Zeta Global Holdings Corporation

11/05/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/05/2025 07:01

Quarterly Report for Quarter Ending September 30, 2025 (Form 10-Q)

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In addition to historical financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current plans, expectations and beliefs that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated and discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth in Part 1, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 ("2024 Annual Report") filed on February 26, 2025, and in Part II, Item IA "Risk Factors" included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Overview

Zeta is a leading AI-powered omnichannel data-driven cloud platform that provides enterprises with consumer intelligence and marketing automation software. We empower our customers to target, connect and engage consumers through software that delivers personalized marketing across all addressable channels, including email, social media, web, chat, Connected TV ("CTV") and video, among others. Our Generative AI (GenAI)-driven marketing solutions enable brands to personalize experiences at scale, measure impact with precision and optimize marketing spend to increase return on investment ("ROI"). With the integration of LiveIntent's identity graph and publisher network, we have strengthened our Data Cloud assets and our ability to deliver authenticated, people-based marketing across addressable channels.

Our Zeta Marketing Platform, or ZMP, is an AI-powered marketing platform with identity data at its core. Leveraging GenAI and machine learning, the ZMP processes billions of structured and unstructured data signals to predict consumer intent, optimize messaging and drive personalized messaging across all channels. The integration of LiveIntent's identity graph expands Zeta's first-party data foundation, strengthening authenticated identity resolution and deterministic targeting. The ZMP enables brands to connect with consumers through native integration of marketing channels and application programming interface ("API") integration with third parties. The ZMP's data-driven algorithms and processes learn and optimize each customer's marketing program in real time, producing a 'flywheel effect' that enables our customers to test, learn and improve their marketing programs in real time.

The ZMP enhances our customers' ability to personalize consumer experiences at scale across multiple touchpoints. With AI-driven automation, brands can orchestrate highly effective programs through intuitive workflows and real-time intelligence. Our Consumer Data Platform ("CDP+") now integrates LiveIntent's identity graph, improving identity resolution while maintaining compliance with evolving privacy standards. Our Agile Intelligence suite synthesizes Zeta's proprietary data and data generated by our customers to uncover consumer insights that are translated into marketing programs designed for highly targeted audiences across digital channels, including email, SMS, websites, applications, social media, CTV and chat.

Proposed acquisition of Marigold enterprise software business

On September 27, 2025, we entered into a Purchase Agreement with Marigold Group, Inc. ("MGI"), Campaign Monitor Europe UK Ltd. ("CMEUK"), and Selligent Holdings Limited ("Selligent Holdings" together with MGI and CMEUK, the "Sellers") to acquire the Sellers' enterprise software business (the "Marigold Business") for total consideration of up to $325.0 million, subject to customary adjustments, comprising of $100.0 million in cash and $100.0 million of shares of our Class A Common Stock and a seller note that is payable within three months of closing for an amount equal to up to $125.0 million (up to $50.0 million of which will be paid in cash, with the remaining $75.0 million paid at our election, in cash or shares of our Class A Common Stock). The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

Macroeconomic trends

Our business and the businesses and operations of our customers depend on the overall state of the economy, and we and they could be negatively impacted by slower economic growth and the potential for a recession. While core inflation has remained relatively steady for the first nine months of the year, the economy continues to be impacted by the looming potential of increased inflation rates and faces further inflation risk. To date, the effects of tariffs and changes in global trade policies on the overall state of the economy and on our business have had no material impact on our costs or operations. However, the evolving tariffs and changes in global trade policies continue to cause overall economic uncertainty and may increase our costs and adversely impact our operations as well as customers' businesses and operations. Additionally, other potential challenging macroeconomic conditions, and the resulting impact on the economy and consumer spending, could negatively impact our and our customers' businesses and operations.

Factors Affecting Results of Operations

For a discussion of the factors affecting our results of operations, please see "Factors Affecting Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Part 1, Item 1A "Risk Factors" of our 2024 Annual Report, as well as in Part II, Item 1A "Risk Factors" included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Key Performance Metrics

We review key performance metrics, discussed below, to evaluate our business, track performance, identify trends, formulate plans and make strategic decisions. We believe that the presentation of such metrics provides investors with effective ways to measure and model the performance of companies such as ours, with recurring revenue streams.

Scaled customers increased 20% to 572 as of September 30, 2025, compared to 475 as of September 30, 2024, primarily due to higher usage of our platform among our customers and new additions to our scaled customer base. Of our scaled customers, 180 and 144 were super-scaled customers as of September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively.

Scaled customer Average Revenue Per User ("ARPU") increased 4% to $579 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $557 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to higher usage of our platform among scaled customers. ARPU for our super-scaled customers increased 1% to $1.6 million (across 180 customers) for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $1.6 million (across 144 customers) for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Description of Certain Components of Financial Data

Revenues

Our revenue primarily arises from use of our technology platform via subscription fees, volume-based utilization fees and fees for professional services. Our platform revenue is comprised of a mix of direct platform revenue and integrated platform revenue, which leverages API integrations with third parties. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, we derived 75% and 68% of our revenues from direct platforms, respectively, and 25% and 32% of our revenues from integrated platforms, respectively. Revenues are recognized when control of these services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Sales and other taxes collected by us are excluded from revenue. Our revenue recognition policies are discussed in more detail below under "Critical Accounting Estimates."

Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Cost of revenues excludes depreciation and amortization and consists primarily of media and marketing costs and certain employee-related costs. Media and marketing costs consist primarily of fees paid to third-party publishers, media owners or managers, and strategic partners that are directly related to revenue-generating events. We pay these third-party publishers, media owners or managers and strategic partners on revenue-share, a cost-per-lead, cost-per-click, or cost-per-thousand-impressions basis. Expenses related to "internet traffic" associated with the viewing of available impressions or queries per second and costs of providing support to our customers are also included in the cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization). Employee-related costs included in cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) include salaries, bonuses, commissions, stock-based compensation and employee benefit costs primarily related to individuals directly associated with providing services to our customers. Our cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) are dependent on the revenue mix and therefore can slightly increase or decrease in the future as a percentage of revenue over the long term.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses primarily consist of computer and telecom expenses, employee-related costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and employee benefits costs associated with our executives, finance, legal, human resources and other administrative personnel, as well as accounting and legal professional services fees and platform and related infrastructure costs. We expect general and administrative expenses to increase in absolute dollars in future periods. We expect that general and administrative expenses to decrease as a percentage of revenue over the long term.

Selling and marketing expenses

Selling and marketing expenses primarily consist of employee-related costs, including salaries, bonuses, employee benefits costs, stock-based compensation and commission costs for our sales and marketing personnel. Selling and marketing expenses also include costs for market development programs, advertising, promotional and other marketing activities. We intend to continue to invest in marketing initiatives, and as a result, we expect selling and marketing expenses to increase in absolute dollars in future periods. Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue may fluctuate from period to period based on revenue levels and the timing of our investments in these functions over the long term.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses primarily consist of employee-related costs, including salaries, bonuses and employee benefit costs, stock-based compensation associated with engineering and IT services associated with the ongoing research and maintenance of internal use software. We expect to continue to invest in research and development in order to develop our technology platform to drive incremental value and growth, and as a result we expect research and development expenses to increase in absolute dollars in future periods. We also expect that research and development expenses to fluctuate from period to period as a percentage of revenue over the long term.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization relate to property and equipment, website and software development costs as well as acquisition-related and other acquired intangible assets. We record depreciation and amortization using straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets.

Acquisition-related expenses

Acquisition-related expenses primarily consist of legal and professional services fees and employee related expenses that are associated with business combinations. We expect that acquisition-related expenses will be correlated with future acquisitions (if any), which could be greater than or less than our historic levels.

Restructuring expenses

Restructuring expenses primarily consist of employee termination costs due to internal restructuring. We expect that restructuring expenses will be correlated with future restructuring activities (if any), which could be greater than or less than our historic levels. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, we recognized $3.2 million of restructuring expenses. We did not have any such restructuring expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Interest (income) / expense, net

Interest (income) / expense, net primarily consists of interest payable on our long-term borrowings, net of interest earned on our short-term investments in money market accounts and other short-term deposits. We anticipate interest expense to be impacted by changes in variable interest rates.

Other expenses, net

Other expenses, net primarily consists of changes in fair value of acquisition-related liabilities, gains and losses on sale of assets and foreign exchange gains and losses. We expect that the magnitude of other income and expenses will depend on external factors such as foreign exchange rates and the remeasurement impact of acquisition-related liabilities, which depends on the performance of our acquisitions and could be greater than or less than our historic levels.

Income tax provision

The Company's Income tax provision consists of federal, foreign, and state taxes necessary to align the Company's year-to-date tax provision with the annual effective rate that it expects to achieve for the full year. At each interim period, the Company updates its estimate of the annual effective tax rate and records cumulative adjustments as necessary.

Stock-based compensation

The measurement of stock-based compensation for all stock-based payment awards, including restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSU"), performance-based stock units ("PSUs") and stock options granted to employees, consultants or advisors and non-employee directors, and shares purchased under the Company's employee stock purchase plan, is based on the estimated fair value of the awards on the date of grant or date of modification of such grants. See "Note 9. Stock-Based Compensation" to our condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements for further details.

We estimate the recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation as follows, subject to future forfeitures:

Year ended December 31,

Remainder of 2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

Total

$

42,190

$

104,322

$

50,733

$

19,738

$

710

$

217,693

Results of Operations

We operate as a single reportable segment to reflect the way our Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") reviews and assesses the performance of the business. The Company's CODM is the Chief Executive Officer.

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

2025

2024

2025

2024

Revenues

$

337,169

$

268,295

$

910,030

$

691,081

Operating expenses:

Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)

133,224

105,652

353,700

273,607

General and administrative expenses

56,393

50,494

172,602

150,459

Selling and marketing expenses

85,315

84,548

247,076

231,567

Research and development expenses

29,812

22,807

87,203

66,407

Depreciation and amortization

17,191

12,590

52,281

39,295

Acquisition-related expenses

6,482

4,583

6,482

4,583

Restructuring expenses

-

-

3,152

-

Total operating expenses

$

328,417

$

280,674

$

922,496

$

765,918

Income / (loss) from operations

8,752

(12,379

)

(12,466

)

(74,837

)

Interest (income) / expense, net

(180

)

1,945

317

7,130

Other expenses, net

11,726

2,851

21,589

1,958

Total other expenses

$

11,546

$

4,796

$

21,906

$

9,088

Loss before income taxes

(2,794

)

(17,175

)

(34,372

)

(83,925

)

Income tax provision

840

200

3,676

1,082

Net loss

$

(3,634

)

$

(17,375

)

$

(38,048

)

$

(85,007

)

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025 and 2024

Revenues

Three months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Revenues

$

337,169

$

268,295

$

68,874

25.7

%

Revenues increased by $68.9 million, or 25.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase in revenues is attributable to incremental revenues of $63.0 million from new customers (including approximately $20.6 million from the acquisition of LiveIntent, which closed during the year ended December 31, 2024) and $5.9 million from existing customers.

Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Three months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)

$

133,224

$

105,652

$

27,572

26.1

%

Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) increased by $27.6 million, or 26.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by $20.4 million of incremental media costs related to incremental revenues and higher technology expenses of $7.2 million.

General and administrative expenses

Three months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

General and administrative expenses

$

56,393

$

50,494

$

5,899

11.7

%

General and administrative expenses increased by $5.9 million, or 11.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by higher professional services fees of $3.3 million, employee-related costs of $3.2 million and other general and administrative expenses of $1.3 million, partially offset by lower computer and telecom related expenses of $1.2 million and stock-based compensation of $0.7 million.

Selling and marketing expenses

Three months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Selling and marketing expenses

$

85,315

$

84,548

$

767

0.9

%

Selling and marketing expenses increased by $0.8 million, or 0.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by higher employee-related costs of $11.3 million, partially offset by lower other sales and marketing-related expenses of $7.8 million and stock-based compensation of $2.7 million.

Research and development expenses

Three months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Research and development expenses

$

29,812

$

22,807

$

7,005

30.7

%

Research and development expenses increased by $7.0 million, or 30.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in employee-related costs of $4.7 million, higher stock-based compensation of $1.8 million and higher consulting fees of $0.5 million.

Depreciation and amortization

Three months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Depreciation and amortization

$

17,191

$

12,590

$

4,601

36.5

%

Depreciation and amortization increased by $4.6 million, or 36.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by higher amortization expenses related to intangible assets.

Acquisition-related expenses

Three months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Acquisition-related expenses

$

6,482

$

4,583

$

1,899

41.4

%

Acquisition-related expenses increased by $1.9 million, or 41.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by higher legal and professional fees incurred for our business combinations.

Interest (income) / expense, net

Three months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Interest (income) / expense, net

$

(180

)

$

1,945

$

(2,125

)

NM*

Interest expense, net decreased by $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to higher interest income earned on our money market accounts and short-term deposits.

*Not Meaningful

Other expenses, net

Three months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Other expenses, net

$

11,726

$

2,851

$

8,875

311

%

Other expenses increased by $8.9 million, or 311%, for the three months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. This increase in other expenses was primarily driven by an increase in the fair value change of acquisition-related liabilities recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Income tax provision

Three months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Income tax provision

$

840

$

200

$

640

320.0

%

For the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively, yielding an effective tax rate of negative 30.1% and negative 1.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate for both interim periods was different than the U.S. statutory rate, primarily due to a limited tax benefit being recorded for U.S. operating losses, as the Company maintains a full valuation allowance against its U.S. deferred tax assets.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 and 2024

Revenues

Nine months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Revenues

$

910,030

$

691,081

$

218,949

31.7

%

Revenues increased by $218.9 million, or 31.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The increase in revenues is attributable to incremental revenues of $169.6 million from new customers (including approximately $60.1 million from the acquisition of LiveIntent, which closed during the year ended December 31, 2024) and $49.3 million from existing customers.

Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Nine months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)

$

353,700

$

273,607

$

80,093

29.3

%

Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) increased by $80.1 million, or 29.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by $60.6 million of incremental media costs related to incremental revenues and higher technology expenses of $20.2 million, partially offset by lower employee-related costs of $0.7 million.

General and administrative expenses

Nine months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

General and administrative expenses

$

172,602

$

150,459

$

22,143

14.7

%

General and administrative expenses increased by $22.1 million, or 14.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by higher employee-related costs of $10.3 million, professional services fees of $8.4 million, computer and telecom related expenses of $5.4 million and other general and administrative expenses of $4.0 million, partially offset by lower stock-based compensation of $6.0 million.

Selling and marketing expenses

Nine months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Selling and marketing expenses

$

247,076

$

231,567

$

15,509

6.7

%

Selling and marketing expenses increased by $15.5 million, or 6.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by higher employee-related costs of $34.0 million, partially offset by lower stock-based compensation of $14.2 million and other sales and marketing-related expenses of $4.3 million.

Research and development expenses

Nine months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Research and development expenses

$

87,203

$

66,407

$

20,796

31.3

%

Research and development expenses increased by $20.8 million, or 31.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in employee-related costs of $16.0 million, higher stock-based compensation of $2.6 million and higher consulting fees of $2.2 million.

Depreciation and amortization

Nine months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Depreciation and amortization

$

52,281

$

39,295

$

12,986

33.0

%

Depreciation and amortization increased by $13.0 million, or 33.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by higher amortization expenses related to intangible assets.

Acquisition-related expenses

Nine months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Acquisition-related expenses

$

6,482

$

4,583

$

1,899

41.4

%

Acquisition-related expenses increased by $1.9 million, or 41.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by higher legal and professional fees incurred for our business combinations.

Restructuring expenses

Nine months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Restructuring expenses

$

3,152

$

-

$

3,152

100.0

%

We recorded restructuring expenses of $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 related to employee termination costs due to internal restructuring. We did not have any restructuring expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Interest expense, net

Nine months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Interest expense, net

$

317

$

7,130

$

(6,813

)

(95.6

)%

Interest expense, net decreased by $6.8 million, or 95.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to higher interest income earned on our money market accounts and short-term deposits.

Other expenses, net

Nine months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Other expenses, net

$

21,589

$

1,958

$

19,631

NM*

Other expenses increased by $19.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This increase in other expenses was primarily driven by an increase in the fair value change of acquisition-related liabilities recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

*Not Meaningful

Income tax provision

Nine months ended September 30,

Change

2025

2024

Amount

%

Income tax provision

$

3,676

$

1,082

$

2,594

239.7

%

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $3.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively, yielding an effective tax rate of negative 10.7% and negative 1.3%, respectively. The effective tax rate for both interim periods was different than the U.S. statutory rate, primarily due to a limited tax benefit being recorded for U.S. operating losses, as the Company maintains a full valuation allowance against its U.S. deferred tax assets.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use the following non-GAAP financial information, collectively, to evaluate our ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. Non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only, should not be considered a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and may be different from similarly titled non-GAAP measures used by other companies. Whenever we use a non-GAAP financial measure, a reconciliation is provided to the most closely applicable financial measure stated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures may be useful to investors in analyzing our financial and operational performance.

Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as net income / (loss) adjusted for interest expense, net, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, income tax (benefit) / provision, acquisition-related expenses, restructuring expenses, change in fair value of warrants and derivative liabilities, certain dispute settlement expenses, gain on extinguishment of debt, certain non-recurring capital raise related (including initial public offering ("IPO")) expenses, including the payroll taxes related to vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units upon the completion of the IPO, and Other expenses, net. Acquisition-related expenses and restructuring expenses primarily consist of professional services fees, severance and other employee-related costs, which may vary from period to period depending on the timing of our acquisitions and restructuring activities and may distort the comparability of the results of operations. Change in fair value of warrants and derivative liabilities is a non-cash expense related to periodically recording "mark-to-market" changes in the valuation of derivatives and warrants. Other expenses, net consists of non-cash expenses such as changes in fair value of acquisition-related liabilities, gains and losses on extinguishment of acquisition-related liabilities, gains and losses on sales of assets and foreign exchange gains and losses. In particular, we believe that the exclusion of stock-based compensation, certain dispute settlement expenses and non-recurring capital raise related (including IPO) expenses that are not related to our core operations provides measures for period-to-period comparisons of our business and provides additional insight into our core controllable costs. We exclude these charges because these expenses are not reflective of ongoing business and operating results. Adjusted EBITDA margin is a non-GAAP metric defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by the total revenues for the same period. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin provide us with a useful measure for period-to period comparisons of our business as well as comparison to our peers. Our use of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our financial results as reported under GAAP. Because of these and other limitations, you should consider our non-GAAP measures only as supplemental to other GAAP-based financial performance measures, including revenues and net income / (loss).

The following table reconciles adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin to net loss and net loss margin, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

2025

2024

2025

2024

Net loss

$

(3,634

)

$

(17,375

)

$

(38,048

)

$

(85,007

)

Net loss margin

(1.1

)%

(6.5

)%

(4.2

)%

(12.3

)%

Add back:

Depreciation and amortization

17,191

12,590

52,281

39,295

Acquisition-related-expenses

6,482

4,583

6,482

4,583

Restructuring expenses

-

-

3,152

-

Capital raise related expenses

-

1,624

-

1,624

Stock-based compensation

45,632

47,177

134,090

151,974

Other expenses, net

11,726

2,851

21,589

1,958

Interest (income) / expense, net

(180

)

1,945

317

7,130

Income tax provision

840

200

3,676

1,082

Adjusted EBITDA

$

78,057

$

53,595

$

183,539

$

122,639

Adjusted EBITDA margin

23.2

%

20.0

%

20.2

%

17.7

%

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have financed our operations and capital expenditures primarily through utilization of cash generated from operations, as well as borrowings under our credit facilities.

As of September 30, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of $385.2 million and net working capital, consisting of current assets less current liabilities of $460.3 million. As of September 30, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $1,066.4 million.

We believe our existing cash and anticipated net cash provided by operating activities, together with available borrowings under our Revolving Facility (as defined below), will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements for at least the next 12 months and thereafter for the foreseeable future, and to fund the cash consideration required for our pending acquisition of the Marigold Business. However, if our operating performance during the next 12 months is below our expectations, our liquidity and ability to operate our business could be adversely affected. Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" in our 2024 Annual Report. In the future, we may attempt to raise additional capital through sales of equity securities or through equity linked or debt financing arrangements. Any future indebtedness we incur may result in terms that could be unfavorable to our equity investors. We cannot guarantee that we will be able

to raise additional capital in the future on favorable terms, or at all. Any inability to raise capital could adversely affect our ability to achieve our business objectives.

Cash flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented:

Nine months ended September 30,

2025

2024

Net cash provided by / (used for):

Cash provided by operating activities

$

134,767

$

90,178

Cash used for investing activities

(26,872

)

(29,568

)

Cash (used for) / provided by financing activities

(88,652

)

226,153

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(216

)

43

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

$

19,027

$

286,806

Net cash provided by operating activities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net cash provided by operating activities of $134.8 million resulted primarily from adjusted non-cash items of $211.0 million, more than offsetting our net loss of $38.0 million. Non-cash items include stock-based compensation of $134.1 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $52.3 million and a change in fair value of acquisition-related liabilities of $20.7 million. Changes in working capital were primarily driven by increases in accounts receivable of $40.3 million, prepaid expenses of $15.2 million and, other current assets of $1.3 million and decreases in accounts payable of $14.9 million and deferred revenue of $6.4 million, partially offset by an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $38.8 million and a decrease in other non-current assets of $0.8 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities of $90.2 million resulted primarily from adjusted non-cash items of $192.6 million, more than offsetting our net loss of $85.0 million. Non-cash items include stock-based compensation of $152.0 million, depreciation and amortization of $39.3 million and a change in fair value of acquisition-related liabilities of $1.4 million. Changes in working capital were primarily driven by decreases in accounts payable of $4.0 million, increases in accounts receivable of $34.5 million and prepaid expenses of $3.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $25.2 million.

Net cash used for investing activities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, we used $26.9 million of cash for investing activities, primarily consisting of website and software development costs of $15.1 million, capital expenditures of $10.6 million (including a $3.8 million investment in data and partnership agreements), and $1.2 million for certain acquisition-related liabilities related to the LiveIntent acquisition.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we used $29.6 million of cash in investing activities, primarily consisting of capital expenditures of $17.5 million (including a $14.0 million investment in data and partnership agreements) and website and software development costs of $12.1 million.

Cash (used for) / provided by financing activities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, we used $88.7 million of cash for financing activities, primarily due to the repurchase of $86.0 million of shares of our common stock repurchased under the 2024 SRP and 2025 SRP (each as defined below), including the RSA Withholding Program (as defined below), and the payment of acquisition-related liabilities of $6.3 million, partially offset by receipts from our 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2021 ESPP") and exercise of options of $3.6 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we used $226.2 million of cash in financing activities, primarily due to equity capital raise of $229.3 million, net proceeds from the credit facility refinancing of $11.6 million and receipt from the ESPP and exercise of options of $4.5 million, partially offset by the repurchase of $12.3 million of common stock under our share repurchase and withholding program and payment of acquisition-related liabilities of $7.0 million.

Debt

On February 3, 2021, we entered into a credit agreement (the "Existing Credit Agreement") with a syndicate of financial institutions and institutional lenders, providing for a $222.5 million senior secured credit facility (the "Existing Senior Secured Credit Facility"), which consisted of (i) a $73.8 million initial revolving facility, (ii) a $111.3 million term loan facility, and (iii) a $37.5 million incremental revolving facility commitment. On March 22, 2023, the Company entered into a $25.0 million incremental revolving facility commitment pursuant to an amendment to the Existing Credit Agreement, thereby increasing the Existing Senior Secured Credit Facility to $247.5 million.

On August 30, 2024, we refinanced and replaced the Existing Senior Secured Credit Facility by entering into a new credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a syndicate of financial institutions and institutional lenders, providing for a five-year $550.0 million senior secured credit facility (the "Senior Secured Credit Facility"), which consists of (i) a senior secured term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million (the "Term Loan") and (ii) a $350.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility"). Concurrently with entering into the Credit Agreement, we drew down the $200.0 million Term Loan and repaid all outstanding obligations in the amount of $185.0 million under the Existing Senior Secured Credit Facility and terminated all commitments thereunder. Interest shall be payable at the end of the selected interest period. We are required to repay the principal balance and any unpaid accrued interest on the Senior Secured Credit Facility on August 30, 2029. As of September 30, 2025, we had $196.9 million (net of $3.1 million of unamortized debt acquisition costs) of outstanding long-term borrowings.

We are currently in compliance with our financial covenants under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, and, based upon our current expectations, believe that we will continue to comply with our financial maintenance covenants for the next 12 months. The Senior Secured Credit Facility contains restrictive covenants that place restrictions on us and may limit our ability to, among other things, incur additional debt and liens, purchase our securities, undertake transactions with affiliates, make other investments, pay dividends or distribute excess cash flow. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, we borrowed $6.3 million against the Revolving Facility and repaid the same amount against the Term Loan under the Senior Secured Credit Facility.

Contractual obligations

There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations as compared to the contractual obligations described in our "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" set forth in our 2024 Annual Report.

Share Repurchase and RSA Withholding Program

On November 13, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase and withholding program (the "2024 SRP") of up to $100.0 million in the aggregate of the Company's outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock through December 31, 2026. On July 23, 2025, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase and withholding program (the "2025 SRP") of up to $200.0 million in the aggregate for repurchase of the Company's outstanding Class A Common Stock through December 31, 2027. The 2025 SRP supplements the 2024 SRP. In addition to repurchases, both the 2024 and 2025 SRP also allow for the withholding of shares as an alternative to market sales by certain executives and other employees to satisfy tax withholding requirements upon vesting of restricted stock awards (the "RSA Withholding Program").

As such, we may use corporate cash to make required tax payments associated with the vesting of certain executive RSAs and withhold a corresponding number of shares from such executives. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased will be determined by the Company at its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions, applicable legal requirements, our capital needs, and whether there is a better alternative use of capital. Repurchases and withholdings during any given fiscal period under the 2024 SRP and 2025 SRP will reduce the number of weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. Refer to Part II, Item 2 for details of repurchases made under the 2024 SRP and 2025 SRP during the three months ended September 30, 2025.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are based on management's judgment and the best available information, and as such actual results could differ from those estimates.

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting estimates as compared to the critical accounting policies and estimates described in our "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" set forth in our 2024 Annual Report.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See "Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements for our discussion about new accounting pronouncements.

Zeta Global Holdings Corporation published this content on November 05, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Edgar on November 05, 2025 at 13:02 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]