ACI Worldwide (ACIW)
NASDAQInformation TechnologySoftware - InfrastructureSnapshot 2026-09-04
$52.95+0.08%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NASDAQInformation TechnologySoftware - InfrastructureSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · ACIW
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within information technology on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks ACIW against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 0 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Information Technology names rated neutral grew net income 55% of the time over the next year (vs 56% for the rest of the cohort, n=8445).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Increase full-year 2026 financial guidance for revenue and adjusted EBITDA based on strong first half performance and pipeline strength.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management raised full-year 2026 revenue guidance from $1.88B-$1.91B to $1.895B-$1.925B and adjusted EBITDA guidance from $530M-$550M to $545M-$560M. Revenue grew from $1.76B in 2025 to an expected $1.895B-$1.925B in 2026. The trajectory is delivering with consistent upward revisions reflecting strong performance and pipeline.
“Raising full year 2026 financial guidance for revenue & adjusted EBITDA.”
“Raising full-year 2026 guidance range for both revenue & adjusted EBITDA.”
“Provided full-year 2026 outlook for revenue and adjusted EBITDA reflecting continuing momentum.”
Grow adoption and customer base of ACI Connetic platform, including signing new customers and expanding geographic reach.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management reported signing two U.S. customers for ACI Connetic and expanding its pipeline, including a major UK bank in 2025-Q4. While specific revenue impact is not quantified, the recurring emphasis and new customer wins indicate ongoing progress in platform expansion.
“Successfully enabled ACI Connetic across eight major U.S. payment networks and signed two U.S. customers.”
Continue disciplined capital allocation by repurchasing shares, targeting 50-60% of operating cash flow for buybacks.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management repurchased 2.5 million shares for $107 million in first half 2026 and plans to allocate 50-60% of operating cash flow to repurchases. Operating cash flow was $135 million in first half 2026. The repurchase activity and stated capital allocation framework show delivering progress on returning capital to shareholders.
“2.5 million shares repurchased YTD for $107 million; expects to allocate 50-60% of operating cash flow to share repurchases.”
Drive revenue growth across segments with focus on recurring revenue expansion and new bookings.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Revenue grew 7% in Q2 2026 to $430M and 8% in Q1 2026 to $426M, with recurring revenue up 5-10%. Full-year 2025 revenue was $1.76B, with 2026 guidance raised to $1.895B-$1.925B. The trajectory shows delivering revenue growth and recurring revenue expansion consistent with management's stated priorities.
“Q2 revenue of $430 million, increased 7%; recurring revenue up 5%.”
Improve operating income and adjusted EBITDA margins through operating leverage and disciplined expense management.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Adjusted EBITDA grew 12% in Q2 2026 with margin expansion from 32% to 34%. Operating income increased from $34.9M in Q2 2025 to $44.6M in Q2 2026. The trajectory shows delivering margin improvement and operating income growth consistent with management's focus on operating leverage and expense discipline.
“Adjusted EBITDA up 12% with net margin up to 34% from 32%.”
Over the trailing year it converted 1.66x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Information Technology names rated neutral grew net income 57% of the time over the next year (vs 52% for the rest of the cohort, n=4162).
Most sensitive to the broad stock market.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, long-term interest rates, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
8 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by executive changes. Historically, Information Technology names rated stable grew net income 54% of the time over the next year (vs 60% for the rest of the cohort, n=2709).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“ACI Connetic pipeline continues to expand, underscoring strong market demand for our cloud-native payments platform.”
“Signed an additional ACI Connetic customer and continue to see growing demand for our cloud-native payments platform.”
“Repurchased 1.5 million shares for $65 million; expects to allocate 50-60% of operating cash flow to share repurchases.”
“Returned $203 million to shareholders in 2025 through repurchases; $456 million remaining on repurchase authorization.”
“Revenue of $426 million increased 8%; recurring revenue up 10%.”
“2025 revenue grew 10%; recurring revenue grew 11%.”
“Adjusted EBITDA up 12% with net margin up to 38% from 36%.”
“Adjusted EBITDA increased 9% in 2025 with operating income of $108.8M in Q4.”