Zebra(ZBRA) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, Zebra Technologies reported sales exceeding $1,300,000,000, representing a 12% increase compared to the prior year [7] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 22.3%, a 240 basis point increase year-over-year [7][12] - Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share were $4.2, a 42% increase from the previous year [7][12] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 150 basis points to 49.6% due to favorable business mix and volume leverage [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Asset Intelligence and Tracking segment sales increased by 18% [10] - Enterprise Visibility and Mobility segment sales grew by 9% [10] - Strong sales growth was observed across all major product categories and regions, with double-digit growth in most vertical end markets [7][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales grew by 7%, with notable strength in data capture, print, and RFID [11] - EMEA sales increased by 18%, particularly strong in Northern Europe [11] - Asia Pacific sales rose by 13%, led by Australia and New Zealand [11] - Latin America sales grew by 18%, with significant strength in Mexico [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning to profitable growth, extending market leadership, and advancing its portfolio of solutions [5] - Zebra Technologies is diversifying its supply chain beyond China and maintaining a capital-light business model to remain agile [5][14] - The company continues to invest approximately 10% of sales in research and development to enhance its innovative solutions [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that demand remained strong into Q2 2025, supported by robust retail year-end spending [6][31] - The company is cautious about the global trade environment and its potential impact on customer behavior, but has not observed significant changes in purchasing behavior to date [32][76] - The anticipated impact from U.S. import tariffs is estimated to be $70,000,000 for the full year, which is $50,000,000 higher than prior guidance [20] Other Important Information - Zebra Technologies generated $158,000,000 of free cash flow in Q1 2025 [12] - The company repurchased $125,000,000 of stock in Q1 and an additional $75,000,000 in April [13] - The acquisition of Photo Neo, a leading 3D machine vision company, is expected to contribute approximately 30 basis points to Zebra's overall sales growth in 2025 [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand picture and changes throughout the quarter - Management indicated that demand remained strong through April, supported by strong retail spending from the previous year [31][32] Question: Actions regarding tariffs and manufacturing footprint - Management discussed ongoing assessments of the manufacturing footprint and strategies to mitigate tariff impacts, including diversifying supply chains and adjusting production locations [32] Question: Manufacturing end market performance - Manufacturing showed high single-digit growth but lagged behind other verticals, with management noting ongoing improvements [38] Question: Pricing increases and realization - Management expressed confidence in the ability to implement price increases effectively, aligning with competitive actions in the market [70][72] Question: Visibility into demand and customer behavior - Management noted improved visibility into demand but highlighted ongoing uncertainty related to tariffs affecting customer sentiment [76] Question: Tariff impacts and mitigation strategies - Management confirmed that the anticipated tariff impact for the year is $70,000,000, with ongoing efforts to mitigate this through various strategies [20][114]