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    Zebra’s Higher 2026 Guidance and Big Buybacks Could Be A Game Changer For Zebra Technologies (ZBRA)

    Simply Wall St·05/23/2026 11:41:28
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    • Earlier in May 2026, Zebra Technologies reported first-quarter revenue of US$1,495 million with steady earnings, completed US$1,000 million in share repurchases across two authorizations, and issued upgraded sales guidance for both the second quarter and full year 2026.
    • The combination of solid operating results, sizable buybacks reducing the share count, and higher sales growth guidance highlights management’s confidence in demand for Zebra’s automation and workflow solutions.
    • We’ll now explore how Zebra’s higher 2026 sales guidance, supported by acquisitions and currency tailwinds, affects its existing investment narrative.

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    Zebra Technologies Investment Narrative Recap

    To own Zebra Technologies, you need to believe that automation, AI-enabled devices, and real-time visibility tools will remain essential to how warehouses, retailers, and factories run their operations. The key near term catalyst is whether higher 2026 sales guidance translates into sustained demand across Connected Frontline and Asset Visibility, while the biggest current risk is that hardware dependence and tariff exposure could still pressure margins. The latest results and guidance do not remove those risks, but they help support the demand side of the story.

    Of the recent announcements, the upgraded 2026 sales guidance looks most relevant. Management now expects full year sales growth of 10% to 14%, with about 7 percentage points tied to acquisitions and currency. This directly connects to the automation and workflow catalyst, as it shows how acquisitions like Elo and Photoneo and international exposure are contributing to the top line, even as questions remain about tariff impacts and the pace of Zebra’s shift toward software and services.

    Yet even with the stronger outlook, investors should be aware that tariff exposure and slower software mix shift could still...

    Read the full narrative on Zebra Technologies (it's free!)

    Zebra Technologies' narrative projects $6.7 billion revenue and $819.8 million earnings by 2029. This requires 7.5% yearly revenue growth and roughly a $400.8 million earnings increase from $419.0 million today.

    Uncover how Zebra Technologies' forecasts yield a $325.31 fair value, a 27% upside to its current price.

    Exploring Other Perspectives

    ZBRA 1-Year Stock Price Chart
    ZBRA 1-Year Stock Price Chart

    Some of the most pessimistic analysts were assuming revenue of about US$6.6 billion and earnings near US$665 million by 2029, which bakes in meaningful tariff and manufacturing headwinds compared with the more demand focused catalyst you just read about.

    Explore 4 other fair value estimates on Zebra Technologies - why the stock might be worth just $274.00!

    Reach Your Own Conclusion

    Disagree with existing narratives? Extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd, so go with your instincts.

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    This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.