02:29:55 EST Fri 07 Nov 2025
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Ziff Davis Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Reaffirms 2025 Guidance

2025-11-06 18:00 ET - News Release


Company Website: https://www.ziffdavis.com
NEW YORK -- (Business Wire)

Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD) (“Ziff Davis” or “the Company”) today reported unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025.

In addition, consistent with ongoing efforts to maximize value for shareholders, and following inbound interest from third parties regarding certain of our businesses, Ziff Davis has engaged outside advisors to assist in evaluating value-creating opportunities, including the potential sale of entire divisions of the Company. No final decisions have been made to date, and there is no assurance that any transactions will occur. The Company also intends to continue its share repurchase program.

“During the third quarter, we delivered our fifth consecutive quarter of revenue growth and generated strong free cash flow,” said Vivek Shah, Chief Executive Officer of Ziff Davis. “In addition, we continue to pursue multiple avenues to create value for our shareholders and look forward to working with our advisors to assess interest in certain of our businesses.”

THIRD QUARTER 2025 RESULTS

  • Q3 2025 quarterly revenues (1) increased 2.9% to $363.7 million compared to $353.6 million for Q3 2024.
  • Income (loss) from operations increased 197.0% to $28.4 million compared to $(29.3) million for Q3 2024. This includes a $17.6 million goodwill impairment recognized in Q3 2025 compared to a $85.3 million goodwill impairment recognized in Q3 2024.
  • Net loss (2) decreased to $(3.6) million compared to $(48.6) million for Q3 2024. This includes a $17.6 million goodwill impairment recognized in Q3 2025 compared to a $85.3 million goodwill impairment recognized in Q3 2024.
  • Net loss per diluted share (2) decreased to $(0.09) in Q3 2025 compared to $(1.11) for Q3 2024.
  • Adjusted EBITDA (3) for the quarter decreased to $124.1 million compared to $124.7 million for Q3 2024.
  • Adjusted net income (2) (3) decreased to $71.5 million compared to $72.1 million for Q3 2024.
  • Adjusted net income per diluted share (2)(3) (or “Adjusted diluted EPS”) for the quarter increased 7.3% to $1.76 compared to $1.64 for Q3 2024.
  • Net cash provided by operating activities was $138.3 million in Q3 2025 compared to $106.0 million in Q3 2024. Free cash flow (3) was $108.2 million in Q3 2025 compared to $80.1 million in Q3 2024.
  • Ziff Davis deployed approximately $16.7 million for current and prior year acquisitions during the quarter and $44.4 million related to share repurchases in Q3 2025.

The following table reflects results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively (in millions, except per share amounts).

(Unaudited)

Three months ended
September 30,

% Change

Nine months ended
September 30,

% Change

2025

2024

2025

2024

Revenues (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Technology & Shopping

$85.2

$87.1

(2.2)%

$247.7

$229.0

8.2%

Gaming & Entertainment

$47.6

$49.7

(4.3)%

$131.9

$129.3

1.9%

Health & Wellness

$102.3

$90.8

12.7%

$287.5

$256.7

12.0%

Connectivity

$57.2

$56.0

2.2%

$170.4

$159.4

6.9%

Cybersecurity & Martech

$71.4

$70.0

2.0%

$207.1

$214.5

(3.4)%

Total revenues (1)

$363.7

$353.6

2.9%

$1,044.6

$988.9

5.6%

Income (loss) from operations

$28.4

$(29.3)

197.0%

$97.0

$35.1

176.3%

Operating income margin

7.8%

(8.3)%

16.1%

9.3%

3.6%

5.7%

Net (loss) income (2)

$(3.6)

$(48.6)

92.6%

$47.0

$(1.0)

NM

Net (loss) income per diluted share (2)

$(0.09)

$(1.11)

91.9%

$1.13

$(0.02)

NM

Adjusted EBITDA (3)

$124.1

$124.7

(0.5)%

$331.9

$321.7

3.2%

Adjusted EBITDA margin (3)

34.1%

35.3%

(1.2)%

31.8%

32.5%

(0.7)%

Adjusted net income (2)(3)

$71.5

$72.1

(0.8)%

$172.0

$184.3

(6.6)%

Adjusted diluted EPS (2)(3)

$1.76

$1.64

7.3%

$4.12

$4.08

1.0%

Net cash provided by operating activities

$138.3

$106.0

30.5%

$216.0

$232.1

(6.9)%

Free cash flow (3)

$108.2

$80.1

35.0%

$130.1

$152.6

(14.7)%

Notes:

(1)

 

The revenues associated with each of the reportable segments may have been rounded when presented independently so they foot precisely to Total Revenues. Prior period segment information is presented on a comparable basis to conform to our new segment presentation with no effect on previously reported consolidated results.

(2)

 

GAAP effective tax rates were approximately 139.8% and (34.9)% for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and 42.2% and 149.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Adjusted effective tax rates were approximately 25.2% and 24.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and 24.6% and 23.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

(3)

 

For definitions of non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures refer to section “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” further in this release.

ZIFF DAVIS GUIDANCE

The Company reaffirms its guidance for fiscal year 2025 as follows (in millions, except per share data):

 

2025 Range of Estimates

 

Low

 

High

Revenues

$

1,442

 

$

1,502

Adjusted EBITDA

$

505

 

$

542

Adjusted diluted EPS (1)

$

6.64

 

$

7.28

____________________

(1)

 

It is anticipated that the Adjusted effective tax rate for 2025 will be between 23.25% and 25.25%.

A reconciliation of forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted diluted EPS to the corresponding GAAP financial measures is not available without unreasonable effort due primarily to variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections of certain non-operating items such as (Gain) loss on investments, net, Other (income) loss, net, and other unanticipated items that may arise in the future.

EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL AND AUDIO WEBCAST

Ziff Davis will host a live audio webcast and conference call discussing its third quarter 2025 financial results on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 8:30AM ET. The live webcast and call will be accessible by phone by dialing (844) 985-2014 or via www.ziffdavis.com. Following the event, the audio recording and presentation materials will be archived and made available at www.ziffdavis.com.

ABOUT ZIFF DAVIS

Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD) is a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, shopping, gaming and entertainment, health and wellness, connectivity, cybersecurity, and martech. For more information, visit www.ziffdavis.com.

“Safe Harbor” Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those contained in Vivek Shah’s quote, and the “Ziff Davis Guidance” section regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2025 financial performance. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors and uncertainties include, among other items: the Company’s ability to grow advertising, licensing, and subscription revenues, profitability, and cash flows, particularly in light of an uncertain U.S. or worldwide economy, including the possibility of economic downturn or recession; the Company’s ability to make interest and debt payments; the Company’s ability to identify, close, and successfully transition acquisitions; customer growth and retention; the Company’s ability to create compelling content; our reliance on third-party platforms; the threat of content piracy and developments related to artificial intelligence; increased competition and rapid technological changes; variability of the Company’s revenue based on changing conditions in particular industries and the economy generally; protection of the Company’s proprietary technology; the risk of alleged infringement by the Company of intellectual property of others; the risk of losing critical third-party vendors or key personnel; the risks associated with fraudulent activity, system failure, or a security breach; risks related to our ability to adhere to our internal controls and procedures; the risk of adverse changes in the U.S. or international regulatory environments, including but not limited to the imposition or increase of taxes or regulatory-related fees; the risks related to supply chain disruptions, increased tariffs and trade protection measures, inflationary conditions, and rising interest rates; the risk of liability for legal and other claims; our ability to consummate a sale of one or more of our business lines pursuant to our announced review of potential value-creating opportunities; and the numerous other factors set forth in Ziff Davis’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting Ziff Davis, refer to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other reports filed by Ziff Davis from time-to-time with the SEC, each of which is available at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements provided in this press release, including those contained in Vivek Shah’s quote and in the “Ziff Davis Guidance” portion regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2025 financial performance are based on limited information available to the Company at this time, which is subject to change. Although management’s expectations may change after the date of this press release, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update these statements.

 

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

September 30, 2025

 

December 31, 2024

ASSETS

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

503,368

 

 

$

505,880

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $8,430 and $8,148, respectively

 

473,159

 

 

 

660,223

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

148,022

 

 

 

105,966

 

Total current assets

 

1,124,549

 

 

 

1,272,069

 

Long-term investments

 

119,557

 

 

 

158,187

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $443,246 and $361,710, respectively

 

207,854

 

 

 

197,216

 

Intangible assets, net

 

375,321

 

 

 

425,749

 

Goodwill

 

1,606,184

 

 

 

1,580,258

 

Deferred income taxes

 

7,515

 

 

 

7,487

 

Other assets

 

35,954

 

 

 

63,368

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

3,476,934

 

 

$

3,704,334

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$

472,066

 

 

$

670,769

 

Income taxes payable, current

 

5,508

 

 

 

19,715

 

Deferred revenue, current

 

203,141

 

 

 

199,664

 

Other current liabilities

 

17,291

 

 

 

9,499

 

Total current liabilities

 

698,006

 

 

 

899,647

 

Long-term debt

 

865,937

 

 

 

864,282

 

Deferred revenue, noncurrent

 

5,622

 

 

 

5,504

 

Liability for uncertain tax positions

 

24,163

 

 

 

30,296

 

Deferred income taxes

 

45,398

 

 

 

46,018

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

38,899

 

 

 

47,705

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

1,678,025

 

 

 

1,893,452

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

400

 

 

 

428

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

482,667

 

 

 

491,891

 

Retained earnings

 

1,374,616

 

 

 

1,401,034

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(58,774

)

 

 

(82,471

)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

1,798,909

 

 

 

1,810,882

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

3,476,934

 

 

$

3,704,334

 

 

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

Total revenues

$

363,711

 

 

$

353,580

 

 

$

1,044,556

 

 

$

988,865

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct costs

 

53,152

 

 

 

51,170

 

 

 

149,334

 

 

 

147,081

 

Sales and marketing

 

137,835

 

 

 

127,418

 

 

 

407,113

 

 

 

369,184

 

Research, development, and engineering

 

15,402

 

 

 

15,255

 

 

 

47,756

 

 

 

49,824

 

General, administrative, and other related costs

 

53,996

 

 

 

52,417

 

 

 

154,976

 

 

 

150,432

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

57,319

 

 

 

51,351

 

 

 

170,757

 

 

 

151,945

 

Goodwill impairment

 

17,579

 

 

 

85,273

 

 

 

17,579

 

 

 

85,273

 

Total operating costs and expenses

 

335,283

 

 

 

382,884

 

 

 

947,515

 

 

 

953,739

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

28,428

 

 

 

(29,304

)

 

 

97,041

 

 

 

35,126

 

Interest expense, net

 

(6,496

)

 

 

(4,024

)

 

 

(19,150

)

 

 

(7,597

)

Loss on sale of businesses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,780

)

Gain (loss) on investments, net

 

678

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,018

 

 

 

(7,654

)

Provision for credit losses on investments

 

(17,566

)

 

 

 

 

 

(17,566

)

 

 

 

Other income (loss), net

 

4,098

 

 

 

(2,633

)

 

 

(4,491

)

 

 

2,530

 

Income (loss) before income tax expense and income (loss) from equity method investment

 

9,142

 

 

 

(35,961

)

 

 

60,852

 

 

 

18,625

 

Income tax expense

 

(12,778

)

 

 

(12,539

)

 

 

(25,651

)

 

 

(27,760

)

Income (loss) from equity method investment, net of tax

 

38

 

 

 

(77

)

 

 

11,783

 

 

 

8,095

 

Net (loss) income

$

(3,598

)

 

$

(48,577

)

 

$

46,984

 

 

$

(1,040

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

(0.09

)

 

$

(1.11

)

 

$

1.13

 

 

$

(0.02

)

Diluted

$

(0.09

)

 

$

(1.11

)

 

$

1.13

 

 

$

(0.02

)

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

40,558,629

 

 

 

43,924,158

 

 

 

41,609,182

 

 

 

45,088,272

 

Diluted

 

40,558,629

 

 

 

43,924,158

 

 

 

41,685,149

 

 

 

45,088,272

 

 

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

46,984

 

 

$

(1,040

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

170,757

 

 

 

151,945

 

Non-cash operating lease costs

 

5,603

 

 

 

8,392

 

Share-based compensation

 

33,676

 

 

 

30,633

 

Provision for credit losses on accounts receivable

 

2,493

 

 

 

2,289

 

Provision for credit losses on investments

 

17,566

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

1,167

 

 

 

(14,575

)

Loss on sale of businesses

 

 

 

 

3,780

 

Goodwill impairment

 

17,579

 

 

 

85,273

 

Changes in fair value of contingent consideration

 

(2,834

)

 

 

 

Income from equity method investments, net

 

(11,783

)

 

 

(8,095

)

(Gain) loss on investments, net

 

(5,018

)

 

 

7,654

 

Other

 

2,403

 

 

 

2,390

 

Decrease (increase) in:

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

187,760

 

 

 

46,576

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(10,325

)

 

 

(8,152

)

Other assets

 

14,658

 

 

 

(2,794

)

Increase (decrease) in:

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

(240,398

)

 

 

(66,313

)

Deferred revenue

 

(4,708

)

 

 

9,269

 

Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities

 

(9,594

)

 

 

(15,150

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

215,986

 

 

 

232,082

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(85,888

)

 

 

(79,476

)

Acquisitions, net of cash received

 

(67,086

)

 

 

(211,526

)

Distribution from equity method investment

 

10,756

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of equity investments

 

25,250

 

 

 

19,455

 

Proceeds from sale of equity method investment

 

860

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of cash divested

 

 

 

 

7,860

 

Other

 

(263

)

 

 

(884

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(116,371

)

 

 

(264,571

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

Payment of debt

 

 

 

 

(134,989

)

Repurchase of common stock

 

(113,221

)

 

 

(183,981

)

Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 

3,751

 

 

 

4,525

 

Deferred payments for acquisitions

 

(213

)

 

 

(7,442

)

Other

 

(1,783

)

 

 

(1,209

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(111,466

)

 

 

(323,096

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

9,339

 

 

 

4,095

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

(2,512

)

 

 

(351,490

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

505,880

 

 

 

737,612

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

503,368

 

 

$

386,122

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we use the following non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted net income (loss), Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share, Free cash flow, and Adjusted effective tax rate (collectively the “non-GAAP financial measures”). The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance and liquidity by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our recurring core business operating results or, in certain cases, may be non-cash in nature. We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting, and analyzing future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management’s internal comparisons to our historical performance and liquidity. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors both because (1) they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision-making, (2) certain measures are used to determine the amount of annual incentive compensation paid to our named executive officers, and (3) they are used by the analyst community to help them analyze the health of our business.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not measures presented in accordance with GAAP, and our use of these terms may vary from that of other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. These non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with the Company’s results of operations determined in accordance with GAAP.

Non-GAAP financial measures exclude the certain items listed below. We believe that excluding these items from the non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results and comparisons to peers, many of which exclude similar items. We believe that non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. We further believe these measures are useful to investors in that they allow for greater transparency of certain line items in the Company’s financial statements.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Net income (loss) with adjustments to reflect the addition or elimination of certain items including, but not limited to:

  • Interest expense, net. Interest expense is generated primarily from interest due on outstanding debt, partially offset by interest income generated from the interest earned on cash, cash equivalents, and investments;
  • (Gain) loss on debt extinguishment, net. This is a non-cash expense that relates to extinguishments of long-term debt obligations. We believe this (gain) loss does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company;
  • (Gain) loss on sale of businesses. This gain or loss relates to the sales of businesses and does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company;
  • (Gain) loss on investments, net. This item includes realized gains and losses, unrealized gains and losses, and impairment charges on debt and equity investments. The amount of gain or loss depends on the share price for investments with readily determinable fair value and on observable price changes for investments without a readily determinable fair value, and does not represent core business operating results of the Company;
  • Provision for credit losses on investments. This is a non-cash expense that includes changes in the provision for credit losses on investments of the Company in debt and equity instruments and does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company;
  • Other (income) loss, net. This income or expense relates to other non-operating items and does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company;
  • Income tax (benefit) expense. This benefit or expense depends on the pre-tax loss or income of the Company, statutory tax rates, tax regulations, and different tax rates in various jurisdictions in which the Company operates and which the Company does not have the control over;
  • (Income) loss from equity method investment, net of tax. This is a non-cash income or expense as it relates primarily to our investment in OCV Fund I, LP (the “OCV Fund”). We believe that gain or loss resulting from our equity method investment does not represent core business operating results of the Company;
  • Depreciation and amortization. This is a non-cash expense at it relates to use and associated reduction in value of certain assets including equipment, fixtures, and certain capitalized internal-use software and website development costs, and identifiable definite-lived intangible assets of the acquired businesses;
  • Share-based compensation. This is a non-cash expense as it relates to awards granted under the various share-based incentive plans of the Company. We view the economic cost of share-based awards to be the dilution to our share base;
  • Transaction, integration, and other charges. This includes expenses associated with the acquisition or disposal of certain businesses, lease agreement terminations, retention bonuses, and other transaction-specific items, as well as certain other items, such as severance, adjustments to contingent consideration, third-party debt modification costs, litigation costs from discrete, complex, or unusual proceedings, and legal settlements. These expenses do not represent core business operating results of the Company;
  • Lease asset impairments and other charges. These expenses are incurred in connection with impaired right-of-use (“ROU”) assets of the Company. Associated expenses are comprised of insurance, utility, and other charges related to assets that are no longer in use, and partially offset by the sublease income earned. These expenses do not represent core business operating results of the Company; and
  • Goodwill impairment. This is a non-cash expense that is recorded when the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value and does not represent core business operating results of the Company.

Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by Total Revenues.

Adjusted net income (loss) is defined as Net income (loss) with adjustments to reflect the addition or elimination of certain statement of operations items including, but not limited to:

  • Interest, net. This reflects the difference between the imputed and coupon interest expense associated with the 4.625% Senior Notes and a charge that the Company determined to be penalty interest associated with the 1.75% Convertible Notes, offset in part by a certain interest income earned by the Company. These net expenses do not represent core business operating results of the Company;
  • (Gain) loss on debt extinguishment, net. This is a non-cash expense that relates to extinguishments of long-term debt obligations. We believe this gain or loss does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company;
  • (Gain) loss on sale of businesses. This gain or loss relates to the sales of businesses and does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company;
  • (Gain) loss on investments, net. This item includes realized gains and losses, unrealized gains and losses, and impairment charges on debt and equity investments. The amount of gain or loss depends on the share price for investments with readily determinable fair value and on observable price changes for investments without a readily determinable fair value, and does not represent core business operating results of the Company;
  • Provision for credit losses on investments. This is a non-cash expense that includes changes in the provision for credit losses on investments of the Company in debt and equity instruments and does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company;
  • (Income) loss from equity method investment, net of tax. This is a non-cash income or expense as it relates primarily to our investment in the OCV Fund. We believe that gains or losses resulting from our equity method investment do not represent core business operating results of the Company;
  • Amortization. Includes the amortization of patents and intangible assets that we acquired. This is a non-cash expense as it primarily relates to identifiable definite-lived intangible assets of the acquired businesses. We believe that acquired intangible assets represent cost incurred by the acquiree to build value prior to the acquisition and the amortization of this cost does not represent core business operating results of the Company;
  • Share-based compensation. This is a non-cash expense as it relates to awards granted under the various share-based incentive plans of the Company. We view the economic cost of share-based awards to be the dilution to our share base;
  • Transaction, integration, and other charges. This includes expenses associated with the acquisition or disposal of certain businesses, lease agreement terminations, retention bonuses, and other transaction-specific items, as well as certain other items, such as severance, adjustments to contingent consideration, third-party debt modification costs, litigation costs from discrete, complex, or unusual proceedings, and legal settlements. These expenses do not represent core business operating results of the Company;
  • Lease asset impairments and other charges. These expenses are incurred in connection with impaired ROU assets of the Company. Associated expenses are comprised of insurance, utility, and other charges related to assets that are no longer in use, and partially offset by the sublease income earned. These expenses do not represent core business operating results of the Company; and
  • Goodwill impairment. This is a non-cash expense that is recorded when the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value and does not represent core business operating results of the Company.

Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share is calculated by dividing Adjusted net income (loss) by the diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding excluding the effect of convertible debt dilution.

Free cash flow is defined as Net cash provided by operating activities, less purchases of property and equipment, plus changes in contingent consideration (if any).

Adjusted effective tax rate is calculated based upon the GAAP effective tax rate with adjustments for the tax applicable to non-GAAP adjustments to Net income (loss), generally based upon the effective marginal tax rate of each adjustment.

 

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

Net (loss) income

$

(3,598

)

 

$

(48,577

)

 

$

46,984

 

 

$

(1,040

)

Interest expense, net

 

6,496

 

 

 

4,024

 

 

 

19,150

 

 

 

7,597

 

Loss on sale of businesses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,780

 

(Gain) loss on investment, net

 

(678

)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,018

)

 

 

7,654

 

Provision for credit losses on investments

 

17,566

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,566

 

 

 

 

Other (income) loss, net

 

(4,098

)

 

 

2,633

 

 

 

4,491

 

 

 

(2,530

)

Income tax expense

 

12,778

 

 

 

12,539

 

 

 

25,651

 

 

 

27,760

 

Income from equity method investment, net of tax

 

(38

)

 

 

77

 

 

 

(11,783

)

 

 

(8,095

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

57,319

 

 

 

51,351

 

 

 

170,757

 

 

 

151,945

 

Share-based compensation

 

12,197

 

 

 

10,161

 

 

 

33,676

 

 

 

30,633

 

Transaction, integration, and other charges

 

7,815

 

 

 

6,683

 

 

 

11,246

 

 

 

17,359

 

Lease asset impairments and other charges

 

721

 

 

 

527

 

 

 

1,592

 

 

 

1,370

 

Goodwill impairment

 

17,579

 

 

 

85,273

 

 

 

17,579

 

 

 

85,273

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

124,059

 

 

$

124,691

 

 

$

331,891

 

 

$

321,706

 

 

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

The following table sets forth Revenues and a reconciliation of (Loss) income from operations to Adjusted EBITDA by segment:

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2025

 

Technology &
Shopping

 

Gaming &
Entertainment

 

Health &
Wellness

 

Connectivity

 

Cybersecurity
& Martech

 

Corporate (1)

 

Total

Revenues

$

85,189

 

 

$

47,578

 

 

$

102,306

 

 

$

57,179

 

$

71,459

 

 

$

 

 

$

363,711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

$

48

 

 

$

14,688

 

 

$

22,858

 

 

$

16,456

 

 

$

(6,425

)

 

$

(19,197

)

 

$

28,428

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

22,599

 

 

 

2,949

 

 

 

13,406

 

 

 

7,116

 

 

 

11,121

 

 

 

128

 

 

 

57,319

 

Share-based compensation

 

1,422

 

 

 

429

 

 

 

1,698

 

 

 

885

 

 

 

1,235

 

 

 

6,528

 

 

 

12,197

 

Transaction, integration, and other charges

 

2,640

 

 

 

507

 

 

 

152

 

 

 

1,005

 

 

 

505

 

 

 

3,006

 

 

 

7,815

 

Lease asset impairments and other charges

 

684

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

(106

)

 

 

 

 

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

 

721

 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,579

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,579

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

27,393

 

 

$

18,673

 

 

$

38,008

 

 

$

25,462

 

 

$

24,058

 

 

$

(9,535

)

 

$

124,059

 

 
 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2024

 

Technology &
Shopping

 

Gaming &
Entertainment

 

Health &
Wellness

 

Connectivity

 

Cybersecurity
& Martech

 

Corporate (1)

 

Total

Revenues

$

87,126

 

 

$

49,714

 

 

$

90,771

 

 

$

55,943

 

 

$

70,026

 

 

$

 

 

$

353,580

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from operations

$

(78,615

)

 

$

15,044

 

 

$

18,247

 

 

$

20,813

 

 

$

14,891

 

 

$

(19,684

)

 

$

(29,304

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

20,334

 

 

 

2,631

 

 

 

12,505

 

 

 

7,867

 

 

 

7,980

 

 

 

34

 

 

 

51,351

 

Share-based compensation

 

1,047

 

 

 

365

 

 

 

1,343

 

 

 

623

 

 

 

1,178

 

 

 

5,605

 

 

 

10,161

 

Transaction, integration, and other charges

 

2,705

 

 

 

154

 

 

 

145

 

 

 

160

 

 

 

473

 

 

 

3,046

 

 

 

6,683

 

Lease asset impairments and other charges

 

426

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

98

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

527

 

Goodwill impairment

 

85,273

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

85,273

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

31,170

 

 

$

18,193

 

 

$

32,240

 

 

$

29,463

 

 

$

24,620

 

 

$

(10,995

)

 

$

124,691

 

____________________

Figures above are net of inter-segment revenues and operating costs and expenses. Prior period segment information is presented on a comparable basis to conform to our new segment presentation with no effect on previously reported consolidated results.

(1)

 

Corporate includes certain unallocated overhead costs that were historically presented within the Digital Media reportable segment.

 

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

The following tables set forth a reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted net income with adjustments presented on after-tax basis:

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

 

2025

 

 

Per diluted
share (1)

 

 

2024

 

 

Per diluted
share (1)

Net loss

$

(3,598

)

 

$

(0.09

)

 

$

(48,577

)

 

$

(1.11

)

Interest, net

 

62

 

 

 

 

 

 

60

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of businesses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9

)

 

 

 

Gain on investments, net

 

(678

)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for credit losses on investments

 

17,566

 

 

 

0.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Income) loss from equity method investment, net of tax

 

(38

)

 

 

 

 

 

77

 

 

 

 

Amortization

 

24,015

 

 

 

0.59

 

 

 

20,748

 

 

 

0.47

 

Share-based compensation

 

9,634

 

 

 

0.24

 

 

 

8,628

 

 

 

0.20

 

Transaction, integration, and other charges

 

6,355

 

 

 

0.16

 

 

 

5,480

 

 

 

0.13

 

Lease asset impairment and other charges

 

573

 

 

 

0.01

 

 

 

381

 

 

 

0.01

 

Goodwill impairment

 

17,579

 

 

 

0.43

 

 

 

85,273

 

 

 

1.94

 

Adjusted net income

$

71,470

 

 

$

1.76

 

 

$

72,061

 

 

$

1.64

 

 
 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

2025

 

 

Per diluted
share (1)

 

 

2024

 

 

Per diluted
share (1)

Net income (loss)

$

46,984

 

 

$

1.13

 

 

$

(1,040

)

 

$

(0.02

)

Interest, net

 

184

 

 

 

 

 

 

72

 

 

 

 

Loss on sale of business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

103

 

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on investments, net

 

(5,018

)

 

 

(0.12

)

 

 

7,077

 

 

 

0.15

 

Provision for credit losses on investments

 

17,566

 

 

 

0.42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from equity method investment, net

 

(11,783

)

 

 

(0.28

)

 

 

(8,095

)

 

 

(0.18

)

Amortization

 

69,066

 

 

 

1.66

 

 

 

62,012

 

 

 

1.38

 

Share-based compensation

 

27,292

 

 

 

0.65

 

 

 

25,835

 

 

 

0.57

 

Transaction, integration, and other charges

 

8,916

 

 

 

0.21

 

 

 

11,997

 

 

 

0.27

 

Lease asset impairment and other charges

 

1,256

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

 

1,038

 

 

 

0.02

 

Goodwill impairment

 

17,579

 

 

 

0.42

 

 

 

85,273

 

 

 

1.89

 

Adjusted net income

$

172,042

 

 

$

4.12

 

 

$

184,272

 

 

$

4.08

 

____________________

(1)

 

The reconciliation of Net income (loss) per diluted share to Adjusted net income per diluted share may not foot since each is calculated independently.

 

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

The following are the adjustments to certain statement of operations items used to derive Adjusted net income, which we believe provide useful information about our operating results and enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects of the Company.

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2025

 

GAAP
amount

Adjustments

Adjusted

non-GAAP
amount

 

Interest,
net

(Gain) loss on
investments,
net

Provision for
credit losses
on investments

(Income) loss
from equity
method
investments,
net

Amortization

Share-based
compensation

Transaction,
integration,
and other
charges

Lease asset
impairments
and other
charges

Goodwill
impairment

Direct costs

$

(53,152

)

$

 

$

 

$

$

 

$

 

$

72

 

$

 

$

 

$

$

(53,080

)

Sales and marketing

$

(137,835

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,320

 

 

2,753

 

 

 

 

 

$

(133,762

)

Research, development, and engineering

$

(15,402

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

934

 

 

391

 

 

 

 

 

$

(14,077

)

General, administrative, and other related costs

$

(53,996

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,871

 

 

4,671

 

 

721

 

 

 

$

(38,733

)

Depreciation and amortization

$

(57,319

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(26,124

)

Goodwill impairment

$

(17,579

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,579

 

$

 

Interest expense, net

$

(6,496

)

 

83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(6,413

)

Gain on investments, net

$

678

 

 

 

 

(678

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Provision for credit losses on investments

$

(17,566

)

 

 

 

 

 

17,566

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Other income, net

$

4,098

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(119

)

 

 

$

3,979

 

Income tax expense (1)

$

(12,778

)

 

(21

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,180

)

 

(2,563

)

 

(1,460

)

 

(29

)

 

 

$

(24,031

)

Income from equity method investment, net of tax

$

38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(38

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Total non-GAAP adjustments

 

$

62

 

$

(678

)

$

17,566

 

$

(38

)

$

24,015

 

$

9,634

 

$

6,355

 

$

573

 

$

17,579

 

 

____________________

(1)

 

Adjusted effective tax rate was approximately 25.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2025. The calculation is based on a ratio where the numerator is the adjusted income tax expense of $24,031 and the denominator is $95,501, which equals adjusted net income of $71,470 plus adjusted income tax expense.

 

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2024

 

GAAP
amount

Adjustments

Adjusted

non-GAAP
amount

 

Interest,
net

(Gain) loss on
sale of
business

Provision for
credit losses
on investments

(Income) loss
from equity
method
investments,
net

Amortization

Share-based
compensation

Transaction,
integration,
and other
charges

Lease asset
impairments
and other
charges

Goodwill
impairment

Direct costs

$

(51,170

)

$

 

$

 

$

$

$

 

$

68

 

$

64

 

$

 

$

$

(51,038

)

Sales and marketing

$

(127,418

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,014

 

 

3,216

 

 

 

 

 

$

(123,188

)

Research, development, and engineering

$

(15,255

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

769

 

 

1,096

 

 

 

 

 

$

(13,390

)

General, administrative, and other related costs

$

(52,417

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,310

 

 

2,307

 

 

527

 

 

 

$

(41,273

)

Depreciation and amortization

$

(51,351

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,503

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(22,848

)

Goodwill impairment

$

(85,273

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

85,273

 

$

 

Interest expense, net

$

(4,024

)

 

80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(3,944

)

Other loss, net

$

(2,633

)

 

 

 

(13

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(2,646

)

Income tax expense (1)

$

(12,539

)

 

(20

)

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,755

)

 

(1,533

)

 

(1,203

)

 

(146

)

 

 

$

(23,192

)

Loss from equity method investment, net of tax

$

(77

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Total non-GAAP adjustments

 

$

60

 

$

(9

)

$

 

$

77

 

$

20,748

 

$

8,628

 

$

5,480

 

$

381

 

$

85,273

 

 

____________________

(1)

 

Adjusted effective tax rate was approximately 24.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The calculation is based on a ratio where the numerator is the adjusted income tax expense of $23,192 and the denominator is $95,253, which equals adjusted net income of $72,061 plus adjusted income tax expense.

 

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2025

 

GAAP
amount

Adjustments

Adjusted
non-GAAP
amount

 

Interest,
net

(Gain) loss on
investments,
net

Provision for
credit losses
on investments

(Income) loss
from equity
method
investments,
net

Amortization

Share-based
compensation

Transaction,
integration,
and other
charges

Lease asset
impairments
and other
charges

Goodwill
impairment

Direct costs

$

(149,334

)

$

 

$

 

$

$

 

$

 

$

203

 

$

60

 

$

 

$

$

(149,071

)

Sales and marketing

$

(407,113

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,655

 

 

4,972

 

 

 

 

 

$

(398,486

)

Research, development, and engineering

$

(47,756

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,661

 

 

629

 

 

 

 

 

$

(44,466

)

General, administrative, and other related costs

$

(154,976

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27,157

 

 

5,585

 

 

1,592

 

 

 

$

(120,642

)

Depreciation and amortization

$

(170,757

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

90,644

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(80,113

)

Goodwill impairment

$

(17,579

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,579

 

$

 

Interest expense, net

$

(19,150

)

 

246

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(18,904

)

Gain on investments, net

$

5,018

 

 

 

 

(5,018

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Provision for credit losses on investments

$

(17,566

)

 

 

 

 

 

17,566

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Other loss, net

$

(4,491

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(119

)

 

 

$

(4,610

)

Income tax expense (1)

$

(25,651

)

 

(62

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(21,578

)

 

(6,384

)

 

(2,330

)

 

(217

)

 

 

$

(56,222

)

Income from equity method investment, net

$

11,783

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,783

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Total non-GAAP adjustments

 

$

184

 

$

(5,018

)

$

17,566

 

$

(11,783

)

$

69,066

 

$

27,292

 

$

8,916

 

$

1,256

 

$

17,579

 

 

____________________

(1)

 

Adjusted effective tax rate was approximately 24.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The calculation is based on a ratio where the numerator is the adjusted income tax expense of $56,222 and the denominator is $228,264, which equals adjusted net income of $172,042 plus adjusted income tax expense.

 

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2024

 

GAAP
amount

Adjustments

Adjusted
non-GAAP
amount

 

Interest,
net

(Gain) loss on
sale of
business

(Gain) loss on
investments,
net

(Income) loss
from equity
method
investments,
net

Amortization

Share-based
compensation

Transaction,
integration,
and other
charges

Lease asset
impairments
and other
charges

Goodwill
impairment

Direct costs

$

(147,081

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

191

 

$

335

 

$

 

$

$

(146,555

)

Sales and marketing

$

(369,184

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,865

 

 

5,706

 

 

 

 

 

$

(360,613

)

Research, development, and engineering

$

(49,824

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,930

 

 

2,630

 

 

 

 

 

$

(44,264

)

General, administrative, and other related costs

$

(150,432

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24,647

 

 

8,688

 

 

1,370

 

 

 

$

(115,727

)

Depreciation and amortization

$

(151,945

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

82,783

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(69,162

)

Goodwill impairment

$

(85,273

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

85,273

 

$

 

Interest expense, net

$

(7,597

)

 

96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(7,501

)

Loss on sale of business

$

(3,780

)

 

 

 

3,780

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Loss on investments, net

$

(7,654

)

 

 

 

 

 

7,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Other income (loss), net

$

2,530

 

 

 

 

(4,903

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(537

)

 

 

 

 

$

(2,910

)

Income tax expense (1)

$

(27,760

)

 

(24

)

 

1,226

 

 

(577

)

 

 

 

(20,771

)

 

(4,798

)

 

(4,825

)

 

(332

)

 

 

$

(57,861

)

Income from equity method investment, net

$

8,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,095

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Total non-GAAP adjustments

 

$

72

 

$

103

 

$

7,077

 

$

(8,095

)

$

62,012

 

$

25,835

 

$

11,997

 

$

1,038

 

$

85,273

 

 

____________________

(1)

 

Adjusted effective tax rate was approximately 23.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The calculation is based on a ratio where the numerator is the adjusted income tax expense of $57,861 and the denominator is $242,133, which equals adjusted net income of $184,272 plus adjusted income tax expense.

 

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

The following tables set forth a reconciliation of Net cash provided by operating activities to Free cash flow:

 

2025

Q1

 

Q2

 

Q3

 

Q4

 

YTD

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

20,613

 

 

$

57,074

 

 

$

138,299

 

 

$

 

 

$

215,986

 

Less: Purchases of property and equipment

 

(25,619

)

 

 

(30,133

)

 

 

(30,136

)

 

 

 

 

 

(85,888

)

Free cash flow

$

(5,006

)

 

$

26,941

 

 

$

108,163

 

 

$

 

 

$

130,098

 

 
 

2024

Q1

 

Q2

 

Q3

 

Q4

 

YTD

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

75,558

 

 

$

50,564

 

 

$

105,960

 

 

$

158,233

 

 

$

390,315

 

Less: Purchases of property and equipment

 

(28,129

)

 

 

(25,504

)

 

 

(25,843

)

 

 

(27,159

)

 

 

(106,635

)

Free cash flow

$

47,429

 

 

$

25,060

 

 

$

80,117

 

 

$

131,074

 

 

$

283,680

 

 

Contacts:

Investor Relations
Ziff Davis, Inc.
investor@ziffdavis.com

Corporate Communications
Ziff Davis, Inc.
press@ziffdavis.com

Source: Ziff Davis, Inc.

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