You might also like
Ziff Davis, Inc. is a vertically focused digital media and internet company that operates through a diverse portfolio of brands across several industries. The company provides a range of services and products, including digital media content, cybersecurity solutions, and connectivity tools. Ziff Davis sells advertising, subscriptions, and cloud-based services through its various segments.
- Health & Wellness - Offers interactive tools and mobile applications designed to manage health and wellness needs, along with educational and professional development services for healthcare professionals.
- Technology & Shopping - Generates revenue from advertising on publishing platforms and commerce sites, and through publishing specialized technology-based content.
- Cybersecurity & Martech - Provides cloud-based Software-as-a-Service offerings for communication, messaging, security, privacy, customer marketing, and other needs.
- Connectivity - Includes data and services businesses related to internet connectivity and network performance, generating revenues through data products or services and the sale of software licenses and support.
- Gaming & Entertainment - Provides authoritative content relating to video games and entertainment, including subscriptions and storefront sales of video games, ebooks, and software, as well as related advertising.
| Name | Position | External Roles | Short Bio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jeremy D. Rossen ExecutiveBoard | Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary | News/Media Alliance; Group Black | Jeremy D. Rossen has served as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of Ziff Davis since June 1, 2015. He has been instrumental in legal and corporate governance matters at ZD and holds board memberships with News/Media Alliance and Group Black. | |
Vivek Shah ExecutiveBoard | Chief Executive Officer | StreetSquash (since 2018); Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism CUNY Foundation (since 2019); Tufts University Board of Trustees (since 2021); LiveOnNY (since 2022); Board of Advisors for Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (since 2023) | Vivek Shah is the Chief Executive Officer of Ziff Davis since 2010 and has served on its Board of Directors since January 1, 2018. | View Report → |
Bret Richter Executive | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Bret Richter has served as the CFO at ZD since January 1, 2022 and temporarily assumed the role of Principal Accounting Officer on August 16, 2024. | ||
Lori Tansley Executive | Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) | Lori Tansley was appointed as Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) at Ziff Davis in December 2024 and is part of the executive leadership team. Prior to joining ZD, she held senior leadership roles at Ankura Consulting Group LLC, Moody’s Corporation, Affinion Group, General Electric, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. | ||
Jana Barsten Board | Director | Director, Robert Half Inc. ; Director, Housing Trust Silicon Valley ; Director, Girl Scouts of Northern California ; Director, Peninsula Open Space Trust | Jana Barsten has served as a Director at Ziff Davis since November 13, 2023 and joined its Audit Committee on November 15, 2023. She brings 37 years of financial and audit expertise, having previously held leadership roles at KPMG and Arthur Andersen LLP. | |
Kirk McDonald Board | Director on the Board of Ziff Davis, Inc. | CEO of Sundial Media Group ; Director, Elanco | Kirk McDonald has extensive leadership experience across media, technology, and advertising. He has served as a board director at Ziff Davis, Inc. since November 15, 2023 and is currently CEO of Sundial Media Group since 2024. Previously, he held key executive roles including CEO of GroupM North America and serves as Director at Elanco. | |
Neville Ray Board | Director | Director at American Tower Corporation; Member of the U.S. President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee | Neville Ray serves as a Director on the Board of Directors of ZD, appointed effective January 9, 2024. He also serves on the Compensation and Environmental, Social, and Governance Committees, contributing substantial governance expertise. | |
Sarah Fay Board | Chair of the Board of Directors | Sarah Fay is the Chair of the Board of Directors at ZD since May 10, 2022. She joined ZD as a Director in February 2018 and has extensive experience in digital media, marketing, and AI from previous leadership roles at companies such as Aegis Media North America and Carat U.S.. | ||
Scott C. Taylor Board | Director | Director at Piper Sandler Companies ; Director at Western Technology Investment ; Director at Emtrain ; Director at Common Sense Media ; Director at Common Sense Privacy | Scott C. Taylor was appointed to Ziff Davis’ Board of Directors in August 2020 and currently serves on the Audit and Compensation Committees. He previously held significant executive roles at Symantec and Phoenix Technologies, bringing extensive expertise in cybersecurity, legal compliance, and corporate governance. | |
Trace Harris Board | Director | Director at Altair Engineering; Director at USA Climbing; Board Member at Year Up | Trace Harris has been serving as a Director at ZD since June 2021 and also chairs the ESG Committee. She brings over 30 years of experience in finance, strategy, and business development in the international media and technology sectors. | |
William Brian Kretzmer Board | Director | Founder and CEO, Kretzmer Consulting LLC; Investor-Partner, Ubicomp System; Director, CIM Real Estate Finance Trust | William Brian Kretzmer has served as a director at Ziff Davis since 2007 and is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees. He brings extensive experience from his previous roles as CEO and CFO at MAI Systems Corporation. |
- Given the Q4 shortfalls in Humble Games Publishing and Connectivity, can you detail the specific operational and market strategies you will deploy to address these underperforming areas and ensure a robust rebound in future quarters?
- With Cybersecurity and Martech showing lumpy performance and a decline in revenue in 2024, what targeted initiatives or changes in strategy will drive the consistent growth expected in the second half of 2025?
- Considering the significant M&A activity and large-scale share repurchase in 2024, how does management plan to balance further acquisitions with disciplined capital allocation to maximize long-term shareholder value amid market volatility?
- In the Health & Wellness segment, direct-to-provider challenges and major pharma advertiser pullbacks were noted—what detailed corrective measures will be implemented to overcome these headwinds and drive growth in both the DTC and DTP channels?
- With emerging issues around AI licensing and copyright use impacting search traffic, what is your approach for negotiating fair, long-term licensing agreements with tech platforms to protect revenue streams while leveraging AI advancements?
Competitors mentioned in the company's latest 10K filing.
| Company | Description |
|---|---|
Competes in diversified internet and digital media within the Technology & Shopping, Gaming & Entertainment, and Health & Wellness spaces. | |
Future PLC | Operates as a diversified internet and digital media company competing in the Technology & Shopping, Gaming & Entertainment, and Health & Wellness verticals. |
Red Ventures | A diversified internet and digital media company competing in the Technology & Shopping, Gaming & Entertainment, and Health & Wellness spaces. |
Penske Media | Competes as a diversified internet and digital media company in the Technology & Shopping, Gaming & Entertainment, and Health & Wellness verticals. |
Integrated Media | Operates as a diversified internet and digital media company competing in the Technology & Shopping, Gaming & Entertainment, and Health & Wellness spaces. |
Internet Brands | A diversified internet and digital media company competing in the Technology & Shopping, Gaming & Entertainment, and Health & Wellness verticals. |
RVO Health | A vertical-specific digital media company competing in the Health & Wellness space. |
Competes as a vertical-specific digital media company in the Technology & Shopping space. | |
Vox Media | Operates as a vertical-specific digital media company competing in the Gaming & Entertainment space. |
Centerfield | A vertical-specific digital media company competing in the Technology & Shopping space. |
Competes as a vertical-specific digital media company in the Health & Wellness space. | |
Fandom | Operates as a vertical-specific digital media company competing in the Gaming & Entertainment space. |
A large seller of advertising products and solutions competing in the Technology & Shopping, Gaming & Entertainment, and Health & Wellness spaces. | |
Competes as a large seller of advertising products and solutions in the Technology & Shopping, Gaming & Entertainment, and Health & Wellness verticals. | |
Operates as a large seller of advertising products and solutions competing in the Technology & Shopping, Gaming & Entertainment, and Health & Wellness spaces. | |
Twitch | A large seller of advertising products and solutions competing in the Gaming & Entertainment space. |
Opensignal | Competes in the Connectivity space as a provider of connectivity analytics. |
Operates in the Connectivity space providing diverse services. | |
NetAlly | A competitor in the Connectivity space offering network testing solutions. |
IBWave | Competes in the Connectivity space providing network planning and optimization solutions. |
Competes in the Cybersecurity space offering cybersecurity solutions and related software. | |
Operates in the Cybersecurity space providing cybersecurity solutions and services. | |
Proofpoint | A competitor in the Cybersecurity space offering cybersecurity solutions and related software. |
Competes in the Cybersecurity space providing cybersecurity solutions and services. | |
Kape Technologies | Operates in the Cybersecurity space offering cybersecurity solutions and related software. |
KnowBe4 | A competitor in the Cybersecurity space providing cybersecurity solutions and services. |
Malwarebytes | Competes in the Cybersecurity space offering cybersecurity solutions and related software. |
SEMRush | Competes in the Martech space providing search engine optimization technology. |
MailChimp | Operates in the Martech space offering email marketing solutions. |
Campaign Monitor | A competitor in the Martech space providing email marketing solutions. |
Constant Contact | Competes in the Martech space offering email marketing solutions. |
Dialpad | Operates in the Martech space providing communication platforms for businesses. |
Constellation Software | A diversified and acquisitive vertical market software provider competing in the Cybersecurity & Martech space. |
Competes as a diversified and acquisitive vertical market software provider in the Cybersecurity & Martech space. |
Notable M&A activity and strategic investments in the past 3 years.
| Company | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
CNET Media, Inc. | 2024 | Ziff Davis acquired 100% of CNET Media, Inc. for approximately $150 million ($154.7M in preliminary purchase consideration with detailed asset allocations) to strengthen its technology media platform and expand its advertiser reach in the digital space. |
Immaterial Digital Media | 2024 | Completed in Q2 2024, this acquisition provided entry into new markets and an expanded product lineup within gaming and entertainment, forming part of a combined deal valued at $203.4 million, or $57.4 million net of cash acquired, which supports broader Digital Media segment objectives. |
TDS Gift Cards | 2024 | Completed on February 5, 2024, this California-based digital gifting and branded payments platform was acquired for a purchase price that adjusted from $187.5 million ($44.5M net of cash) to an adjusted $203.4 million, including a negative net working capital position and detailed asset allocation affecting free cash flow. |
Digital Media Acquisitions | 2023 | Throughout 2023, a series of immaterial Digital Media acquisitions were completed using cash, resulting in goodwill figures ranging from $3.8 million to $6.6 million and recorded definite-lived intangibles of about $7.2 million, with their operational results integrated into the consolidated financial statements. |
Mom Media | 2023 | Acquired in Q2 2023 by Ziff Davis’ Everyday Health Group, Mom Media—an influencer network in the pregnancy and parenting space—was a “small tuck-in” cash acquisition that supports a strategic expansion into health and wellness, with its results integrated into financial statements along with associated goodwill and intangibles. |
Media Business Acquisitions | 2023 | In 2023, multiple immaterial Digital Media acquisitions within the Media business segment were completed (in Q1, six-month, and nine-month periods) using cash, recognizing goodwill between $3.8 million and $6.6 million and additional definite-lived intangible assets, reflecting a strategy to grow the customer base and expand service offerings. |
Digital Media Acquisitions (9M Sept) | 2022 | During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, several Digital Media acquisitions were completed (including Lifecycle Marketing Group and FitNow), with total consideration of $121.7 million and $93.8 million allocated to goodwill plus additional intangible assets, contributing $19.6 million to revenues and subject to post‐closing adjustments. |
FitNow, Inc. | 2022 | Acquired on June 2, 2022, FitNow, Inc.—a Massachusetts-based provider of weight loss products and support—was part of a series of acquisitions valued at a total of $121.7 million, designed to diversify Ziff Davis’s Digital Media offerings and integrated into the company’s financial operations. |
Digital Media Acquisitions (Q1) | 2022 | During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the company completed the acquisition of Lifecycle Marketing Group Limited along with two other immaterial Digital Media acquisitions for a total consideration of $36.6 million, allocating significant amounts to accounts receivable, trade names, customer relationships, and recording approximately $24.2 million in goodwill, with provisional accounting adjustments. |
Lifecycle Marketing Group Limited | 2022 | Acquired on January 21, 2022, this UK-based portfolio of pregnancy and parenting brands (including Emma’s Diary and Health Professional Academy) was integrated into the Digital Media segment, supporting market expansion and an enhanced advertiser base, with its contribution evolving from $2.1 million in Q1 to higher revenue in subsequent periods and recognized goodwill allocation. |
Recent press releases and 8-K filings for ZD.
- Q4 2024 Performance: Revenues increased 5.9% YoY to $412.8 million, with adjusted diluted EPS rising to $2.58 (up 10.7% YoY) and adjusted EBITDA growing to $171.8 million (up 2.5% YoY)
- Fiscal 2024 Results: Full-year consolidated revenues reached ~$1.40 billion, with net income up 51.9% to $63.0 million, adjusted EBITDA of $493.5 million, and adjusted diluted EPS of $6.62
- FY 2025 Guidance: Projected revenues between $1,442 million and $1,502 million, with a midpoint adjusted EBITDA of $523 million and adjusted diluted EPS of $6.96, reflecting expected mid-single-digit (~5%) growth
- Structural Update: Introduced a new segment reporting structure, expanding segments from 2 to 5 for enhanced transparency
- Capital Actions & Considerations: Allocated $225 million for M&A and over $180 million in stock repurchases, with key risks on revenue mix and market uncertainties discussed