CBIZ (NYSE:CBZ) Reports Q3 2026 Earnings Miss Amidst Acquisition News

By Alex Lavoie19 Oct, 23:03From Financial Modeling Prep

Key points

CBIZ (NYSE:CBZ) reported adjusted third-quarter earnings of $1.21 per share and revenue of $702.24 million, both falling short of analyst estimates.
Despite missing estimates, the company demonstrated year-over-year growth with adjusted earnings up from $1.01 per share and net income rising 56.7% to $47 million.
CBIZ reiterated its agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Grant Thornton for $55 per share in cash, valuing the business at $5 billion.

CBIZ (NYSE:CBZ) provides accounting, tax, and other business services. In its latest Q3 earnings report released before the market opens on October 19, 2026, CBIZ reports adjusted third-quarter earnings of $1.21 per share, below the $1.28 estimate. Revenue of $702.24 million also falls short of the $727.08 million estimate, indicating a revenue miss for the period.

Despite the Q3 earnings miss by 5.47%, adjusted earnings rose from $1.01 per share a year earlier. Revenue, while missing expectations by 3.5%, increased from $693.82 million. As highlighted by Zacks, CBIZ beats earnings estimates in two of the past four quarters while missing revenue estimates in all four, reflecting inconsistent financial performance.

CBIZ reports third-quarter net income of $47 million, up 56.7% from a year earlier. Its earnings under standard accounting rules reach $0.79 per share, while adjusted earnings are $1.21. The adjusted figure leaves out certain items, so it differs from the standard figure. Adjusted EBITDA, a key measure of operating performance, rises 6.3% to $132 million.

For the first nine months of 2026, revenue grows 0.8% to $2.23 billion, while net income rises 12.2% to $219 million. Adjusted EBITDA falls 1.2% to $479 million. Operating cash flow improves by $98 million, and free cash flow—cash left after capital spending—improves by $91 million, showcasing positive cash flow generation.

CBIZ also reiterates its agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Grant Thornton, backed by New Mountain Capital, for $55 per share in cash. This acquisition deal values the business at $5 billion, including debt. CBIZ shares opened Monday at $54.77, just below the agreed cash price, reflecting market confidence in the transaction.