Summary of Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) FY Conference Call - May 21, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) - **Event**: FY Conference Call - **Date**: May 21, 2025 Key Points Revenue Growth Guidance - **2025 Revenue Growth Guidance**: Expected to be between **3% to 7%** [3][4] - **Q1 Performance**: Achieved high end of guidance with strong demand trends [3] - **Q2 Guidance**: Mid single-digit growth anticipated [3] - **Customer Project Delays**: No significant delays reported due to tariff uncertainties [3][4] Market Conditions and Customer Sentiment - **Tariff Impact**: Ongoing monitoring of macroeconomic conditions and customer plans due to tariff uncertainties [4][5] - **Customer Conversations**: Discussions with CIOs indicate tariffs are a primary concern but have not significantly impacted project timelines [5][6] Demand Trends by Vertical - **Vertical Performance**: Accelerated growth across verticals, with manufacturing showing high single-digit growth, lagging behind other sectors [9][10] - **Digitization and Automation**: Customers are focusing on digitizing workflows and improving operational efficiency [9][10] Large Order Activity - **Large Orders**: Currently below 2021 and 2022 peak levels, with customers still absorbing previous deployments [12][13] Tariff Math and Pricing Strategy - **Tariff Costs**: Estimated impact of **$70 million** for the year, with **$50 million** offset by pricing increases [16][17] - **Price Increases**: A **10% price increase** implemented across most products to mitigate tariff impacts [20][21] - **Demand Elasticity**: No significant demand changes observed post-price increase, but monitoring continues [24] Long-term Growth and Market Position - **Long-term Growth Target**: Committed to **5% to 7%** organic growth over the cycle [38] - **Installed Base**: Mobile computing installed base is **35% higher** than in 2019, indicating growth potential [43] Margin and Profitability - **EBITDA Margin Guidance**: Expecting a **50 basis points contraction** due to tariffs, but core margins remain strong [44][45] - **Record Gross Margins**: Achieved the best gross margin since the Motorola acquisition [45] Machine Vision and Software Business - **Machine Vision Growth**: Excitement around the machine vision business as a long-term growth driver, especially post-acquisition of Fotoneo [48][49] - **Software Integration**: Launch of WorkCloud Sync to enhance software offerings and integrate with mobile computing [51][52] Capital Allocation and M&A Strategy - **Free Cash Flow**: Generated over **$1 billion** in free cash flow over the last four quarters, allowing for active capital return [53] - **M&A Criteria**: Focus on strategic fit, synergies, and cultural alignment for potential acquisitions [56] Inventory Management - **Channel Inventory**: Currently working through **$50 million to $100 million** of excess inventory, with plans to normalize levels by 2026 [64][65] Additional Insights - **Sourcing Strategy**: Aiming to reduce reliance on China for imports, currently at **30%**, with plans to further decrease [30][31] - **Production Flexibility**: Leveraging third-party manufacturers to maintain flexibility in production locations [36][35] This summary encapsulates the key insights and data points from the Zebra Technologies FY Conference Call, highlighting the company's current performance, market conditions, and strategic outlook.