Vertex, Inc.

Software - Application • Technology • King of Prussia, PA, United States • VERX (NGM)

800 355 3500 2301 Renaissance Boulevard, King of Prussia, PA 19406, United States

Quarter: Q4 2025 Reported: November 3, 2025 Sentiment: Positive

Vertex, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides enterprise tax technology solutions for retail trade, wholesale trade, and manufacturing industries in the United States and internationally. The company offers tax determination; compliance and reporting, including workflow management tools; tax data management and document managementsolutions; analytics and insights; pre-built integration that includes mapping data fields, and business logic and configurations; industry-specific solutions support certain industries for indirect tax needs, such as retail, communications, and leasing; and technology specific solutions, such as chain flow accelerator and SAP-specific tools. It provides implementation services, such as configuration, data migration and implementation, and support and training; E-invoicing, an end-to-end e-invoicing process; and managed services, including indirect tax return preparation, filing and tax payment, and notice management. The company sells its software products through software licenses and software as a service subscription. Vertex, Inc. was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

Analysis Summary

Vertex, Inc. is navigating a pivotal executive transition, with long-standing CEO, President, and Chairperson David DeStefano retiring from his executive roles on November 10, 2025. Mr. DeStefano will continue to serve as Chairperson of the Board and will provide advisory services to the company's management team through December 31, 2025, with potential extensions. His retirement agreement includes a consulting fee of $235,000 for the initial period, continued eligibility for his 2025 annual bonus, and vesting of outstanding restricted stock units.

Succeeding Mr. DeStefano is Christopher Young, appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, President, and a Class III director, also effective November 10, 2025. Mr. Young brings extensive experience from his tenure as Executive Vice President – Business Development, Strategy and Ventures at Microsoft Corp. (2020-2025) and as CEO of McAfee, LLC (2017-2020). His appointment is a strategic move to infuse new leadership with a strong background in technology and cybersecurity.

Mr. Young's employment agreement outlines a robust compensation structure designed to attract and retain high-caliber talent. This includes an annual base salary of $700,000, a significant restricted stock unit (RSU) grant valued at $25,000,000 at grant (vesting over four years), and a $500,000 signing bonus. He is also eligible for an annual cash bonus with a target of 100% of his base salary starting in fiscal year 2026. The agreement details severance provisions for qualifying terminations, including 24 months of base salary continuation and health coverage premiums. Restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation clauses for 24 months post-termination, are also in place.

This transcript focuses exclusively on the executive leadership change and does not provide any financial results for Q4 2025, nor does it offer forward-looking guidance on revenue, earnings, or growth rates. Therefore, a comprehensive financial performance breakdown, competitive positioning, market trends, or analyst Q&A highlights related to financial metrics cannot be derived from the provided text. The primary takeaway is the strategic shift in leadership, bringing in an experienced technology executive to guide Vertex's future.

Key Highlights

• David DeStefano retires as CEO and President of Vertex, Inc. effective November 10, 2025.
• Christopher Young appointed as the new CEO, President, and Class III director, effective November 10, 2025.
• Mr. Young brings a strong background from Microsoft (EVP, Business Development, Strategy and Ventures) and McAfee (CEO).
• Mr. DeStefano will remain as Chairperson of the Board and serve as an advisor until at least December 31, 2025.
• New CEO Christopher Young's compensation package includes a $700,000 base salary, $25 million RSU grant, and a $500,000 signing bonus.
• The transcript did not contain any Q4 2025 financial results, revenue, earnings, or guidance.

Financial Metrics

eps

YoY: Not provided in transcript

revenue

N/A

YoY: Not provided in transcript

guidance

net income

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Stock Performance (90 Days)

Data through Dec 26, 2025

Layoff Events

Earnings Calls

Positive Signals

• Appointment of a highly experienced technology executive (Christopher Young) with a strong track record at Microsoft and McAfee.
• Structured transition plan with outgoing CEO David DeStefano remaining as Chairperson and advisor.
• Attractive compensation package for the new CEO, signaling commitment to securing top talent.
• Clear terms for new CEO's employment, including long-term equity incentives and severance provisions.

Risks & Concerns

— Inherent risks associated with a significant leadership transition, including potential shifts in strategy or company culture.
— Repayment clause for the new CEO's signing bonus if employment terminates within two years under specific conditions.
— Potential for disruption during the transition period as new leadership integrates and establishes its vision.
— Lack of immediate financial performance data or forward guidance in this specific transcript, leaving investors without recent operational insights.