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Zebra Technologies lifts annual sales forecast on strong automation demand

By Thomson Reuters May 12, 2026 | 6:15 AM

May 12 (Reuters) – Zebra Technologies on Tuesday raised its annual sales growth forecast, betting on robust demand for ​its products that help automate manufacturing ‌workflows, sending its shares 15% higher in early trading.

The company has benefited as warehouses, retailers and logistics firms increase automation to manage supply chains ‌and ​monitor operations more closely.

• ⁠Zebra’s products include ⁠enterprise software and hardware such as barcode scanners, RFID readers, industrial printers and autonomous robots.

• The company now expects sales ​growth between 10% and 14% in 2026, compared with its previous forecast of ⁠9% to 13%.

• ⁠The Lincolnshire, Illinois-based company also expects ​second-quarter sales growth between 14% and 17%, ​compared with analysts’ average estimate of 13.7%, ‌according to data compiled by LSEG.

• Adjusted profit is expected to be between $4.20 per share and $4.50 per share for the ⁠second quarter, above estimates of $4.14 per share.

• “As e-commerce, automation and Physical AI trends accelerate, we are well ⁠positioned to ‌drive profitable growth,” CEO ⁠Bill Burns said.

• Zebra posted net ​sales ‌of $1.50 billion for the quarter ​ended April ⁠4, beating estimates of $1.48 billion. Adjusted profit came in at $4.75 per share, compared with estimates of $4.25 per share.

(Reporting by Arunesh Sinha and Anhata Rooprai in Bengaluru; Editing by ​Sahal Muhammed)