Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) is a market leader in intelligent operations solutions with strong recent revenue growth from earnings beats and guidance raises amid broad-based demand, though net income declined in FY2025, supported by significant share repurchases and a Moderate Buy analyst consensus.
Zebra Technologies Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells hardware, software, and automation solutions for frontline operations, including rugged mobile computing, barcode scanning, RFID readers, thermal printing, and retail task management software. It serves industries such as retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and healthcare.
Founded in 1969 as Data Specialties Inc. by Ed Kaplan and Gerhard Cless; renamed Zebra Technologies in 1986. Key milestones include the 2013 acquisition of Motorola Solutions' Enterprise business (expanding data capture and mobile computing), 2014 NFL on-field player tracking partnership, 2021 launch of machine vision/fixed scanners and autonomous mobile robots, and 2023 transition to CEO Bill Burns. Source: Official About Page
The company's evolution from electromechanical products to AI-powered connected solutions positions it as a key enabler of digital transformation in supply chains and operations.
ZBRA has demonstrated volatility tied to earnings reports, with notable surges following beats (e.g., reported 22% gain after a strong Q2 earnings release with raised guidance). Longer-term performance reflects acquisition-driven growth and innovation in AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) markets.
Exact percentage returns (YTD, 1-year, 5-year) vary by date and are not static; historical data should be verified on linked platforms as market conditions fluctuate.
Fiscal Year 2025 (ended Dec 31, 2025): Total revenue $5.396 billion (+8.3% YoY); Net income $419 million (-20.6% YoY); Diluted EPS $8.18 (-19.6% YoY); EBITDA $885 million (-3.2% YoY). Source: StockTitan / Company Reports
| Metric | FY 2025 | YoY Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $5.396B | +8.3% | Broad-based growth |
| Net Income | $419M | -20.6% | Impacted by charges/restructuring |
| Diluted EPS | $8.18 | -19.6% | — |
| EBITDA | $885M | -3.2% | — |
Q1 2026 (ended ~Mar 2026): Net sales $1.495 billion (+14.3% YoY from $1.308B); Net income $135 million; Diluted EPS $2.72; Non-GAAP diluted EPS $4.75 (beat estimates). Source: SEC Filing
Q4/FY 2025 highlights: Q4 sales $1.475B (+10.6% YoY); Full-year free cash flow $831 million; ~$600M share repurchases in 2025, with additional $500M authorized or executed into 2026. Source: Company Press Release
Revenue growth signals recovering demand and successful execution; share buybacks reflect management confidence in long-term value. Net income decline may relate to one-time restructuring charges (~$76M in Q4); future results depend on supply chain stability, macro environment, and AI/data center tailwinds (per analyst commentary).
Financial data is historical or from recent quarterly/annual reports; subject to revisions, audits, and forward-looking assumptions in guidance. Latest available as of early August 2026 filings.
Consensus: Moderate Buy (average rating ~4.35/5 based on 17 analysts as of recent data). Recent actions include maintains (e.g., Citigroup Neutral with target raised to $306) and overall positive shifts tied to Q1/Q2 beats and raised full-year guidance.
| Metric | Value/Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rating | Moderate Buy (4.35) | Stable over recent months |
| Price Target Range | Low ~$292 / Avg ~$332 / High $400 | Updated post-earnings; e.g., one raise from $284 to $306 |
| Number of Analysts | ~17 covering estimates | Includes firms like Barclays, Citi, KeyBanc, Baird |
Analysts view recent execution and demand inflection (including AI-related) favorably, supporting higher targets. Ratings and targets are dynamic and can change with new data, market conditions, or company guidance; based on latest available analyst reports.
Diversified customer base across retail (bricks-and-mortar and e-commerce), manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare, and other verticals including law enforcement/emergency response. Notable partnership: Official On-Field Player Tracking Provider for the NFL (since 2014 expansion).
Specific major customer names or revenue percentages are not publicly detailed in available reports; customer relationships are typically long-term but subject to contract renewals and competitive bidding.
| Competitor | Key Overlap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honeywell International | Mobile computing, scanners | Large conglomerate; smaller focus on these products |
| Cognex Corporation (CGNX) | Machine vision, scanning | Direct competitor in vision and identification |
| Trimble Inc. (TRMB) | Asset tracking, logistics | Similar solutions in positioning and visibility |
| Datalogic S.p.A. | Scanners, RFID, printing | European player in AIDC space |
| SATO Holdings | Labeling, printing | Specialized in thermal printing |
| Dover Corporation (DOV) | Industrial tech | Broader industrial automation overlap |
Zebra holds leading market shares in key categories (e.g., ~50% in mobile computing, ~30% scanners, ~40% printers per analyst estimates like UBS). Source: Industry Analysis
Strong moat in rugged devices and integrated solutions; competition from larger diversified players or specialists varies by segment.
Data Limitations and Assumptions: All information is compiled from publicly available web sources, SEC filings, company reports, and analyst coverage as of August 2026. Financial figures are historical or from specific quarters/years and may be revised. Analyst ratings/targets are snapshots and subject to change. No current stock price is provided per guidelines. Stock performance descriptions are qualitative based on news; always verify latest data. This is not financial advice; consult professionals and primary sources. Interpretations are analytical opinions, not facts.