Verisk Analytics Inc. reported first‑quarter 2026 results with revenue of $782.6 million, a 3.9% year‑over‑year increase, and GAAP diluted earnings per share of $1.73. The company’s adjusted diluted EPS of $1.82 beat consensus estimates of $1.74–$1.76, while revenue surpassed the $771.5–$772.6 million range expected by analysts. Adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 55.9%, up from 55.7% in the prior year, and the firm reaffirmed its full‑year 2026 guidance of $3.19 billion to $3.24 billion in revenue and 56–56.5% adjusted EBITDA margin.
Underwriting revenue reached $552 million, up 3.8% year‑over‑year and 5.3% in constant currency, while claims revenue grew to $231 million, up 4.3% year‑over‑year and 3.4% constant currency. The mix shift toward higher‑margin subscription contracts and AI‑enabled solutions drove the overall revenue growth, offsetting a decline in transactional revenue from lower weather‑related activity and a government‑contract work stoppage that weighed on the quarter.
Management highlighted that the quarter was a temporary “trough” driven by lower weather volumes, tougher subscription renewal compares, and the government‑contract work stoppage. CEO Lee Shavel said, “We have confidence that our operating momentum will build throughout the year as we continue to deepen client relationships and invest in innovation that addresses the industry's most critical challenges. Our proprietary datasets and distinctive insights are competitive advantages that enable us to introduce new and effective AI solutions into core insurance workflows and decision making. Our powerful economic model will continue to create long‑term value for clients and shareholders alike.” CFO Elizabeth Mann added, “In the first quarter, Verisk delivered organic constant currency revenue growth of 4.7% and OCC adjusted EBITDA growth of 5.9%. During the quarter we executed a $1.5 billion accelerated share repurchase program while continuing to invest back into our business. We have confidence that as we move throughout the year, our growth will return to levels consistent with our long‑term targets and as a result, we are reaffirming our financial guidance for 2026.”
The adjusted EBITDA margin expansion reflects operational leverage and a higher mix of high‑margin AI contracts, while the slight compression from 56.2% to 55.9% is attributable to increased investment in technology and talent. The company’s cost discipline and pricing power helped offset the impact of the weather‑related headwind, allowing it to maintain profitability even as transactional revenue dipped.
Verisk’s guidance signals confidence in a gradual rebound from the Q1 trough. The firm expects revenue to stay within the $3.19 billion to $3.24 billion range and adjusted EBITDA margin to remain between 56% and 56.5%, indicating that management believes the subscription‑driven model and AI initiatives will continue to drive growth. Market participants reacted positively, with the stock rising 8.3% to $191.24 and analysts maintaining a moderate buy stance with a target price of about $237.
The earnings beat, combined with a reaffirmed guidance and a clear focus on AI‑enabled subscription growth, underscores Verisk’s resilience and strategic positioning in the insurance data analytics market. The company’s ability to maintain margin expansion while investing in future capabilities suggests a solid trajectory for long‑term value creation.
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