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HLIT vs ZBRA
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Harmonic Inc. (HLIT) vs. Zebra Technologies Corporation (ZBRA) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- HLIT has delivered strong year-to-date gains of approximately 30%, significantly outperforming ZBRA's roughly -7% decline amid broader market positioning.
- Both companies operate in the communication equipment sector, but HLIT focuses on broadband solutions while ZBRA emphasizes automatic identification and data capture technologies.
- Recent momentum favors HLIT, with shares hitting 52-week highs near recent market activity, driven by broadband demand.
- ZBRA shows resilience through AI investments and partnerships, positioning it for potential recovery in enterprise automation.
- Analyst targets suggest upside for both, with ZBRA at higher absolute levels reflecting its larger market cap of about $11 billion versus HLIT's $1.4 billion.
- Upcoming Q1 2026 earnings for both could shift sentiment, with HLIT reporting May 11 and ZBRA on May 12.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines HLIT and ZBRA, two players in the communication equipment sector serving broadband and enterprise data needs. Traders seeking momentum in tech hardware and investors eyeing relative performance in volatile markets may find value here. With HLIT riding broadband tailwinds and ZBRA advancing AI-driven automation, their trajectories highlight trade-offs in growth drivers and risk profiles. This analysis draws on recent price behavior, sector exposure, and market sentiment for a balanced view on stock comparison and positioning.
HLIT Overview and Recent Performance
Harmonic Inc. (HLIT) develops software-based broadband access solutions, including its cOS platform (content optimization system), for cable and telco operators worldwide. Headquartered in San Jose, California, the company serves video delivery and high-speed internet demands with hardware like nodes and shelves alongside cloud services.
In recent market activity, HLIT shares have surged, achieving year-to-date returns of about 30% and one-year gains near 41%, outpacing the S&P 500. The stock recently touched 52-week highs around $12.88, reflecting heightened volume and positive sentiment tied to broadband infrastructure demand. Analysts note improving industry conditions and easing headwinds, with price targets averaging $12.71 and some raised to $14. Q1 2026 earnings, due May 11, are anticipated to provide further catalysts amid a $120 million deal announcement boosting visibility.
ZBRA Overview and Recent Performance
Zebra Technologies Corporation (ZBRA) designs and sells automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) products, including barcode scanners, printers, and RFID solutions for asset tracking in retail, healthcare, and logistics. With 10,700 employees and headquarters in Lincolnshire, Illinois, it operates in connected frontline and asset visibility segments.
Recent weeks have seen ZBRA shares trade in a range, with year-to-date declines around 7% and one-year returns of about 15%, lagging broader indices. The stock hovers near $226, down from 52-week highs of $353, amid market rotations but supported by strategic moves like investments in Apera AI for automation and partnerships with Aiva Health for voice AI in healthcare. Q4 2025 results showed revenue growth to $1.48 billion, beating estimates, with Q1 2026 earnings set for May 12. Analysts project EPS of $4.21 and maintain a consensus "Hold" with targets up to $325.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
HLIT and ZBRA share communication equipment sector exposure but diverge in business models: HLIT's broadband focus taps cable/telco upgrades, while ZBRA's AIDC hardware drives enterprise workflows.
Growth drivers contrast sharply—HLIT benefits from cOS subscriptions and video infrastructure stabilization, projecting broadband revenue of $440-480 million for 2026, versus ZBRA's AI enhancements amid softening demand. Recent momentum favors HLIT with 30% YTD gains and new highs, while ZBRA lags at -7% YTD but holds steadier longer-term returns.
Risk factors include HLIT's smaller cap ($1.4B) and net losses versus ZBRA's $11B scale and profitability, though both face supply chain pressures. Market sentiment leans positive for HLIT's relative performance in a rotating tech landscape.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Tickeron’s AI currently favors HLIT due to superior recent momentum, trend consistency in broadband catalysts, and stronger relative YTD positioning versus the sector. While ZBRA offers stability and AI upside, HLIT's outperformance suggests higher probability of near-term gains, pending earnings outcomes.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full Disclaimers and Limitations.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is HLIT is a StrongBuy and ZBRA is a Hold.
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
HLIT’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green whileZBRA’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- HLIT’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- ZBRA’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
HLIT’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ZBRA’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HLIT’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
- ZBRA’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
HLIT (@Telecommunications Equipment) experienced а -7.91% price change this week, while ZBRA (@Telecommunications Equipment) price change was -13.04% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Telecommunications Equipment industry was -5.21%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +3.82%, and the average quarterly price growth was +58.01%.
Reported Earning Dates
HLIT is expected to report earnings on Aug 03, 2026.
ZBRA is expected to report earnings on Aug 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Telecommunications Equipment (-5.21% weekly)The Telecommunications Equipment industry produces voice and data communications equipment, which includes fiber optic delivery products, digital signal processors, high-speed voice, data and video delivery. Additionally, satellite systems, global positioning systems, wireless data systems, personal communications equipment, telephone handsets and payload equipment for satellites also fall into this category. Apple Inc., QUALCOMM Incorporated and Nokia are major global players in this segment.
| HLIT | ZBRA | HLIT / ZBRA | |
| Capitalization | 1.47B | 10.3B | 14% |
| EBITDA | 37.5M | 884M | 4% |
| Gain YTD | 36.502 | -10.720 | -341% |
| P/E Ratio | 168.75 | 26.18 | 645% |
| Revenue | 397M | 5.58B | 7% |
| Total Cash | 109M | 114M | 96% |
| Total Debt | 131M | 2.85B | 5% |
HLIT | ZBRA | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 90 | 70 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 76 Overvalued | 36 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 63 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 100 | 66 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 38 | 57 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 2 | 58 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ZBRA's Valuation (36) in the Computer Peripherals industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLIT (76) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that ZBRA’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLIT’s over the last 12 months.
HLIT's Profit vs Risk Rating (63) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ZBRA (100) in the Computer Peripherals industry. This means that HLIT’s stock grew somewhat faster than ZBRA’s over the last 12 months.
ZBRA's SMR Rating (66) in the Computer Peripherals industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLIT (100) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that ZBRA’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLIT’s over the last 12 months.
HLIT's Price Growth Rating (38) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is in the same range as ZBRA (57) in the Computer Peripherals industry. This means that HLIT’s stock grew similarly to ZBRA’s over the last 12 months.
HLIT's P/E Growth Rating (2) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ZBRA (58) in the Computer Peripherals industry. This means that HLIT’s stock grew somewhat faster than ZBRA’s over the last 12 months.
| HLIT | ZBRA | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 1 day ago 57% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 81% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 1 day ago 70% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 1 day ago 78% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 1 day ago 69% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 1 day ago 70% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 15 days ago 76% | 2 days ago 66% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 70% | 6 days ago 71% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 1 day ago 66% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | N/A |
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HLIT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HLIT has been loosely correlated with DGII. These tickers have moved in lockstep 47% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if HLIT jumps, then DGII could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To HLIT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HLIT | 100% | +0.67% | ||
| DGII - HLIT | 47% Loosely correlated | -2.63% | ||
| CRNT - HLIT | 42% Loosely correlated | -2.92% | ||
| VIAV - HLIT | 41% Loosely correlated | +0.84% | ||
| ADTN - HLIT | 40% Loosely correlated | +4.77% | ||
| LTRX - HLIT | 40% Loosely correlated | +1.49% | ||
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