Ziff Davis Reports First Quarter 2022 Results & Reaffirms Full Year 2022 Guidance

Rhea-AI Summary

Ziff Davis reported Q1 2022 financial results with revenues of $315.1 million, a 1.1% increase from Q1 2021. Pro-forma revenues rose 5.3%. GAAP net income per diluted share fell to $0.51, down 38.6%, while adjusted non-GAAP net income per share decreased slightly to $1.23. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $100.8 million, reflecting a marginal increase. The company maintained strong liquidity with $988.7 million in cash post-share repurchase and debt repayment. Guidance for FY 2022 remains affirmatively set with revenues projected between $1,497 million and $1,535 million.

Positive

• Q1 2022 revenues increased 1.1% to $315.1 million compared to Q1 2021.
• Adjusted non-GAAP net income from continuing operations rose by 4.5% to $57.9 million.
• Free cash flow from continuing operations was strong at $86.0 million.
• The company ended the quarter with approximately $988.7 million in cash.

Negative

• GAAP net income per diluted share fell to $0.51, down 38.6% from Q1 2021.
• GAAP net income from continuing operations decreased to $24.5 million compared to $38.8 million for Q1 2021.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZD) (“Ziff Davis”) today reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.

“We are very pleased to have delivered strong financial results in a challenging environment, once again demonstrating the strength and quality of our businesses,” said Vivek Shah, Chief Executive Officer of Ziff Davis. “We are also excited by the opportunities to allocate capital, given our strong liquidity position, to enhance shareholder value.”

FIRST QUARTER 2022 RESULTS

On October 7, 2021, Ziff Davis completed the spin-off of its Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc. (“Consensus”) business. Ziff Davis has classified Consensus as a discontinued operation in its financial statements for the first quarter of 2021 results. Historical results in this press release represent continuing operations, except for the Statement of Cash Flows, net cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow during the first quarter of 2021, which are on a combined continuing and discontinued operations basis.

Q1 2022 quarterly revenues increased 1.1% to $315.1 million compared to $311.7 million for Q1 2021. On a pro-forma⁽¹⁾ basis, Q1 2022 quarterly revenues increased 5.3% to $315.1 million as compared to $299.1 million for Q1 2021.

GAAP net income per diluted share from continuing operations⁽²⁾ decreased to $0.51 in Q1 2022 compared to $0.83 for Q1 2021. The net income decrease was primarily due to lower income from an equity method investment.

Adjusted non-GAAP net income per diluted share from continuing operations⁽²⁾⁽³⁾ for the quarter decreased 1.0% to $1.23 as compared to $1.24 for Q1 2021. On a pro-forma⁽¹⁾ basis, Adjusted non-GAAP net income per diluted share from continuing operations⁽²⁾⁽³⁾ for the quarter increased 3.4% to $1.23 compared to $1.19 for Q1 2021.

GAAP net income from continuing operations decreased to $24.5 million compared to $38.8 million for Q1 2021 primarily due to lower income from an equity method investment.

Adjusted non-GAAP net income from continuing operations increased by 4.5% to $57.9 million as compared to $55.4 million for Q1 2021. On a pro-forma⁽¹⁾ basis, Adjusted non-GAAP net income from continuing operations increased by 9.0% to $57.9 million as compared to $53.1 million for Q1 2021.

Adjusted EBITDA⁽⁴⁾ for the quarter increased 0.1% to $100.8 million compared to $100.7 million for Q1 2021. On a pro-forma⁽¹⁾ basis, Adjusted EBITDA⁽⁴⁾ for the quarter increased 5.1% to $100.8 million compared to $95.9 million for Q1 2021.

Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $116.5 million in Q1 2022. Free cash flow from continuing operations⁽⁶⁾ was $86.0 million in Q1 2022.

Ziff Davis ended the quarter with approximately $988.7 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments after deploying during the quarter approximately $58.7 million with respect to its share repurchase program, approximately $54.6 million to repay outstanding principal of its senior notes and approximately $30.8 million for current and prior year acquisitions.

Key unaudited financial results for Q1 2022 versus Q1 2021 are set forth in the following table (in millions, except per share amounts). Reconciliations of Adjusted non-GAAP net income per diluted share from continuing operations, Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow from continuing operations to their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures are attached to this Press Release.

The following table reflects Actual and Pro-Forma Results from Continuing Operations for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 (in millions, except per share amounts). Pro-Forma Results from Continuing Operations below excludes the operating results from Voice assets in the United Kingdom and the Company’s B2B Backup business that were sold in 2021.

								Pro-Forma Results(1)
	Q1 2022			Q1 2021			% Change	Q1 2022			Q1 2021			% Change
Revenues
Digital Media	$	234.7		$	226.8		3.5%	$	234.7		$	226.8		3.5%
Cybersecurity and Martech	$	80.4		$	84.9		(5.3)%	$	80.4		$	72.3		11.2%
Total revenue(5):	$	315.1		$	311.7		1.1%	$	315.1		$	299.1		5.3%
Income from operations	$	30.6		$	26.9		13.8%
GAAP income per diluted share from continuing operations(2)	$	0.51		$	0.83		(38.6)%
Adjusted non-GAAP income per diluted share from continuing operations(2) (3)	$	1.23		$	1.24		(1.0)%	$	1.23		$	1.19		3.4%
GAAP net income from continuing operations	$	24.5		$	38.8		(36.9)%
Adjusted non-GAAP net income from continuing operations	$	57.9		$	55.4		4.5%	$	57.9		$	53.1		9.0%
Adjusted EBITDA(4)	$	100.8		$	100.7		0.1%	$	100.8		$	95.9		5.1%
Adjusted EBITDA margin(4)		32.0	%		32.3	%	(0.3)%		32.0	%		32.1	%	(0.1)%
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations(6)	$	116.5		NA (7)
Free cash flow from continuing operations(6)	$	86.0		NA (7)

ZIFF DAVIS GUIDANCE

The Company reaffirms its guidance for fiscal year 2022 as follows (in millions, except per share data):

		Revenue		Adjusted EBITDA		Adjusted non-GAAP Diluted EPS
FY 2022 Range of Estimates		$1,497-$1,535		$538-$555		$6.52-$6.79

____________________

* Adjusted non-GAAP net income per diluted share for 2022 excludes share-based compensation of between $24 million and $28 million, amortization of acquired intangibles and the impact of any currently unanticipated items, in each case net of tax. It is anticipated that the non-GAAP effective tax rate for 2022 (exclusive of the release of reserves for uncertain tax positions) will be between 23.5% and 25%.

The Company has not reconciled the non-GAAP Business Outlook for 2022 Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted non-GAAP Diluted EPS and the associated tax rate information included in this release to the most directly comparable GAAP measure because this cannot be done without unreasonable effort due to the variability with respect to costs related to acquisitions and taxation, which are potential adjustments to future earnings. We expect the variability of these items to have a potentially unpredictable and significant impact on our future non-GAAP financial results.

Notes:
(1)		Pro-forma figures are provided taking into consideration the sale of certain Voice assets in the United Kingdom as well as the sale of the Company’s B2B Backup business as if they had occurred January 1, 2021.
(2)		The estimated GAAP effective tax rates were approximately 16.7% for Q1 2022 and (90.3)% for Q1 2021. The estimated Adjusted non-GAAP effective tax rates were approximately 23.2% for Q1 2022 and 22.0% for Q1 2021.
(3)		Adjusted non-GAAP net income per diluted share excludes certain non-GAAP items, as defined in the Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 which totaled $0.72 and $0.41 per diluted share, respectively.
(4)		Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income from continuing operations before interest; gain on sale of businesses; unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments, other income (expense), net; income tax expense (benefit); income (loss) from equity method investments, net; depreciation and amortization; and the items used to reconcile EPS to Adjusted non-GAAP EPS, as defined in the Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted EBITDA amounts are not meant as a substitute for GAAP, but are solely for informational purposes.
(5)		The revenues associated with each of the businesses may not foot precisely since each is presented independently.
(6)		Free cash flow from continuing operations is defined as net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations, less purchases of property and equipment from continuing operations, plus contingent consideration from continuing operations. Free cash flow amounts are not meant as a substitute for GAAP, but are solely for informational purposes. There were no discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2022.
(7)		NA = Not available. The Company has not prepared net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations and free cash flow from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2021. Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing and discontinued operations on a combined basis and free cash flow from continuing and discontinued operations on a combined basis for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $178.7 million and $152.5 million, respectively. Free cash flow from continuing and discontinued operations is defined as net cash provided by operating activities from continuing and discontinued operations, less purchases of property and equipment from continuing and discontinued operations, plus contingent consideration from continuing and discontinued operations.

About Ziff Davis

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

“Safe Harbor” Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements in this Press Release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those contained in Vivek Shah’s quote and the “Business Outlook” portion regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2022 financial performance. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors and uncertainties include, among other items: the Company’s ability to grow advertising revenues, profitability and cash flows; the Company’s ability to make interest and debt payments; the Company’s ability to identify, close and successfully transition acquisitions; subscriber growth and retention; 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 risk of liability for legal and other claims; and the numerous other factors set forth in Ziff Davis’s (formerly J2 Global, Inc.) filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting Ziff Davis, refer to the 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Ziff Davis on March 15, 2022, and the other reports filed by Ziff Davis from time-to-time with the SEC, each of which is available at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements provided in this press release, including those contained in Vivek Shah’s quote and in the “Business Outlook” portion regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2022 financial performance are based on limited information available to the Company at this time, which is subject to change. Although management’s expectations may change after the date of this press release, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update these statements.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we use the following Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted non-GAAP and Pro Forma net income, Adjusted non-GAAP and Pro Forma net income per diluted share, Adjusted and Pro Forma EBITDA and free cash flow. 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 Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Our management believes that these Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance and liquidity by excluding certain expenses and expenditures that may not be indicative of our recurring core business operating results. We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting, and analyzing future periods. These Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management’s internal comparisons to our historical performance and liquidity. We believe these Adjusted 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 our institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the health of our business.

For more information on these Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures, please see the appropriate GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP reconciliation tables included within the attached Exhibit to this release.

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
	March 31, 2022				December 31, 2021
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	629,030			$	694,842
Short-term investments		238,151				229,200
Accounts receivable, net of allowances		263,659				316,342
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		62,089				60,290
Total current assets		1,192,929				1,300,674
Long-term investments		121,552				122,593
Property and equipment, net		160,399				161,209
Operating lease right-of-use assets		53,585				55,617
Trade names, net		144,084				147,761
Customer relationships, net		260,577				275,451
Goodwill		1,557,078				1,531,455
Other purchased intangibles, net		139,985				149,513
Deferred income taxes, noncurrent		6,143				5,917
Other assets		26,839				20,090
TOTAL ASSETS	$	3,663,171			$	3,770,280
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	213,001			$	226,621
Income taxes payable, current		2,025				3,151
Deferred revenue, current		190,418				185,571
Operating lease liabilities, current		26,459				27,156
Current portion of long-term debt		—				54,609
Other current liabilities		288				130
Total current liabilities		432,191				497,238
Long-term debt		1,122,945				1,036,018
Deferred revenue, noncurrent		13,655				14,839
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent		49,719				53,708
Income taxes payable, noncurrent		11,675				11,675
Liability for uncertain tax positions		42,949				42,546
Deferred income taxes, noncurrent		91,211				108,982
Other long-term liabilities		33,332				37,542
TOTAL LIABILITIES		1,797,677				1,802,548
Commitments and contingencies		—				—
Preferred stock		—				—
Common stock		470				474
Additional paid-in capital		415,653				509,122
Retained earnings		1,508,802				1,515,358
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(59,431	)			(57,222	)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		1,865,494				1,967,732
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	3,663,171			$	3,770,280

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2022				2021
Total revenues	$	315,068			$	311,657
Cost of revenues (1)		46,100				43,852
Gross profit		268,968				267,805
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing (1)		117,762				107,951
Research, development and engineering (1)		18,427				19,675
General and administrative (1)		102,217				113,298
Total operating expenses		238,406				240,924
Income from operations		30,562				26,881
Interest expense, net		(11,510	)			(21,477	)
Gain on sale of businesses		—				1,979
Unrealized gain on short-term investments		8,951				—
Other income, net		2,399				243
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and (loss) income from equity method investment, net		30,402				7,626
Income tax expense (benefit)		5,080				(6,884	)
(Loss) income from equity method investment, net		(785	)			24,270
Net income from continuing operations	$	24,537			$	38,780
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		—				39,142
Net income		24,537				77,922
Net income per common share from continuing operations:
Basic	$	0.52			$	0.87
Diluted	$	0.51			$	0.83
Net income per common share from discontinued operations:
Basic					$	0.88
Diluted					$	0.84
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.52			$	1.75
Diluted	$	0.51			$	1.67
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		47,054,411				44,399,149
Diluted		52,405,317				46,731,872
(1) Includes share-based compensation expense as follows:
Cost of revenues	$	84			$	83
Sales and marketing		569				266
Research, development and engineering		629				418
General and administrative		5,435				4,963
Total	$	6,717			$	5,730

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2022				2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	24,537			$	77,922
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		59,071				65,492
Amortization of financing costs and discounts		613				7,296
Non-cash operating lease costs		2,392				3,320
Share-based compensation		6,717				6,113
Provision for credit losses on accounts receivable		(1,032	)			2,485
Deferred income taxes, net		(3,745	)			(5,380	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		1,220				—
Gain on sale of businesses		—				(1,979	)
Lease asset impairments and other charges		—				1,086
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration		112				510
Foreign currency remeasurement gain		143				655
Loss (income) from equity method investments		785				(24,270	)
Unrealized gain on short-term investments		(8,951	)			—
Decrease (increase) in:
Accounts receivable		57,483				68,564
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		10,638				(2,481	)
Operating lease right-of-use assets		1,938				1,438
Other assets		(7,541	)			1,193
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(25,694	)			(22,078	)
Income taxes payable		3,193				2,471
Deferred revenue		3,061				7,867
Operating lease liabilities		(6,924	)			(7,389	)
Liability for uncertain tax positions		403				1,304
Other long-term liabilities		(1,908	)			(5,415	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		116,511				178,724
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of equity method investment		—				(8,064	)
Purchases of equity investments		—				(999	)
Purchases of property and equipment		(30,502	)			(26,269	)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received		(28,136	)			385
Proceeds from sale of assets		—				5,999
Purchases of intangible assets		—				(8	)
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(58,638	)			(28,956	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of debt		(54,609	)			—
Debt extinguishment costs		(756	)			—
Repurchase of common stock		(62,810	)			(12,179	)
Exercise of stock options		148				444
Deferred payments for acquisitions		(2,676	)			(7,853	)
Other		(5	)			(551	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(120,708	)			(20,139	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(2,977	)			(310	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(65,812	)			129,319
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		694,842				242,652
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period associated with discontinued operations		—				66,210
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period associated with continuing operations		694,842				176,442
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		629,030				371,971
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period associated with discontinued operations		—				149,675
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period associated with continuing operations	$	629,030			$	222,296

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 AND 2021

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

Adjusted non-GAAP net income from continuing operations is GAAP net income from continuing operations with the following modifications: (1) elimination of share-based compensation; (2) elimination of certain acquisition related integration costs; (3) elimination of interest costs in excess of the coupon rate associated with outstanding debt; (4) elimination of amortization of patents and intangible assets that we acquired; (5) elimination of change in value of investments; (6) elimination of gain/loss on sale of assets; (7) elimination of lease asset impairments and other charges; (8) elimination of disposal related costs; (9) elimination of dilutive effect of the convertible debt.

	Three months ended March 31,
	2022				Per diluted share*				2021				Per diluted share*
Net income from continuing operations	$	24,537			$	0.51			$	38,780			$	0.83
Plus:
Share based compensation (1)		4,878				0.10				3,289				0.07
Acquisition related integration costs (2)		1,200				0.03				2,111				0.05
Interest costs (3)		1,006				0.02				4,845				0.11
Amortization (4)		32,398				0.69				32,456				0.73
Investments (5)		(8,167	)			(0.17	)			(25,444	)			(0.57	)
Sale of assets (6)		—				—				(2,022	)			(0.05	)
Lease asset impairments and other charges (7)		1,258				0.03				1,417				0.03
Disposal related costs (8)		818				0.02				—				—
Convertible debt dilution (9)		—				—				—				0.04
Adjusted non-GAAP net income from continuing operations	$	57,928			$	1.23			$	55,432			$	1.24

____________________

* The reconciliation of net income from continuing operations per diluted share from GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP net income from continuing operations per share may not foot since each is calculated independently.

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 AND 2021
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
	Three months ended March 31,
	2022				2021
Cost of revenues	$	46,100			$	43,852
Plus:
Share based compensation(1)		(85	)			(82	)
Acquisition related integration costs(2)		(52	)			(40	)
Amortization(4)		(278	)			(593	)
Adjusted non-GAAP cost of revenues	$	45,685			$	43,137
Sales and marketing		117,762			$	107,951
Plus:
Share based compensation(1)		(569	)			(266	)
Acquisition related integration costs(2)		(166	)			(837	)
Lease asset impairments and other charges(7)		(524	)			—
Adjusted non-GAAP sales and marketing	$	116,503			$	106,848
Research, development and engineering	$	18,427			$	19,675
Plus:
Share based compensation(1)		(629	)			(418	)
Acquisition related integration costs(2)		(218	)			(324	)
Adjusted non-GAAP research, development and engineering	$	17,580			$	18,933
General and administrative	$	102,217			$	113,298
Plus:
Share based compensation(1)		(5,434	)			(4,963	)
Acquisition related integration costs(2)		(1,100	)			(2,349	)
Amortization(4)		(41,225	)			(47,209	)
Lease asset impairments and other charges(7)		(1,141	)			(1,874	)
Disposal related costs(8)		(1,239	)			—
Adjusted non-GAAP general and administrative	$	52,078			$	56,903
Interest expense, net	$	(11,510	)		$	(21,477	)
Plus:
Interest costs (3)		(1,337	)			(6,417	)
Adjusted non-GAAP interest expense, net	$	(12,847	)		$	(27,894	)

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES - CONTINUED
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 AND 2021
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
	Three months ended March 31,
	2022				2021
Gain on sale of businesses	$	—			$	1,979
Plus:
Sale of assets(6)		—				(1,979	)
Adjusted non-GAAP gain on sale of businesses	$	—			$	—
Unrealized gain on short-term investments		8,951			$	—
Plus:
Investments(5)		(8,951	)			—
Adjusted non-GAAP unrealized gain on short-term investments, net	$	—			$	—
Other income, net	$	2,399			$	243
Plus:
Sale of assets(6)		—				—
Adjusted non-GAAP other income, net	$	2,399			$	243
Income tax (expense) benefit	$	(5,080	)		$	6,884
Plus:
Share based compensation(1)		1,839				2,440
Acquisition related integration costs(2)		334				1,439
Interest costs(3)		334				1,572
Amortization(4)		9,104				15,346
Investments(5)		—				1,174
Sale of assets(6)		—				43
Lease asset impairments and other charges(7)		407				457
Disposal related costs(8)		422				—
Adjusted non-GAAP income tax benefit	$	7,360			$	29,355
(Loss) income from equity method investment, net	$	(785	)		$	24,270
Plus:
Investments(5)		785				(24,270	)
Adjusted non-GAAP income from equity method investment, net	$	—			$	—

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES - CONTINUED
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 AND 2021
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
	Three months ended March 31,
	2022				2021
Total adjustments	$	(33,391	)		$	(16,652	)
GAAP Net income per diluted share from continuing operations	$	0.51			$	0.83
Adjustments *	$	0.72			$	0.41
Adjusted non-GAAP Net income per diluted share from continuing operations	$	1.23			$	1.24

____________________
*		The reconciliation of Net income per share from GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP may not foot since each is calculated independently.

The Company discloses Adjusted non-GAAP net income per diluted share (“Adjusted Diluted EPS”) as a supplemental Non-GAAP financial performance measure, as it believes it is a useful metric by which to compare the performance of its business from period to period. The Company also understands that an Adjusted Diluted EPS measure is broadly used by analysts, rating agencies and investors in assessing the Company’s performance. Accordingly, the Company believes that the presentation of Adjusted Diluted EPS provides useful information to investors.

Adjusted Diluted EPS is not in accordance with, or an alternative to, net income per diluted share from continuing operations and may be different from Non-GAAP measures with similar or even identical names used by other companies. In addition, Adjusted Diluted EPS is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. The Adjusted Diluted EPS measure has limitations in that it does not reflect all of the amounts associated with the Company’s results of operations determined in accordance with GAAP.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement its condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the Company uses the following Non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted non-GAAP net income from continuing operations, and Adjusted Diluted EPS from continuing operations (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 U.S. GAAP. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that they provide useful information about core operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making.

(1) Share Based Compensation. The Company excludes stock-based compensation because it is non-cash in nature and because the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. The Company further believes this measure is useful to investors in that it allows for greater transparency to certain line items in its financial statements. In addition, excluding this item from the non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results and comparisons to peers, many of which similarly exclude this item.

(2) Acquisition Related Integration Costs. The Company excludes certain acquisition and related integration costs such as adjustments to contingent consideration, severance, lease terminations, retention bonuses and other acquisition-specific items. The Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results and comparisons to peers, many of which similarly exclude this item.

(3) Interest Costs. In June 2014, the Company issued $402.5 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes and in November 2019, the Company issued $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% convertible senior notes. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company separately accounted for the value of the liability and equity features of its outstanding convertible senior notes in a manner that reflects the Company’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate. The value of the conversion feature, reflected as a debt discount, was amortized to interest expense over time. Accordingly, the Company recognized imputed interest expense on its 3.25% and 1.75% convertible senior notes of approximately 5.8% and 5.5%, respectively, in its statement of operations during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company excluded the difference between the imputed interest expense and the coupon interest expense of 3.25% and 1.75%, respectively, because it was non-cash in nature and because the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding core operational performance. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company adopted ASU 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, whereby a portion of the convertible senior notes is no longer recorded in equity with a debt discount and amortization in interest expense. Therefore, no similar adjustment was made for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Company has excluded the difference between the imputed and coupon interest expense associated with the 4.625% Senior Notes in each period presented. Further, for the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment associated with the buy-back of its 4.625% Senior Notes, which is included within this Non-GAAP adjustment. The Company has determined excluding these items from the non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results and comparisons to peers, many of which similarly exclude this item.

(4) Amortization. The Company excludes amortization of patents and acquired intangible assets because it is non-cash in nature and because the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results and comparisons to peers, many of which similarly exclude this item.

(5) Change in Value on Investments. The Company excludes the change in value of its investments, which includes income (loss) from equity method investments, the unrealized gain (loss) on its investment in Consensus and other income (loss) on investments. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance as these items are not part of the Company’s core operations. In addition, excluding these items from the non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

(6) Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets. The Company excludes the gain (loss) on sale of certain of its assets. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

(7) Lease Asset Impairments and Other Charges. The Company excludes lease asset impairments and other charges as they are non-cash in nature and because the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

(8) Disposal related Costs. The Company excludes expenses associated with the disposal of certain businesses. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

(9) Convertible Debt Dilution. The Company excludes convertible debt dilution from diluted EPS. The Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

The Company presents Adjusted non-GAAP Cost of Revenues, Adjusted non-GAAP Research, Development and Engineering, Adjusted non-GAAP Sales and Marketing, Adjusted non-GAAP General and Administrative, Adjusted non-GAAP Interest Expense, Adjusted Gain on Sale of Businesses, Adjusted non-GAAP Loss on Investments, Adjusted non-GAAP Other (Income) Expense, Adjusted non-GAAP Income Tax benefit (expense), Adjusted non-GAAP (Income) Loss from Equity Method Investment, Net and Adjusted non-GAAP Net income because the Company believes that these provide useful information about our operating results and enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects.

Pro-Forma Financial Results

Key pro-forma financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, are set forth in the following table (in millions, except per share amounts). The financial results below reflect the Company’s results, on a pro-forma basis, taking into consideration the sale of certain Voice assets in the United Kingdom as well as the sale of the Company’s B2B Backup business as if they had occurred January 1, 2021.

	Three months ended March 31,
	2022			2021
Total Revenues	$	315.1		$	311.7
Pro-Forma Revenue Adjustments	$	—		$	(12.6	)
Pro-Forma Total Revenue: (1)	$	315.1		$	299.1
Adjusted Non-GAAP Net Income per Diluted Share from Continuing Operations (1)	$	1.23		$	1.24
Pro-Forma Net Income per Diluted Share from Continuing Operations Adjustments	$	—		$	(0.05	)
Adjusted Pro Forma Net Income per Diluted Share from Continuing Operations (1)	$	1.23		$	1.19
Adjusted Non-GAAP Net Income from Continuing Operations	$	57.9		$	55.4
Pro-Forma Net Income from Continuing Operations Adjustments	$	—		$	(2.3	)
Adjusted Pro-Forma Net Income from Continuing Operations	$	57.9		$	53.1
Adjusted EBITDA (1)	$	100.8		$	100.7
Pro-Forma EBITDA Adjustments	$	—		$	(4.8	)
Adjusted Pro-Forma EBITDA (1)	$	100.8		$	95.9
Adjusted EBITDA Margin (1)	32.0%			32.3%
Pro-Forma EBITDA Margin Adjustments	0.0%			(0.2)%
Adjusted Pro-Forma EBITDA Margin (1)	32.0%			32.1%

____________________
(1)		Refer to the notes earlier in this Release.

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 AND 2021

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2022				2021
Net income from continuing operations	$	24,537			$	38,780
Plus:
Interest expense, net		11,510				21,477
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses		—				(1,979	)
Unrealized gain on short-term investment		(8,951	)			—
Other income, net		(2,399	)			(243	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		5,080				(6,884	)
Loss (income) from equity method investment, net		785				(24,270	)
Depreciation and amortization		59,071				62,670
Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures:
Share-based compensation		6,717				5,730
Acquisition-related integration costs		1,534				3,550
Lease asset impairments and other charges		1,665				1,874
Disposal related costs		1,239				—
Adjusted EBITDA	$	100,788			$	100,705

Adjusted EBITDA as calculated above represents net income from continuing operations before interest, gain on sale of businesses, unrealized gain on short-term investment, other (income) expense, net, income tax expense, (income) loss from equity method investments, net, depreciation and amortization and the items used to reconcile GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures, including (1) share-based compensation, (2) certain acquisition-related integration costs, (3) lease asset impairments and other charges and (4) disposal related costs. We disclose Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental Non-GAAP financial performance measure as we believe it is a useful metric by which to compare the performance of our business from period to period. We understand that measures similar to Adjusted EBITDA are broadly used by analysts, rating agencies and investors in assessing our performance. Accordingly, we believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors.

Adjusted EBITDA is not in accordance with, or an alternative to, net income from continuing operations, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. This Adjusted non-GAAP measure has limitations in that it does not reflect all of the amounts associated with the Company’s results of operations determined in accordance with GAAP.

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
	Q1				Q2				Q3				Q4				YTD
2022
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	116,511			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	116,511
Less: Purchases of property and equipment		(30,502	)			—				—				—				(30,502	)
Add: Contingent consideration		—				—				—				—				—
Free cash flow	$	86,009			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	86,009
	Q1				Q2				Q3				Q4				YTD
2021
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing and discontinued operations	$	178,724			$	111,298			$	140,230			$	85,319			$	515,571
Less: Purchases of property and equipment		(26,269	)			(31,497	)			(29,729	)			(26,245	)			(113,740	)
Add: Contingent consideration(1)		—				685				—				—				685
Free cash flow from continuing and discontinued operations	$	152,455			$	80,486			$	110,501			$	59,074			$	402,516

____________________
(1)		Free cash flows from continuing and discontinued operations of $80.5 million for Q2 2021 is before the effect of payments associated with certain contingent consideration related to recent acquisitions.

The Company discloses free cash flows from continuing and discontinued operations as supplemental non-GAAP financial performance measure, as it believes it is a useful metric by which to compare the performance of its business from period to period. The Company also understands that this non-GAAP measure is broadly used by analysts, rating agencies and investors in assessing the Company’s performance. Accordingly, the Company believes that the presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure provides useful information to investors.

Free cash flows from continuing and discontinued operations is not in accordance with, or an alternative to, Cash flows from operating activities, and may be different from non-GAAP measures with similar or even identical names used by other companies. In addition, the non-GAAP measure is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. This non-GAAP measure has limitations in that it does not reflect all of the amounts associated with the Company’s results of operations determined in accordance with GAAP.

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
	Digital				Cybersecurity
	Media				and Martech			Corporate				Total
Revenues
GAAP revenues	$	234,695			$	80,373		$	—			$	315,068
Gross profit
GAAP gross profit	$	209,695			$	59,273		$	—			$	268,968
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Share-based compensation		5				79			—				84
Acquisition related integration costs		(3	)			54			—				51
Amortization		—				278			—				278
Adjusted non-GAAP gross profit	$	209,697			$	59,684		$	—			$	269,381
Operating profit
Income (loss) from operations	$	31,888			$	12,264		$	(13,590	)		$	30,562
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Share-based compensation		2,431				1,241			3,045				6,717
Acquisition related integration costs		1,165				347			22				1,534
Amortization		31,840				9,569			93				41,502
Lease asset impairments and other charges		1,436				229			—				1,665
Disposal related costs		11				—			1,228				1,239
Adjusted non-GAAP operating profit (loss)	$	68,771			$	23,650		$	(9,202	)		$	83,219
Depreciation		14,281				3,288			—				17,569
Adjusted EBITDA	$	83,052			$	26,938		$	(9,202	)		$	100,788

____________________

Table above excludes certain intercompany allocations.

ZIFF DAVIS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2021
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
	Digital			Cybersecurity
	Media			and Martech			Corporate				Total
Revenues
GAAP revenues	$	226,806		$	84,851		$	—			$	311,657
Gross profit
GAAP gross profit	$	206,013		$	61,857		$	(65	)		$	267,805
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Share-based compensation		3			79			—				82
Acquisition related integration costs		—			40			—				40
Amortization		—			593			—				593
Adjusted non-GAAP gross profit	$	206,016		$	62,569		$	(65	)		$	268,520
Operating profit
Income (loss) from operations	$	30,600		$	11,918		$	(15,637	)		$	26,881
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Share-based compensation		1,647			1,108			2,975				5,730
Acquisition related integration costs		2,053			378			1,119				3,550
Amortization		37,059			10,648			95				47,802
Lease asset impairments and other charges		1,716			158			—				1,874
Adjusted non-GAAP operating profit (loss)	$	73,075		$	24,210		$	(11,448	)		$	85,837
Depreciation		11,291			3,577			—				14,868
Adjusted EBITDA	$	84,366		$	27,787		$	(11,448	)		$	100,705

____________________

Table above excludes certain intercompany allocations.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220510006299/en/

Rebecca Wright

Ziff Davis, Inc.

800-577-1790

investor@ziffdavis.com

Source: Ziff Davis, Inc.

FAQ

What were Ziff Davis's Q1 2022 revenue figures?

Ziff Davis reported Q1 2022 revenues of $315.1 million, a 1.1% increase from $311.7 million in Q1 2021.

How did Ziff Davis perform in terms of net income in Q1 2022?

GAAP net income from continuing operations decreased to $24.5 million in Q1 2022, down from $38.8 million in Q1 2021.

What is Ziff Davis's adjusted non-GAAP net income per diluted share for Q1 2022?

The adjusted non-GAAP net income per diluted share for Q1 2022 was $1.23, a slight decrease from $1.24 in Q1 2021.

What is Ziff Davis's guidance for fiscal year 2022?

Ziff Davis reaffirms its fiscal year 2022 revenue guidance to be between $1,497 million and $1,535 million.