tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Ziff Davis, Inc. (ZD)
:ZD
Advertisement

Ziff Davis (ZD) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
451 Followers

Top Page

ZD

Ziff Davis

(NASDAQ:ZD)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 62 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:62Neutral
Price Target:
$34.00
▲(2.97% Upside)
Ziff Davis's overall stock score reflects solid financial performance and moderate valuation. However, technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, and earnings call insights reveal both growth and challenges. The absence of a dividend yield and strategic uncertainties further temper the score.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Consistent revenue growth indicates a strong market position and effective business strategies, supporting long-term financial stability.
Health & Wellness Segment Performance
Strong performance in Health & Wellness suggests robust demand and successful execution in a growing market, enhancing future profitability.
Cash Flow Generation
Significant free cash flow growth enhances financial flexibility, allowing for strategic investments and debt reduction, supporting long-term growth.
Negative Factors
Decline in Tech & Shopping Segment
Revenue and EBITDA declines in Tech & Shopping indicate challenges in maintaining competitiveness, potentially impacting future segment performance.
Gaming & Entertainment Revenue Decline
Declining revenues in Gaming & Entertainment suggest market challenges or strategic missteps, which could affect overall growth prospects.
Uncertainty in Strategic Review Outcomes
Uncertainty from the strategic review process may hinder long-term planning and investor confidence, impacting future business direction.

Ziff Davis (ZD) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Ziff Davis Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionZiff Davis (ZD) is a global digital media company that operates in the technology, gaming, and lifestyle sectors. It focuses on delivering high-quality content and information through its various brands, which include leading websites like PCMag, IGN, and AskMen. ZD leverages its expertise in digital publishing, e-commerce, and performance marketing to provide valuable insights and recommendations to consumers and businesses alike.
How the Company Makes MoneyZiff Davis generates revenue primarily through advertising, affiliate marketing, and subscription services. The company's advertising model includes display ads, sponsored content, and integrated marketing solutions that allow brands to reach target audiences across its extensive network of websites. Affiliate marketing plays a significant role in ZD's earnings, where the company earns commissions by promoting third-party products and services, particularly in the technology and gaming sectors. Additionally, ZD has subscription-based offerings and premium services that contribute to its revenue. Strategic partnerships with various brands and companies enhance its market reach and revenue potential, while ZD's focus on data analytics allows it to optimize its revenue streams effectively.

Ziff Davis Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 06, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 16, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted consistent revenue growth and strong performance in certain segments like Health & Wellness and Cybersecurity & Martech. However, challenges were noted in segments such as Tech & Shopping and Gaming & Entertainment, along with a slight decline in adjusted EBITDA. The strategic review process is ongoing, which could potentially unlock shareholder value but also adds an element of uncertainty. Overall, the positive highlights are balanced by notable challenges and uncertainties.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue Growth in Third Quarter
Ziff Davis reported a nearly 3% increase in revenues, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of revenue growth.
Health & Wellness Segment Performance
The Health & Wellness segment experienced 13% year-over-year revenue growth and 18% year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth, both representing high watermarks for the division.
Cybersecurity & Martech Segment Turnaround
The Cybersecurity & Martech segment returned to growth in Q3 with a 2% increase in revenue, driven by strong performance in consumer VPN and cloud backup.
Humble Bundle Performance
Humble Bundle had its best quarter of the year and the second highest revenue quarter in the last 5 years, with subscription revenues up 5% year-over-year.
Share Buybacks and EPS Growth
Ziff Davis increased its share buybacks, resulting in a 7% growth in adjusted diluted EPS.
Negative Updates
Decline in Tech & Shopping Segment
The Tech & Shopping segment saw a 2% drop in revenue and a 12% decline in adjusted EBITDA, primarily due to the wind-down of game publishing activities.
Gaming & Entertainment Revenue Decline
Gaming & Entertainment revenues were about 4% lower year-over-year, attributed to timing issues with title releases.
Adjusted EBITDA Decline
Adjusted EBITDA slightly fell by less than 1% year-over-year in Q3 2025.
Connectivity Segment Timing Issues
Connectivity's adjusted EBITDA margin was negatively impacted by the timing of contracts and investments in new products.
Uncertainty in Strategic Review Outcomes
The ongoing strategic review to unlock shareholder value has not yet resulted in any transactions, creating uncertainty about the company's future structure.
Company Guidance
During the Ziff Davis Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company provided guidance for the fiscal year 2025, reaffirming its broad guidance range set in February 2025. Ziff Davis anticipates key financial metrics, including revenues, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted diluted EPS, to fall within this range. However, due to momentum not broadly carrying forward from Q2, they expect fiscal year 2025 total revenues and adjusted diluted EPS to be within the lower half of the guidance range, with adjusted EBITDA closer to the lower end. The fourth quarter is anticipated to be the seasonally largest revenue quarter. The company reported Q3 2025 revenues of $363.7 million, nearly 3% growth year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 34.1% and adjusted diluted EPS growth of over 7%. They also highlighted substantial free cash flow generation, with Q3 2025 free cash flow reaching $108.2 million, marking a 35% increase from the prior year period.

Ziff Davis Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Ziff Davis demonstrates solid financial performance with strong revenue growth and improved profitability. The balance sheet reflects a stable leverage position, and cash flow metrics indicate good cash generation. However, there is a need to maintain margins and enhance cash efficiency.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Ziff Davis shows a strong revenue growth rate of 7% in the TTM period, indicating a positive trajectory. The gross profit margin remains robust at over 61%, although it has decreased from previous years. The net profit margin has improved to 7.62% in the TTM, reflecting better profitability. However, the EBIT and EBITDA margins have seen slight fluctuations, suggesting some operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio has improved to 0.48 in the TTM, indicating a stable leverage position. Return on equity has increased to 6.11%, showing enhanced profitability for shareholders. The equity ratio is healthy, suggesting a strong asset base. However, the company should continue to monitor its debt levels to maintain financial stability.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
Ziff Davis exhibits a positive free cash flow growth rate of 12.03% in the TTM, indicating strong cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.54, showing a moderate conversion of income to cash. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.70, which is satisfactory but suggests room for improvement in cash efficiency.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.46B1.40B1.36B1.39B1.42B1.16B
Gross Profit1.20B1.20B1.18B1.21B1.23B980.43M
EBITDA417.04M319.10M331.97M398.39M681.68M363.27M
Net Income111.07M63.05M41.50M63.76M496.71M150.67M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.48B3.70B3.47B3.53B3.77B3.67B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments503.37M505.88M764.72M711.21M924.04M177.10M
Total Debt865.94M894.75M1.00B999.05M1.17B1.68B
Total Liabilities1.68B1.89B1.58B1.64B1.80B2.45B
Stockholders Equity1.80B1.81B1.89B1.89B1.97B1.21B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow261.17M283.68M211.23M230.29M402.80M384.41M
Operating Cash Flow374.22M390.31M319.96M336.44M516.54M480.08M
Investing Cash Flow-149.25M-297.45M-127.41M-220.77M59.09M-586.22M
Financing Cash Flow-109.36M-320.99M-114.79M-140.83M-113.09M-234.63M

Ziff Davis Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price33.02
Price Trends
50DMA
34.86
Negative
100DMA
34.99
Negative
200DMA
35.12
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.53
Negative
RSI
52.29
Neutral
STOCH
78.97
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ZD, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 33.02 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 31.82, below the 50-day MA of 34.86, and below the 200-day MA of 35.12, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.53 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 52.29 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 78.97 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for ZD.

Ziff Davis Risk Analysis

Ziff Davis disclosed 50 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Ziff Davis reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Ziff Davis Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$1.73B36.824.48%15.51%39.60%
74
Outperform
$1.02B6.5215.37%0.32%69.78%
65
Neutral
$1.35B69.883.80%6.76%1841.46%
62
Neutral
$1.30B13.376.26%5.70%97.88%
61
Neutral
$1.67B48.373.65%-76.96%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
46
Neutral
$971.67M31.28%-22.05%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ZD
Ziff Davis
33.02
-25.81
-43.87%
STGW
Stagwell
5.30
-2.64
-33.25%
CMPR
Cimpress
67.75
-13.34
-16.45%
CRTO
Criteo SA
19.41
-22.52
-53.71%
IAS
Integral Ad Science
10.27
-0.84
-7.56%
MNTN
MNTN, Inc Class A
13.30
-14.41
-52.00%

Ziff Davis Corporate Events

Ziff Davis Earnings Call: Growth Amid Challenges
Nov 9, 2025

Ziff Davis, Inc. recently held its earnings call, revealing a balanced sentiment of optimism and caution. The company showcased consistent revenue growth and strong performances in segments like Health & Wellness and Cybersecurity & Martech. However, challenges were evident in the Tech & Shopping and Gaming & Entertainment sectors, alongside a slight dip in adjusted EBITDA. The ongoing strategic review process, while potentially beneficial for shareholders, introduces an element of uncertainty, balancing the positive highlights with notable challenges.

Ziff Davis Reports Growth and Strategic Evaluations
Nov 8, 2025

Ziff Davis, Inc. is a digital media and internet company that operates in various sectors including technology, shopping, gaming and entertainment, health and wellness, connectivity, cybersecurity, and martech. The company is known for its vertically focused approach and a diverse portfolio of leading brands.

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackFinancial Disclosures
Ziff Davis Reports Strong Q3 2025 Financial Results
Positive
Nov 7, 2025

On November 6, 2025, Ziff Davis reported its third quarter 2025 financial results, highlighting a 2.9% increase in quarterly revenues to $363.7 million and a significant improvement in income from operations, which rose 197% to $28.4 million. The company also announced its engagement with outside advisors to explore potential value-creating opportunities, including the possible sale of entire divisions, as part of its strategy to maximize shareholder value. Despite a decrease in adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income, Ziff Davis reaffirmed its 2025 guidance and continued its share repurchase program, reflecting a strategic focus on long-term growth and shareholder returns.

The most recent analyst rating on (ZD) stock is a Hold with a $40.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ziff Davis stock, see the ZD Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Ziff Davis to Participate in Citi’s 2025 TMT Conference
Neutral
Sep 3, 2025

Ziff Davis, Inc. will participate in the Citi’s 2025 Global TMT Conference on September 3, 2025, which will be webcast online. This participation highlights the company’s engagement with industry peers and stakeholders, potentially enhancing its market visibility and influence.

The most recent analyst rating on (ZD) stock is a Hold with a $40.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ziff Davis stock, see the ZD Stock Forecast page.

Ziff Davis Reports Strong Q2 Earnings Growth
Aug 12, 2025

Ziff Davis, Inc. recently held its earnings call, revealing a generally positive sentiment with strong performance across most segments. The company reported significant revenue and EBITDA growth, alongside successful acquisitions and share repurchases, indicating confidence in its future. However, minor challenges were noted in the Cybersecurity & Martech segment and foreign exchange impacts on EPS.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Nov 11, 2025