We recently compiled a list of the 10 Worst Performing Software Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Vertex, Inc. (NASDAQ:VERX) stands against the other software stocks.
Gartner projects that global software spending will rise by 14.2% in 2025 to $1.25 trillion, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in technology, second only to the data center sector’s expected 23.2% growth. This surge highlights the software market’s crucial role in driving innovation and operational efficiency across industries. The sector’s sustained expansion is largely fuelled by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies, which are reshaping business operations and unlocking new investment opportunities.
Over the past 15 years, a significant factor behind this growth has been the widespread transition to cloud computing and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models. These advancements have made software more accessible, scalable, and cost-effective, further accelerating its adoption across industries. As the software market continues to evolve, it remains at the forefront of technological progress, offering lucrative opportunities for investors while shaping the digital transformation of multiple sectors.
According to Forrester’s February 11 report, “Global Tech Market Forecast”, global technology spending is expected to increase by 5.6% in 2025, reaching $4.9 trillion. This growth will be primarily driven by key areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, generative AI, and the expanding digital economy. Notably, financial services, government, and media will account for 46% of global tech spending in 2024. However, Forrester estimates that by 2029, 70% of all tech spending will be concentrated in software and IT services, reinforcing software’s growing dominance within the industry.
Further emphasizing this trend, The Business Research Company’s January 2025 report forecasts that the global software products market will expand from $1.8 trillion in 2024 to approximately $2.0 trillion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%. Looking further ahead, the market is projected to reach $3.0 trillion by 2029, maintaining a strong CAGR of 11.3%.
With software becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and business operations, demand is surging at a robust rate. As a result, the software market remains one of the most attractive investment opportunities, supported by continued technological advancements and a rapidly expanding digital economy.
Our Methodology
To identify the 10 worst-performing software stocks to buy according to analysts, we first screened all U.S.-listed software companies with a market capitalization above $300 million and a stock price over $10, excluding smaller and more volatile stocks. We then narrowed the selection to companies that had experienced a year-to-date (YTD) share price decline of at least 20%, further refining the list to include only those with a potential upside of 10% or more. Finally, we ranked the bottom 10 stocks based on YTD returns, placing the worst-performing stocks at the top. Additionally, we included data on hedge fund holdings in these companies as of Q4 2024 to provide further insight into investor interest.
Note: All pricing data is as of market close on February 28.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
A finance executive overseeing the implementation of a tax solution.
Vertex, Inc. (NASDAQ:VERX)
YTD returns: -39%
Potential Upside: 49%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23
Vertex, Inc. (NASDAQ:VERX) provides tax technology solutions, offering software and services that help businesses navigate complex indirect tax requirements. The company specializes in sales tax, value-added tax, and global tax compliance, serving enterprises across industries such as retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce.
After an impressive 98% rally in 2024, Vertex, Inc. (NASDAQ:VERX) continued to perform well in early 2025, gaining 5% by February 10. However, the stock has since plunged more than 42%, in just 13 days. Analysts attribute this decline to the stock entering 2025 with a high valuation after a strong run, making it vulnerable to a pullback. Rising competition, market volatility, and weaker-than-expected organic growth in its Q4 2024 results have further contributed to the correction, leaving the stock down 39% year-to-date.
BMO Capital analyst Daniel Jester pointed out that while Q4 results were mixed, the company’s 2025 annual recurring revenue growth target suggests challenging near-term goals. He reiterated a Market Perform rating and slashed his price target from $56 to $41. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley analyst Chris Quintero maintained a Buy rating with a $57 price target, signaling confidence in the stock’s long-term prospects. The consensus price target stands at $48, indicating a potential upside of 49%.
Overall VERX ranks 4th on our list of worst performing software stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of VERX as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VERX but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and Complete List of 59 AI Companies Under $2 Billion in Market Cap.
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
