Jabil, Inc. (JBL Quick QuoteJBL - Free Report) third-quarter fiscal 2026 results surpassed expectations, driven by robust AI infrastructure demand and broad-based growth across its portfolio. Core earnings of $3.16 per share increased 23.9% year over year and topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.12 by 1.28%.

Net revenues rose 11.8% to $8.75 billion and exceeded the consensus mark of $8.63 billion by 1.39%. Intelligent Infrastructure remained the key growth engine, with segment revenues climbing 21% year over year.

Earnings and Revenue Top Expectations

Jabil reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 net revenues of $8.75 billion, up from $7.83 billion in the year-ago quarter. Revenues benefited from strong demand across multiple end markets, particularly AI-related cloud and data center infrastructure programs.

Core operating income increased to $504 million from $420 million a year ago. Core diluted earnings per share rose to $3.16 from $2.55, reflecting solid operating execution and margin expansion. On a GAAP basis, diluted earnings per share improved to $2.59 from $2.03.

Intelligent Infrastructure Leads Growth

The Intelligent Infrastructure segment remained Jabil’s largest business, contributing 48% of total revenue during the quarter. Segment revenue increased 21% year over year to approximately $4.2 billion, supported by strong demand in capital equipment, cloud and data center infrastructure, as well as networking and communications.

Management noted that networking and communications revenue increased more than 50%, aided by a strong networking ramp in India. Segment core operating margin expanded 80 basis points year over year to 6.1%, highlighting favorable mix and execution.

Other Segments Deliver Steady Results

Regulated Industries generated revenues of roughly $3.2 billion, representing 36% of total company sales. Revenues increased 4% year over year, driven primarily by stronger-than-expected automotive and transportation demand. Core operating margin improved 10 basis points to 5.6%.

Connected Living and Digital Commerce accounted for 16% of revenue. Sales rose 5% year over year to approximately $1.4 billion as consumer-related demand performed better than management’s cautious expectations. The segment delivered a core operating margin of 4.9%.

Margins and Cash Flow Improve

Jabil’s profitability strengthened during the quarter. Core operating margin expanded to 5.8% from 5.4% in the prior-year period, supported by a favorable business mix and disciplined execution across operations. GAAP operating income increased to $445 million from $403 million a year earlier.

Cash generation also remained healthy. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $535 million, while adjusted free cash flow reached $359 million after capital expenditures of $176 million. During the quarter, the company repurchased approximately $291 million of shares under its existing authorization.

AI Momentum Drives Outlook Higher

Management highlighted continued strength in AI infrastructure programs as a major growth catalyst. Jabil now expects AI-related revenue of approximately $13.6 billion in fiscal 2026, up from its prior forecast of $13.1 billion and significantly above the $9 billion generated in fiscal 2025. The company also secured a third hyperscale customer during the quarter, further strengthening its long-term growth prospects.

According to management, growth is being supported by capabilities across compute, storage, networking, optics, power, cooling and rack-level integration, while maintaining an asset-light operating model.

Fiscal 2026 Guidance Raised

Encouraged by strong third-quarter execution and healthy demand trends, Jabil raised its fiscal 2026 outlook. The company now expects fiscal 2026 revenues of approximately $35 billion, core operating margin of about 5.8%, core diluted earnings per share of roughly $12.70 and adjusted free cash flow exceeding $1.4 billion.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, management projects revenues between $9.2 billion and $10 billion and core diluted earnings per share of $3.80-$4.20. The outlook reflects continued momentum in Intelligent Infrastructure, particularly AI-related programs, as well as improving trends in automotive and other end markets.

JBL’s Zacks Rank

JBL currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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