Corpay Stock Gains 25% in 6 Months: Here's What You Should Know

Corpay, Inc. CPAY stock has jumped 24.8% over the past six months, outperforming the industry’s 6.1% growth and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite's 14.6% rally.

3-Month Share Price Performance

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Let us delve into the factors that have contributed to the company’s outperformance.

2026 Outlook Appears Bright

For 2026, Corpay updated its revenue guidance to $5.29-$5.33 billion from the year-ago quarter’s $5.25-$5.33 billion. The outlook incorporates the second-quarter outperformance, improved business momentum, and favorable macro conditions. The adjusted earnings guidance is raised to $27.15-$27.55 per share from the year-ago quarter’s view of $26.3-$27.1.

Corpay’s decision to raise its full-year guidance reflects its strong financial performance. The company recorded 10% organic growth in the second quarter of 2026, driven by 30% sales growth and a 93% retention rate. Corporate Payments and Vehicle Payments segments contributed 84% to the top line, delivering a combined organic growth rate of 12%.

An updated revenue outlook, accompanied by higher EPS guidance, backed by a solid second-quarter 2026 performance, raises investors' morale. Banking on these positives, analysts revise financial models upward and increase price targets. Currently, based on short-term price targets provided by 15 analysts, the average price target for the stock is $446.2. It offers an 8.9% upside from the last closing price of $409.68.

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Margin Expansion Despite Higher Costs

In the second quarter of 2026, adjusted EBITDA moved up 24% year over year to $767.2 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 100 basis points to 57.3%, driven by operational prowess and macroeconomic tailwinds.

Operating costs rose 9% year over year after excluding foreign exchange movements, acquisitions, stock-based compensation, amortization and a settlement charge. The rise primarily reflected sales investments and modestly higher credit losses.

Consistent Share Buyback

We are impressed with Corpay’s endeavors to reward its shareholders through share repurchases. In 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the company repurchased shares worth $783 million, $1.3 billion, $686.9 million, $1.41 billion and $1.36 billion, respectively. Such moves indicate the company’s commitment to creating value for shareholders and underline its confidence in its business.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

CPAY currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks in the broader Zacks Business Services sector are Ralliant Corporation RAL and The Geo Group GEO, each flaunting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Ralliant has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 9.4%. RAL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 7.1%, on average.

Geo has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 14%. GEO delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 24.6%, on average.

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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