Garmin Ltd (GRMN) 2026 Annual Meeting

BA BRIEFING·
Garmin Ltd (GRMN) 2026 Annual Meeting
6 directors up · 5 in watch zone · 14 proposals · Uncontested
$45.6B mkt cap · 1Y TSR +16.9% · Board B+
Director Elections (6) · 6 of 6 scored by BA forecast
Election Outlook
Most directors look set to be re-elected without meaningful dissent — 1 of 6 scored nominees are rated Healthy. 5 are flagged for elevated vote pressure; the most-loaded are Joseph J. Hartnett (prior 81.8%, forecast Crisis), Jonathan C. Burrell (prior 89.3%, forecast Material), and Susan M. Ball (prior 98.7%, forecast Watch), with 2 other(s) in the table below.
NomineeForecastBackground
Independent
WATCH
Prior 98.7%
70808793100
Susan M. Ball served as CFO of Team, Inc. from December 2018 to November 2021 and held similar roles at CVR Energy and CVR Partners from 2012 to 2018.
Independent
MATERIAL
Prior 89.3%
70808793100
Jonathan C. Burrell has been a director of Garmin since June 2018 and is an inventor on 35 issued and pending U.S. patents, many owned by Garmin.
Independent
CRISIS
Prior 81.8%
70808793100
Joseph J. Hartnett served as Interim President and CEO of Sparton Corporation from February 2016 to March 2019 and was Chairman of its Board from October 2014 to February 2016.
Independent
WATCH
Prior 98.3%
70808793100
Catherine A. Lewis served as Global Head of Tax for KPMG from 2002 to 2012 and has been a director of CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust since 2013, chairing its Audit Committee since 2016.
Not independent
HEALTHY
Prior 96.4%
70808793100
Min H. Kao co-founded Garmin and served as CEO from August 2002 to December 2012, and has been Executive Chairman since January 2013.
Not independent
WATCH
Prior 98.7%
70808793100
Clifton A. Pemble has been President and CEO of Garmin since January 2013 and served as COO from October 2007 to December 2012.
Proposals on the Ballot (14)
#1
Approval of Garmin’s 2025 Annual Report, including the consolidated financial statements and statutory financial statements for the fiscal year ended
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
Shareholders are asked to approve Garmin’s 2025 Annual Report, which contains the consolidated financial statements (U.S. GAAP) and the Swiss statutory financial statements for the fiscal year ended , as required under Swiss law.
Detail ›
This proposal asks shareholders to ratify Garmin’s 2025 Annual Report, which includes both the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and the Swiss statutory financial statements for fiscal 2025. Management seeks shareholder approval because Swiss law requires shareholder approval of the annual and statutory financial statements at the annual general meeting; the company’s statutory auditor, Ernst & Young Ltd, has reviewed and recommended approval, opining that the statements comply with Swiss law and, for the consolidated statements, present fairly Garmin’s financial position under U.S. GAAP. Approval is largely procedural but is material because it formally accepts the company’s audited accounts and enables related shareholder votes (e.g., on appropriation of earnings and discharge). The Board recommends a FOR vote to fulfill legal obligations and to endorse the audited financial results, reflecting the Audit Committee’s oversight and the auditors’ reports. For sophisticated analysts, the vote is an affirmation of the company’s financial reporting integrity; a negative vote would be an unusual signal of shareholder dissatisfaction with the financial statements or audit, and would prompt follow-up by the Audit Committee. The proposal carries limited operational implications beyond confirming retained earnings and enabling dividend and discharge proposals; nevertheless it is a necessary governance step that underpins subsequent binding and advisory votes at the meeting.
#2
Approval of the appropriation of available earnings
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
Shareholders are asked to approve the proposed appropriation of available earnings of $1,059,697,000 as set out in Garmin’s statutory financial statements—specifically to carry forward the available earnings.
Detail ›
This proposal asks shareholders to approve the appropriation of Garmin’s available earnings totaling $1,059,697,000 for fiscal 2025; the Board is proposing to carry forward the full amount into retained earnings. Management seeks shareholder approval because Swiss corporate law requires shareholder approval of appropriation of earnings at the annual general meeting. The proposal is procedural and non-controversial in that it does not distribute the earnings as dividends but retains them for corporate purposes, preserving balance sheet flexibility for investment or future distributions. For investors and analysts, carrying forward earnings signals management’s preference to retain cash rather than distribute it, which may reflect capital allocation priorities (e.g., funding operations, share repurchases, or maintaining reserves). The auditors have reviewed the statutory financial statements and the appropriation as presented; the Board recommends a FOR vote, aligning with the auditor’s confirmation that the statements comply with applicable Swiss law. A rejection would require the Board to propose an alternative appropriation and could signal shareholder disagreement on capital allocation, potentially prompting follow-up proposals or dialogue.
#3
Approval of the payment of a cash dividend in the aggregate amount of $4.20 per outstanding share out of Garmin’s reserve from capital contribution in four equal installments
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
Shareholders are asked to approve a $4.20 per-share cash dividend funded from the reserve from capital contribution, payable in four equal installments on dates to be determined by the Board.
Detail ›
This proposal requests shareholder approval for a $4.20 per-share dividend to be funded from Garmin’s reserve from capital contribution and payable in four equal installments (currently expected on ; Sept 25, 2026; Dec 24, 2026; and ). Management is seeking shareholder approval because Swiss law requires shareholder approval for distributions; the company’s statutory auditor has confirmed compliance with Swiss law and the Board has designated a Dividend Reserve of $900,442,000 to support the payments, with rules to pro rata reduce installments if remaining reserves are insufficient. For analysts, the proposal signals a material cash return of capital while preserving a substantial post-allocation reserve (~$1.9 billion) to support operations and other corporate purposes; the mechanics (reserve from capital contribution rather than retained earnings) have Swiss tax and corporate law implications that may affect withholding and distribution treatment for different shareholder classes. The Board retains discretion over installment record and payment dates, which provides flexibility for cash management but may create timing uncertainty for investors. The dividend reserve includes a margin for potential share issuance between approval and payment, limiting dilution or shortfall risk. The Board recommends a FOR vote; a rejection would block the distribution and could signal shareholder preference for alternative capital uses or concerns about liquidity or valuation. Overall, this is a standard capital-allocation proposal that materially affects near-term shareholder cash flows and therefore should be considered in the context of Garmin’s balance sheet strength and strategic priorities.
#4
Discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Management from liability for the fiscal year ended
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
Under Swiss customary practice and Article 698 of the Swiss Code of Obligations, shareholders are asked to discharge the Board and Executive Management from personal liability for activities during fiscal 2025 (effective only for facts disclosed to shareholders).
Detail ›
This proposal asks shareholders to grant statutory discharge to Garmin’s Board and designated Executive Management for their conduct during fiscal 2025, a customary Swiss corporate governance action that limits post-meeting derivative claims for matters disclosed to shareholders. Management seeks approval to provide legal finality for decisions taken in the covered fiscal year; the proposal does not absolve liability for undisclosed matters or willful misconduct and is effective only for shareholders who vote in favor (or acquire shares with knowledge of the approval). For analysts, approval is a standard governance step, and a rejection or significant opposition could indicate investor concern about management accountability or disclosed actions during the year, potentially triggering increased scrutiny or governance engagement. The Board recommends a FOR vote as consistent with Swiss practice and to provide certainty for management and directors, while maintaining remedies for shareholders who voted against or were unaware of the approval within a 12-month derivative period. A negative outcome could have reputational and legal consequences and would likely prompt follow-up disclosures and governance discussions.
#5
Re-election of six directors
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
Annual individual elections of six incumbent directors—Susan M. Ball, Jonathan C. Burrell, Joseph J. Hartnett, Min H. Kao, Catherine A. Lewis and Clifton A. Pemble—for terms extending until the 2027 annual general meeting.
#6
Re-election of the Chairman
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
Annual election of Min H. Kao as Executive Chairman of the Board for a term extending until the 2027 annual general meeting, subject to his re-election as a director.
#7
Re-election of four Compensation Committee members
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
Annual elections of Susan M. Ball, Jonathan C. Burrell, Joseph J. Hartnett and Catherine A. Lewis to serve as members of the Compensation Committee for one-year terms.
#8
Re-election of the independent voting rights representative
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
Appointment/re-election of the law firm of Wuersch & Gering LLP as Garmin’s independent voting rights representative for a one-year term until the 2027 annual general meeting.
#9
Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Garmin’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending and re-election of Ernst & Young Ltd as Garmin’s statutory auditor for another one-year term
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
Ratify Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the U.S. audit for fiscal 2026 and re-elect Ernst & Young Ltd as Garmin’s Swiss statutory auditor for another one-year term.
#10
Advisory vote to approve the compensation of Garmin’s Named Executive Officers
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
A non-binding, advisory 'say-on-pay' proposal asking shareholders to approve the disclosure of executive compensation for the Named Executive Officers as presented in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and related tables.
Detail ›
This advisory proposal asks shareholders to approve Garmin’s Named Executive Officer compensation disclosures (CD&A and tables) on a non-binding basis. Management and the Compensation Committee present this vote annually to solicit shareholder feedback on compensation philosophy, design, and outcomes; Garmin uses long-term equity (RSUs and performance-contingent RSUs) as the primary mechanism to align executive interests with shareholders and to retain executives. Management cites strong prior support (over 94% in 2025) and expects shareholders to endorse the program; the Compensation Committee will review voting results and consider feedback in future compensation decisions. For an analyst, the vote assesses investor acceptance of pay-for-performance linkages, especially the PC-RSU metrics (revenue and operating income) and the use of target/maximum ranges. A negative vote would not be binding but would signal shareholder dissatisfaction and would likely trigger engagement by the Compensation Committee and potential program adjustments. The Board recommends a FOR vote, viewing the advisory vote as an important governance feedback mechanism.
#11
Advisory vote on the Swiss Statutory Compensation Report
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
An advisory, non-binding shareholder vote to approve Garmin’s Swiss Statutory Compensation Report for fiscal 2025, which details compensation for the Board and Executive Management as required by Swiss law.
Detail ›
This non-binding proposal asks shareholders to approve Garmin’s Swiss Statutory Compensation Report, a Swiss-law mandated disclosure of Board and Executive Management remuneration for 2024 and 2025. Management seeks the advisory endorsement to demonstrate shareholder support for compensation outcomes and governance processes; the Compensation Committee will review results and consider them in future decisions. For analysts, the advisory vote is an indicator of shareholder confidence in compensation alignment, particularly given prior strong approval of maximum aggregate compensation items under Swiss law. While non-binding, a negative vote would prompt engagement and potential adjustments. The Board recommends a FOR vote as consistent with prior shareholder approvals and the company’s compensation governance framework.
#12
Vote on the Swiss Statutory Non-Financial Matters Report
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
Shareholders are asked to approve Garmin’s Swiss Statutory Non-Financial Matters Report for fiscal 2025, covering environmental, social, human rights and ethical matters prepared under Swiss law (Art. 964a et seq.).
Detail ›
This proposal asks shareholders to approve Garmin’s Swiss Statutory Non-Financial Matters Report, which discloses governance, environmental, social, human rights and anti-corruption practices in accordance with Swiss legal requirements and related ordinances; Annex 2 contains the full report. Management seeks approval as part of statutory compliance and to demonstrate accountability on climate, supply chain human rights (including conflict minerals and modern slavery policies), employee safety and diversity, and other ESG metrics. For analysts, approval signals institutional acceptance of Garmin’s disclosures and progress on emissions, supplier due diligence, and social metrics; it also provides a basis for evaluating regulatory and reputational risk. A rejection would likely prompt investor engagement and requests for enhanced disclosures or remediation measures. The Board recommends a FOR vote, reflecting completion of the report in accordance with legal requirements and the company’s published sustainability programs.
#13
Binding vote to approve Fiscal Year 2027 maximum aggregate compensation for the Executive Management
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
A binding Swiss-law vote asking shareholders to approve a maximum aggregate compensation cap of $19,000,000 for Executive Management for fiscal year 2027 (Dec 27, 2026–Dec 25, 2027), covering salaries, stock compensation (assuming target vesting), and other compensation.
Detail ›
This binding Swiss-law proposal asks shareholders to approve a prospective aggregate compensation cap of $19,000,000 for Executive Management for fiscal year 2027, inclusive of salaries, stock-based awards (valued at target), and other compensation. Management seeks this ex ante authorization because Swiss corporate law requires shareholder approval of maximum prospective compensation; the amount is based on expected pay levels and is a legal ceiling rather than a promise to pay the full amount. For governance analysts, the vote is a direct control point over executive pay levels and structures and serves as a check on Compensation Committee discretion; the composition (notably significant stock-based components) demonstrates alignment with long-term shareholder value but also concentrates upside in equity instruments tied to performance metrics. A FOR vote authorizes the Compensation Committee to grant compensation up to the stated maximum, while a NO vote would constrain pay-setting flexibility and require the Board to seek revised approval. The Board recommends a FOR vote to ensure legal compliance and operational flexibility to compensate and retain key executives.
#14
Binding vote to approve maximum aggregate compensation for the Board of Directors for the period between the 2026 annual general meeting and the 2027 annual general meeting
Filed by the board · Board recommends For
A binding Swiss-law vote to approve a maximum aggregate compensation cap of $1,800,000 for the Board for the period between the 2026 and 2027 annual general meetings, covering retainers, stock compensation, Executive Chairman compensation, and other contingencies.
Detail ›
This binding proposal asks shareholders to approve a maximum aggregate Board compensation cap of $1,800,000 for the 2026–2027 period, covering retainer fees, equity awards, Executive Chairman pay, and other contingencies. Management seeks this pre-approval because Swiss law mandates shareholder authorization of maximum prospective Board compensation; the cap is calculated based on the expected Board composition (six directors, four non-management) and the described compensation program. For governance analysts, this vote constrains total Board pay and ensures shareholder oversight of director remuneration; approval preserves the Board’s ability to grant planned fees and equity awards without further shareholder approval. A rejection would require the Board to re-propose a revised aggregate amount and could disrupt planned compensation arrangements. The Board recommends a FOR vote to maintain compensation flexibility and continuity.
Top institutional holders · as of Mar 31, 2026
Holder% of sharesPosition value
VANGUARD CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC5.51%$2.46B
VANGUARD PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT LLC4.08%$1.83B
STATE STREET CORP3.55%$1.59B
BlackRock, Inc.3.45%$1.54B
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership2.86%$1.28B
GEODE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC2.01%$895M
BlackRock, Inc.1.80%$804M
BlackRock, Inc.1.16%$519M
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.1.00%$392M
DIMENSIONAL FUND ADVISORS LP0.74%$330M
Source: SEC 13F filings (latest quarter). Position value is the holder’s reported aggregate value at the as-of date.
Recent key filings
Quarterly report (10-Q)View ›
Definitive proxy (DEF 14A)View ›
Annual report (10-K)View ›
Quarterly report (10-Q)View ›
Quarterly report (10-Q)View ›
Definitive proxy (DEF 14A)View ›
About the risk forecast

The risk forecast scores each director on the company’s slate against Boardroom Alpha’s YoY Director-Vote Forecast model — three XGBoost classifiers that estimate the probability the director’s vote support falls below 70%, 80%, and 90% at the upcoming annual meeting, augmented by a five-rule governance escalation layer (overboarding, audit-committee composition, prior dissent, and others).

Bands map to those probability thresholds:

  • Crisis — high probability of vote support below 70%. Rare.
  • Material — high probability of below 80%. The primary screening threshold.
  • Elevated — significant elevated risk of dissent.
  • Watch — even a mild withhold is detectable. Informational.
  • Healthy — no signal of meaningful dissent.

Prior is the director’s most-recent vote-support percentage at this same board. Direction compares the forecast to that prior vote: ↑ expected better means more support than last year; ↓ expected worse means less.

Forecast applies only to non-contested annual proxies (DEF 14A). Contested situations are tracked separately on the contested-proxy pipeline. The model is retrained nightly; bands shown reflect the most recent run.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Garmin Ltd 2026 annual meeting?
Garmin Ltd (GRMN) holds its 2026 annual shareholder meeting on June 5, 2026.
What is the record date for the Garmin Ltd 2026 meeting?
The record date for the Garmin Ltd 2026 meeting is April 10, 2026. Shareholders of record on or before that date are eligible to vote.
Who are the director nominees for Garmin Ltd's 2026 meeting?
The board is presenting 6 director nominees at the Garmin Ltd 2026 meeting. The full slate appears in the 'Director Nominees' table on this page, with independence designations and a structured indexable summary.
What proposals will shareholders vote on at the Garmin Ltd 2026 meeting?
Shareholders will vote on 14 proposals at the Garmin Ltd 2026 meeting. The full list with proposed-by tags and management recommendations appears in the 'Proposals on the Ballot' section on this page.
Are any directors at risk at Garmin Ltd's 2026 annual meeting?
The Boardroom Alpha Director-Vote Forecast flags 5 of 6 scored nominees as facing elevated vote pressure at the Garmin Ltd 2026 meeting: Susan M. Ball, Jonathan C. Burrell, Joseph J. Hartnett, Catherine A. Lewis, Clifton A. Pemble. The most-loaded nominee is Joseph J. Hartnett (forecast band: crisis). Prior support: 81.8%. See the 'Director Nominees' table for the per-director forecast bar and prior support.
Where do I find the original proxy filing?
The 'View proxy' link at the top of this page opens the original SEC DEF 14A (or amended) filing for the Garmin Ltd 2026 meeting in the Boardroom Alpha filing viewer.

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