MKTW · MarketWise, Inc.

MarketWise, Inc. announced preliminary selected unaudited results for the first quarter of 2026, highlighting a return to paid subscriber growth after stabilization in late 2025. Paid subscribers increased to 381 thousand as of March 31, 2026, from 374 thousand at year-end 2025, driven by improved customer acquisition and retention efforts, including sharpened marketing execution, enhanced product offerings, and audience re-engagement while maintaining pricing discipline. Billings surged 15% year-over-year to approximately $81 million—the highest quarterly figure since 2023—and rose 3% sequentially, fueled by a significant cohort of new subscribers and strong revenue retention from existing ones. This top-of-funnel momentum provides increased visibility into future revenue recognition, as noted by CEO Dr. David Eifrig. The company affirmed its FY 2026 guidance, maintaining billings at $300 million and cash from operating activities at $50 million, signaling confidence in sustained recovery trends observed since the 3Q 2024 low. Balance sheet remains solid with $53 million in cash and equivalents at quarter-end, despite a seasonal decline from $70.1 million at December 31, 2025, attributable to heavy Q1 marketing spend, tax distributions, and working capital needs. Tax distributions are expected to drop significantly to $35 million for FY 2026, with cash balances projected to bottom in H1 before rebounding in H2. Capital return discipline persists with Q1 dividends of $0.45 per Class A share paid, on track for the $1.80 annual target. Full Q1 results are slated for release on May 7, 2026. These preliminary metrics underscore operational momentum and strategic execution for self-directed investors' platform.