Flex vs. Jabil: Which EMS Stock Is the Better Buy for Now?

Industry Overview - The global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by AI data centers, consumer electronics, IoT markets, 5G adoption, and automotive innovations, particularly electric vehicles. The EMS industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.95% from 2025 to 2034 [1]. Company Analysis: Flex Ltd (FLEX) - Flex is well-positioned for multi-year growth, with its data center business identified as the primary growth engine, significantly influenced by AI infrastructure developments [3][4]. - The company has introduced a new AI infrastructure platform that enhances data center deployment speed by up to 30% and reduces execution risk [4]. - Flex's revenue from the data center segment is expected to rise at least 35% in the current fiscal year, benefiting from partnerships with leading technology companies like NVIDIA [5][10]. - Despite strong performance in the power and cloud markets, Flex anticipates a slight decline in Agility Solutions revenues due to softer demand in consumer devices and challenges from the Ukraine facility shutdown [7][8]. - The diversified portfolio of Flex continues to provide stability, with steady demand in the Health Solutions segment and growth in the Communications and enterprise segment [6]. Company Analysis: Jabil Inc (JBL) - Jabil's growth is driven by its expanding opportunities in healthcare, cloud, data center, and energy infrastructure, with its Intelligent Infrastructure segment emerging as a key growth driver [9]. - The Intelligent Infrastructure segment generated $3.9 billion in revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, reflecting a 54% year-over-year increase and constituting 46% of total revenues [11]. - Jabil's cloud and data center business is projected to reach $9.8 billion for fiscal 2026, bolstered by new program wins and acquisitions [12]. - The healthcare segment is expected to remain a long-term growth catalyst, with strong visibility into program ramps across various medical technologies [13]. - Jabil's free cash flow was $1.3 billion in fiscal 2025, with expectations to maintain this level in fiscal 2026, allowing for share buybacks and continued investments [15]. Performance and Valuation - Over the past six months, FLEX and JBL have seen stock gains of 27.2% and 7.2%, respectively [16]. - FLEX is trading at a forward 12-month price/earnings ratio of 18.22X, while JBL is at 19.02X, indicating a slightly more favorable valuation for FLEX [17]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts have maintained FLEX's earnings estimates for the current fiscal year, with no revisions over the past 60 days [19]. - In contrast, JBL has seen a 4.5% upward revision in its earnings estimates during the same period [20]. Investment Outlook - FLEX currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), while JBL has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting that JBL may present a better investment opportunity at this time [21].