatively impacted revenue by approximately $52 million, or 7%, in the third quarter of 2015
• Gross and operating margins were 53% and 18.5%, respectively; gross margin was impacted by geographic revenue mix shifting toward countries with weaker currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar and lower average selling prices; operating margin was further impacted by strategic investments in R&D and advertising
• Shipped approximately 3.9 million units in the quarter, a 4% increase over the year ago quarter
• Pro forma EPS(1) of $0.51 for third quarter 2015
• Announced new products available for the fourth quarter including fitness and wellness devices incorporating Garmin Elevate" wrist-based heart rate technology and the babyCam" serving a new product category

More...

http://seekingalpha.com/pr/15138066-garmin-reports-third-quarter-2015-results-and-affirms-updated-guidance

Garmin misses by $0.10, misses on revenue

Jul 29 2015, 07:03 ET | About: Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) | By: Jignesh Mehta, SA News Editor

Garmin (NASDAQ:GRMN): Q2 EPS of $0.72 misses by $0.10.
Revenue of $773.84M (-0.5% Y/Y) misses by $2.06M.
Press Release

http://seekingalpha.com/news/2666625-garmin-misses-by-0_10-misses-on-revenue?uprof=45#email_link


Garmin Reports Second Quarter 2015 Results and Updated 2015 Guidance
Wed July 29, 2015 7:00 AM|Business Wire | About: GRMN

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) today announced results for the quarter ended June 27, 2015.

Summary items for the quarter include:
• Total revenue of $774 million in the second quarter of 2015 with fitness, outdoor, aviation and marine delivering 61% of total revenue and collectively growing 11% over the year ago quarter
• The relative strength of the US Dollar compared to other major currencies negatively impacted revenue by approximately $59 million, or 8%, in the second quarter of 2015
• Gross and operating margins were 54% and 22%, respectively, and were impacted by unfavorable currency movements and the higher mix of promotional products sold during the quarter
• Shipped over 4 million units in the quarter, an 8% increase over the year ago quarter
• GAAP and pro forma EPS of $0.72 for second quarter 2015
• Launched the Forerunner® 225 with wrist-based heart rate monitoring, camera enabled nüvi® and dzl" models, and the Edge® 20/25, the worlds smallest GPS enabled bike computers

(in thousands, except per share data)
13-Weeks Ended 26-Weeks Ended

June 27,
June 28, Yr over Yr June 27, June 28, Yr over Yr
2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
Net sales $773,830 $777,848 -1% $1,359,224 $1,361,069 0%
Auto 298,878 350,036 -15% 515,004 592,988 -13%
Fitness 158,649 150,678 5% 289,644 250,965 15%
Outdoor 110,324 106,059 4% 186,239 190,044 -2%
Aviation 102,266 97,295 5% 200,327 193,289 4%
Marine 103,713 73,780 41% 168,010 133,783 26%

Gross profit % 54% 57% 56% 57%

Operating profit % 22% 28% 20% 25%

GAAP diluted EPS $0.72 $0.93 -23% $1.07 $1.54 -31%
Pro forma diluted EPS (1) $0.72 $1.02 -29% $1.26 $1.57 -20%

(1) See attached table for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures including pro forma diluted EPS


Executive Overview from Cliff Pemble, President and Chief Executive Officer:

Like many global companies, Garmin has experienced downward revenue and profit pressure due to recent unfavorable currency movements. In light of this reality, we feel positive about our first half revenue performance, said Cliff Pemble, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Garmin Ltd. With our ongoing research and development efforts and exciting advertising plans, we believe that the foundation for long-term success is being established now.

More...

http://seekingalpha.com/pr/14231075-garmin-reports-second-quarter-2015-results-and-updated-2015-guidance

Garmin misses by $0.02, misses on revenue

Apr 29 2015, 07:01 ET | About: Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) | By: Jignesh Mehta, SA News Editor

Garmin (NASDAQ:GRMN): Q1 EPS of $0.55 misses by $0.02.
Revenue of $585.39M (+0.4% Y/Y) misses by $20.87M.
Press Release

http://seekingalpha.com/news/2464056-garmin-misses-by-0_02-misses-on-revenue?auth_param=ano5b:1ak1ek0:dc39cd85828bd2013652a144a459f225&uprof=45#email_link

Garmin Reports Solid First Quarter 2015 Margins and Operating Results
Wed April 29, 2015 7:00 AM|Business Wire | About: GRMN

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) today announced results for the quarter ended March 28, 2015.

Highlights in the quarter include:
• Total revenue of $585 million in the first quarter of 2015 with fitness, outdoor, aviation and marine delivering 63% of total revenue and collectively growing 9% over the year ago quarter
• The relative strength of the US Dollar compared to other major currencies negatively impacted revenue by approximately $38 million, or 7%, in the first quarter of 2015
• Gross margin improved from the prior year to 59% while operating margin remained strong at 19%
• Pro forma EPS of $0.55 for first quarter 2015, consistent with the prior year
• Launched vívofit" 2, vívoactive", and fnix® 3, highlighting our continued commitment to a broad product portfolio in the rapidly growing wearables category

More...

http://seekingalpha.com/pr/13306526-garmin-reports-solid-first-quarter-2015-margins-and-operating-results

Garmin misses by $0.01, beats on revenue

Feb 18 2015, 07:09 ET | About: Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) | By: Jignesh Mehta, SA News Editor

Garmin (NASDAQ:GRMN): Q4 EPS of $0.77 misses by $0.01.
Revenue of $803.31M (+5.7% Y/Y) beats by $13.37M.
Press Release

http://seekingalpha.com/news/2304996-garmin-misses-by-0_01-beats-on-revenue?auth_param=ano5b:1ae90b2:c34b1d16a0e3feb96f074a78483dd033&uprof=45#email_link


Garmin Reports Strong Fiscal 2014 Revenue and Pro Forma EPS Growth; Proposes Dividend Increase and Announces Share Repurchase Plan
Wed February 18, 2015 7:00 AM|Business Wire | About: GRMN

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) today announced results for the fiscal year and quarter ended December 27, 2014.

Highlights in the quarter include:
• Total revenue of $803 million in fourth quarter 2014 with non-automotive/mobile segments of outdoor, fitness, aviation and marine delivering 58% of total revenues
• Gross and operating margins of 54% and 22%, respectively
• Gained market share across a broad range of product categories including activity trackers and PNDs

Highlights for the fiscal year include:
• Total revenue of $2,871 million in 2014 with non-automotive/mobile segments of outdoor, fitness, aviation and marine growing a combined 23% over 2013 and contributing 57% of total revenue
• Gross and operating margins of 56% and 24%, respectively, improving from 2013 levels
• Continued diversification of revenue and profitability sources as we entered new product categories, broadened our range of offerings and grew market share
• Returned $602 million of cash to shareholders with quarterly dividends totaling $360 million and share repurchases of $242 million

More...

http://seekingalpha.com/pr/12549006-garmin-reports-strong-fiscal-2014-revenue-and-pro-forma-eps-growth-proposes-dividend-increase-and-announces-share-repurchase-plan

Garmin beats by $0.05, beats on revenue

Oct 29 2014, 07:02 ET | About: Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) | By: Jignesh Mehta, SA News Editor

Garmin (NASDAQ:GRMN): Q3 EPS of $0.76 beats by $0.05.
Revenue of $706.3M (+9.7% Y/Y) beats by $28.95M.
Press Release

http://seekingalpha.com/news/2069225-garmin-beats-by-0_05-beats-on-revenue?uprof=45#email_link


Garmin Reports Strong Revenue & Pro Forma EPS Growth in Third Quarter 2014
Wed October 29, 2014 7:00 AM|Business Wire | About: GRMN

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) today announced results for the quarter ended September 27, 2014.

Highlights in the quarter include:
• Total revenue increased 10% to $706 million in third quarter 2014 with double digit growth in four of five reporting segments
• Gross and operating profit margins increased from the prior year quarter to 56% and 25%, respectively
• Operating income growth of $24 million, or 16%, to $176 million
• Executed the inter-company restructuring as announced in July 2014 resulting in additional tax expense of $308 million in the third quarter and contributing to a GAAP net loss per share of $0.76
• Pro forma EPS (1) growth of 10%; $0.76 for third quarter 2014 compared to $0.69 in the prior year
• Generated $202 million of free cash flow(1) in third quarter 2014

More...

http://seekingalpha.com/pr/11477305-garmin-reports-strong-revenue-and-pro-forma-eps-growth-in-third-quarter-2014

Garmin beats by $0.26, beats on revenue

Jul 30 2014, 07:15 ET | About: Garmin Ltd. (GRMN)

Garmin (NASDAQ:GRMN): Q2 EPS of $1.02 beats by $0.26.
Revenue of $777.8M (+11.7% Y/Y) beats by $68.55M.
Press Release


http://seekingalpha.com/news/1880175-garmin-beats-by-0_26-beats-on-revenue?app=1&uprof=45


Garmin Reports Strong Revenue & Pro Forma EPS Growth in Second Quarter 2014
Wed July 30, 2014 7:00 AM|Business Wire | About: GRMN

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) today announced results for the quarter ended June 28, 2014.

Highlights in the quarter include:
• Total revenue of $778 million in second quarter 2014 with fitness and aviation delivering significant growth of 79% and 11%, respectively
• Gross and operating profit margins improved from the prior year quarter to 57% and 28%, respectively
• Pro forma EPS growth of 34%; $1.02 for second quarter 2014 compared to $0.76 in the prior year
• Announced the acquisition of Fusion® Electronics, a leading supplier of integrated marine audio equipment, which was completed in third quarter 2014
• Generated $143 million of free cash flow in second quarter 2014


http://seekingalpha.com/pr/10611635-garmin-reports-strong-revenue-and-pro-forma-eps-growth-in-second-quarter-2014

Garmin beats by $0.11, beats on revenue

Apr 30 2014, 07:04 ET

Garmin (GRMN): Q1 EPS of $0.55 beats by $0.11.
Revenue of $583.22M (+9.6% Y/Y) beats by $42.22M.
Press Release


http://seekingalpha.com/news/1707633-garmin-beats-by-0_11-beats-on-revenue?isDirectRoadblock=false&uprof=45

Garmin Reports EPS Growth in First Quarter 2014 with Strong Revenue and Margins

http://seekingalpha.com/pr/9736943-garmin-reports-eps-growth-in-first-quarter-2014-with-strong-revenue-and-margins

Garmin Ltd. beats by $0.14, beats on revenue

Feb 19 2014, 07:03 ET

Garmin Ltd. (GRMN): Q4 EPS of $0.76 beats by $0.14.
Revenue of $760M (-1.1% Y/Y) beats by $47.22M.

http://seekingalpha.com/news/1576231-garmin-ltd-beats-by-0_14-beats-on-revenue?source=email_rt_mc_readmore

Garmin Ltd. declares $0.45 dividend

Feb 19 2014, 07:24 ET

Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) declares $0.45/share quarterly dividend, in line with prior.
Forward yield 3.82%
Payable March 17; for shareholders of record June 30; ex-div June 26.


http://seekingalpha.com/news/1576171-garmin-ltd-declares-0_45-dividend?source=email_rt_mc_readmore

Garmin go BOOM!

Garmin beats by $0.10, beats on revenues

Garmin (GRMN): Q3 EPS of $0.69 beats by $0.10.
Revenue of $644M (-4% Y/Y) beats by $15.5M. (PR)


http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1368292?source=email_rt_mc_readmore

An expected $60 million increase in research and development at Garmin Ltd. this year would be the largest ever at the navigational device-maker, an analyst said Monday.

The increase comes as Garmin (Nasdaq: GRMN) is investing in aviation, marine and other segments outside the declining personal navigation device market.

"Garmin has never been squeamish about investing in R&D, but the planned 2013 increase is hefty even by its standards," Yair Reiner of Oppenheimer & Co. said in an analyst note.

On Wednesday, Garmin divulged double-digit decreases in revenue and income in the fourth quarter.

Good thing I was just thinking about getting into GRMN. 10% drop today....

Still thinking about it but I am in no hurry.

I ran across an article in Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine. Apparently Garmin wants to provide all the dashboard technology in cars not just GPS. If the OEMs decide to use Garmin's system, then Garmin could be selling millions of them.

"Taking over the entire dashboard of your car might seem like a logical progression from the handheld navigation device — Garmin's longtime staple product — and that's exactly what the so-called K2 intends to do. Featuring a 10-inch center display paired with a 12-inch unit in place of a traditional instrument cluster, the system introduced today at CES is a lot like Cadillac's CUE in principle: it's trying to rid the driver's line of sight of old-school analog gauges that have dominated cars for the better part of the last century.


Besides the expected features of a modern car cockpit like voice recognition, smartphone integration, and Bluetooth, there are a few stand-outs. The K2's center display supports both multitouch and gloved hands (akin to Nokia's Lumia 820 and 920), and the entire thing can be configured through a web portal that the driver accesses from his or her home computer — dozens of settings are probably easier to configure through a website than they are with a fingertip and a fiddly user interface on the road.

Interestingly, the K2 is one of the first products to be announced with TI's next-gen OMAP 5 processor, a competitor to Qualcomm's high-end Snapdragons and Nvidia's Tegra 3 and Tegra 4. You can't simply buy the rig and install it in your car, of course: Garmin's pitching it to automakers, some of which already use the company's technology in production cars (Chrysler and Honda, for example)."

GRMN pattern

2B dragon [link] potential

~ Wednesday! $GRMN ~ Q1 Earnings posted, pending or coming soon! In Charts and Links Below!

~ $GRMN ~ Earnings expected on Wednesday *
Want more like this? Search Keyword: MACMONEY >>> http://tinyurl.com/MACMONEY <<<
One or more of many earnings sites has alerted this security has or will be posting earnings on or around the day of this message.








http://stockcharts.com/h-sc/ui?s=GRMN&p=D&b=3&g=0&id=p88783918276&a=237480049




http://stockcharts.com/h-sc/ui?s=GRMN&p=W&b=3&g=0&id=p54550695994



~ Google Finance: http://www.google.com/finance?q=GRMN
~ Google Fin Options: hhttp://www.google.com/finance/option_chain?q=GRMN#
~ Yahoo! Finance ~ Stats: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/ks?s=GRMN+Key+Statistics
~ Yahoo! Finance ~ Profile: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=GRMN
Finviz: http://finviz.com/quote.ashx?t=GRMN
~ BusyStock: http://busystock.com/i.php?s=GRMN&v=2


<<<<<< http://www.earningswhispers.com/stocks.asp?symbol=GRMN >>>>>>



http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/post_prvt.aspx?user=251916

*If the earnings date is in error please ignore error. I do my best.

Garmin Reports Fourth Quarter Results Highlighting EPS Growth and Revenue Growth in All Segments

http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=51300175&symbol=GRMN

~ Wednesday! $GRMN ~ Earnings posted, pending or coming soon! In Charts and Links Below!

~ $GRMN ~ Earnings expected on Wednesday *
Want more like this? Search Keyword: MACMONEY >>> http://tinyurl.com/MACMONEY <<<
One or more of many earnings sites has alerted this security has or will be posting earnings on or around the day of this message.








http://stockcharts.com/h-sc/ui?s=GRMN&p=D&b=3&g=0&id=p88783918276&a=237480049




http://stockcharts.com/h-sc/ui?s=GRMN&p=W&b=3&g=0&id=p54550695994



~ Google Finance: http://www.google.com/finance?q=GRMN
~ Google Fin Options: hhttp://www.google.com/finance/option_chain?q=GRMN#
~ Yahoo! Finance ~ Stats: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/ks?s=GRMN+Key+Statistics
~ Yahoo! Finance ~ Profile: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=GRMN
Finviz: http://finviz.com/quote.ashx?t=GRMN
~ BusyStock: http://busystock.com/i.php?s=GRMN&v=2


<<<<<< http://www.earningswhispers.com/stocks.asp?symbol=GRMN >>>>>>



http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/post_prvt.aspx?user=251916

*If the earnings date is in error please ignore error. I do my best.

Tests show wireless network could harm GPS systems
| 1:52 PM |

[AP] - New test results show that a proposed nationwide wireless broadband network would produce significant interference with GPS systems used for everything from aviation to high-precision timing networks to consumer navigation devices.
Related News: Similar Content

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/finance/news/rss/story/*http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/110630/us_tec_gps_threats.html?.v=4#rssowlmlink

Looks like Samplescave was wrong again..... GRMN has gained ALOT since you claimed it was in the tank.

I completely agree....... I have been waiting for the retrace

Concerning Garmin, if they don't diversify, they are Toast.

I wouldn't buy this until the retrace to the mid teens.

WOW!!!! Good day for GARMIN..... let's get this baby back on track

I agree... it's not a good time to on Garmin....only time will tell if it can make a come back

Garmin Down Over $2.00 Bucks!

Looks like the Market did not like the Earnings and Forecast!

Seems like Garmin is on the way out.

They really need to get with the Times!!!

Glad I don't own this POS~

Thanks, but not interested~

I beg to differ. Not everyone owns an iPhone, nor does everyone want one. Besides the fact that the last thing I want to do is use my cell phone for navigation. Maybe you should look around next time you're on an interstate and notice just how many folks are driving with a Nuvi on the dash or windshield.

Garmins are easy to use, they sync up to your cell with bluetooth, and they're upgradable with software. It's still a huge market, and there's plenty of growth and room for all the different toys.

In addition, Garmin has specialty devices and software that the cell phones just can't cover: aerial, marine, and trucking.

Personally, I have an in-dash nav system that came with my car. But I also have a handheld/mountable Garmin for use on my boat. The "Inland Lakes" software has water depths and boating channels, and will work when I'm out of cell range.

Garmin also provides GPS hardware for all kinds of industries.

Maybe you should check out their website sometime.

HAAAAA HAAAA!

How can I be pumping? When I seldom post here, I am not even in the stock right now????????????

You are just about the only one here. You are on the Pump End. Looks like the Market even disagrees with you on Garmin.

Read what this has to say.

I put in Bold the parts which should concern you.
______________________________________________________________
Analysts: Garmin’s 2009 earnings will head south
Kansas City Business Journal - by David Twiddy Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 11:23am CST

Investors will get a chance Wednesday to see what kind of holiday season Garmin Ltd. had — the company is scheduled to release fourth-quarter results before the markets open.

Eighteen Wall Street analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report quarterly earnings of 95 cents a share, a gain from 78 cents a share during the same period a year before. Revenue is predicted to be $955.7 million, a drop from $1.05 billion.

For the year, analysts estimated that Garmin will report profits of $3.04 a share on $2.84 billion in revenue, both less than a year ago, when the company reported earning $3.51 a share on sales of $3.49 billion.

Garmin (Nasdaq: GRMN), which is based in the Cayman Islands but has its headquarters in Olathe, still is the nation’s largest seller of personal navigation devices. Besides devices for drivers, Garmin also makes GPS-equipped products for outdoors enthusiasts, boaters and pilots.

Although navigational devices remain popular, tough competition has forced Garmin to slash prices. The sector also is feeling pressure from wireless phones, which increasingly include built-in navigational services for a fraction of the cost of a dedicated device.

Garmin has attempted to fight back with a wireless device of its own, the nuvifone, but its initial models have not made much of a splash. The company plans to roll out more advanced versions of the nuvifone, including one using Google Inc.’s Android operating system, later this year.

Last week, Dutch competitor TomTom surprised analysts with a $98.9 million fourth-quarter profit, which was higher than expected, and revenue of $723 million. The company said it saw a 15 percent increase in unit sales and a 21 percent decrease in average selling prices. It expects flat sales in 2010.

Oppenheimer Research analyst Yair Reiner said in a research note that the results actually bode well for Garmin because of the stronger North American device sales after two quarters of declines.

“At the same time, we think TomTom’s weak (average device selling prices) mainly reflect aggressive pricing and low-end product mix in the U.S., whereas Garmin should see substantially better results in both categories,” Reiner wrote.
____________________________________________________________

The only reason that Garmin will continue to be The Largest seller of GPS devices is because everyone is not buying TomTom and Navigon Hardware now.

Everyone is buying the Apps!

This leaves sales overall in the GPS Market down and the only lackluster Company (Garmin) still trying to peddle their archaic and "Behind the Times" product to those who can not afford to keep up with iPhones and the like.

Do what you want, but I would not touch this stock, no matter how bad you Pump and want out~

That's OK. I have a right to my opinion. K?

I believe Garmin fell behind when they did not get an iPhone App. Now their hardware is useless.

GPS's are a thing of the past now.

Garmin is Toast~

Say.. we take your opinion as fact...That just means that Garmin has "fallen" behind in the market...THAT DOES NOT MAKE IT A PUMP & DUMP I AM AFRAID YOU ARE WRONG ABOUT THE PUMP AND DUMP

Read this again and you will see that Life as Garmin knew it, is over.

Maybe they should have stayed up with the Times.

iPhone 3G: Garmin Missed their Opportunity
~Anders Brownworth - Thursday, July 17, 2008 4:34 PM
With the launch of the iPhone 3G, I see Garmin becoming more and more marginalized. In my opinion, they squandered their lead over the past ten years by not diversifying into new markets. With a landscape that includes the iPhone 3G with its GPS support, a great Google Maps implementation and the wide open field that the App Store presents, it is hard for me to see Garmin becoming anything more than a fringe player going forward.

Let me start by saying that this pains me greatly. I have been a longtime fan of Garmin having purchased my first few GPS units from them back in the mid 90s. I have fond memories of calculating my altitude in the French Apls, tracking my helicopter as I flew from Seattle to San Francisco and even pinpointing the exact location of Hobbitown in New Zealand. (S 37o 51.463' E 175o 40.786') Ten years ago, they had simply the best handheld GPS units on the market. The user interface was leaps and bounds better than the rest of the pack and they practically defined the handheld GPS market.

However, with the launch of the iPhone 3G and its "GPS done right", it seems to me like the last nail is in the coffin for Garmin. When Apple teamed up with Google for their Maps application, a ball started rolling that has been leaving Garmin in the dust ever since.

This one must have come somewhat out of left field for Garmin because who would think to pay Google any attention if you are working on a handheld portable device? But Google was digging in Garmin's backyard. Google introduced maps that automatically update, satellite imagery that allowed you to see exactly what things looked like and realtime traffic overlays that combined to make Garmin's offerings look horribly antiquated - if only Google's application were on a handheld device. And then Apple came along with the iPhone. In one step, Apple enabled Google's "Garmin killing" technology to live in everyone's pocket! Maybe Garmin was starting to notice, but maybe not. The next shot across the bow was Apple's relationship with SkyHook that allowed iPhone users to roughly triangulate their position from cell towers and WiFi hotspots in the area. But it still wasn't GPS so the alarm bells must not have been going off at Garmin quite yet. But who would think that the Apple / Google duo would stop there and stand still? With the GPS capability on the new iPhone 3G, the last nail is in that coffin!

Of course this says nothing about Google's forthcoming Android mobile platform or any number of other competitors in the market. But when two "best of breed" companies get together and make simply a stunning implementation that fundamentally obsoletes your entire consumer offering, you have to take notice!

So what is left for Garmin? As far as I can see, they will become a niche player. There might still be some room in the aviation industry for handheld units although Apple's App Store may slam that door soon enough. I suppose nautical units will flourish for the forseeable future while the iPhone isn't waterproof but you have to see an eventual end to that as well. What is left? Backpackers? User editable Google Maps and the iPhone App Store will trounce that one in a hurry as well. As far as I can see, in-dash Garmin avionics is the only solid longer-term play left for Garmin. I might still buy a Garmin "movable map" display for my helicopter.

Garmin had a good lead at one point but they failed to diversify their product line. Why couldn't I buy a Garmin navigation system for permanent install in my car 5 years ago? Its not like there was a technical hurdle in the way there. 5 years ago I was still balancing my ancient Garmin Street Pilot on my dashboard. Could they not get that together? Had they done so, there would be some interesting options on the table for Garmin but you can bet they won't make it into the car now with Apple's iPod in the driver's seat. (sorry, couldn't resist)

As Carl Howe mentions, the iPhone is truly an Anywhere device. It is a two-way productivity tool that grants access to both the world-wide voice network and the world-wide data network. Without an Anywhere device from Garmin, it pains me to say it but they look dead in the water.

http://www.anders.com/cms/272/Garmin/Apple/iPhone.3G/GPS

Sorry Dude.

Garmin is a Flop~