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Gartner Lifts 2026 Outlook on Strong Q1 Profitability

Story Highlights
  • Gartner delivered higher earnings and strong cash generation in Q1 2026, offsetting modest revenue decline with growth in contract value and key segments while raising its full‑year profit and cash flow outlook.
  • The board expanded Gartner’s share repurchase authorization by $600 million after buying back $535 million in Q1, reinforcing its shareholder‑return strategy and signaling confidence in the firm’s financial position and outlook.
  • Looking for the best stocks to buy? Follow the recommendations of top-performing analysts.
Gartner Lifts 2026 Outlook on Strong Q1 Profitability

Meet Samuel – Your Personal Investing Prophet

An announcement from Gartner ( (IT) ) is now available.

On May 5, 2026, Gartner reported first‑quarter 2026 results showing diluted EPS up 17.3% to $3.18 and adjusted EPS up 11.4% to $3.32, as net income rose 5.4% to $222 million and free cash flow jumped 28.7% to $371 million despite a 1.5% decline in reported revenue to $1.51 billion. Contract value reached $5.3 billion, operating cash flow increased 24.7% to $391 million, and performance was driven by growth in Insights and Conferences, partially offset by weaker Consulting, prompting management to raise full‑year guidance for adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EPS and free cash flow.

Gartner’s board underscored confidence in the business and ongoing shareholder‑return strategy by authorizing an additional $600 million in share repurchases on April 30, 2026, supplementing the existing $7.5 billion program under which $640 million remained at month‑end and following $535 million of stock buybacks in the quarter. The combination of expanding profitability, robust cash generation and an enlarged buyback authorization positions the company to support its valuation, signal balance‑sheet strength and maintain a capital‑allocation stance that is likely to be welcomed by equity investors.

The most recent analyst rating on (IT) stock is a Buy with a $220.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Gartner stock, see the IT Stock Forecast page.

Spark’s Take on IT Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, IT is a Neutral.

The score is supported by solid underlying financial quality (strong margins and cash generation, improving leverage) and a reasonable P/E. It is held back primarily by very weak technicals (price below key moving averages with negative momentum) and a cautious 2026 outlook from the earnings call, including modest growth guidance and a guided EBITDA margin step-down.

To see Spark’s full report on IT stock, click here.

More about Gartner

Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) is a research and advisory firm that delivers actionable, objective business and technology insights to help organizations make smarter decisions and improve performance on mission‑critical priorities. The company generates revenue primarily through its Insights research subscriptions, technology and business advisory services, conferences and related consulting activities, serving corporate and public‑sector clients globally.

Average Trading Volume: 1,549,744

Technical Sentiment Signal: Sell

Current Market Cap: $9.97B

Learn more about IT stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.

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