Versant (NASDAQ:VSNT) Releases Quarterly Earnings Results, Beats Expectations By $0.30 EPS

Versant (NASDAQ:VSNT) posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $1.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.69 by $0.30, FiscalAI reports. The business had revenue of $1.69 billion for the quarter.

Here are the key takeaways from Versant’s conference call:

• Versant said it had a strong start to 2026, with first-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $704 million, margins above 30%, and $558 million in free cash flow. Management emphasized disciplined execution and continued profitability despite pay TV headwinds.
• Total revenue was down 1% year over year to about $1.69 billion, as declines in linear distribution and advertising were partially offset by growth in platforms and content licensing. Linear distribution fell 7% and advertising declined 5%, but ad trends improved versus last year.
• The company highlighted strong audience performance across key brands, including CNBC posting its highest-rated quarter in four years and MS NOW delivering its most-watched quarter since 2024. Golf Channel, the Olympics coverage, and women’s sports also contributed to engagement gains.
• Platforms revenue rose 9%, driven by GolfNow and Fandango, and management said new initiatives like the MS NOW direct-to-consumer product and Fandango AVOD service are on track to launch later this year. The company also said it is expanding beyond TV with acquisitions like StockStory and Fandango One.
• Versant reiterated its full-year outlook of $6.15 billion to $6.4 billion in revenue, $1.85 billion to $2.0 billion in adjusted EBITDA, and $1.0 billion to $1.2 billion in free cash flow. It also continued capital returns with a $0.375 quarterly dividend, $100 million of share repurchases in Q1, and a new $100 million accelerated share repurchase.

Versant Price Performance

Shares of VSNT stock opened at $44.02 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 4.02, a current ratio of 4.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $38.55. Versant has a 12-month low of $27.17 and a 12-month high of $59.00.

Versant Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, April 22nd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 1st were issued a $0.375 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, April 1st.

Insider Activity at Versant

In related news, Director Michael Aaron Conway acquired 1,350 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 9th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $36.14 per share, for a total transaction of $48,789.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 3,728 shares in the company, valued at $134,729.92. This trade represents a 56.77% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Gerald L. Hassell bought 10,000 shares of Versant stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 9th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $36.07 per share, for a total transaction of $360,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 12,680 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $457,367.60. This trade represents a 373.13% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Insiders have purchased a total of 154,350 shares of company stock valued at $5,679,039 over the last quarter. Insiders own 7.60% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Versant

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of VSNT. Citizens National Bank Trust Department purchased a new stake in Versant during the 1st quarter worth $26,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Versant during the first quarter worth approximately $28,000. Parallel Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Versant in the 1st quarter worth about $32,000. Advocate Investing Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Versant in the 1st quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Livforsakringsbolaget Skandia Omsesidigt acquired a new stake in shares of Versant in the 1st quarter valued at about $35,000.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded Versant to a “hold” rating in a report on Saturday, January 24th. Seaport Research Partners initiated coverage on Versant in a research report on Tuesday, March 31st. They set a “buy” rating and a $45.00 price target on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on shares of Versant in a report on Tuesday. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $43.00 price objective for the company. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Versant from a “sell (d)” rating to a “sell (d+)” rating in a research report on Thursday, May 7th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a “neutral” rating and issued a $42.00 target price on shares of Versant in a report on Thursday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Reduce” and a consensus target price of $40.40.

Versant News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Versant this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Versant beat Q1 EPS expectations, reporting $1.99 per share versus analyst estimates of $1.69, which helped offset concerns about softer top-line results. Conference call and earnings report
• Positive Sentiment: Investors also reacted favorably to strength in platforms and licensing, with reports highlighting growth in those businesses and an accelerated buyback plan. Versant media rallies on strong platforms and licensing growth, accelerated buyback plan
• Positive Sentiment: Management said Versant may have more flexibility as a standalone company to pursue sports rights and other content opportunities, which could support future growth. Versant Eyes Expanded Sports Portfolio
• Neutral Sentiment: Quarterly revenue came in around $1.69 billion and declined slightly year over year, with lower linear distribution and advertising offsetting gains elsewhere. CNBC earnings coverage
• Negative Sentiment: Several reports pointed to pressure on the traditional pay-TV business, including falling subscriber numbers and lower ad sales, while standalone company costs rose. WSJ earnings report

Versant Company Profile

Versant Corporation is a provider of data management software. The Company designs, develops, markets and supports database management system products that companies use to solve data management and data integration issues. It also provides related product support, training and consulting services to assist users of the Company’s products in developing and deploying software applications based on its products. The Company’s Versant Object Database product is used primarily by enterprises, which have data management requirements, such as technology providers, telecommunications carriers, Government defense agencies, defense contractors, healthcare companies and companies in the financial services and transportation industries.