Garmin releases annual inReach SOS message report

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) released its 2025 inReach SOS report on Feb. 25, 2026, highlighting global SOS incident trends handled by Garmin Response.

Key points: more than 3,000 SOS messages received in 2025; hiking/backpacking generated the most SOS activations; water-activity incidents increased; work-related incidents entered the top 10; self-rescue occurred in over 12% of cases.

Positive

• 3,000+ inReach SOS incident messages received in 2025
• Users achieved self-rescue >12% of the time with Garmin Response support
• inReach expanded across devices including fēnix 8 Pro, inReach Mini 3 Plus and GPSMAP H1i Plus

Negative

• Increase in water-activity incidents (boating and sailing) reported in 2025
• Work-related SOS incidents rose into the top 10 activity categories
• Injuries remained the top cause of SOS messages, followed by vehicle accidents and medical issues

Key Figures

SOS incident messages: More than 3,000 messages Self-rescue rate: More than 12% inReach service duration: 15 years +1 more

4 metrics

SOS incident messages More than 3,000 messages 2025 inReach SOS report

Self-rescue rate More than 12% Share of incidents where users self-rescued

inReach service duration 15 years Time inReach satellite technology has supported SOS services

Garmin Response coverage 24/7 Staffing of Garmin Response emergency coordination center

Market Reality Check

Price: $251.49 Vol: Volume 796,835 is below t...

low vol

$251.49 Last Close

Volume Volume 796,835 is below the 20-day average of 1,174,281 shares, suggesting contained trading interest ahead of this report. low

Technical Price at $251.49 is trading above the 200-day MA of $218.2 and within 3.9% of the 52-week high of $261.69.

Peers on Argus

Key peers in Scientific & Technical Instruments show broadly positive moves toda...

Key peers in Scientific & Technical Instruments show broadly positive moves today, including KEYS +8.56%, TRMB +1.92%, and TDY +1.59%, but no momentum scanner signal suggests this Garmin headline is being treated more as company-specific news than a sector-wide catalyst.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 18 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 18	Earnings results	Positive	+9.4%	Record Q4 and FY 2025 results with higher dividend and buyback.
Feb 17	Product launch	Positive	+1.0%	Launch of Garmin Catalyst 2 racetrack performance optimizer device.
Feb 17	Product launch	Positive	+1.0%	Introduction of zūmo XT3 motorcycle GPS with new features and pricing.
Feb 10	Operational expansion	Positive	+1.2%	Opening of aviation facility at Mesa Gateway Airport to support operations.
Feb 03	Product launch	Positive	-2.8%	Launch of Varia RearVue 820 radar tail light for cyclists.

Pattern Detected

Recent Garmin news, especially earnings and product launches, has mostly seen positive price alignment, with 4 of the last 5 events followed by gains and only one divergence on a product launch.

Recent Company History

Over the past month, Garmin has reported record results and several product and operational updates. On Feb 18, 2026, record Q4 revenue $2.12B and 2025 revenue $7.25B with higher dividends and a $500M buyback coincided with a 9.44% gain. Multiple device launches and an aviation facility expansion also saw modest positive reactions. Today’s inReach SOS report continues the theme of showcasing product capabilities and ecosystem breadth rather than introducing new financial guidance.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights growing engagement with Garmin’s inReach SOS ecosystem, with more than ...

Analysis

This announcement highlights growing engagement with Garmin’s inReach SOS ecosystem, with more than 3,000 incident messages and a self-rescue rate above 12% in 2025. It reinforces how satellite connectivity is being embedded across devices, from fēnix 8 Pro to GPSMAP H1i Plus, supporting Garmin’s broader outdoor and safety positioning. Investors tracking the story may focus on future disclosures that tie such usage metrics to revenue growth, recurring services adoption, and device upgrade cycles within the fitness and outdoor segments.

Key Terms

satellite connectivity, satellite communication devices, Iridium

3 terms

satellite connectivity technical

"the first-ever smartwatch from Garmin with inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity"

Satellite connectivity is the delivery of voice, data and internet services through orbiting satellites instead of ground-based cables or cell towers, like having Wi‑Fi from space that reaches remote areas and moving vehicles. Investors care because it can create new revenue streams, expand markets where traditional networks don’t reach, and offer network backup or global coverage; at the same time it involves high upfront costs, regulatory approvals and technology risk that affect profitability and growth forecasts.

satellite communication devices technical

"Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit satellite communication devices; it is the user's responsibility"

Hardware that sends and receives voice, data or video signals via orbiting satellites instead of ground-based networks, like a radio or smartphone that talks through a satellite relay. Investors care because these devices enable connectivity in remote areas, maritime and emergency use, and for governments or industries, influencing demand, recurring service revenue and regulatory or spectrum risks that affect a company’s sales and profit outlook.

Iridium technical

"satellite network coverage via Iridium® and Skylo, Garmin inReach users can quickly send an SOS"

A dense, extremely rare metal in the platinum family used for its toughness and resistance to heat and corrosion; think of it as a tiny, high-performance tool for extreme conditions. It matters to investors because limited supply, hard-to-mine sources, and specialized industrial uses in electronics, catalysts, aerospace and certain medical devices can drive price swings and affect companies that mine, process or rely on it — similar to how a scarce ingredient can change the cost of a finished product.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Report shows an increase in SOS messages from around the world during a variety of activities in 2025

OLATHE, Kan., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today released its 2025 inReach^® SOS report, highlighting trends involving SOS incident messages reported to the Garmin Response℠ international emergency coordination center during the past calendar year. The report provides insights into the activities of adventurers who found themselves in need of emergency assistance. inReach satellite technology¹ has helped users stay in touch with critical SOS emergency response services, two-way text messaging and location tracking for 15 years. That SOS technology expanded across several Garmin product lines in 2025 with the release of fēnix^® 8 Pro, the first-ever smartwatch from Garmin with inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity, as well as inReach Mini 3 Plus and GPSMAP^® H1i Plus –  satellite communicators that let adventurers exchange voice messages, texts and photos with the Garmin Response team should an emergency occur¹.

Here are some key takeaways from the 2025 report:

• More than 3,000 inReach SOS incident messages were received.
• Users sent an SOS message the most during hiking and backpacking activities, followed by driving and motorcycling.
• There was also an increase in incidents during water activities, like boating and sailing, with more boating issues reported than in previous years.
• Work-related SOS incidents jumped into the top 10 categories, illustrating how organizations are using inReach technology to help equip workers for emergency situations.
• Injuries were once again the top cause for SOS messages, followed by motor vehicle accidents and medical issues like altitude sickness and heart problems.
• Most SOS messages were for the user; however, an increased number of messages were triggered for another member of the user's party or for a third-party individual.
• With the help of professionally trained Garmin Response center staff, inReach users were able to self-rescue more than 12% of the time.

How inReach SOS works with Garmin Response Center

Thanks to a dedicated SOS alert button and satellite network coverage via Iridium^® and Skylo, Garmin inReach users can quickly send an SOS message should an emergency occur. Once an SOS message is triggered, even if the user takes no other action, the device sends a distress message to Garmin Response, a 24/7-staffed professional emergency coordination center. The Garmin Response team will communicate with the user, their listed emergency contacts, search and rescue organizations and other available local resources. They provide updates to users and emergency contacts on the response effort, including confirmation when help is on the way, and remain available as the incident is being resolved. Garmin Response monitors millions of handheld devices, satellite phones, smartphones and smartwatches each year.

Watch what happens when you press SOS.

What customers are saying about inReach SOS and Garmin Response

"I never imagined I would have to use the SOS feature, but when I did, it worked flawlessly – and I genuinely believe it made the difference between life and death. I will never go on another adventure without my inReach."
–Mylene Torres, inReach customer who triggered an SOS message after being struck by a boulder

"It's hard to describe the anxiety felt in the aftermath of a disaster by the inability to communicate with loved ones. It was a great relief to have a device and service that could ease people's minds when regular communication systems failed."
–Stephen Hackett, customer who used an inReach device in hurricane aftermath

More ways to stay connected with Garmin inReach technology

• Leave the phone behind and still stay in touch with fēnix 8 Pro and quatix^® 8 Pro, premium GPS smartwatches with built-in satellite and cellular connectivity on the wrist.
• For those with limited space in their gear, the palm-sized inReach Mini 3 Plus two-way satellite communicator provides voice messaging, two-way texting, photo sharing², LiveTrack^™ location sharing and a battery that can last weeks – all packed into a compact, lightweight design.
• Dedicated explorers, mountaineers and hunters may prefer the rugged GPSMAP H1i Plus GPS handheld and satellite communicator, which offers photo and voice message capabilities, along with preloaded TopoActive maps.
• Overlanders can pair their Tread^® 2 – Overland Edition or Tread 2 – SxS Edition off-road navigators with a compatible inReach device – or take advantage of built-in satellite technology with Tread XL – Overland Edition – while venturing beyond cell service in the dirt, snow and everything in between.
• Aviators can send and receive messages right from the cockpit with the Garmin Messenger^™ App for smartphones.

Learn more about all of Garmin's inReach-capable devices here.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminoutdoor on social, or follow our blog.  

¹Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit satellite communication devices; it is the user's responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws.
² Taking and sending photos requires use of the Garmin Messenger app on your paired smartphone

About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, inReach, fēnix, GPSMAP, quatix and Tread are registered trademarks, Garmin Messenger and LiveTrack are trademarks and Garmin Response is a service mark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2025, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). Copies of such Form 10-K are available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/investors/sec/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Brianna Silverman and Connor Hoffman / 913-397-8200 / media.relations@garmin.com

 

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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.

FAQ

How many inReach SOS messages did Garmin (GRMN) receive in 2025?

Garmin received more than 3,000 inReach SOS messages in 2025. According to the company, those incidents reflect global emergencies reported to the Garmin Response coordination center during the calendar year.

What activities generated the most Garmin inReach (GRMN) SOS messages in 2025?

Hiking and backpacking generated the most SOS activations in 2025. According to the company, driving and motorcycling followed, with water activities and work-related incidents also rising in the dataset.

How often did Garmin inReach users self-rescue in 2025 (GRMN)?

inReach users self-rescued in just over 12% of incidents in 2025. According to the company, Garmin Response communication and location tracking aided users in resolving some emergencies without external rescue.

Did Garmin (GRMN) report an increase in water-related SOS incidents for 2025?

Yes. The report noted an increase in boating and sailing incidents in 2025. According to the company, more boating issues were reported than in previous years, elevating water activities in the incident mix.

Which medical and accident causes were most common in Garmin's 2025 SOS data (GRMN)?

Injuries were the leading cause of SOS messages, followed by motor vehicle accidents and medical issues such as altitude sickness and heart problems. According to the company, these categories dominated reported emergencies.

What devices from Garmin (GRMN) included inReach technology in 2025?

Garmin expanded inReach to products including fēnix 8 Pro, inReach Mini 3 Plus and GPSMAP H1i Plus in 2025. According to the company, these devices offer satellite messaging, voice, photos, and location tracking with Garmin Response integration.