Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Why Is Jabil (JBL) Down 4% Since Last Earnings Report?

Read MoreHide Full Article

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Jabil (JBL - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 4% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.

But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Jabil due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Jabil, Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.

JBL Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates on AI Infrastructure Strength

Jabil has reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 core earnings of $4.40 per share, up 33.7% year over year and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.06 by 8.37%. Net revenues climbed 28.6% to $10.62 billion and topped the consensus mark of $9.62 billion by 10.41%.

Strong AI infrastructure demand remained the primary growth driver. Intelligent Infrastructure revenues jumped 56% year over year and represented 55% of quarterly sales, while the segment delivered a 6.5% core operating margin.

JBL's Revenue Growth Accelerates

Fiscal fourth-quarter revenues increased from $8.25 billion in the year-ago period to $10.6 billion. Core operating income rose to $675 million from $519 million, while core earnings advanced to $466 million from $360 million.

On a GAAP basis, operating income increased to $602 million from $337 million. GAAP net income attributable to Jabil was $398 million compared with $218 million a year earlier, while earnings rose to $3.76 per share from $1.99.

Jabil's Infrastructure Business Leads

Intelligent Infrastructure was the standout segment, supported by demand across capital equipment, cloud and data center infrastructure, and networking and communications. The business accounted for more than half of Jabil's quarterly revenues as customers continued scaling AI-related programs.

Management expects the momentum to extend into fiscal 2027. Intelligent Infrastructure revenues are projected at $25.6 billion, up 43% year over year. Cloud and Data Center Infrastructure revenues are expected to increase 52% to $17.5 billion, while Capital Equipment is projected to rise 40% to $4.2 billion.

JBL's Regulated Markets Advance

Regulated Industries revenues increased 9% year over year in the fiscal fourth quarter and generated a 5.8% core operating margin. The portfolio includes automotive and transportation, healthcare and packaging, and renewable and energy infrastructure.

For fiscal 2027, Jabil expects Regulated Industries revenues of $13.6 billion, up 7%. Management sees growth across all three end markets, including a 9% increase in Automotive and Transportation, 6% growth in Healthcare and Packaging and a 7% rise in Renewable and Energy Infrastructure.

Jabil's Margins & Cash Flow Strengthen

The company-wide core operating margin reached 6.4% in the fiscal fourth quarter compared with 6.3% a year earlier. Jabil generated $733 million in cash from operating activities during the quarter and $541 million in adjusted free cash flow. Share repurchases totaled $169 million.

For fiscal 2026, the adjusted free cash flow was $1.53 billion, up from $1.32 billion in fiscal 2025. The full-year operating cash flow totaled $2 billion. Jabil ended the year with $1.74 billion in cash and cash equivalents.

JBL Sets Q1’27 Guidance

For the first quarter of fiscal 2027, JBL expects revenues between $10.6 billion and $11.4 billion. Core earnings are projected to be $3.80-$4.20 per share, with core operating income between $592 million and $652 million.

The segmental revenue guidance calls for $6.3 billion from Intelligent Infrastructure, $3.5 billion from Regulated Industries and $1.2 billion from Intelligent Devices & Robotics. The outlook points to continued concentration of growth in infrastructure-related programs.

Jabil Outlines Strong FY27 Plan

For fiscal 2027, Jabil projects net revenues of $44.5 billion, indicating 24% year-over-year growth. The core operating margin is expected to expand to 6.1%, while core earnings are forecast at $17.55 per share. The adjusted free cash flow is expected to be $1.6 billion.

Management expects accelerating AI demand to be complemented by growth in automotive, healthcare, energy infrastructure, defense and aerospace, and warehouse and retail automation. The company also highlighted a new $1.5-billion share-repurchase authorization and plans to return more than 80% of adjusted free cash flow to shareholders over time.

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?

Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a upward trend in fresh estimates.

The consensus estimate has shifted 12.7% due to these changes.

VGM Scores

At this time, Jabil has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with a D. However, the stock was allocated a grade of B on the value side, putting it in the top 40% for this investment strategy.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

Outlook

Estimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. It comes with little surprise Jabil has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.

Published in