Flex Ltd. (NASDAQ:FLEX) reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 on Wednesday, revealing solid performance across multiple key metrics. The company recorded net sales totaling $7.058 billion, representing an 8% uplift relative to the same quarter a year prior and exceeding its own forecast. This revenue figure also surpassed analyst expectations, which were set at $6.844 billion.
Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) meanwhile reached a company record of 87 cents, comfortably ahead of the 79-cent consensus driven by analysts. On a Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) basis, EPS were reported at 64 cents. Operational profitability reflected robust gains, with both GAAP and adjusted operating margins hitting record highs of 5.5% and 6.5%, respectively.
For the quarter, operating income amounted to $389 million while net income stood at $239 million. The company’s non-GAAP operating income was $460 million, guided by a margin of 6.5%. Adjusted net income was recorded at $326 million. Cash flows remain strong with free cash flow reaching $275 million, and operating cash flow of $420 million.
Flex closed the quarter with a strong liquidity position, holding $3.06 billion in cash and cash equivalents, balanced against long-term debt totaling $3.76 billion.
Despite these encouraging results, the company disclosed ongoing risks stemming from macroeconomic pressures. These include inflationary trends, fluctuations in currency valuations, and persistent geopolitical tensions, notably the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Of particular concern for Flex is its Ukrainian facility, which suffered significant operational disruption due to a missile strike in August 2025, causing damage and interruptions to normal functions.
Operationally, Flex continues to see strong traction in its data center business segment. Demand for next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) computing power and cooling solutions has increased substantially among major customers and industry partners. Additionally, the Medical Devices, Medical Equipment, Core Industrial, and Networking segments all exhibited sustained growth, benefiting from the company’s diversified industrial portfolio. The Automotive segment displayed signs of stabilization after prior volatility.
Looking forward, Flex has provided guidance for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. It anticipates net sales to range between $6.75 billion and $7.05 billion, and adjusted EPS within 83 to 89 cents. These projections slightly trail analyst expectations, which forecast $6.896 billion in revenue and 85 cents in adjusted EPS, respectively.
For the full fiscal year 2026, Flex has raised its adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $3.21 to $3.27, surpassing prior forecast band of $3.09 to $3.17 and exceeding the analyst consensus at $3.15. Sales guidance has also been improved to between $27.2 billion and $27.5 billion, aligning with analyst estimates near $27.119 billion.
Within its segment outlook, the company anticipates mid-single-digit growth in both Reliability Solutions and Agility Solutions. This optimism is supported by escalating data center power requirements and ongoing momentum in cloud computing, despite persistent softness in consumer device demand.
Flex’s Chief Executive Officer, Revathi Advaithi, commented on the results, noting, "Our strong performance continued in the third quarter, with results exceeding our guidance across all metrics. This performance reflects the strength of our diversified business model across industries, including Data Center. As we look ahead, we are confident in our ability to serve as a strategic enabler for our customers as they navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic world."
Despite the strong quarterly report and upward revisions to the annual forecast, Flex’s shares declined during Wednesday trading, reversing earlier gains. At the time of reporting, the stock was down approximately 13.85%, trading near $56.85 per share, according to market data.
The market reaction appears influenced by the modestly cautious fourth-quarter outlook relative to analyst estimates, ongoing geopolitical risks, and broader macroeconomic pressures that could constrain near-term operational execution.