Recent Quotes View Full List My Watchlist Create Watchlist Indicators DJI Nasdaq Composite SPX Gold Crude Oil EL&P Market Index Markets Stocks ETFs Tools Overview News Currencies International Treasuries Ziff Davis Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Reaffirms 2024 Guidance By: Ziff Davis, Inc. via Business Wire May 08, 2024 at 19:05 PM EDT Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD) (“Ziff Davis” or “the Company”) today reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. “Our first quarter financial results are some of the Company’s strongest since the second quarter of 2022,” said Vivek Shah, Chief Executive Officer of Ziff Davis. “We are particularly pleased with the growth in our subscription and licensing revenues, as we continue to pursue a balanced business model." FIRST QUARTER 2024 RESULTS Q1 2024 quarterly revenues increased 2.4% to $314.5 million compared to $307.1 million for Q1 2023. Income from operations increased 36.3% to $35.9 million compared to $26.3 million for Q1 2023. Net income (loss) (1) increased to $10.6 million compared to $(7.6) million for Q1 2023. Net income (loss) per diluted share (1) increased to $0.23 in Q1 2024 compared to $(0.16) for Q1 2023. Adjusted EBITDA (2) for the quarter increased 6.8% to $100.8 million compared to $94.3 million for Q1 2023. Adjusted net income (2) increased 13.0% to $58.5 million compared to $51.7 million for Q1 2023. Adjusted net income per diluted share (1)(2) (or “Adjusted diluted EPS”) for the quarter increased 15.5% to $1.27 compared to $1.10 for Q1 2023. Net cash provided by operating activities was $75.6 million in Q1 2024 compared to $115.3 million in Q1 2023. Free cash flow (2) was $47.4 million in Q1 2024 compared to $85.3 million in Q1 2023. Ziff Davis ended the quarter with approximately $891.1 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments after deploying approximately $46.9 million during the quarter for current and prior year acquisitions. The following table reflects results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (in millions, except per share amounts). (Unaudited) Three months ended March 31, % Change 2024 2023 Revenues Digital Media $239.0 $234.1 2.1% Cybersecurity and Martech $75.5 $73.0 3.3% Total revenues (3) $314.5 $307.1 2.4% Income from operations $35.9 $26.3 36.3% Operating income margin 11.4% 8.6% 2.8% Net income (loss) (1) $10.6 $(7.6) 239.3% Net income (loss) per diluted share (1) $0.23 $(0.16) 243.8% Adjusted EBITDA (2) $100.8 $94.3 6.8% Adjusted EBITDA margin (2) 32.0% 30.7% 1.3% Adjusted net income (1)(2) $58.5 $51.7 13.0% Adjusted diluted EPS (1)(2) $1.27 $1.10 15.5% Net cash provided by operating activities $75.6 $115.3 (34.5)% Free cash flow (2) $47.4 $85.3 (44.4)% Notes: (1) GAAP effective tax rates were approximately 42.2% and (65.6)% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Adjusted effective tax rates were approximately 23.9% and 23.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. (2) 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 report. (3) The revenues associated with each of the businesses may not foot precisely since each is presented independently. ZIFF DAVIS GUIDANCE The Company reaffirms its guidance for fiscal year 2024 outlook as follows (in millions, except per share data): 2024 Range of Estimates Low High Revenue $ 1,411.0 $ 1,471.0 Adjusted EBITDA $ 500.0 $ 521.0 Adjusted diluted EPS* $ 6.43 $ 6.77 * Adjusted diluted EPS for 2024 excludes amortization of acquired intangibles and the impact of any currently unanticipated items, in each case net of tax. It is anticipated that the Adjusted effective tax rate for 2024 will be between 23.25% and 25.25%. A reconciliation of forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted diluted EPS to the corresponding GAAP guidance financial measures is not available without unreasonable effort due, primarily, to variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections of non-operating matters 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 first quarter 2024 financial results on Thursday, May 9, 2024, 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 (NASDAQ: ZD) is a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, shopping, gaming and entertainment, connectivity, health and wellness, 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, the “Ziff Davis Guidance” section regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2024 financial performance, and our discussion of net cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow. 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 or 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, inflationary conditions, and rising interest rates; the risk of liability for legal and other claims; 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, in the “Ziff Davis Guidance” portion regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2024 financial performance, and our discussion of net cash provided by operating activities and free cash flows 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) March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 734,779 $ 737,612 Short-term investments 16,404 27,109 Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6,484 and $6,871, respectively 446,883 337,703 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 95,036 88,570 Total current assets 1,293,102 1,190,994 Long-term investments 139,964 140,906 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $346,793 and $327,015, respectively 190,897 188,169 Intangible assets, net 400,562 325,406 Goodwill 1,624,628 1,546,065 Deferred income taxes 8,733 8,731 Other assets 69,145 70,751 TOTAL ASSETS $ 3,727,031 $ 3,471,022 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Accounts payable $ 360,153 $ 123,256 Accrued employee related costs 26,262 50,068 Other accrued liabilities 44,012 43,612 Income taxes payable, current 18,019 14,458 Deferred revenue, current 199,880 184,549 Other current liabilities 15,008 15,890 Total current liabilities 663,334 431,833 Long-term debt 1,001,884 1,001,312 Deferred income taxes 65,261 45,503 Income taxes payable, noncurrent 8,486 8,486 Deferred revenue, noncurrent 7,172 8,169 Other long-term liabilities 78,882 82,721 TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,825,019 1,578,024 Common stock 461 461 Additional paid-in capital 475,926 472,201 Retained earnings 1,503,838 1,491,956 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (78,213 ) (71,620 ) TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 1,902,012 1,892,998 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 3,727,031 $ 3,471,022 ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 Total revenues $ 314,485 $ 307,142 Operating costs and expenses: Direct costs 47,067 45,730 Sales and marketing 117,000 115,920 Research, development, and engineering 17,774 17,914 General, administrative, and other related costs 96,783 101,263 Total operating costs and expenses 278,624 280,827 Income from operations 35,861 26,315 Interest expense, net (1,769 ) (4,480 ) Loss on sale of businesses (3,780 ) — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net (10,705 ) (20,345 ) Gain on investments, net — 357 Other loss, net (104 ) (908 ) Income before income tax (expense) benefit and loss from equity method investment 19,503 939 Income tax (expense) benefit (8,231 ) 616 Loss from equity method investment, net of income taxes (645 ) (9,182 ) Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ (7,627 ) Net income (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.23 $ (0.16 ) Diluted $ 0.23 $ (0.16 ) Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 45,860,033 46,987,249 Diluted 45,955,365 46,987,249 ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS) Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ (7,627 ) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 48,453 54,623 Non-cash operating lease costs 2,770 2,933 Share-based compensation 8,872 8,402 Provision for credit losses on accounts receivable 50 441 Deferred income taxes, net (2,709 ) (7,442 ) Loss on sale of businesses 3,780 — Loss from equity method investments 645 9,182 Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net 10,705 20,345 Gain on investment, net — (357 ) Other 1,278 2,776 Decrease (increase) in: Accounts receivable 55,365 27,626 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (9,423 ) (7,658 ) Other assets (2,078 ) (2,048 ) Increase (decrease) in: Accounts payable (62,270 ) 6,922 Deferred revenue 15,169 12,085 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities (5,676 ) (4,896 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 75,558 115,307 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (28,129 ) (30,017 ) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received (44,524 ) (8,001 ) Proceeds from sale of equity investments — 3,174 Proceeds on sale of business, net of cash divested 1,238 — Other (66 ) (3,947 ) Net cash used in investing activities (71,481 ) (38,791 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Repurchase of common stock (3,923 ) (2,875 ) Deferred payments for acquisitions (2,418 ) (6,679 ) Other 30 71 Net cash used in financing activities (6,311 ) (9,483 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (599 ) 1,676 Net change in cash and cash equivalents (2,833 ) 68,709 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 737,612 652,793 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 734,779 $ 721,502 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 a 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 and (2) 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: 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 business. This gain or loss relates to the sales of businesses and does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company; Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net. This is a non-cash item as it relates to the change in the carrying value of our investment in Consensus depending on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent core business operating results of the Company; (Gain) loss on investments, net. This item relates to the disposition of a portion of our investment in Consensus. The amount of gain or loss depends on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent 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 investments, net. This is a non-cash expense as it relates to our investment in OCV Fund I, LP (the “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-used software and website development costs, and identifiable definite-lived intangible assets of the acquired businesses. This also includes the reduction in value of certain acquired intangible assets that represent the 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; Acquisition, integration, and other costs. Includes adjustments to contingent consideration, lease terminations, retention bonuses, other acquisition-specific items, and other costs, such as severance and legal settlements. These expenses do not represent core business operating results of the Company; Disposal related costs. These are expenses associated with the disposal of certain businesses that 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 on business. 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 in each period presented, 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 business. This gain or loss relates to the sales of businesses and does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company; Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net. This is a non-cash item as it relates to the change in the carrying value of our investment in Consensus depending on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent core business operating results of the Company; (Gain) loss on investments, net. This item relates to the disposition of a portion of our investment in Consensus. The amount of gain or loss depends on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent core business operating results of the Company; (Income) loss from equity method investments, net. This is a non-cash income or expense as it relates 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 incentive plans of the Company. We view the economic cost of share-based awards to be the dilution to our share base; Acquisition, integration and other costs. Includes adjustments to contingent consideration, lease terminations, retention bonuses, other acquisition-specific items, and other costs, such as severance and legal settlements. These expenses do not represent core business operating results of the Company; Disposal related costs. These are expenses associated with the disposal of certain businesses that 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 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 on business. 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 that excludes 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 (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA: Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ (7,627 ) Interest expense, net 1,769 4,480 Loss on sale of businesses 3,780 — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net 10,705 20,345 Gain on investments, net — (357 ) Other loss, net 104 908 Income tax expense (benefit) 8,231 (616 ) Loss from equity method investments, net 645 9,182 Depreciation and amortization 48,453 54,623 Share-based compensation 8,872 8,402 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 6,266 3,525 Disposal related costs 496 149 Lease asset impairments and other charges 803 1,319 Adjusted EBITDA $ 100,751 $ 94,333 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 Income (loss) from operations to Adjusted EBITDA by segment: Three months ended March 31, 2024 Digital Media Cybersecurity and Martech Corporate Total Revenues $ 239,033 $ 75,452 $ — $ 314,485 Income (loss) from operations $ 31,586 $ 19,428 $ (15,153 ) $ 35,861 Depreciation and amortization 40,707 7,740 6 48,453 Share-based compensation 3,364 1,134 4,374 8,872 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 4,718 864 684 6,266 Disposal related costs 366 — 130 496 Lease asset impairments and other charges 326 477 — 803 Adjusted EBITDA $ 81,067 $ 29,643 $ (9,959 ) $ 100,751 Three months ended March 31, 2023 Digital Media Cybersecurity and Martech Corporate Total Revenues $ 234,126 $ 73,016 $ — $ 307,142 Income (loss) from operations $ 28,384 $ 11,688 $ (13,757 ) $ 26,315 Depreciation and amortization 42,986 11,630 7 54,623 Share-based compensation 3,370 1,572 3,460 8,402 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 3,299 91 135 3,525 Disposal related costs — — 149 149 Lease asset impairments and other charges 1,214 105 — 1,319 Adjusted EBITDA $ 79,253 $ 25,086 $ (10,006 ) $ 94,333 Figures above are net of intercompany costs and revenues. ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) The following table set forth a reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted net income with adjustments presented on after-tax basis: Three months ended March 31, 2024 Per diluted share* 2023 Per diluted share* Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ 0.23 $ (7,627 ) $ (0.16 ) Interest, net (5 ) — 56 — Loss on sale of business 3,780 0.08 — — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net 9,668 0.21 15,265 0.32 Gain on investments, net — — (268 ) (0.01 ) Loss from equity method investments, net 645 0.01 9,182 0.20 Amortization 20,085 0.44 24,622 0.52 Share-based compensation 7,786 0.17 6,817 0.15 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 4,871 0.11 2,577 0.06 Disposal related costs 372 0.01 112 — Lease asset impairments and other charges 643 0.01 990 0.02 Adjusted net income $ 58,472 $ 1.27 $ 51,726 $ 1.10 * The reconciliation of Net income 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 March 31, 2024 GAAP amount Adjustments Adjusted non-GAAP amount Interest, net (Gain) loss on sale of business Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net (Income) loss from equity method investments, net Amortization Share-based compensation Acquisition, integration, and other costs Disposal related costs Lease asset impairments and other charges Direct costs $ (47,067 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 105 $ 61 $ 170 $ — $ — $ (46,731 ) Sales and marketing $ (117,000 ) — — — — — 758 541 — — $ (115,701 ) Research, development, and engineering $ (17,774 ) — — — — — 1,090 223 40 — $ (16,421 ) General, administrative, and other related costs $ (96,783 ) — — — — 26,319 6,963 5,332 456 803 $ (56,910 ) Interest expense, net $ (1,769 ) (7 ) — — — — — — — — $ (1,776 ) Loss on sale of business $ (3,780 ) — 3,780 — — — — — — — $ — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at period end, net $ (10,705 ) — — 10,705 — — — — — — $ — Income tax expense (1) $ (8,231 ) 2 — (1,037 ) — (6,339 ) (1,086 ) (1,395 ) (124 ) (160 ) $ (18,370 ) Loss from equity method investment, net $ (645 ) — — — 645 — — — — — $ — Total non-GAAP adjustments $ (5 ) $ 3,780 $ 9,668 $ 645 $ 20,085 $ 7,786 $ 4,871 $ 372 $ 643 (1) Adjusted effective tax rate was approximately 23.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The calculation is based on a ratio where the numerator is the adjusted income tax expense of $18,370 and the denominator is $76,841, which equals adjusted net income of $58,472 plus adjusted income tax expense. ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS) Three months ended March 31, 2023 GAAP amount Adjustments Adjusted non-GAAP amount Interest, net Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net (Gain) loss on investments, net (Income) loss from equity method investments, net Amortization Share-based compensation Acquisition, integration, and other costs Disposal related costs Lease asset impairments and other charges Direct costs $ (45,730 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 196 $ 76 $ 85 $ — $ — $ (45,373 ) Sales and marketing $ (115,920 ) — — — — — 924 1,419 — — $ (113,577 ) Research, development, and engineering $ (17,914 ) — — — — — 783 175 — — $ (16,956 ) General, administrative, and other related costs $ (101,263 ) — — — — 33,319 6,619 1,846 149 1,319 $ (58,011 ) Interest expense, net $ (4,480 ) 74 — — — — — — — — $ (4,406 ) Gain on investment, net $ 357 — — (357 ) — — — — — — $ — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at period end, net $ (20,345 ) — 20,345 — — — — — — — $ — Income tax benefit (expense) (1) $ 616 (18 ) (5,080 ) 89 — (8,893 ) (1,585 ) (948 ) (37 ) (329 ) $ (16,185 ) Loss from equity method investment, net $ (9,182 ) — — — 9,182 — — — — — $ — Total non-GAAP adjustments $ 56 $ 15,265 $ (268 ) $ 9,182 $ 24,622 $ 6,817 $ 2,577 $ 112 $ 990 (1) Adjusted effective tax rate was approximately 23.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The calculation is based on a ratio where the numerator is the adjusted income tax expense of $16,185 and the denominator is $67,911, which equals adjusted net income of $51,726 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: 2024 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YTD Net cash provided by operating activities $ 75,558 $ — $ — $ — $ 75,558 Less: Purchases of property and equipment (28,129 ) — — — (28,129 ) Free cash flow $ 47,429 $ — $ — $ — $ 47,429 2023 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YTD Net cash provided by operating activities $ 115,307 $ 39,728 $ 72,808 $ 92,119 $ 319,962 Less: Purchases of property and equipment (30,017 ) (25,233 ) (27,226 ) (26,253 ) (108,729 ) Free cash flow $ 85,290 $ 14,495 $ 45,582 $ 65,866 $ 211,233 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240508815461/en/ Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD), today reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. Contacts Alan Steier Investor Relations Ziff Davis, Inc. investor@ziffdavis.com Rebecca Wright Corporate Communications Ziff Davis, Inc. press@ziffdavis.com Data & News supplied by www.cloudquote.io Stock quotes supplied by Barchart Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes. By accessing this page, you agree to the following Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
Ziff Davis Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Reaffirms 2024 Guidance By: Ziff Davis, Inc. via Business Wire May 08, 2024 at 19:05 PM EDT Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD) (“Ziff Davis” or “the Company”) today reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. “Our first quarter financial results are some of the Company’s strongest since the second quarter of 2022,” said Vivek Shah, Chief Executive Officer of Ziff Davis. “We are particularly pleased with the growth in our subscription and licensing revenues, as we continue to pursue a balanced business model." FIRST QUARTER 2024 RESULTS Q1 2024 quarterly revenues increased 2.4% to $314.5 million compared to $307.1 million for Q1 2023. Income from operations increased 36.3% to $35.9 million compared to $26.3 million for Q1 2023. Net income (loss) (1) increased to $10.6 million compared to $(7.6) million for Q1 2023. Net income (loss) per diluted share (1) increased to $0.23 in Q1 2024 compared to $(0.16) for Q1 2023. Adjusted EBITDA (2) for the quarter increased 6.8% to $100.8 million compared to $94.3 million for Q1 2023. Adjusted net income (2) increased 13.0% to $58.5 million compared to $51.7 million for Q1 2023. Adjusted net income per diluted share (1)(2) (or “Adjusted diluted EPS”) for the quarter increased 15.5% to $1.27 compared to $1.10 for Q1 2023. Net cash provided by operating activities was $75.6 million in Q1 2024 compared to $115.3 million in Q1 2023. Free cash flow (2) was $47.4 million in Q1 2024 compared to $85.3 million in Q1 2023. Ziff Davis ended the quarter with approximately $891.1 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments after deploying approximately $46.9 million during the quarter for current and prior year acquisitions. The following table reflects results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (in millions, except per share amounts). (Unaudited) Three months ended March 31, % Change 2024 2023 Revenues Digital Media $239.0 $234.1 2.1% Cybersecurity and Martech $75.5 $73.0 3.3% Total revenues (3) $314.5 $307.1 2.4% Income from operations $35.9 $26.3 36.3% Operating income margin 11.4% 8.6% 2.8% Net income (loss) (1) $10.6 $(7.6) 239.3% Net income (loss) per diluted share (1) $0.23 $(0.16) 243.8% Adjusted EBITDA (2) $100.8 $94.3 6.8% Adjusted EBITDA margin (2) 32.0% 30.7% 1.3% Adjusted net income (1)(2) $58.5 $51.7 13.0% Adjusted diluted EPS (1)(2) $1.27 $1.10 15.5% Net cash provided by operating activities $75.6 $115.3 (34.5)% Free cash flow (2) $47.4 $85.3 (44.4)% Notes: (1) GAAP effective tax rates were approximately 42.2% and (65.6)% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Adjusted effective tax rates were approximately 23.9% and 23.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. (2) 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 report. (3) The revenues associated with each of the businesses may not foot precisely since each is presented independently. ZIFF DAVIS GUIDANCE The Company reaffirms its guidance for fiscal year 2024 outlook as follows (in millions, except per share data): 2024 Range of Estimates Low High Revenue $ 1,411.0 $ 1,471.0 Adjusted EBITDA $ 500.0 $ 521.0 Adjusted diluted EPS* $ 6.43 $ 6.77 * Adjusted diluted EPS for 2024 excludes amortization of acquired intangibles and the impact of any currently unanticipated items, in each case net of tax. It is anticipated that the Adjusted effective tax rate for 2024 will be between 23.25% and 25.25%. A reconciliation of forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted diluted EPS to the corresponding GAAP guidance financial measures is not available without unreasonable effort due, primarily, to variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections of non-operating matters 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 first quarter 2024 financial results on Thursday, May 9, 2024, 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 (NASDAQ: ZD) is a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, shopping, gaming and entertainment, connectivity, health and wellness, 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, the “Ziff Davis Guidance” section regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2024 financial performance, and our discussion of net cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow. 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 or 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, inflationary conditions, and rising interest rates; the risk of liability for legal and other claims; 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, in the “Ziff Davis Guidance” portion regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2024 financial performance, and our discussion of net cash provided by operating activities and free cash flows 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) March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 734,779 $ 737,612 Short-term investments 16,404 27,109 Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6,484 and $6,871, respectively 446,883 337,703 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 95,036 88,570 Total current assets 1,293,102 1,190,994 Long-term investments 139,964 140,906 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $346,793 and $327,015, respectively 190,897 188,169 Intangible assets, net 400,562 325,406 Goodwill 1,624,628 1,546,065 Deferred income taxes 8,733 8,731 Other assets 69,145 70,751 TOTAL ASSETS $ 3,727,031 $ 3,471,022 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Accounts payable $ 360,153 $ 123,256 Accrued employee related costs 26,262 50,068 Other accrued liabilities 44,012 43,612 Income taxes payable, current 18,019 14,458 Deferred revenue, current 199,880 184,549 Other current liabilities 15,008 15,890 Total current liabilities 663,334 431,833 Long-term debt 1,001,884 1,001,312 Deferred income taxes 65,261 45,503 Income taxes payable, noncurrent 8,486 8,486 Deferred revenue, noncurrent 7,172 8,169 Other long-term liabilities 78,882 82,721 TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,825,019 1,578,024 Common stock 461 461 Additional paid-in capital 475,926 472,201 Retained earnings 1,503,838 1,491,956 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (78,213 ) (71,620 ) TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 1,902,012 1,892,998 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 3,727,031 $ 3,471,022 ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 Total revenues $ 314,485 $ 307,142 Operating costs and expenses: Direct costs 47,067 45,730 Sales and marketing 117,000 115,920 Research, development, and engineering 17,774 17,914 General, administrative, and other related costs 96,783 101,263 Total operating costs and expenses 278,624 280,827 Income from operations 35,861 26,315 Interest expense, net (1,769 ) (4,480 ) Loss on sale of businesses (3,780 ) — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net (10,705 ) (20,345 ) Gain on investments, net — 357 Other loss, net (104 ) (908 ) Income before income tax (expense) benefit and loss from equity method investment 19,503 939 Income tax (expense) benefit (8,231 ) 616 Loss from equity method investment, net of income taxes (645 ) (9,182 ) Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ (7,627 ) Net income (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.23 $ (0.16 ) Diluted $ 0.23 $ (0.16 ) Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 45,860,033 46,987,249 Diluted 45,955,365 46,987,249 ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS) Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ (7,627 ) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 48,453 54,623 Non-cash operating lease costs 2,770 2,933 Share-based compensation 8,872 8,402 Provision for credit losses on accounts receivable 50 441 Deferred income taxes, net (2,709 ) (7,442 ) Loss on sale of businesses 3,780 — Loss from equity method investments 645 9,182 Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net 10,705 20,345 Gain on investment, net — (357 ) Other 1,278 2,776 Decrease (increase) in: Accounts receivable 55,365 27,626 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (9,423 ) (7,658 ) Other assets (2,078 ) (2,048 ) Increase (decrease) in: Accounts payable (62,270 ) 6,922 Deferred revenue 15,169 12,085 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities (5,676 ) (4,896 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 75,558 115,307 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (28,129 ) (30,017 ) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received (44,524 ) (8,001 ) Proceeds from sale of equity investments — 3,174 Proceeds on sale of business, net of cash divested 1,238 — Other (66 ) (3,947 ) Net cash used in investing activities (71,481 ) (38,791 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Repurchase of common stock (3,923 ) (2,875 ) Deferred payments for acquisitions (2,418 ) (6,679 ) Other 30 71 Net cash used in financing activities (6,311 ) (9,483 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (599 ) 1,676 Net change in cash and cash equivalents (2,833 ) 68,709 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 737,612 652,793 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 734,779 $ 721,502 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 a 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 and (2) 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: 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 business. This gain or loss relates to the sales of businesses and does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company; Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net. This is a non-cash item as it relates to the change in the carrying value of our investment in Consensus depending on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent core business operating results of the Company; (Gain) loss on investments, net. This item relates to the disposition of a portion of our investment in Consensus. The amount of gain or loss depends on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent 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 investments, net. This is a non-cash expense as it relates to our investment in OCV Fund I, LP (the “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-used software and website development costs, and identifiable definite-lived intangible assets of the acquired businesses. This also includes the reduction in value of certain acquired intangible assets that represent the 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; Acquisition, integration, and other costs. Includes adjustments to contingent consideration, lease terminations, retention bonuses, other acquisition-specific items, and other costs, such as severance and legal settlements. These expenses do not represent core business operating results of the Company; Disposal related costs. These are expenses associated with the disposal of certain businesses that 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 on business. 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 in each period presented, 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 business. This gain or loss relates to the sales of businesses and does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company; Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net. This is a non-cash item as it relates to the change in the carrying value of our investment in Consensus depending on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent core business operating results of the Company; (Gain) loss on investments, net. This item relates to the disposition of a portion of our investment in Consensus. The amount of gain or loss depends on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent core business operating results of the Company; (Income) loss from equity method investments, net. This is a non-cash income or expense as it relates 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 incentive plans of the Company. We view the economic cost of share-based awards to be the dilution to our share base; Acquisition, integration and other costs. Includes adjustments to contingent consideration, lease terminations, retention bonuses, other acquisition-specific items, and other costs, such as severance and legal settlements. These expenses do not represent core business operating results of the Company; Disposal related costs. These are expenses associated with the disposal of certain businesses that 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 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 on business. 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 that excludes 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 (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA: Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ (7,627 ) Interest expense, net 1,769 4,480 Loss on sale of businesses 3,780 — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net 10,705 20,345 Gain on investments, net — (357 ) Other loss, net 104 908 Income tax expense (benefit) 8,231 (616 ) Loss from equity method investments, net 645 9,182 Depreciation and amortization 48,453 54,623 Share-based compensation 8,872 8,402 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 6,266 3,525 Disposal related costs 496 149 Lease asset impairments and other charges 803 1,319 Adjusted EBITDA $ 100,751 $ 94,333 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 Income (loss) from operations to Adjusted EBITDA by segment: Three months ended March 31, 2024 Digital Media Cybersecurity and Martech Corporate Total Revenues $ 239,033 $ 75,452 $ — $ 314,485 Income (loss) from operations $ 31,586 $ 19,428 $ (15,153 ) $ 35,861 Depreciation and amortization 40,707 7,740 6 48,453 Share-based compensation 3,364 1,134 4,374 8,872 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 4,718 864 684 6,266 Disposal related costs 366 — 130 496 Lease asset impairments and other charges 326 477 — 803 Adjusted EBITDA $ 81,067 $ 29,643 $ (9,959 ) $ 100,751 Three months ended March 31, 2023 Digital Media Cybersecurity and Martech Corporate Total Revenues $ 234,126 $ 73,016 $ — $ 307,142 Income (loss) from operations $ 28,384 $ 11,688 $ (13,757 ) $ 26,315 Depreciation and amortization 42,986 11,630 7 54,623 Share-based compensation 3,370 1,572 3,460 8,402 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 3,299 91 135 3,525 Disposal related costs — — 149 149 Lease asset impairments and other charges 1,214 105 — 1,319 Adjusted EBITDA $ 79,253 $ 25,086 $ (10,006 ) $ 94,333 Figures above are net of intercompany costs and revenues. ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) The following table set forth a reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted net income with adjustments presented on after-tax basis: Three months ended March 31, 2024 Per diluted share* 2023 Per diluted share* Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ 0.23 $ (7,627 ) $ (0.16 ) Interest, net (5 ) — 56 — Loss on sale of business 3,780 0.08 — — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net 9,668 0.21 15,265 0.32 Gain on investments, net — — (268 ) (0.01 ) Loss from equity method investments, net 645 0.01 9,182 0.20 Amortization 20,085 0.44 24,622 0.52 Share-based compensation 7,786 0.17 6,817 0.15 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 4,871 0.11 2,577 0.06 Disposal related costs 372 0.01 112 — Lease asset impairments and other charges 643 0.01 990 0.02 Adjusted net income $ 58,472 $ 1.27 $ 51,726 $ 1.10 * The reconciliation of Net income 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 March 31, 2024 GAAP amount Adjustments Adjusted non-GAAP amount Interest, net (Gain) loss on sale of business Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net (Income) loss from equity method investments, net Amortization Share-based compensation Acquisition, integration, and other costs Disposal related costs Lease asset impairments and other charges Direct costs $ (47,067 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 105 $ 61 $ 170 $ — $ — $ (46,731 ) Sales and marketing $ (117,000 ) — — — — — 758 541 — — $ (115,701 ) Research, development, and engineering $ (17,774 ) — — — — — 1,090 223 40 — $ (16,421 ) General, administrative, and other related costs $ (96,783 ) — — — — 26,319 6,963 5,332 456 803 $ (56,910 ) Interest expense, net $ (1,769 ) (7 ) — — — — — — — — $ (1,776 ) Loss on sale of business $ (3,780 ) — 3,780 — — — — — — — $ — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at period end, net $ (10,705 ) — — 10,705 — — — — — — $ — Income tax expense (1) $ (8,231 ) 2 — (1,037 ) — (6,339 ) (1,086 ) (1,395 ) (124 ) (160 ) $ (18,370 ) Loss from equity method investment, net $ (645 ) — — — 645 — — — — — $ — Total non-GAAP adjustments $ (5 ) $ 3,780 $ 9,668 $ 645 $ 20,085 $ 7,786 $ 4,871 $ 372 $ 643 (1) Adjusted effective tax rate was approximately 23.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The calculation is based on a ratio where the numerator is the adjusted income tax expense of $18,370 and the denominator is $76,841, which equals adjusted net income of $58,472 plus adjusted income tax expense. ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS) Three months ended March 31, 2023 GAAP amount Adjustments Adjusted non-GAAP amount Interest, net Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net (Gain) loss on investments, net (Income) loss from equity method investments, net Amortization Share-based compensation Acquisition, integration, and other costs Disposal related costs Lease asset impairments and other charges Direct costs $ (45,730 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 196 $ 76 $ 85 $ — $ — $ (45,373 ) Sales and marketing $ (115,920 ) — — — — — 924 1,419 — — $ (113,577 ) Research, development, and engineering $ (17,914 ) — — — — — 783 175 — — $ (16,956 ) General, administrative, and other related costs $ (101,263 ) — — — — 33,319 6,619 1,846 149 1,319 $ (58,011 ) Interest expense, net $ (4,480 ) 74 — — — — — — — — $ (4,406 ) Gain on investment, net $ 357 — — (357 ) — — — — — — $ — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at period end, net $ (20,345 ) — 20,345 — — — — — — — $ — Income tax benefit (expense) (1) $ 616 (18 ) (5,080 ) 89 — (8,893 ) (1,585 ) (948 ) (37 ) (329 ) $ (16,185 ) Loss from equity method investment, net $ (9,182 ) — — — 9,182 — — — — — $ — Total non-GAAP adjustments $ 56 $ 15,265 $ (268 ) $ 9,182 $ 24,622 $ 6,817 $ 2,577 $ 112 $ 990 (1) Adjusted effective tax rate was approximately 23.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The calculation is based on a ratio where the numerator is the adjusted income tax expense of $16,185 and the denominator is $67,911, which equals adjusted net income of $51,726 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: 2024 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YTD Net cash provided by operating activities $ 75,558 $ — $ — $ — $ 75,558 Less: Purchases of property and equipment (28,129 ) — — — (28,129 ) Free cash flow $ 47,429 $ — $ — $ — $ 47,429 2023 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YTD Net cash provided by operating activities $ 115,307 $ 39,728 $ 72,808 $ 92,119 $ 319,962 Less: Purchases of property and equipment (30,017 ) (25,233 ) (27,226 ) (26,253 ) (108,729 ) Free cash flow $ 85,290 $ 14,495 $ 45,582 $ 65,866 $ 211,233 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240508815461/en/ Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD), today reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. Contacts Alan Steier Investor Relations Ziff Davis, Inc. investor@ziffdavis.com Rebecca Wright Corporate Communications Ziff Davis, Inc. press@ziffdavis.com
Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD) (“Ziff Davis” or “the Company”) today reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. “Our first quarter financial results are some of the Company’s strongest since the second quarter of 2022,” said Vivek Shah, Chief Executive Officer of Ziff Davis. “We are particularly pleased with the growth in our subscription and licensing revenues, as we continue to pursue a balanced business model." FIRST QUARTER 2024 RESULTS Q1 2024 quarterly revenues increased 2.4% to $314.5 million compared to $307.1 million for Q1 2023. Income from operations increased 36.3% to $35.9 million compared to $26.3 million for Q1 2023. Net income (loss) (1) increased to $10.6 million compared to $(7.6) million for Q1 2023. Net income (loss) per diluted share (1) increased to $0.23 in Q1 2024 compared to $(0.16) for Q1 2023. Adjusted EBITDA (2) for the quarter increased 6.8% to $100.8 million compared to $94.3 million for Q1 2023. Adjusted net income (2) increased 13.0% to $58.5 million compared to $51.7 million for Q1 2023. Adjusted net income per diluted share (1)(2) (or “Adjusted diluted EPS”) for the quarter increased 15.5% to $1.27 compared to $1.10 for Q1 2023. Net cash provided by operating activities was $75.6 million in Q1 2024 compared to $115.3 million in Q1 2023. Free cash flow (2) was $47.4 million in Q1 2024 compared to $85.3 million in Q1 2023. Ziff Davis ended the quarter with approximately $891.1 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments after deploying approximately $46.9 million during the quarter for current and prior year acquisitions. The following table reflects results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (in millions, except per share amounts). (Unaudited) Three months ended March 31, % Change 2024 2023 Revenues Digital Media $239.0 $234.1 2.1% Cybersecurity and Martech $75.5 $73.0 3.3% Total revenues (3) $314.5 $307.1 2.4% Income from operations $35.9 $26.3 36.3% Operating income margin 11.4% 8.6% 2.8% Net income (loss) (1) $10.6 $(7.6) 239.3% Net income (loss) per diluted share (1) $0.23 $(0.16) 243.8% Adjusted EBITDA (2) $100.8 $94.3 6.8% Adjusted EBITDA margin (2) 32.0% 30.7% 1.3% Adjusted net income (1)(2) $58.5 $51.7 13.0% Adjusted diluted EPS (1)(2) $1.27 $1.10 15.5% Net cash provided by operating activities $75.6 $115.3 (34.5)% Free cash flow (2) $47.4 $85.3 (44.4)% Notes: (1) GAAP effective tax rates were approximately 42.2% and (65.6)% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Adjusted effective tax rates were approximately 23.9% and 23.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. (2) 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 report. (3) The revenues associated with each of the businesses may not foot precisely since each is presented independently. ZIFF DAVIS GUIDANCE The Company reaffirms its guidance for fiscal year 2024 outlook as follows (in millions, except per share data): 2024 Range of Estimates Low High Revenue $ 1,411.0 $ 1,471.0 Adjusted EBITDA $ 500.0 $ 521.0 Adjusted diluted EPS* $ 6.43 $ 6.77 * Adjusted diluted EPS for 2024 excludes amortization of acquired intangibles and the impact of any currently unanticipated items, in each case net of tax. It is anticipated that the Adjusted effective tax rate for 2024 will be between 23.25% and 25.25%. A reconciliation of forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted diluted EPS to the corresponding GAAP guidance financial measures is not available without unreasonable effort due, primarily, to variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections of non-operating matters 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 first quarter 2024 financial results on Thursday, May 9, 2024, 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 (NASDAQ: ZD) is a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, shopping, gaming and entertainment, connectivity, health and wellness, 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, the “Ziff Davis Guidance” section regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2024 financial performance, and our discussion of net cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow. 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 or 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, inflationary conditions, and rising interest rates; the risk of liability for legal and other claims; 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, in the “Ziff Davis Guidance” portion regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2024 financial performance, and our discussion of net cash provided by operating activities and free cash flows 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) March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 734,779 $ 737,612 Short-term investments 16,404 27,109 Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6,484 and $6,871, respectively 446,883 337,703 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 95,036 88,570 Total current assets 1,293,102 1,190,994 Long-term investments 139,964 140,906 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $346,793 and $327,015, respectively 190,897 188,169 Intangible assets, net 400,562 325,406 Goodwill 1,624,628 1,546,065 Deferred income taxes 8,733 8,731 Other assets 69,145 70,751 TOTAL ASSETS $ 3,727,031 $ 3,471,022 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Accounts payable $ 360,153 $ 123,256 Accrued employee related costs 26,262 50,068 Other accrued liabilities 44,012 43,612 Income taxes payable, current 18,019 14,458 Deferred revenue, current 199,880 184,549 Other current liabilities 15,008 15,890 Total current liabilities 663,334 431,833 Long-term debt 1,001,884 1,001,312 Deferred income taxes 65,261 45,503 Income taxes payable, noncurrent 8,486 8,486 Deferred revenue, noncurrent 7,172 8,169 Other long-term liabilities 78,882 82,721 TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,825,019 1,578,024 Common stock 461 461 Additional paid-in capital 475,926 472,201 Retained earnings 1,503,838 1,491,956 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (78,213 ) (71,620 ) TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 1,902,012 1,892,998 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 3,727,031 $ 3,471,022 ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 Total revenues $ 314,485 $ 307,142 Operating costs and expenses: Direct costs 47,067 45,730 Sales and marketing 117,000 115,920 Research, development, and engineering 17,774 17,914 General, administrative, and other related costs 96,783 101,263 Total operating costs and expenses 278,624 280,827 Income from operations 35,861 26,315 Interest expense, net (1,769 ) (4,480 ) Loss on sale of businesses (3,780 ) — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net (10,705 ) (20,345 ) Gain on investments, net — 357 Other loss, net (104 ) (908 ) Income before income tax (expense) benefit and loss from equity method investment 19,503 939 Income tax (expense) benefit (8,231 ) 616 Loss from equity method investment, net of income taxes (645 ) (9,182 ) Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ (7,627 ) Net income (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.23 $ (0.16 ) Diluted $ 0.23 $ (0.16 ) Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 45,860,033 46,987,249 Diluted 45,955,365 46,987,249 ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS) Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ (7,627 ) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 48,453 54,623 Non-cash operating lease costs 2,770 2,933 Share-based compensation 8,872 8,402 Provision for credit losses on accounts receivable 50 441 Deferred income taxes, net (2,709 ) (7,442 ) Loss on sale of businesses 3,780 — Loss from equity method investments 645 9,182 Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net 10,705 20,345 Gain on investment, net — (357 ) Other 1,278 2,776 Decrease (increase) in: Accounts receivable 55,365 27,626 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (9,423 ) (7,658 ) Other assets (2,078 ) (2,048 ) Increase (decrease) in: Accounts payable (62,270 ) 6,922 Deferred revenue 15,169 12,085 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities (5,676 ) (4,896 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 75,558 115,307 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (28,129 ) (30,017 ) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received (44,524 ) (8,001 ) Proceeds from sale of equity investments — 3,174 Proceeds on sale of business, net of cash divested 1,238 — Other (66 ) (3,947 ) Net cash used in investing activities (71,481 ) (38,791 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Repurchase of common stock (3,923 ) (2,875 ) Deferred payments for acquisitions (2,418 ) (6,679 ) Other 30 71 Net cash used in financing activities (6,311 ) (9,483 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (599 ) 1,676 Net change in cash and cash equivalents (2,833 ) 68,709 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 737,612 652,793 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 734,779 $ 721,502 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 a 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 and (2) 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: 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 business. This gain or loss relates to the sales of businesses and does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company; Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net. This is a non-cash item as it relates to the change in the carrying value of our investment in Consensus depending on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent core business operating results of the Company; (Gain) loss on investments, net. This item relates to the disposition of a portion of our investment in Consensus. The amount of gain or loss depends on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent 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 investments, net. This is a non-cash expense as it relates to our investment in OCV Fund I, LP (the “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-used software and website development costs, and identifiable definite-lived intangible assets of the acquired businesses. This also includes the reduction in value of certain acquired intangible assets that represent the 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; Acquisition, integration, and other costs. Includes adjustments to contingent consideration, lease terminations, retention bonuses, other acquisition-specific items, and other costs, such as severance and legal settlements. These expenses do not represent core business operating results of the Company; Disposal related costs. These are expenses associated with the disposal of certain businesses that 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 on business. 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 in each period presented, 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 business. This gain or loss relates to the sales of businesses and does not represent recurring core business operating results of the Company; Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net. This is a non-cash item as it relates to the change in the carrying value of our investment in Consensus depending on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent core business operating results of the Company; (Gain) loss on investments, net. This item relates to the disposition of a portion of our investment in Consensus. The amount of gain or loss depends on the share price of Consensus common stock and does not represent core business operating results of the Company; (Income) loss from equity method investments, net. This is a non-cash income or expense as it relates 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 incentive plans of the Company. We view the economic cost of share-based awards to be the dilution to our share base; Acquisition, integration and other costs. Includes adjustments to contingent consideration, lease terminations, retention bonuses, other acquisition-specific items, and other costs, such as severance and legal settlements. These expenses do not represent core business operating results of the Company; Disposal related costs. These are expenses associated with the disposal of certain businesses that 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 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 on business. 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 that excludes 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 (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA: Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ (7,627 ) Interest expense, net 1,769 4,480 Loss on sale of businesses 3,780 — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net 10,705 20,345 Gain on investments, net — (357 ) Other loss, net 104 908 Income tax expense (benefit) 8,231 (616 ) Loss from equity method investments, net 645 9,182 Depreciation and amortization 48,453 54,623 Share-based compensation 8,872 8,402 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 6,266 3,525 Disposal related costs 496 149 Lease asset impairments and other charges 803 1,319 Adjusted EBITDA $ 100,751 $ 94,333 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 Income (loss) from operations to Adjusted EBITDA by segment: Three months ended March 31, 2024 Digital Media Cybersecurity and Martech Corporate Total Revenues $ 239,033 $ 75,452 $ — $ 314,485 Income (loss) from operations $ 31,586 $ 19,428 $ (15,153 ) $ 35,861 Depreciation and amortization 40,707 7,740 6 48,453 Share-based compensation 3,364 1,134 4,374 8,872 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 4,718 864 684 6,266 Disposal related costs 366 — 130 496 Lease asset impairments and other charges 326 477 — 803 Adjusted EBITDA $ 81,067 $ 29,643 $ (9,959 ) $ 100,751 Three months ended March 31, 2023 Digital Media Cybersecurity and Martech Corporate Total Revenues $ 234,126 $ 73,016 $ — $ 307,142 Income (loss) from operations $ 28,384 $ 11,688 $ (13,757 ) $ 26,315 Depreciation and amortization 42,986 11,630 7 54,623 Share-based compensation 3,370 1,572 3,460 8,402 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 3,299 91 135 3,525 Disposal related costs — — 149 149 Lease asset impairments and other charges 1,214 105 — 1,319 Adjusted EBITDA $ 79,253 $ 25,086 $ (10,006 ) $ 94,333 Figures above are net of intercompany costs and revenues. ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) The following table set forth a reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted net income with adjustments presented on after-tax basis: Three months ended March 31, 2024 Per diluted share* 2023 Per diluted share* Net income (loss) $ 10,627 $ 0.23 $ (7,627 ) $ (0.16 ) Interest, net (5 ) — 56 — Loss on sale of business 3,780 0.08 — — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net 9,668 0.21 15,265 0.32 Gain on investments, net — — (268 ) (0.01 ) Loss from equity method investments, net 645 0.01 9,182 0.20 Amortization 20,085 0.44 24,622 0.52 Share-based compensation 7,786 0.17 6,817 0.15 Acquisition, integration, and other costs 4,871 0.11 2,577 0.06 Disposal related costs 372 0.01 112 — Lease asset impairments and other charges 643 0.01 990 0.02 Adjusted net income $ 58,472 $ 1.27 $ 51,726 $ 1.10 * The reconciliation of Net income 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 March 31, 2024 GAAP amount Adjustments Adjusted non-GAAP amount Interest, net (Gain) loss on sale of business Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net (Income) loss from equity method investments, net Amortization Share-based compensation Acquisition, integration, and other costs Disposal related costs Lease asset impairments and other charges Direct costs $ (47,067 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 105 $ 61 $ 170 $ — $ — $ (46,731 ) Sales and marketing $ (117,000 ) — — — — — 758 541 — — $ (115,701 ) Research, development, and engineering $ (17,774 ) — — — — — 1,090 223 40 — $ (16,421 ) General, administrative, and other related costs $ (96,783 ) — — — — 26,319 6,963 5,332 456 803 $ (56,910 ) Interest expense, net $ (1,769 ) (7 ) — — — — — — — — $ (1,776 ) Loss on sale of business $ (3,780 ) — 3,780 — — — — — — — $ — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at period end, net $ (10,705 ) — — 10,705 — — — — — — $ — Income tax expense (1) $ (8,231 ) 2 — (1,037 ) — (6,339 ) (1,086 ) (1,395 ) (124 ) (160 ) $ (18,370 ) Loss from equity method investment, net $ (645 ) — — — 645 — — — — — $ — Total non-GAAP adjustments $ (5 ) $ 3,780 $ 9,668 $ 645 $ 20,085 $ 7,786 $ 4,871 $ 372 $ 643 (1) Adjusted effective tax rate was approximately 23.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The calculation is based on a ratio where the numerator is the adjusted income tax expense of $18,370 and the denominator is $76,841, which equals adjusted net income of $58,472 plus adjusted income tax expense. ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS) Three months ended March 31, 2023 GAAP amount Adjustments Adjusted non-GAAP amount Interest, net Unrealized (gain) loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net (Gain) loss on investments, net (Income) loss from equity method investments, net Amortization Share-based compensation Acquisition, integration, and other costs Disposal related costs Lease asset impairments and other charges Direct costs $ (45,730 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 196 $ 76 $ 85 $ — $ — $ (45,373 ) Sales and marketing $ (115,920 ) — — — — — 924 1,419 — — $ (113,577 ) Research, development, and engineering $ (17,914 ) — — — — — 783 175 — — $ (16,956 ) General, administrative, and other related costs $ (101,263 ) — — — — 33,319 6,619 1,846 149 1,319 $ (58,011 ) Interest expense, net $ (4,480 ) 74 — — — — — — — — $ (4,406 ) Gain on investment, net $ 357 — — (357 ) — — — — — — $ — Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at period end, net $ (20,345 ) — 20,345 — — — — — — — $ — Income tax benefit (expense) (1) $ 616 (18 ) (5,080 ) 89 — (8,893 ) (1,585 ) (948 ) (37 ) (329 ) $ (16,185 ) Loss from equity method investment, net $ (9,182 ) — — — 9,182 — — — — — $ — Total non-GAAP adjustments $ 56 $ 15,265 $ (268 ) $ 9,182 $ 24,622 $ 6,817 $ 2,577 $ 112 $ 990 (1) Adjusted effective tax rate was approximately 23.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The calculation is based on a ratio where the numerator is the adjusted income tax expense of $16,185 and the denominator is $67,911, which equals adjusted net income of $51,726 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: 2024 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YTD Net cash provided by operating activities $ 75,558 $ — $ — $ — $ 75,558 Less: Purchases of property and equipment (28,129 ) — — — (28,129 ) Free cash flow $ 47,429 $ — $ — $ — $ 47,429 2023 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YTD Net cash provided by operating activities $ 115,307 $ 39,728 $ 72,808 $ 92,119 $ 319,962 Less: Purchases of property and equipment (30,017 ) (25,233 ) (27,226 ) (26,253 ) (108,729 ) Free cash flow $ 85,290 $ 14,495 $ 45,582 $ 65,866 $ 211,233 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240508815461/en/
Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD), today reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.
Alan Steier Investor Relations Ziff Davis, Inc. investor@ziffdavis.com Rebecca Wright Corporate Communications Ziff Davis, Inc. press@ziffdavis.com
