Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $1.3 billion for Q3, representing a 5% increase year-on-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.6%, a 20 basis point improvement, and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $3.88, which is 11% higher than the previous year [4][6] - Adjusted gross margin declined by 90 basis points to 48.2%, primarily due to higher U.S. import tariffs [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Enterprise Visibility and Mobility (EVM) segment grew by 2%, led by mobile computing, while the Asset Intelligence and Tracking (AIT) segment grew by 11%, driven by RFID and printing [7] - The software recurring revenue business grew modestly during the quarter [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales increased by 6%, with double-digit growth in mobile computing and RFID, although there was weakness in Canada [8] - Asia Pacific sales surged by 23%, led by Australia, New Zealand, and India, while Latin America saw an 8% increase [8] - EMEA sales declined by 3%, with mixed performance across the region [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on digitizing and automating workflows, with a strong emphasis on AI, mobile computing, and cloud solutions [11][12] - The acquisition of Elo Touch Solutions is expected to enhance the company's capabilities in self-service and point-of-sale solutions, increasing the addressable market [17][19] - The company plans to commit $500 million to share repurchases over the next 12 months to drive long-term shareholder value [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that customers are navigating an uncertain macro environment, leading to uneven demand across geographies and vertical markets [6][33] - The company anticipates sales growth of 8% to 11% in Q4, with adjusted EBITDA margin expected to be around 22% [10] - Management expressed confidence in sustainable long-term growth driven by trends such as labor constraints and advancements in AI [19] Other Important Information - The company has successfully mitigated the impact of tariffs, expecting a gross profit impact of approximately $24 million for the full year [9] - The company is transitioning to new reporting segments: Connected Frontline and Asset Visibility and Automation [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand trends and Q4 guidance - Management indicated that Q3 demand was solid, with some customers ordering earlier to meet peak season demand, but noted that EMEA continues to show weakness [24][25] Question: EVM segment growth - Management acknowledged strong growth in mobile computing but noted a decline in data capture due to tough comparisons [26][27] Question: 2026 outlook and demand characterization - Management stated that while customers remain cautious, they are well-positioned for long-term growth, particularly with AI advancements [32][33] Question: Large project funnel and customer conversations - Management reported consistent demand trajectory but noted that some customers are spreading projects over multiple quarters due to macro uncertainty [40][41] Question: Elo Touch Solutions impact on Q4 - Elo is expected to contribute approximately $100 million in Q4, with overall organic demand remaining flat [50][51] Question: RFID growth and future visibility - Management confirmed strong double-digit growth in RFID, with continued opportunities across various sectors [52][53] Question: AI opportunities and hardware refresh cycles - Management sees potential for higher-end devices and a refresh cycle driven by AI advancements, with first revenues expected in 2026 [56][57] Question: Pricing actions related to tariffs - Management noted that pricing actions have not significantly impacted demand, with an expected annual benefit of around $60 million from these actions [70][71] Question: OBBBA tax impact - Management expects a reduction in cash taxes due to the new tax bill, with an incremental cash benefit of over $200 million expected over the next two years [72][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, Zebra Technologies reported sales of $1.3 billion, a 5% increase year-on-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.6%, reflecting a 20 basis point improvement, and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $3.88, which is 11% higher than the previous year [4][6][10] - The company anticipates Q4 sales growth between 8% and 11%, with adjusted EBITDA margin expected to be approximately 22% and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share projected in the range of $4.20-$4.40 [10][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The enterprise visibility and mobility segment grew 2%, primarily driven by mobile computing, while the asset intelligence and tracking segment grew 11%, led by RFID and printing [7][8] - The software and recurring revenue business saw modest growth during the quarter [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales increased by 6%, with double-digit growth in mobile computing and RFID, although there was weakness in Canada [8] - Asia Pacific sales surged by 23%, driven by strong performance in Australia, New Zealand, and India [8] - Latin America experienced an 8% sales increase, while EMEA sales declined by 3%, with mixed performance across the region [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Zebra Technologies is focused on digitizing and automating workflows, leveraging its portfolio of innovative solutions, including hardware, software, and services [11][12] - The company is excited about growth opportunities from its recent acquisition of Elo Touch Solutions, which enhances its capabilities in self-service and point-of-sale solutions [17][19] - The company plans to report under two new segments: connected frontline and asset visibility and automation, aligning with its strategic priorities [7][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there is solid growth across most business areas, customers are navigating an uncertain macro environment, leading to uneven demand across geographies and vertical markets [6][34] - The company remains optimistic about long-term growth opportunities, particularly in AI and automation, which are expected to drive demand for its solutions [19][34] Other Important Information - Zebra Technologies has committed $500 million to share repurchases over the next 12 months, reflecting confidence in long-term shareholder value [6][8] - The company has successfully navigated supply chain challenges, including tariffs, and expects to mitigate the impact of U.S. import tariffs entering 2026 [9][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand trends and Q4 guidance - Management indicated that Q3 demand was strong, with solid growth across regions, but noted that Q4 guidance implies a deceleration in organic growth due to tough comparisons [24][25] Question: EVM segment growth - Management highlighted strong growth in mobile computing but noted a decline in data capture, impacting overall EVM performance [27][28] Question: 2026 outlook and demand across verticals - Management acknowledged cautious customer sentiment and uneven demand across different environments, but expressed confidence in sustainable growth driven by AI opportunities [34][35] Question: Large project funnel and customer conversations - Management reported consistent demand trajectory and ongoing capital spending from customers, despite some caution due to macro uncertainties [41][43] Question: RFID growth and future visibility - Management confirmed strong double-digit growth in RFID and ongoing opportunities across various verticals, including retail and logistics [55][56] Question: AI opportunities and hardware refresh cycles - Management discussed the potential for higher-end devices and the importance of AI in driving future growth, with expected revenues from AI solutions starting in 2026 [60][62] Question: Elo acquisition impact - Management confirmed that Elo is expected to contribute $100 million in Q4, aligning with previous growth expectations, and highlighted ongoing operational synergies [72][73] Question: Pricing actions related to tariffs - Management noted that pricing actions have not significantly impacted demand and are in line with industry trends [76] Question: OBBBA tax impact - Management expects a reduction in cash taxes due to the new tax bill, with an anticipated cash benefit of over $200 million in the next two years [78]