Earnings Call
May 5, 2026
Q1 FY2026
EPS Estimate
2.99
EPS Actual
3.32
Post-Earnings Close
$149.49
Earnings Reaction
+1.2%
Gartner's first quarter 2026 results came in ahead of internal expectations across revenue, EBITDA, adjusted EPS, and free cash flow, though the headline numbers mask a more nuanced story: a strong January and February gave way to a notable deceleration in client decision-making through March as geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs, trade policy volatility, and broader macro disruption, caused enterprise buyers to pause rather than cancel. Management was careful to distinguish hesitation from cancellation, noting that many deals delayed in March subsequently closed in April, suggesting demand destruction is limited even if sales cycles have lengthened. Adjusted EPS of $3.32 was up 11% year-over-year, aided meaningfully by an aggressive buyback program that reduced the share count by roughly 10% year-over-year. Free cash flow of $371 million was up 29%, and the company exited the quarter with approximately $1.2 billion of deployable capital after a $535 million repurchase in Q1 alone.
Report generated on May 6, 2026
AI-generated earnings analysis. Not investment advice.
Chief Executive Officer
The quarter's results reflected a combination of company-specific execution and broader sector dynamics, with management addressing several of the key debates that analysts had flagged heading into the print. Guidance commentary pointed to continued momentum in the core segments, while questions on margins and capital allocation drew more nuanced responses from the leadership team over the course of the call.
The quarter's results reflected a combination of company-specific execution and broader sector dynamics, with management addressing several of the key debates that analysts had flagged heading into the print. Guidance commentary pointed to continued momentum in the core segments, while questions on margins and capital allocation drew more nuanced responses from the leadership team over the course of the call.
The quarter's results reflected a combination of company-specific execution and broader sector dynamics, with management addressing several of the key debates that analysts had flagged heading into the print. Guidance commentary pointed to continued momentum in the core segments, while questions on margins and capital allocation drew more nuanced responses from the leadership team over the course of the call.
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