Gartner Stock Plummets Despite Q4 Earnings Beat
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 03 2026
0mins
Should l Buy IT?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Earnings Beat Expectations: Gartner reported Q4 2025 revenue of $1.75 billion, a 2% year-over-year increase that met analyst expectations, but adjusted earnings fell 28% to $3.94 per share, below the anticipated $3.51, indicating pressure on profitability.
- Disappointing 2026 Guidance: Management's forecast for 2026 sales of at least $6.46 billion represents a 0.6% decline from 2025, with adjusted earnings projected at $12.30 per share, down from $13.17 in 2025, leading to a loss of investor confidence.
- Significant Stock Decline: Following the earnings report, Gartner's stock opened 31.2% lower, recovering slightly to a 21.6% decline by 2:15 PM, reflecting pessimism about future prospects, with a staggering 71% drop over the past 52 weeks.
- Challenging Market Conditions: Amid increasing economic uncertainty, Gartner faces declining demand for business advice, particularly as clients turn to accessible AI tools, necessitating a strategic overhaul to demonstrate value and drive growth.
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Analyst Views on IT
Wall Street analysts forecast IT stock price to rise
11 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
6 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 153.630
Low
150.00
Averages
190.70
High
240.00
Current: 153.630
Low
150.00
Averages
190.70
High
240.00
About IT
Gartner, Inc. delivers actionable, objective insight to executives and their teams. It operates through three segments: Research, Conferences and Consulting. The Research segment delivers independent, objective insight to leaders across an enterprise through subscription services that include on-demand access to published research content, data and benchmarks, and direct access to a network of research experts located around the globe. The Gartner Conferences segment is designed for information technology (IT) and business executives as well as decision-makers looking to adapt and evolve their organizations through disruption and uncertainty, navigate risks and prioritize investments. The Consulting segment serves chief information officers and other senior executives to optimize technology investments and drive business impact. The Company also provides solutions for a range of IT-related priorities, including IT cost optimization, digital transformation, and IT sourcing optimization.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Investigation into Gartner's Financial Metrics Presentation
- Investigation Launched: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating Gartner, Inc. regarding the presentation of financial metrics in its earnings communications and SEC filings, particularly whether the disclosure of non-GAAP financial measures complies with SEC regulations, potentially impacting investor understanding of the company's performance.
- Earnings Report Scrutiny: The Q4 2026 earnings report revealed that while earnings per share exceeded analyst expectations, revenue fell short of consensus forecasts, and the company's full-year 2026 outlook indicated a year-over-year decline, which could undermine investor confidence.
- Stock Buyback Implications: Gartner repurchased over $1 billion in stock during Q3 2025, reducing share count by 6% year-over-year, with CFO Craig Safian noting this guidance was based on 78 million shares; however, changing revenue trends may render this assumption unrealistic.
- Stock Price Volatility: Following the earnings release, Gartner's shares dropped more than 20% in midday trading, hitting a new 52-week low, with trading volume significantly exceeding normal levels, indicating market concerns about the company's financial health.
See More
Investigation into Gartner's Financial Metrics Presentation
- Investigation Launched: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating Gartner, Inc. regarding the presentation of financial metrics in its earnings communications and SEC filings, particularly compliance with SEC regulations on non-GAAP financial measures.
- Inconsistent Performance Disclosure: Gartner's Q4 2026 earnings report revealed that while earnings per share exceeded analyst expectations, revenue fell short of consensus, and the company projected a year-over-year decline for 2026, potentially undermining investor confidence.
- Impact of Stock Buybacks: Gartner repurchased over $1 billion in stock during Q3 2025, reducing share count by 6% year-over-year, with CFO Craig Safian's EPS guidance based on 78 million shares possibly failing to reflect actual revenue trends.
- Significant Stock Price Drop: Following the earnings release, Gartner's shares plummeted over 20% in midday trading, hitting a new 52-week low, with trading volume significantly increasing, indicating market concerns about the company's outlook.
See More
Software Stocks Decline and Investment Opportunities
- Market Decline: The S&P North American Technology Software Index has fallen 30% from its September all-time high, entering bear market territory primarily due to investor concerns that AI tools will reduce demand for existing products, leading to widespread pressure on software stocks.
- Microsoft Growth Potential: Microsoft's median target price suggests a 50% upside, driven by its strong position in enterprise software and the application of generative AI assistants, which propelled a 160% increase in paid Microsoft 365 Copilot seats in the December quarter.
- ServiceNow Market Leadership: ServiceNow's leadership in IT asset and service management has distinguished it in AI applications, with fourth-quarter revenue rising 20% to $3.5 billion and a non-GAAP operating margin expanding to 31%, indicating robust profitability.
- Investment Timing: Despite the pressure on software stocks, analysts believe this is a good time to invest, as Microsoft and ServiceNow's stock prices have fallen 26% and 52% from their historical highs, respectively, with analyst target prices implying 50% and 83% upside potential.
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- Gartner Earnings Miss: Gartner (NYSE:IT) fell 25.41% this week following the release of its fourth-quarter financial results and a downward revision of its FY26 guidance, with analysts' pessimistic outlook likely to exert further pressure on the stock.
- Reddit Stock Decline: Reddit (NYSE:RDDT) dropped 23.10% this week as multiple analysts lowered their price forecasts, reflecting market concerns over its profitability and potentially hindering its financing and expansion plans.
- Analyst Downgrades: Several analysts adjusted their price targets downward for these companies, indicating a widespread bearish sentiment regarding their future performance, which may lead investors to reassess their portfolios.
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The Software Crisis Exemplifies Classic Doublethink—Stay Aware.
- Doublethink Concept: Doublethink, a key theme in George Orwell's "1984," refers to the ability to hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously.
- Wall Street's Behavior: The article suggests that Wall Street is currently exhibiting a form of doublethink in its actions and beliefs.
See More
US Market Update: Intensifying Competition Between Enterprise Software and AI
- Weak Job Data: ADP's report indicates that the U.S. labor market showed little change in January, with hiring growth falling short of expectations, reflecting a sluggish economic recovery that may negatively impact the stock market.
- Increased Investment Risks: Private equity firms like KKR and Blackstone face challenges from Anthropic's B2B strategy in the enterprise software sector, potentially affecting their investment returns amid rapid AI advancements.
- AMD Stock Volatility: Despite AMD's quarterly results exceeding expectations, its stock dropped 10%, indicating market concerns about future growth, while analysts' target price adjustments reflect uncertainty in the market.
- Texas Instruments Acquisition Plan: Texas Instruments has agreed to acquire Silicon Laboratories for $7.5 billion, and although its stock fell 3.5%, this move will enhance its market share in connectivity chips for industrial and consumer applications, demonstrating a strategic focus on future growth.
See More
Investigation into Gartner's Financial Metrics Presentation
- Investigation Launched: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating Gartner, Inc. regarding the presentation of financial metrics in its earnings communications and SEC filings, particularly whether the disclosure of non-GAAP financial measures complies with SEC regulations, potentially impacting investor understanding of the company's performance.
- Earnings Report Scrutiny: The Q4 2026 earnings report revealed that while earnings per share exceeded analyst expectations, revenue fell short of consensus forecasts, and the company's full-year 2026 outlook indicated a year-over-year decline, which could undermine investor confidence.
- Stock Buyback Implications: Gartner repurchased over $1 billion in stock during Q3 2025, reducing share count by 6% year-over-year, with CFO Craig Safian noting this guidance was based on 78 million shares; however, changing revenue trends may render this assumption unrealistic.
- Stock Price Volatility: Following the earnings release, Gartner's shares dropped more than 20% in midday trading, hitting a new 52-week low, with trading volume significantly exceeding normal levels, indicating market concerns about the company's financial health.
See More
Investigation into Gartner's Financial Metrics Presentation
- Investigation Launched: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating Gartner, Inc. regarding the presentation of financial metrics in its earnings communications and SEC filings, particularly compliance with SEC regulations on non-GAAP financial measures.
- Inconsistent Performance Disclosure: Gartner's Q4 2026 earnings report revealed that while earnings per share exceeded analyst expectations, revenue fell short of consensus, and the company projected a year-over-year decline for 2026, potentially undermining investor confidence.
- Impact of Stock Buybacks: Gartner repurchased over $1 billion in stock during Q3 2025, reducing share count by 6% year-over-year, with CFO Craig Safian's EPS guidance based on 78 million shares possibly failing to reflect actual revenue trends.
- Significant Stock Price Drop: Following the earnings release, Gartner's shares plummeted over 20% in midday trading, hitting a new 52-week low, with trading volume significantly increasing, indicating market concerns about the company's outlook.
See More
Software Stocks Decline and Investment Opportunities
- Market Decline: The S&P North American Technology Software Index has fallen 30% from its September all-time high, entering bear market territory primarily due to investor concerns that AI tools will reduce demand for existing products, leading to widespread pressure on software stocks.
- Microsoft Growth Potential: Microsoft's median target price suggests a 50% upside, driven by its strong position in enterprise software and the application of generative AI assistants, which propelled a 160% increase in paid Microsoft 365 Copilot seats in the December quarter.
- ServiceNow Market Leadership: ServiceNow's leadership in IT asset and service management has distinguished it in AI applications, with fourth-quarter revenue rising 20% to $3.5 billion and a non-GAAP operating margin expanding to 31%, indicating robust profitability.
- Investment Timing: Despite the pressure on software stocks, analysts believe this is a good time to invest, as Microsoft and ServiceNow's stock prices have fallen 26% and 52% from their historical highs, respectively, with analyst target prices implying 50% and 83% upside potential.
See More
Worst Performing Large-Cap Stocks Last Week
- Stellantis Loss Warning: Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) plummeted 26.24% this week after the company warned of a full-year net loss, significantly eroding investor confidence and potentially impacting future financing capabilities.
- Gartner Earnings Miss: Gartner (NYSE:IT) fell 25.41% this week following the release of its fourth-quarter financial results and a downward revision of its FY26 guidance, with analysts' pessimistic outlook likely to exert further pressure on the stock.
- Reddit Stock Decline: Reddit (NYSE:RDDT) dropped 23.10% this week as multiple analysts lowered their price forecasts, reflecting market concerns over its profitability and potentially hindering its financing and expansion plans.
- Analyst Downgrades: Several analysts adjusted their price targets downward for these companies, indicating a widespread bearish sentiment regarding their future performance, which may lead investors to reassess their portfolios.
See More
The Software Crisis Exemplifies Classic Doublethink—Stay Aware.
- Doublethink Concept: Doublethink, a key theme in George Orwell's "1984," refers to the ability to hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously.
- Wall Street's Behavior: The article suggests that Wall Street is currently exhibiting a form of doublethink in its actions and beliefs.
See More
US Market Update: Intensifying Competition Between Enterprise Software and AI
- Weak Job Data: ADP's report indicates that the U.S. labor market showed little change in January, with hiring growth falling short of expectations, reflecting a sluggish economic recovery that may negatively impact the stock market.
- Increased Investment Risks: Private equity firms like KKR and Blackstone face challenges from Anthropic's B2B strategy in the enterprise software sector, potentially affecting their investment returns amid rapid AI advancements.
- AMD Stock Volatility: Despite AMD's quarterly results exceeding expectations, its stock dropped 10%, indicating market concerns about future growth, while analysts' target price adjustments reflect uncertainty in the market.
- Texas Instruments Acquisition Plan: Texas Instruments has agreed to acquire Silicon Laboratories for $7.5 billion, and although its stock fell 3.5%, this move will enhance its market share in connectivity chips for industrial and consumer applications, demonstrating a strategic focus on future growth.
See More
