Sep 29 2026 12:54 AM EST

8x8, Inc. Gains on Partner Program Rollout and Strong Usage‑Based Revenue Growth

Shares of 8x8, Inc. (NASDAQ: EGHT) jumped about 23% in the last five trading days as investors reacted to a newly announced tiered partner program and recent earnings that showed usage‑based revenue accelerating beyond expectations.

New Tiered Partner Program Boosts Channel Sales

On September 15, 2026 the company announced a tiered partner program that rewards direct resellers for customer growth and retention, a move analysts expect to accelerate channel‑driven sales and improve gross‑margin profile.

Q2 FY2026 Earnings Confirm Revenue Momentum

The company reported Q2 FY2026 revenue of $184.1 million, up 1.7% YoY, and service revenue of $179.1 million, up 2.3% YoY. Usage‑based revenue now represents 19% of service revenue, driving the top‑line growth. Gross margin stood at 65.7%. Management reiterated full‑year revenue and margin guidance, citing continued usage‑revenue expansion and disciplined cost control.

AI and Cloud Spending Tailwinds

The September 15, 2026 “IT Spending Trends 2026” report projects global IT outlays to reach $5.61 trillion, up 9.8% YoY. The forecast underscores robust growth in AI‑driven cloud infrastructure, a macro environment that favors UCaaS and CPaaS providers such as 8x8, which are positioned to capture rising demand for AI‑enhanced communications.

Operational Highlights and Product Innovation

Recent corporate updates include: Fazpass named 2026 CPaaS Partner of the Year; AI Studio customer interactions grew nearly 450% while in open beta; AI adoption more than doubled as CX demand accelerates; launch of AI Routing and 8x8 Pulse conversational‑intelligence tool; and the rollout of a flexible, consumption‑based UC solution for direct‑resell partners via 8x8 Small Business.

Market Performance and Valuation Context

Over the past five trading days the stock posted a 23% gain. Year‑to‑date returns stand at +12.94% versus the S&P 500’s +12.24%. The one‑year return remains modest at ‑1.11% compared with the index’s +15.65%, while the three‑year return lags at ‑10.28% versus the broader market’s +78.70%. The recent rally reflects a short‑term re‑rating rather than a fundamental turnaround of longer‑term performance trends.