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Zebra Technologies Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results

Business Wire04/08/202610:30
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Zebra Technologies Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results

Delivers record performance with broad-based growth across segments and regions

Raises full year outlook

Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating workflows to deliver intelligent operations, today announced results for the second quarter ended July 4, 2026.

Second-Quarter Financial Highlights

  • Net sales of $1,557 million; year-over-year increase of 20.4%
  • Net income of $233 million and net income per diluted share of $4.85
  • Non-GAAP diluted EPS increased year-over-year to $6.35
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased year-over-year to $431 million

* Recorded IEEPA tariff recoveries of $73 million, of which $14 million received in the quarter

  • Share repurchases of $268 million

“Our record results reflect broad-based demand for our innovative solutions and excellent execution on our growth and profitability priorities. We delivered for our customers by leveraging our long-standing supplier relationships to support our growth," said Bill Burns, Chief Executive Officer of Zebra Technologies. "The momentum we see across our business underscores Zebra's position as the foundation for intelligent operations and frontline AI as customers digitize and automate environments."

"Our strong balance sheet and cash flow continue to provide significant financial flexibility, enabling us to invest for growth while returning more than$560
million to shareholders in the first half of the year through disciplined share repurchases," said Nathan Winters, Chief Financial Officer of Zebra Technologies. "We believe this balanced approach positions Zebra to create long-term shareholder value." $ in millions, except per share amounts 2Q26 2Q25 Change Select reported measures:
Net sales$1,557$1,29320.4%
Gross profit82561633.9%
Gross margin53.0%47.6%540
bps Net income233112108.0%
Net income margin15.0%8.7%630
bps Net income per diluted share$4.85$2.19121.5%
Select Non-GAAP measures:
Adjusted net sales$1,557$1,29320.4%
Organic net sales growth9.2%
Adjusted gross profit83061934.1%
Adjusted gross margin53.3%47.9%540
bps Adjusted EBITDA43126761.4%
Adjusted EBITDA margin27.7%20.6%710
bps Non-GAAP net income$305$18664.0%
Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share$6.35$3.6175.9%

Second Quarter 2026 Compared to the Second Quarter 2025

Net sales were $1,557 million compared to $1,293 million in the prior year. Net sales in the Connected Frontline ("CF") segment were $903 million compared to $717 million in the prior year. Asset Visibility & Automation ("AVA") segment net sales were $654 million compared to $576 million in the prior year. Consolidated organic net sales increased 9.2% year-over-year, with a 7.5% increase in the CF segment and an 11.4% increase in the AVA segment.

Gross profit was $825 million compared to $616 million in the prior year. Gross margin increased to 53.0% compared to 47.6% in the prior year primarily due to IEEPA tariff recoveries and favorable foreign currency exchange. Adjusted gross margin was 53.3% compared to 47.9% in the prior year.

Operating expenses increased to $504 million from $433 million in the prior year primarily due to expenses associated with acquired businesses including amortization of intangible assets. Adjusted operating expenses increased to $419 million from $370 million in the prior year.

Net income was $233 million, or $4.85 per diluted share, compared to net income of $112 million, or $2.19 per diluted share, in the prior year. Non-GAAP net income increased to $305 million or $6.35 per diluted share, compared to $186 million, or $3.61 per diluted share for the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased to $431 million, or 27.7% of adjusted net sales, compared to $267 million, or 20.6% of adjusted net sales in the prior year.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

As of July 4, 2026, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $157 million and total debt of $2,776 million.

For the first six months of 2026, net cash provided by operating activities was $387 million and the Company invested $26 million in capital expenditures, resulting in free cash flow of $361 million. The Company also made share repurchases of $568 million.

Outlook

Mr. Burns added, "Strong demand momentum and progress on productivity and memory supply supports our significantly increased outlook for the full year. We are focused on driving sustainable growth across our business with our innovative portfolio of solutions, as we continue to benefit from trends in automation and Physical AI."

Third Quarter 2026

The Company expects third quarter sales growth between 17% and 20% compared to the prior year. This expectation includes approximately 10.5 points of favorable impact from business acquisitions, dispositions and foreign currency.

Adjusted EBITDA margin for the third quarter is expected to be approximately 22%. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $4.70 to $4.90. This assumes an adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 19%.

Full Year 2026

The Company expects full year sales growth between 14% and 16% compared to the prior year. This expectation includes approximately 8 points of favorable impact from business acquisitions, dispositions and foreign currency.

Adjusted EBITDA margin for the full year is expected to be between 23.5% and 24.0%. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $20.75 to $21.25. This assumes an adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 19%.

Free Cash Flow for the full year is expected to be greater than $1 billion.

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 and the stylized Zebra head are trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. You may quote this release with attribution. ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In millions, except share data) July 4,   December 31,

20262025
(Unaudited) Assets Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$157$125
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of$1
million990801
each as of July 4,2026
and December 31,2025
Inventories, net733729
Income tax receivable5631
Prepaid expenses and other current assets126110
Total Current assets2,0621,796
Property, plant and equipment, net346353
Right-of-use lease assets168166
Goodwill4,7014,727
Other intangibles, net725809
Deferred income taxes396414
Other long-term assets239237
Total Assets$8,637$8,502
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt$2,275$141
Accounts payable738695
Accrued liabilities506558
Deferred revenue444446
Income taxes payable3512
Total Current liabilities3,9981,852
Long-term debt4932,361
Long-term lease liabilities156157
Deferred income taxes3132
Long-term deferred revenue391396
Other long-term liabilities133116
Total Liabilities5,2024,914
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized10,000,000
shares; none issued
Class A common stock, $.01 par value; authorized150,000,000
shares; issued1172,151,857
shares Additional paid-in capital882814
Treasury stock at cost,24,762,921
and22,558,911
shares as of July 4,2026(3,057)(2,488)
and December 31, 2025, respectively Retained earnings5,6475,279
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(38)(18)
Total Stockholders’ Equity3,4353,588
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$8,637$8,502

ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In millions, except share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended July 4,   June 28,   July 4,   June 28,

2026202520262025
Net sales:
Tangible products$1,316$1,055$2,547$2,117
Services and software241238505484
Total Net sales1,5571,2933,0522,601
Cost of sales:
Tangible products6155531,2381,095
Services and software117124247245
Total Cost of sales7326771,4851,340
Gross profit8256161,5671,261
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing184158373319
Research and development159144324295
General and administrative114102241213
Amortization of intangible assets37257449
Acquisition and integration costs2437
Exit and restructuring costs816
Total Operating expenses5044331,031883
Operating income321183536378
Other (loss) income, net:
Foreign exchange loss(2)(11)(2)(16)
Interest expense, net(35)(25)(72)(48)
Other income (expense), net1(9)(10)(11)
Total Other expense, net(36)(45)(84)(75)
Income before income tax285138452303
Income tax expense52268455
Net income$233$112$368$248
Basic earnings per share$4.89$2.20$7.61$4.85
Diluted earnings per share$4.85$2.19$7.54$4.81

ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In millions) (Unaudited) Six Months Ended July 4,   June 28,

20262025
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$368$248
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization11384
Losses on long-term investments1510
Share-based compensation9483
Deferred income taxes9(30)
Gain on sale of business(5)
Other, net2
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net(193)81
Inventories, net(7)11
Other assets(10)10
Accounts payable35(71)
Accrued liabilities(35)(101)
Deferred revenue(8)13
Income taxes11(10)
Other operating activities(5)
Net cash provided by operating activities387325
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of business(62)
Proceeds from the sale of business9
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(26)(37)
Proceeds from sale of long-term investments1
Other investing activities1
Net cash used in investing activities(15)(99)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of debt(59)
Proceeds from issuance of debt325
Payments for repurchases of common stock(568)(250)
Net payments related to share-based compensation plans(21)(16)
Change in unremitted cash collections from servicing factored receivables(17)7
Other financing activities(1)2
Net cash used in financing activities(341)(257)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents12
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents32(29)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period125901
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$157$872
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid$75$95
Interest paid$71$55
Certain prior period amounts included in Net cash provided by operating activities have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF ORGANIC NET SALES GROWTH (Unaudited) Three Months Ended July 4,2026
CF AVA Consolidated Consolidated Reported GAAP Net sales growth25.9%13.5%20.4%
Adjustments:
Impact of foreign currency translations ((1))(2.5)%(2.3)%(2.5)%
Impact of acquisitions and dispositions ((2))(15.9)%0.2%(8.7)%
Consolidated Organic Net sales growth7.5%11.4%9.2%
Six Months Ended July 4,2026
CF AVA Consolidated Reported GAAP Consolidated Net sales growth23.3%10.3%17.3%
Adjustments:
Impact of foreign currency translations ((1))(2.3)%(2.2)%(2.2)%
Impact of acquisitions and dispositions ((2))(15.3)%(0.1)%(8.3)%
Consolidated Organic Net sales growth5.7%8.0%6.8%

(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 July 4,2026
June 28,2025
CF AVA Consolidated CF AVA Consolidated GAAP Reported Net sales$903$654$1,557$717$576$1,293
Reported Gross profit ((1))462368825339280616
Gross Margin51.2%56.3%53.0%47.3%48.6%47.6%
Operating Income ((2))219192321142107183
Non-GAAP Adjusted Net sales$903$654$1,557$717$576$1,293
Adjusted Gross profit ((1))462368830339280619
Adjusted Gross Margin51.2%56.3%53.3%47.3%48.6%47.9%
Adjusted Operating Income ((2))219192411142107249
Six Months Ended July 4,2026
June 28,2025
CF AVA Consolidated CF AVA Consolidated GAAP Reported Net sales$1,728$1,324$3,052$1,401$1,200$2,601
Reported Gross profit ((1))8677161,5676725961,261
Gross Margin50.2%54.1%51.3%48.0%49.7%48.5%
Operating Income ((2))388351536282242378
Non-GAAP Adjusted Net sales$1,728$1,324$3,052$1,401$1,200$2,601
Adjusted Gross profit ((1))8677161,5836725961,268
Adjusted Gross Margin50.2%54.1%51.9%48.0%49.7%48.8%
Adjusted Operating Income ((2))388351739282242524

(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   Six Months Ended July 4,   June 28,   July 4,   June 28,

2026202520262025
GAAP Net income$233$112$368$248
Adjustments to Cost of sales ((1)) Purchase accounting adjustments5
Share-based compensation53117
Total adjustments to Cost of sales53167
Adjustments to Operating expenses ((1)) Amortization of intangible assets37257449
Acquisition and integration costs2437
Share-based compensation38349483
Exit and restructuring costs816
Total adjustments to Operating expenses8563187139
Adjustments to Other expense, net ((1)) Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts121
Losses on long-term investments101510
Foreign exchange loss211216
Gain on sale of business(5)
Other adjustments to Other expense, net(3)(3)
Total adjustments to Other expense, net211127
Income tax effect of adjustments ((2)) Reported income tax expense52268455
Adjusted income tax(70)(39)(126)(82)
Total adjustments to income tax(18)(13)(42)(27)
Total adjustments7274172146
Non-GAAP Net income$305$186$540$394
GAAP earnings per share Basic$4.89$2.20$7.61$4.85
Diluted$4.85$2.19$7.54$4.81
Non-GAAP earnings per share Basic$6.40$3.63$11.17$7.69
Diluted$6.35$3.61$11.08$7.63
Basic weighted average shares outstanding47,717,20550,939,47448,364,99451,154,241
Diluted weighted average and equivalent shares outstanding48,129,26551,282,27348,776,54951,546,410

(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   Six Months Ended July 4,   June 28,   July 4,   June 28,

2026202520262025
GAAP Net income$233$112$368$248
Add back:
Depreciation (excluding exit and restructuring)20183935
Amortization of intangible assets37257449
Total Other expense, net36458475
Income tax expense52268455
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)378226649462
Adjustments to Cost of sales Purchase accounting adjustments5
Share-based compensation53117
Total adjustments to Cost of sales53167
Adjustments to Operating expenses
Acquisition and integration costs2437
Share-based compensation38349483
Exit and restructuring costs816
Total adjustments to Operating expenses483811390
Total adjustments to EBITDA534112997
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)$431$267$778$559
Adjusted EBITDA margin (Non-GAAP)27.7%20.6%25.5%21.5%

FREE CASH FLOW Six Months Ended July 4,   June 28,

2026 2025 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 387     $ 325 Less: Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (26 )     (37 ) Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)((1)) $ 361     $ 288 (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.

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Investors

Michael Steele, CFA, IRC

Vice President, Investor Relations

Phone: + 1 847 518 6432

InvestorRelations@zebra.com (mailto:InvestorRelations@zebra.com)

Media

Therese Van Ryne

Senior Director, External Communications

Phone: + 1 847 370 2317

therese.vanryne@zebra.com (mailto:therese.vanryne@zebra.com)

Copyright Business Wire 2026

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