Trimble Inc. (TRMB) vs Zebra Technologies Corporation (ZBRA)

ZBRA leads on 8 of 15 compared metrics, though TRMB is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Trimble Inc. and Zebra Technologies Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — TRMB vs ZBRA

growth of $100 · last 30y
TRMB +1215.3%ZBRA +1839.4%ZBRA compounded faster
01k2k3k4k5kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,315$1,939
TRMB ZBRA

TRMB vs ZBRA: by the numbers

  • TRMB is the larger company ($11.75B vs $10.88B market cap).
  • TRMB trades at the lower earnings multiple (26.54 vs 27.79 P/E).
  • TRMB converts more revenue to profit (12.37% vs 7.49% net margin).
  • ZBRA grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.31% vs 2.60% CAGR).

Which is better, TRMB or ZBRA?

Metric tally: TRMB 7 · ZBRA 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueTRMB(lower P/E)
GrowthZBRA(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityZBRA(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricTRMBZBRA
P/E ratio26.5427.79
Forward P/E16.3112.31
P/S ratio3.242.07
P/B ratio2.123.33
PEG ratio10.37
EV / EBITDA16.0315.44
FCF yield2.12%7.23%

Profitability

MetricTRMBZBRA
Gross margin68.06%47.47%
Operating margin17.82%14.38%
Net margin12.37%7.49%
ROE8.09%12.05%
ROIC6.48%8.81%

Growth (annualized)

MetricTRMBZBRA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.60%3.31%
EPS CAGR (5Y)2.56%-2.66%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-18.28%-3.79%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-8.50%-14.78%

Frequently asked

Which is better, TRMB or ZBRA?
It depends on your goal. value: TRMB (lower P/E); growth: ZBRA (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: ZBRA (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ZBRA leads 8 to 7.
Is TRMB or ZBRA cheaper?
On trailing earnings, TRMB is cheaper: TRMB trades at a 26.54 P/E and ZBRA at 27.79.
Which has grown faster, TRMB or ZBRA?
Over the past five years, ZBRA grew revenue faster — TRMB at a 2.60% CAGR versus ZBRA at 3.31%.
Is TRMB or ZBRA more profitable?
TRMB runs the higher net margin — TRMB at 12.37% versus ZBRA at 7.49%.
Which has been the better investment, TRMB or ZBRA?
Over the past 10-year, ZBRA delivered the higher annualized total return — TRMB at 6.86% versus ZBRA at 15.08%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 13, 2026.