Zebra Technologies Announces First-Quarter 2026 Results

Delivers strong first-quarter 2026 performance with broad-based growth across segments and regions Increases outlook for the full year 2026 Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating workflows to deliver intelligent operations, today announced results for the first quarter ended April 4, 2026. First-Quarter Financial Highlights Net sales of $1,495 million; year-over-year increase of 14.3%Net income of $135 million and net income per diluted share of $2.72Non-GAAP diluted EPS increased year-over-year to $4.75Adjusted EBITDA increased year-over-year to $347 millionShare repurchases of $300 million “Our strong first quarter results demonstrate the durability of demand for our innovative technology, with organic growth across our segments and regions, led by strength in our manufacturing end market. Elo Touch also contributed solid profitable growth as we begin to drive synergies," said Bill Burns, Chief Executive Officer of Zebra Technologies. "These results underscore the value Zebra delivers as the foundation for intelligent operations across the frontline, helping customers operate more efficiently and effectively." "We are building on our track record of value creation for shareholders with $300 million of share repurchases in each of the past two quarters, supported by our strong balance sheet and cash flow," said Nathan Winters, Chief Financial Officer of Zebra Technologies. "Our results reflect our focus on profitable growth, operating discipline and margin expansion, and we remain confident in our ability to support customer demand while delivering consistent performance in a dynamic environment." $ in millions, except per share amounts 1Q26 1Q25 Change Select reported measures: Net sales $ 1,495 $ 1,308 14.3 % Gross profit 742 645 15.0 % Gross margin 49.6 % 49.3 % 30 bps Net income 135 136 (0.7 %) Net income margin 9.0 % 10.4 % (140) bps Net income per diluted share $ 2.72 $ 2.62 3.8 % Select Non-GAAP measures: Adjusted net sales $ 1,495 $ 1,308 14.3 % Organic net sales growth 4.3 % Adjusted gross profit 753 649 16.0 % Adjusted gross margin 50.4 % 49.6 % 80 bps Adjusted EBITDA 347 292 18.8 % Adjusted EBITDA margin 23.2 % 22.3 % 90 bps Non-GAAP net income $ 235 $ 208 13.0 % Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share $ 4.75 $ 4.02 18.2 % Net sales were $1,495 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $1,308 million in the prior year. Net sales in the Connected Frontline ("CF") segment were $825 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $684 million in the prior year. Asset Visibility & Automation ("AVA") segment net sales were $670 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $624 million in the prior year. Consolidated organic net sales for the first quarter of 2026 increased 4.3% year-over-year, with a 3.8% increase in the CF segment and a 4.8% increase in the AVA segment. First quarter 2026 gross profit was $742 million compared to $645 million in the prior year. Gross margin increased to 49.6% for the first quarter of 2026 compared to 49.3% in the prior year primarily due to favorable foreign currency exchange and business mix, and productivity initiatives. Adjusted gross margin was 50.4% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 49.6% in the prior year. Operating expenses increased to $527 million in the first quarter of 2026 from $450 million in the prior year primarily due to expenses associated with acquired businesses including amortization of intangible assets. Adjusted operating expenses increased to $425 million in the first quarter of 2026 from $374 million in the prior year. Net income for the first quarter of 2026 was $135 million, or $2.72 per diluted share, compared to net income of $136 million, or $2.62 per diluted share, in the prior year. Non-GAAP net income increased to $235 million for the first quarter of 2026, or $4.75 per diluted share, compared to $208 million, or $4.02 per diluted share, for the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2026 increased to $347 million, or 23.2% of adjusted net sales, compared to $292 million, or 22.3% of adjusted net sales in the prior year due to higher gross margin and lower adjusted operating expense as a percentage of sales. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of April 4, 2026, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $114 million and total debt of $2,660 million. For the first three months of 2026, net cash provided by operating activities was $176 million and the Company invested $13 million in capital expenditures, resulting in free cash flow of $163 million. The Company also made share repurchases of $300 million. Outlook Mr. Burns added, "We are seeing continued momentum into the second quarter, supporting our increased outlook for the full year. Zebra's integrated portfolio of solutions is a key differentiator, enabling customers to connect data, assets and workflows to drive visibility and productivity. As e-commerce, automation and Physical AI trends accelerate, we are well positioned to drive profitable growth, build on our market leadership and innovation, and strengthen our financial position to deliver long-term shareholder value." Second Quarter 2026 The Company expects second quarter sales growth between 14% and 17% compared to the prior year. This expectation includes approximately 10.5 points of favorable net impact from business acquisitions and foreign currency. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the second quarter is expected to be slightly higher than 21%. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $4.20 to $4.50. This assumes an adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 19%. Full Year 2026 The Company expects full year sales growth between 10% and 14% compared to the prior year. This expectation includes approximately 7 points of favorable net impact from business acquisitions and foreign currency. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the full year is expected to be approximately 22%. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $18.30 to $18.70. This assumes an adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 19%. Free Cash Flow for the full year is expected to be greater than $900 million. The Company does not provide a reconciliation for non-GAAP estimates on a forward-looking basis where it is unable to provide a meaningful or accurate calculation or estimation of reconciling items and the information is not available without unreasonable effort. This is due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting the timing or amount of the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measure as discussed under the "Forward-Looking Statements" caption below. This would include items that have not yet occurred, are out of the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted, and that would impact diluted net earnings per share. For the same reasons, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. Forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures provided without the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures may vary materially from the corresponding GAAP financial measures. Conference Call Notification Investors are invited to listen to a live webcast of Zebra’s conference call regarding the Company’s financial results. The conference call will be held today at 7:30 a.m. Central Time (8:30 a.m. Eastern Time). To view the webcast, visit the investor relations section of the Company’s website at investors.zebra.com. Who is Zebra Technologies Zebra (NASDAQ: ZBRA) provides the foundation for intelligent operations with an award-winning portfolio of connected frontline, asset visibility and automation solutions which empower our customers to deploy AI on the frontline. Organizations globally across retail, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, healthcare, and other industries rely on us to deliver outcomes today while driving innovation for what’s next. Together with our partners, we create new ways of working that improve productivity and empower organizations to be better every day. Learn more at www.zebra.com. Follow Zebra on our Blog, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, the statements regarding the company’s outlook. Actual results may differ from those expressed or implied in the company’s forward-looking statements. These statements represent estimates only as of the date they were made. Zebra undertakes no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason after the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions and are subject to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Zebra’s industry, market conditions, general domestic and international economic conditions, and other factors. These factors include customer acceptance of Zebra’s offerings and competitors' offerings, and the potential effects of emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements. The effect of global market conditions, and the availability of credit and capital markets volatility may have adverse effects on Zebra, its suppliers and its customers. In addition, natural disasters, man-made disasters, public health issues (including pandemics), and cybersecurity incidents may have negative effects on Zebra's business and results of operations. Zebra's ability to purchase sufficient materials, parts, and components, and ability to provide services, software and products to meet customer demand could negatively impact Zebra's results of operations and customer relationships. Profits and profitability will be affected by Zebra’s ability to control manufacturing and operating costs. Because of its debt, interest rates and financial market conditions may also have an adverse impact on results. Foreign exchange rates, customs duties and trade policies may have an adverse effect on financial results because of the global nature of Zebra's business. The impacts of changes in foreign and domestic governmental policies, regulations, or laws, as well as the outcome of litigation or tax matters in which Zebra may be involved are other factors that could adversely affect Zebra's business and results of operations. The success of integrating acquisitions could also adversely affect profitability, reported results and the company’s competitive position in its industry. These and other factors could have an adverse effect on Zebra’s sales, gross profit margins and results of operations and increase the volatility of Zebra's financial results. When used in this release and documents referenced, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “outlook,” and “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying these statements. Descriptions of certain risks, uncertainties and other factors that could adversely affect the Company’s future operations and results can be found in Zebra’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information This press release contains certain Non-GAAP financial measures, consisting of “Adjusted EBITDA,” “Adjusted EBITDA margin,” “adjusted gross margin,” “adjusted gross profit,” “adjusted net sales,” “adjusted operating expenses,” “adjusted operating income,” “EBITDA,” “free cash flow,” “non-GAAP diluted earnings per share,” “non-GAAP earnings per share,” “non-GAAP net income,” “organic net sales,” and “organic net sales growth.” Management presents these measures to focus on the on-going operations and believes it is useful to investors because they enable them to perform meaningful comparisons of past and present operating results. The company believes it is useful to present non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude certain significant items, as a means to understand the performance of its ongoing operations and how management views the business. Please see the “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables and accompanying disclosures at the end of this press release for more detailed information regarding non-GAAP financial measures herein, including the items reflected in adjusted net earnings calculations. These measures, however, should not be construed as an alternative to any other measure of performance determined in accordance with GAAP. The company does not provide a reconciliation for non-GAAP estimates on a forward-looking basis (including the information under “Outlook” above) where it is unable to provide a meaningful or accurate calculation or estimation of reconciling items and the information is not available without unreasonable effort. This is due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting the timing or amount of various items that have not yet occurred, are out of the company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted, and that would impact diluted net earnings per share, the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measure. For the same reasons, the company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. Forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures provided without the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures may vary materially from the corresponding GAAP financial measures. As a global company, Zebra's operating results reported in U.S. dollars are affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations because the underlying foreign currencies in which the company transacts change in value over time compared to the U.S. dollar; accordingly, the company presents certain organic growth financial information, which includes impacts of foreign currency translation, to provide a framework to assess how the company’s businesses performed excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Foreign currency impact represents the difference in results that are attributable to fluctuations in the currency exchange rates used to convert the results for businesses where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. This impact is calculated by translating current period results at the currency exchange rates used in the comparable prior year period as well as removing realized cash flow hedge gains and losses from both the current and prior year periods. The company believes these measures should be considered a supplement to and not in lieu of the company’s performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In millions, except per share data) April 4, 2026 December 31, 2025 (Unaudited) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 114 $ 125 Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1 million each as of April 4, 2026 and December 31, 2025 733 801 Inventories, net 692 729 Income tax receivable 30 31 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 126 110 Total Current assets 1,695 1,796 Property, plant and equipment, net 350 353 Right-of-use lease assets 170 166 Goodwill 4,709 4,727 Other intangibles, net 765 809 Deferred income taxes 410 414 Other long-term assets 233 237 Total Assets $ 8,332 $ 8,502 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 264 $ 141 Accounts payable 581 695 Accrued liabilities 459 558 Deferred revenue 434 446 Income taxes payable 25 12 Total Current liabilities 1,763 1,852 Long-term debt 2,387 2,361 Long-term lease liabilities 158 157 Deferred income taxes 32 32 Long-term deferred revenue 398 396 Other long-term liabilities 124 116 Total Liabilities 4,862 4,914 Stockholders’ Equity: Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; none issued — — Class A common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued 72,151,857 shares 1 1 Additional paid-in capital 866 814 Treasury stock at cost, 23,768,847 and 22,558,911 shares as of April 4, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively (2,787 ) (2,488 ) Retained earnings 5,414 5,279 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (24 ) (18 ) Total Stockholders’ Equity 3,470 3,588 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 8,332 $ 8,502 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In millions, except share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended April 4, 2026 March 29, 2025 Net sales: Tangible products $ 1,231 $ 1,062 Services and software 264 246 Total Net sales 1,495 1,308 Cost of sales: Tangible products 623 542 Services and software 130 121 Total Cost of sales 753 663 Gross profit 742 645 Operating expenses: Selling and marketing 189 161 Research and development 165 151 General and administrative 127 111 Amortization of intangible assets 37 24 Acquisition and integration costs 1 3 Exit and restructuring costs 8 — Total Operating expenses 527 450 Operating income 215 195 Other (loss) income, net: Foreign exchange loss — (5 ) Interest expense, net (37 ) (23 ) Other expense, net (11 ) (2 ) Total Other expense, net (48 ) (30 ) Income before income tax 167 165 Income tax expense 32 29 Net income $ 135 $ 136 Basic earnings per share $ 2.74 $ 2.64 Diluted earnings per share $ 2.72 $ 2.62 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In millions) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended April 4, 2026 March 29, 2025 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 135 $ 136 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 56 41 Loss on sale of investments 15 — Share-based compensation 58 51 Deferred income taxes — (23 ) Gain on sale of business (5 ) — Other, net 1 1 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net 67 84 Inventories, net 34 15 Other assets (12 ) 3 Accounts payable (119 ) (76 ) Accrued liabilities (67 ) (110 ) Deferred revenue (11 ) 16 Income taxes 24 42 Other operating activities — (2 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 176 178 Cash flows from investing activities: Acquisition of business — (62 ) Proceeds from the sale of business 9 — Purchases of property, plant and equipment (13 ) (20 ) Proceeds from sale of long-term investments 1 — Other investing activities 1 — Net cash used in investing activities (2 ) (82 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments of debt (37 ) — Proceeds from issuance of debt 186 — Payments for repurchases of common stock (300 ) (125 ) Net payments related to share-based compensation plans (5 ) (1 ) Change in unremitted cash collections from servicing factored receivables (29 ) 2 Other financing activities — 5 Net cash used in financing activities (185 ) (119 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — 1 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (11 ) (22 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 125 901 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 114 $ 879 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Income taxes paid $ 15 $ 9 Interest paid $ 26 $ 16 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF ORGANIC NET SALES GROWTH (Unaudited) Three Months Ended April 4, 2026 CF AVA Consolidated Consolidated Reported GAAP Net sales growth 20.6 % 7.4 % 14.3 % Adjustments: Impact of foreign currency translations(1) (2.1 )% (2.2 )% (2.1 )% Impact of acquisitions(2) (14.7 )% (0.4 )% (7.9 )% Consolidated Organic Net sales growth 3.8 % 4.8 % 4.3 % (1) Operating results reported in U.S. Dollars are affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Foreign currency translation impact represents the difference in results that are attributable to fluctuations in the currency exchange rates used to convert the results for businesses where the functional currency is not the U.S. Dollar. This impact is calculated by translating the current period results at the currency exchange rates used in the comparable prior year period as well as removing realized cash flow hedge gains and losses from both the current and prior year periods. (2) For purposes of computing Organic Net sales growth, amounts attributable to business acquisitions or dispositions are excluded for twelve months following or preceding the respective acquisition or disposition, respectively. ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP GROSS MARGIN AND OPERATING INCOME ($ In millions) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended April 4, 2026 March 29, 2025 CF AVA Consolidated CF AVA Consolidated GAAP Reported Net sales $ 825 $ 670 $ 1,495 $ 684 $ 624 $ 1,308 Reported Gross profit(1) 405 348 742 333 316 645 Gross Margin 49.1 % 51.9 % 49.6 % 48.7 % 50.6 % 49.3 % Operating Income(2) 169 159 215 140 135 195 Non-GAAP Adjusted Net sales $ 825 $ 670 $ 1,495 $ 684 $ 624 $ 1,308 Adjusted Gross profit(1) 405 348 753 333 316 649 Adjusted Gross Margin 49.1 % 51.9 % 50.4 % 48.7 % 50.6 % 49.6 % Adjusted Operating Income(2) 169 159 328 140 135 275 (1) Segment and Adjusted Gross profit excludes share-based compensation expense and business acquisition purchase accounting adjustments. (2) Segment and Non-GAAP Operating income excludes share-based compensation expense, business acquisition purchase accounting adjustments, amortization of intangible assets, acquisition and integration costs, exit and restructuring costs, as well as certain other non-recurring costs (impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets). ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME ($ In millions, except share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended April 4, 2026 March 29, 2025 GAAP Net income $ 135 $ 136 Adjustments to Cost of sales(1) Purchase accounting adjustments 5 — Share-based compensation 6 4 Total adjustments to Cost of sales 11 4 Adjustments to Operating expenses(1) Amortization of intangible assets 37 24 Acquisition and integration costs 1 3 Share-based compensation 56 49 Exit and restructuring costs 8 — Total adjustments to Operating expenses 102 76 Adjustments to Other expense, net(1) Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts 1 1 Loss on sale of investments 15 — Foreign exchange loss — 5 Gain on sale of business (5 ) Total adjustments to Other expense, net 11 6 Income tax effect of adjustments(2) Reported income tax expense 32 29 Adjusted income tax (56 ) (43 ) Total adjustments to income tax (24 ) (14 ) Total adjustments 100 72 Non-GAAP Net income $ 235 $ 208 GAAP earnings per share Basic $ 2.74 $ 2.64 Diluted $ 2.72 $ 2.62 Non-GAAP earnings per share Basic $ 4.79 $ 4.06 Diluted $ 4.75 $ 4.02 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 49,017,288 51,365,011 Diluted weighted average and equivalent shares outstanding 49,428,337 51,806,550 (1) Presented on a pre-tax basis. (2) Represents adjustments to GAAP income tax expense commensurate with pre-tax non-GAAP adjustments (including the resulting impacts to U.S. BEAT/GILTI provisions), as well as adjustments to exclude the impacts of certain discrete income tax items and incorporate the anticipated annualized effects of current year tax planning. ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES GAAP to NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION TO EBITDA ($ In millions) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended April 4, 2026 March 29, 2025 GAAP Net income $ 135 $ 136 Add back: Depreciation (excluding exit and restructuring) 19 17 Amortization of intangible assets 37 24 Total Other expense, net 48 30 Income tax expense 32 29 EBITDA (Non-GAAP) 271 236 Adjustments to Cost of sales Purchase accounting adjustments 5 — Share-based compensation 6 4 Total adjustments to Cost of sales 11 4 Adjustments to Operating expenses Acquisition and integration costs 1 3 Share-based compensation 56 49 Exit and restructuring costs 8 — Total adjustments to Operating expenses 65 52 Total adjustments to EBITDA 76 56 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 347 $ 292 Adjusted EBITDA margin (Non-GAAP) 23.2 % 22.3 % FREE CASH FLOW Three Months Ended April 4, 2026 March 29, 2025 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 176 $ 178 Less: Purchases of property, plant and equipment (13 ) (20 ) Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)(1) $ 163 $ 158 (1) Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities in a period minus purchases of property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures) made in that period. Source: Zebra Technologies Corporation