Zebra Technologies Corporation

(NASDAQ Global Select)
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Bullish +65

Is Zebra Technologies Stock a Smart Buy Before Q3 Earnings Release?

Acquisition Earnings report AI-generated analysis

πŸ“… ZBRA is scheduled to release Q3 2026 earnings results before the market opens on November 3.

πŸ’° Analysts estimate quarterly earnings of $4.90, implying a 26.3% year-over-year growth rate.

πŸ“ˆ Revenue expectations stand at $1.56 billion, reflecting an 18.5% increase compared to the prior year.

πŸš€ ZBRA shares have gained 47.2% over the last year, outperforming the S&P 500 and its manufacturing peers.

πŸ” The company is benefiting from strong demand in mobile computing, printing, machine vision, and RFID segments.

πŸ’» Connected Frontline segment sales are forecast at $881 million for the third quarter.

🏭 Asset Visibility & Automation segment sales are projected to reach $689 million this quarter.

πŸ€– Strategic acquisitions including Elo Touch Solutions and Photoneo are enhancing AI and automation workflows.

πŸ’΅ Healthy free cash flow generation continues to fund substantial share repurchase programs.

πŸ“‰ ZBRA trades at a forward P/E of 20.02, which is modestly higher than the industry average of 19.86.

πŸ† The stock holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and an Earnings ESP of 0.00% ahead of earnings.

πŸ›’ Growth is being fueled by deepening customer adoption of integrated hardware, software, and services.

Bullish Signals
  • Shares have popped 47.2% in the past year, significantly outperforming the Zacks Manufacturing - Thermal Products industry rise of 46% and the S&P 500's increase of 13.2%.
  • The company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the trailing four quarters with an average earnings surprise of roughly 15.5%.
  • Strong free cash flow generation continues to support substantial share repurchases and strategic investments in business growth.
  • Broad demand across retail, manufacturing, and healthcare is supporting growth in mobile computing, printing, machine vision, and RFID segments.
  • Strategic acquisitions such as Elo Touch Solutions and Photoneo are expanding the addressable market and strengthening automation and AI capabilities.
  • Healthy earnings growth expectations reinforce the longer-term outlook, backed by a positive earnings outlook for investors seeking continued growth.
Full Analysis
Zebra Technologies Corporation (ZBRA) is preparing to report its third-quarter 2026 earnings results before the opening bell on November 3. Analyst consensus estimates project quarterly earnings of $4.90, representing a 26.3% year-over-year increase, and revenues of $1.56 billion, an 18.5% rise from the prior year. The company has historically beaten these estimates in three of its last four quarters, averaging a 15.5% earnings surprise. ZBRA is driven by broad demand across retail, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors through its core offerings in mobile computing, printing, machine vision, and RFID. Specific segment forecasts peg Connected Frontline sales at $881 million and Asset Visibility & Automation sales at $689 million. The company continues to advance digital capabilities, optimize supply chains, and expand data analytics to support customer engagement and operational efficiency. Financially, ZBRA shares have surged 47.2% over the past year, significantly outperforming both its industry peers and the broader S&P 500. While trading at a forward P/E of 20.02, slightly above the industry average, the stock offers a discount to competitor Honeywell International. Strong free cash flow generation supports ongoing share repurchases and strategic investments, while recent acquisitions like Elo Touch Solutions and Photoneo are expanding its automation and AI capabilities.