Vertex (NASDAQ: VERX) grows Q1 2026 revenue and boosts EBITDA with cost plan
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Vertex, Inc. reported first quarter 2026 revenue of $196.6 million, up from $177.1 million, driven mainly by software subscriptions of $167.1 million and services of $29.5 million. GAAP results showed a net loss of $2.5 million, compared with net income of $11.1 million a year earlier, as operating expenses rose, including severance and transaction costs.
On a non-GAAP basis, the company generated non-GAAP net income of $28.7 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $44.1 million, a 22.4% margin, alongside free cash flow of $7.7 million, reversing negative free cash flow in the prior year period. Management highlighted stable customer demand and retention.
Vertex acquired Brinta, an AI-first e-invoicing startup in Latin America, to extend real-time compliance capabilities in the region. The company also launched a Value Creation Plan, with cost actions taken in April expected to increase earnings leverage and deliver approximately $60–$70 million of annual cash savings beginning in 2027, supporting higher full-year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance.
Positive
- Double‑digit top-line growth and stronger non‑GAAP profitability: Q1 2026 revenue rose to $196.6 million, while Adjusted EBITDA increased to $44.1 million with a 22.4% margin and free cash flow improved to $7.7 million from negative levels a year earlier.
- Material cost savings and strategic expansion: The Value Creation Plan is expected to save approximately $60–$70 million of annual cash spend beginning in 2027, and the Brinta acquisition extends AI‑based e‑invoicing capabilities in Latin America.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Vertex pairs double‑digit growth with a shift to non‑GAAP profitability focus and a major cost program.
Vertex grew Q1 2026 revenue to $196.6M, up from $177.1M, with strong software subscription revenue of $167.1M. Despite this, higher operating expenses drove a GAAP operating loss of $10.6M and a net loss of $2.5M.
Management steered attention to profitability excluding non-cash and one‑time items. Non‑GAAP net income reached $28.7M, Adjusted EBITDA was $44.1M with a 22.4% margin, and free cash flow improved to $7.7M. These metrics suggest the underlying subscription model is scaling even as reported earnings are pressured by stock-based compensation, amortization, severance, and transaction costs.
Strategically, the Brinta acquisition adds AI‑driven e‑invoicing in Latin America, while the Value Creation Plan targets approximately $60–$70M of annual cash savings starting in 2027. With cash and cash equivalents of $252.5M and debt of $338.0M as of March 31, 2026, execution on these cost actions and integration initiatives will shape future margins and cash generation, as reflected in the increased full‑year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
Adjusted EBITDA financial
Annual Recurring Revenue financial
Net Revenue Retention financial
Gross Revenue Retention financial
Value Creation Plan financial
non-GAAP gross margin financial
Earnings Snapshot
The company increased its full-year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance and expects cost actions from its Value Creation Plan to save approximately $60–$70 million of annual cash spend beginning in 2027.
