Quick verdict: CPAY vs IT in 2026

In this cpay vs it stock comparison 2026, Corpay (CPAY) demonstrates a stronger overall financial profile, particularly in growth and profitability metrics. CPAY stands out as the growth leader with significantly higher revenue growth and superior margins, while Gartner (IT) presents a more attractive value proposition based on its lower P/E ratio and higher free cash flow yield. Analysts clearly favor CPAY, although IT offers a slightly higher potential price target upside. Not investment advice.

CPAY vs IT: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of CPAY and IT across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-04-01.

CPAY vs IT valuation comparison

When considering CPAY vs IT valuation, Gartner (IT) appears to trade at a more attractive price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 15.63x, notably lower than Corpay’s (CPAY) P/E of 18.87x. This suggests that investors are paying less for each dollar of IT’s earnings compared to CPAY. However, the picture changes significantly when we look at the price-to-book (P/B) ratio, where CPAY’s 5.2x is substantially lower than IT’s elevated 35.64x, indicating that CPAY’s assets are valued much more conservatively by the market.

Furthermore, a discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis suggests considerable upside for both companies. CPAY’s DCF model indicates a potential upside of +157.1%, suggesting its fair value is significantly higher than its current stock price of $290.99. Gartner (IT) also shows robust potential with a DCF upside of +152.4% from its current price of $158.34. While IT has a lower P/E, CPAY’s much lower P/B and slightly higher DCF upside present a nuanced view of which stock is ‘cheaper’ depending on the valuation metric emphasized in the cpay vs it fundamentals and valuation analysis.

CPAY vs IT growth comparison

In terms of growth, Corpay (CPAY) demonstrates significantly stronger momentum compared to Gartner (IT). CPAY reported a revenue growth of +13.9% year-over-year, which is more than three times higher than IT’s +3.7% revenue growth. This robust top-line expansion indicates that Corpay is currently expanding its market presence and revenue streams at a much faster pace, positioning it as a clear leader for growth-oriented investors. This strong revenue growth also translates into substantial free cash flow, indicating efficient business operations.

Beyond just revenue, CPAY’s superior growth is also reflected in its exceptional profitability margins. Its EBITDA margin stands at an impressive 51.65%, far surpassing IT’s 18.92%. Similarly, CPAY’s net margin of 23.62% is more than double IT’s 11.22%. These healthy margins suggest that Corpay is not only growing its sales rapidly but is also highly efficient at converting those sales into profits, reinforcing its stronger momentum and operational excellence in this cpay vs it stock comparison 2026.

CPAY vs IT profitability

Examining the profitability metrics for CPAY vs IT, Corpay (CPAY) exhibits a significantly higher level of operational efficiency and net income generation. CPAY boasts a net margin of 23.62%, indicating that nearly a quarter of every dollar in revenue translates directly into profit. This is a stark contrast to Gartner (IT), which records a net margin of 11.22%. The disparity in net margins highlights CPAY’s ability to control costs and extract more profit from its services.

Further reinforcing CPAY’s profitability dominance is its EBITDA margin of 51.65%, far outpacing IT’s 18.92%. This metric, which strips out non-operating expenses, taxes, and depreciation, underscores Corpay’s robust core operational profitability. Both companies show N/A for Return on Equity (ROE), preventing a direct comparison on that specific metric. However, when it comes to Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield, IT takes the lead with 10.3% compared to CPAY’s 6.38%. This indicates that while CPAY converts more revenue into net profit and has superior operational margins, IT generates a higher percentage of free cash flow relative to its enterprise value, suggesting a stronger capacity to generate cash for investors from its current operations, despite lower overall margins.

Analyst ratings: CPAY vs IT

Analyst sentiment significantly favors Corpay (CPAY) in this cpay vs it stock comparison 2026. Out of 18 analysts covering CPAY, a strong majority of 72.2% currently recommend a “Buy” rating, leading to a consensus of “Buy”. Their average price target for CPAY is $362.13, which suggests an upside potential of +24.4% from its current price of $290.99. This widespread bullish outlook reflects confidence in CPAY’s business model, growth trajectory, and overall financial health.

In contrast, Gartner (IT) receives a more cautious reception from analysts. While also covered by 18 analysts, only 38.9% have a “Buy” rating, resulting in an overall “Hold” consensus. Despite this more conservative stance, the analysts’ average price target for IT is $206.3, indicating a higher potential upside of +30.3% from its current price of $158.34. This suggests that while fewer analysts are outright recommending a purchase of IT, those who do see a slightly greater percentage gain in its stock price compared to CPAY’s target, offering a different perspective on potential returns.

Should I buy CPAY or IT stock in 2026?

Deciding whether should i buy cpay or it stock in 2026 depends heavily on an investor’s specific priorities. For growth-oriented investors, Corpay (CPAY) presents a compelling case. Its impressive revenue growth of +13.9% year-over-year significantly outpaces Gartner’s (IT) +3.7%, demonstrating stronger market traction and expansion. Coupled with robust net margins of 23.62% and EBITDA margins of 51.65%, CPAY is not only growing fast but also doing so very profitably, making it an attractive option for those seeking dynamic expansion.

For value investors keenly focused on the cpay vs it fundamentals and valuation, Gartner (IT) could be more appealing. IT trades at a lower P/E ratio of 15.63x compared to CPAY’s 18.87x, suggesting it’s cheaper relative to its earnings. Furthermore, IT boasts a superior free cash flow yield of 10.3% against CPAY’s 6.38%, indicating stronger cash generation relative to its market capitalization. However, CPAY’s significantly lower P/B ratio of 5.2x (versus IT’s 35.64x) and slightly higher DCF upside of +157.1% (versus IT’s +152.4%) still make it a strong contender on a valuation front, albeit with a higher P/E.

Neither CPAY nor IT are suitable choices for income-seeking investors, as both companies currently have a dividend yield of 0%. Therefore, for investors prioritizing regular income streams from their investments, it would be prudent to explore other opportunities. Ultimately, the choice between CPAY and IT in 2026 comes down to whether one prioritizes CPAY’s superior growth and profitability or IT’s potentially lower valuation multiples and higher FCF yield. This is not investment advice.

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FAQ: CPAY vs IT