Clear Secure, Inc. Q1 2026 Earnings Recap

CLEAR’s shares declined 1.0% following Q1 results as growth momentum in bookings and memberships showed signs of slowing, and management’s cautious outlook tempered enthusiasm despite solid financial execution.

Key Takeaways

• Bookings rose 40.8% year-over-year to $292 million, with revenue up 19.7% to $253 million.
• Active CLEAR+ members increased 13% to 8.2 million, driven by improved retention and eGate adoption.
• Adjusted EBITDA margins expanded to approximately 32%, complementing a doubling of free cash flow to $185 million.
• Management noted structural challenges in travel and rising AI-driven fraud, signaling a complex operating environment ahead.
• Though execution remains strong, the momentum appears to have decelerated during the quarter, aligning with a more cautious outlook.