Ibotta Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
IBTA
Ibotta’s first quarter financial results exceeded the upper end of the guidance range for both revenue and adjusted EBITDA Revenue declined by 2% year-over-year to $82.5 million Generated net loss of $10.3 million, representing net loss as a percent of revenue of (13)%, and adjusted EBITDA of $8.7 million, representing an 11% adjusted EBITDA margin Generated cash from operating activities of $30.4 million and free cash flow of $23.3 million
Published on 05/06/2026 at 04:11 pm EDT
Ibotta, Inc. (NYSE: IBTA), the performance marketing platform for promotions, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.
“We started the year with strong operational momentum, delivering first quarter results that exceeded our expectations. This performance was driven by disciplined execution with our core product offering and the continued success of our LiveLift pilots,” said Ibotta CEO and Founder, Bryan Leach. “The expansion of the Ibotta Performance Network remains a core priority, and the addition of marquee publishers Uber and Giant Eagle significantly increases our reach across both third-party e-commerce delivery and traditional grocery. We believe the ongoing strengthening of our network and core product offerings has us well-positioned to return to year-over-year growth in the third quarter.”
First Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights:
The following table summarizes the Company’s financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025:
Three months ended March 31,
% Change
2026
2025
(in thousands, except per share figures and percentages)
GAAP Results
Redemption revenue
$
73,016
$
73,399
(1
)%
Revenue
82,483
84,574
(2
)%
Net (loss) income
(10,322
)
555
NM
(1)
Net (loss) income per share, diluted
(0.43
)
0.02
NM
(1)
Net (loss) income as a percent of revenue
(13
)%
1
%
Non-GAAP Results
Adjusted EBITDA
$
8,721
$
14,673
(41
)%
Adjusted EBITDA margin
11
%
17
%
Non-GAAP net income
$
6,029
$
12,109
(50
)%
Non-GAAP net income per share, diluted
0.24
0.36
(33
)%
(1) NM - not meaningful
The following table summarizes the Company’s performance metrics for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025:
Three months ended March 31,
2026
2025
% Change
(in thousands, except per redeemer figures, per redemption figures, and percentages)
Performance Metrics
Redemptions:
Third-party publisher redemptions
70,688
61,211
15
%
Direct-to-consumer redemptions
17,278
21,629
(20
)%
Total redemptions
87,966
82,840
6
%
Redeemers:
Third-party publisher redeemers
18,306
15,433
19
%
Direct-to-consumer redeemers
1,430
1,656
(14
)%
Total redeemers
19,736
17,089
15
%
Redemptions per redeemer:
Third-party publisher redemptions per redeemer
3.9
4.0
(3
)%
Direct-to-consumer redemptions per redeemer
12.1
13.1
(7
)%
Total redemptions per redeemer
4.5
4.8
(8
)%
Redemption revenue per redemption:
Third-party publisher redemption revenue per redemption
$
0.76
$
0.79
(3
)%
Direct-to-consumer redemption revenue per redemption
1.10
1.17
(6
)%
Total redemption revenue per redemption
$
0.83
$
0.89
(6
)%
Note that certain figures shown above may not recalculate due to rounding.
First Quarter 2026 Business Highlights:
Financial Guidance:
Second quarter 2026 outlook summary:
Guidance for adjusted EBITDA is earnings before interest income, net, provision for (benefit from) income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, and excludes stock-based compensation and other expense, net. We have not reconciled adjusted EBITDA to GAAP net income for our guidance because we do not provide guidance on GAAP net income and would not be able to present the various reconciling cash and non-cash items between the GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures since certain items that impact these measures are uncertain or out of our control, or cannot be reasonably predicted, including share-based compensation expense, without unreasonable effort. The actual amounts of such reconciling items could have a significant impact on the Company's GAAP net income.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
Included within this press release are the non-GAAP financial measures of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income as a percent of revenue, non-GAAP diluted net income per share and free cash flow that supplement the condensed financial statements of the Company prepared under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only and is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. Please see the accompanying tables for reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their nearest GAAP equivalents.
Adjusted EBITDA is earnings before interest income, net, provision for (benefit from) income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, and excludes stock-based compensation, restructuring charges, and other expense, net. Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated as adjusted EBITDA as a percent of revenue. Non-GAAP net income excludes stock-based compensation, restructuring charges, and the related income tax effects. The income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments is the difference between GAAP and non-GAAP income tax expense. Non-GAAP income tax expense is computed on non-GAAP pre-tax income (GAAP pre-tax income adjusted for non-GAAP adjustments). Non-GAAP diluted net income per share is calculated as non-GAAP net income divided by non-GAAP diluted weighted average common shares outstanding. Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities, less additions to property and equipment and capitalization of software development costs.
The Company's management believes that these non-GAAP measures can assist investors in evaluating the Company's operational trends, financial performance, and cash-generating capacity. Management believes these non-GAAP measures allow investors to evaluate the Company’s financial performance using some of the same measures as management. Investors are cautioned that there are material limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures versus their nearest GAAP equivalents. The Company’s definitions may differ from the definitions used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. In addition, other companies may not publish these or similar metrics. These non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the comparable GAAP measures, but are included solely for informational and comparative purposes. Non-GAAP financial measures are subject to limitations and should be read only in conjunction with our condensed financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. In light of these limitations, management also reviews the specific items that are excluded from our non-GAAP measures, as well as trends in these items.
First Quarter 2026 Financial Results Webcast and Conference Call Details
When:
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. MT/ 4:30 p.m. ET
Webcast:
ir.ibotta.com
Key Business Terms and Notes
Ibotta Performance Network (IPN): A platform that allows clients to deliver digital promotions to consumers via a network of publishers, consisting of our owned properties and third-party publishers.
Redeemer: A consumer who has redeemed at least one digital offer within the time period specified. If a consumer were to redeem on more than one publisher during that period, they would be counted as multiple redeemers. Year-to-date redeemers are calculated as the average of current year quarter-to-date redeemers.
Redemption: A verified purchase of one or more items qualifying for an offer by a client on the IPN.
Redemption Revenue: The Company’s customers promote their products and services to consumers through rewards offered on the IPN. The Company earns a fee per redemption which is recognized in the period in which the redemption occurred. The Company may also charge fees to set up a redemption campaign which are deferred and recognized over the average duration of historical redemption campaigns.
About Ibotta ("I bought a...")
Ibotta (NYSE: IBTA) is a leading provider of digital promotions for CPG brands, reaching over 200 million consumers through a network of publishers called the Ibotta Performance Network (IPN). The IPN allows marketers to influence what people buy, and where and how often they shop – all while paying only when their campaigns directly result in a sale. American shoppers have earned over $2.9 billion through the IPN since 2012. The largest tech IPO in history to come out of Colorado, Ibotta is headquartered in Denver, and is continually listed as a top place to work by The Denver Post and Inc. Magazine.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements relating to expectations concerning matters that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements by our CEO and founder about our strategy for 2026 and product capabilities, the increased reach across both third-party e-commerce delivery and traditional grocery, the ongoing strength of the Company’s network and core product offerings, the impact of our new products, like LiveLift™, our ability to return to year-over-year growth, and the Company’s financial guidance, such as revenue and adjusted EBITDA. When words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “outlook” or similar expressions are used, the Company is making forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot give readers any assurance that such expectations will prove correct. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those related to the Company’s relatively limited operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate the Company’s business and prospects, the demands and expectations of clients and the ability to attract and retain clients. The actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. These and other factors are disclosed in the Company’s annual and quarterly reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at www.sec.gov. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not intend to update any forward-looking statement contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof, except as required by law.
Ibotta, Inc.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Three months ended March 31,
2026
2025
Revenue
$
82,483
$
84,574
Cost of revenue(1)
19,450
17,092
Gross profit
63,033
67,482
Operating expenses(1):
Sales and marketing(2)
34,048
29,858
Research and development
14,502
18,069
General and administrative
23,760
21,386
Depreciation and amortization
1,555
972
Total operating expenses
73,865
70,285
Loss from operations
(10,832
)
(2,803
)
Interest income, net
1,510
3,685
Other expense, net
(31
)
(399
)
(Loss) income before (provision for) benefit from income taxes
(9,353
)
483
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
(969
)
72
Net (loss) income
$
(10,322
)
$
555
Net (loss) income per share:
Basic
$
(0.43
)
$
0.02
Diluted
$
(0.43
)
$
0.02
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic
24,145,066
30,779,430
Diluted
24,145,066
33,218,817
(1)
Amounts include stock-based compensation expense as follows (in thousands):
Three months ended March 31,
2026
2025
Cost of revenue
$
990
$
657
Sales and marketing(2)
5,790
5,129
Research and development
3,206
3,147
General and administrative
6,696
4,819
Total stock-based compensation expense
$
16,682
$
13,752
(2)
Stock-based compensation expense included in sales and marketing includes common stock warrant expense of $2.2 million recognized during each of the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025.
Ibotta, Inc.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
March 31,
December 31,
2026
2025
(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
164,596
$
186,612
Accounts receivable, net
183,052
208,709
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
13,353
12,604
Total current assets
361,001
407,925
Property and equipment, net
23,212
23,434
Capitalized software development costs, net
26,482
24,193
Equity investment
4,531
4,531
Deferred tax assets, net
53,892
54,850
Operating lease assets
9,843
9,901
Other long-term assets
961
1,077
Total assets
$
479,922
$
525,911
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
7,237
$
10,840
Due to third-party publishers
106,293
107,601
Deferred revenue
2,701
2,935
User redemption liability
63,381
65,521
Accrued expenses
19,754
19,614
Other current liabilities
1,557
1,249
Total current liabilities
200,923
207,760
Long-term liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities, long-term
25,319
25,501
Unrecognized tax benefits, long-term
4,701
4,999
Total liabilities
230,943
238,260
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock
—
—
Class A common stock
—
—
Class B common stock
—
—
Treasury stock
(312,719
)
(267,575
)
Additional paid-in capital
708,891
692,097
Accumulated deficit
(147,193
)
(136,871
)
Total stockholders' equity
248,979
287,651
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
479,922
$
525,911
Ibotta, Inc.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(unaudited)
Three months ended March 31,
2026
2025
Operating activities
Net (loss) income
$
(10,322
)
$
555
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
2,871
2,165
Impairment of capitalized software development costs
139
164
Stock-based compensation expense
14,521
11,591
Common stock warrant expense
2,161
2,161
Credit loss expense
852
418
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
38
38
Deferred income taxes
583
–
Other
3
4
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
24,865
14,311
Other current and long-term assets
(236
)
(23,890
)
Accounts payable
(1,499
)
273
Due to third-party publishers
(1,308
)
(7,451
)
Accrued expenses
253
(3,559
)
Deferred revenue
(234
)
612
User redemption liability
(2,140
)
(1,525
)
Other current and long-term liabilities
(173
)
23,993
Net cash provided by operating activities
30,374
19,860
Investing activities
Additions to property and equipment
(3,068
)
(1,894
)
Additions to capitalized software development costs
(4,020
)
(3,074
)
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
27
—
Net cash used in investing activities
(7,061
)
(4,968
)
Financing activities
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
656
3,360
Debt issuance costs
–
(2
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(44,832
)
(69,778
)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards
(1,153
)
(629
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(45,329
)
(67,049
)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
(22,016
)
(52,157
)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period
186,612
349,690
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period
$
164,596
$
297,533
The following table disaggregates the Company’s third-party publishers and direct-to-consumer revenue by redemption and ad & other revenue:
Supplemental Revenue Detail
Three months ended March 31,
% Change
2026
2025
(in thousands, except percentages)
Third-party publishers revenue
Redemption revenue
53,996
48,195
12
%
Ad & other revenue
—
—
—
%
Total third-party publishers revenue
53,996
48,195
12
%
Direct-to-consumer revenue
Redemption revenue
$
19,020
$
25,204
(25
)%
Ad & other revenue
9,467
11,175
(15
)%
Total direct-to-consumer revenue
28,487
36,379
(22
)%
Total
Redemption revenue
73,016
73,399
(1
)%
Ad & other revenue
9,467
11,175
(15
)%
Total revenue
$
82,483
$
84,574
(2
)%
The following tables show the Company’s non-GAAP financial metrics reconciled to the comparable GAAP financial metrics included in this release:
Non-GAAP Financial Metrics
(In thousands, except shares, per share amounts, and percentages)
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
Three months ended March 31,
2026
2025
Net (loss) income
$
(10,322
)
$
555
Add (deduct):
Interest income, net
(1,510
)
(3,685
)
Depreciation and amortization
2,871
2,165
Stock-based compensation
16,682
13,752
Restructuring charges
—
1,559
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
969
(72
)
Other expense, net
31
399
Adjusted EBITDA
$
8,721
$
14,673
Revenue
$
82,483
$
84,574
Net (loss) income as a percent of revenue
(13
)%
1
%
Adjusted EBITDA margin
11
%
17
%
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Net Income
Three months ended March 31,
2026
2025
Net (loss) income
$
(10,322
)
$
555
Stock-based compensation
16,682
13,752
Restructuring charges
—
1,559
Adjustment for income taxes
(331
)
(3,757
)
Non-GAAP net income
$
6,029
$
12,109
Revenue
$
82,483
$
84,574
Net (loss) income as a percent of revenue
(13
)%
1
%
Non-GAAP net income as a percent of revenue
7
%
14
%
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
24,145,066
33,218,817
Plus: dilutive effect of securities(1)
1,116,360
—
Non-GAAP weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
25,261,426
33,218,817
Net (loss) income per share, diluted
$
(0.43
)
$
0.02
Non-GAAP net income per share, diluted
$
0.24
$
0.36
(1)
In periods when the Company incurs a net loss, basic net loss per share is equivalent to diluted net loss per share as the inclusion of all potentially dilutive securities outstanding would have been antidilutive. For purposes of calculating non-GAAP net income per share, the Company adds back the weighted average dilutive effect of securities.
Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow
Three months ended March 31,
2026
2025
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
30,374
$
19,860
Additions to property and equipment
(3,068
)
(1,894
)
Additions to capitalized software development costs
(4,020
)
(3,074
)
Free cash flow
$
23,286
$
14,892
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