Thalwil, Switzerland–based u-blox reported revenue and profit growth in its most recent annual report, driven by strong sales in its GNSS and wireless chipset and module business.
Consolidated revenue was CHF270 million (US$276.7 million) in 2014, a growth of nearly 23 percent compared to 2013 while net profit increased by 39.6 percent to CHF34.4 million (US$35.2 million), representing a 12.7 percent net profit margin for the year.
Thalwil, Switzerland–based u-blox reported revenue and profit growth in its most recent annual report, driven by strong sales in its GNSS and wireless chipset and module business.
Consolidated revenue was CHF270 million (US$276.7 million) in 2014, a growth of nearly 23 percent compared to 2013 while net profit increased by 39.6 percent to CHF34.4 million (US$35.2 million), representing a 12.7 percent net profit margin for the year.
The company reported revenue growth in all regions, including the Americas (CHF 73.5 million, up 19 percent), Europe and the Middle East (CHF67.1 million, up 20 percent), and Asia-Pacific (CHF129.5 million, up 27 percent). In 2014, Asia-Pacific generated 47.9 percent, EMEA 24.8 percent, and Americas 27.3 percent of u-blox’s total revenue.
u-blox launched many new products in 2014. In the positioning sector these included the eighth generation of MAX, NEO, and LEA GNSS modules, a 3D automotive dead reckoning, module, a GNSS antenna module that supports all navigation satellite systems, and GNSS precision-timing modules. On the cellular front, u-blox rolled out its new 4G module (TOBY-L2) and a new line of ultra-compact LTE cards (MPCI-L2). Finally, in the short-range communications field the company introduced a rugged Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module for industrial, automotive, medical, and security applications.
The latter products reflects u-blox’s strategic expansion into short-range radio connectivity, which supports the company’s interest in the emerging Internet of Things. The company says that two acquisitions in particular made during the past year have given u-blox new technologies, expertise, and products to address this market:
• connectBlue, of Malmö, Sweden, an established provider of industrial-grade short-range radio modules that support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi platforms and enable connectivity over the last few hundred meters between equipment and the Internet.
• Antcor, of Athens, Greece, a developer of advanced Wi-Fi core technology that will enable rugged short-range connectivity and communications tailored to demanding environments.
