Core Insights - Vertex Inc. is highlighted as a promising investment opportunity among beaten-down technology stocks, with a focus on e-invoicing and artificial intelligence as key growth drivers [1][2] Group 1: Company Strategy - Vertex is under pressure to reduce its revenue growth guidance by $12 million due to slowing customer growth, but it aims for 100% country coverage in e-invoicing, which could generate an additional $100 million in revenue [2] - The company is investing heavily in artificial intelligence to enhance margins and strengthen its competitive position, having launched SmartCat, an AI-powered product categorization tool [3] - Vertex has also acquired Kitsugi, an AI startup that targets market disruptions in small to medium-sized enterprises [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Vertex Inc. provides enterprise tax technology solutions across various industries, including retail, wholesale, and manufacturing, offering services such as tax determination, compliance, and reporting [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article identifies the best beaten-down technology stocks to buy according to analysts, highlighting the resilience of technology stocks despite market headwinds and the potential for further gains driven by interest rate cuts and optimism surrounding artificial intelligence [1][2]. Group 1: Market Context - Technology stocks have shown strong performance, with the NASDAQ 100 rallying 17% year to date despite challenges such as trade wars and monetary policy uncertainty [1]. - The US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates, with potential for two more cuts before year-end, is expected to further boost technology stocks [2]. - Investor sentiment is mixed, with some beginning to hedge against potential market pullbacks as equities reach all-time highs [2][3]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying technology stocks that are down more than 30% year to date, focusing on those with an upside potential of over 30% as of September 30 [7][8]. - Hedge fund sentiment is considered a key factor, as replicating top stock picks from successful hedge funds has historically outperformed the market [9]. Group 3: Featured Stocks - **SPS Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPSC)** - Year to Date Performance: -43.03% - Stock Upside Potential: 35.17% - The company has a strong track record with 98 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and focuses on long-term growth in the retail supply chain cloud services sector [10][11][12]. - **Vertex Inc. (NASDAQ:VERX)** - Year to Date Performance: -53.40% - Stock Upside Potential: 41.23% - Vertex is investing in e-invoicing and artificial intelligence to drive long-term growth, despite facing pressure to lower revenue growth guidance [14][15][16][17].

Vertex (VERX) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - Vertex has been operating for 47 years, initially focusing on sales and use tax in the US and evolving to handle all indirect taxes globally, including VAT [3][4] - The company serves approximately 60% of the Fortune 500 and has over 4,000 customers worldwide, addressing challenges in indirect tax compliance as companies expand into new geographies [4] Core Business Insights - **Pricing Model**: Vertex raises prices annually, typically realizing a 4% to 5% increase. Customers on three-year contracts may see larger increases upon renewal [6][7][8] - **Market Exposure**: Vertex operates across various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, technology, and oil and gas, providing a diversified revenue stream that mitigates risks from market anomalies [12] - **Product Mix**: The largest revenue source is sales and use tax determination, followed by VAT and compliance services. The company employs a "land and expand" strategy to increase wallet share over time [15][19] E-Invoicing Market Development - E-invoicing has become a regulatory requirement in many jurisdictions, initially gaining traction in Latin America and now expanding into Europe. Governments are adopting e-invoicing to close the VAT gap [27][30] - Vertex aims to be a global provider for e-invoicing, addressing the needs of multinationals that currently use multiple point solutions [30][31] - The company anticipates significant growth opportunities as more countries adopt e-invoicing regulations, with a focus on providing comprehensive solutions that integrate with existing systems [32][33] AI Integration and Opportunities - Vertex views AI as a tool to enhance its offerings but does not see it as a threat to its value proposition due to the unique manual processes involved in tax compliance [42][47] - The company has launched AI-driven features like SmartCat to improve product categorization, which is crucial for accurate tax determination [48][49] Financial Performance and Growth Drivers - Vertex targets over 20% growth in software subscriptions and aims for high EBITDA margins, with a focus on leveraging investments made in recent years [83][84] - Key growth drivers include the ongoing migration to cloud-based ERP systems and the expansion of e-invoicing capabilities [86][88] - The company expects to see improved EBITDA margins as it moves past its current investment phase, with projections of around 21% for 2025 [93] Competitive Landscape - Vertex differentiates itself through its extensive tax content library, strong relationships with major accounting firms, and the ability to integrate multiple systems into a cohesive tax solution [78][81] - The company emphasizes the importance of referenceability and the ability to customize solutions for complex enterprise needs [81][82] Conclusion - Vertex is well-positioned for growth in the evolving landscape of tax compliance, particularly with the increasing regulatory focus on e-invoicing and the migration to cloud-based solutions. The company's strategic investments and diversified product offerings are expected to drive future performance and profitability [98][99]