ZIFF DAVIS INC
For the period ended Jun 30, 2024. Filed Aug 8, 2024.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Jun 30, 2024 · Filed Aug 8, 2024
ZD$49.61-8.6%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-03-31; filed 2024-05-09.
0001084048-24-000047
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-06-30; filed 2024-08-08.
0001084048-24-000069
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 118 previous paragraphs and 134 current paragraphs.
71 unchanged; 43 reworded; 16 added; 3 removed; 1 previous and 4 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 16 previous and 17 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (16)
Current report
(6) The metric includes the sale of perpetual software licenses, revenue for which is recorded at a point-in time rather than over-time.
Current report
Following an impairment in 2023 to a reporting unit within the Digital Media reportable segment, there was no excess of reporting unit fair value over the carrying amount. As such, since this last impairment test, any further decrease in estimated fair value would result in an additional impairment charge to goodwill. Changes in market conditions, and key assumptions made in future quantitative assessments, including expected cash flows, competitive factors and discount rates, could negatively impact the results of future impairment testing and could result in the recognition of an impairment charge. As of June 30, 2024, this reporting unit had goodwill of approximately $79.2 million. Further, as of June 30, 2024, there was one other reporting unit within the Digital Media reportable segment that had goodwill of approximately $98.1 million that may be at risk of impairment. Changes in market conditions, and key assumptions made in future quantitative assessments, including expected cash flows, competitive factors and discount rates, could negatively impact the results of future impairment testing and could result in the recognition of an impairment charge. As of June 30, 2024, there were no other reporting units that have material goodwill at risk of impairment as of the most recent test date.
Current report
Our revenues decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period primarily due to a $4.7 million decrease in advertising and performance marketing revenue in our Digital Media business and a $4.1 million decrease in subscription and licensing revenue in our Cybersecurity and Martech business, partially offset by a $4.6 million increase in subscription and licensing revenue in our Digital Media business.
Current report
Our revenues increased during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period primarily due to a $8.9 million increase in subscription and licensing revenue in our Digital Media business, partially offset by a $4.6 million decrease in advertising and performance marketing revenue in our Digital Media business and a $1.6 million decrease in subscription and licensing revenue in our Cybersecurity and Martech business.
Current report
a partial release of the valuation allowance against a portion of our U. S. capital loss carryforwards as a result of the sale of our investment in the Consensus common stock, which resulted in a discrete tax benefit of approximately $0.8 million; and
Current report
a recognition of foreign exchange tax losses on dividends received from the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, which resulted in a discrete tax benefit of $0.4 million.
Current report
Digital Media’s revenues of $251.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $1.0 million, or 0.4%, compared to the prior period primarily due to a $4.7 million decline in advertising and performance marketing revenue and a $0.9 million decline in other revenue, partially offset by a $4.6 million increase in subscription and licensing revenue. The decrease in advertising and performance marketing revenue was due primarily to lower revenue of $6.5 million within the Company’s health and wellness and technology businesses, partially offset by an increase in revenue in the gaming and entertainment business. The increase in subscription and licensing revenue was due primarily to higher revenue of $4.2 million within the Company’s health and wellness and connectivity businesses.
Current report
Digital Media’s revenues of $490.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased $3.9 million, or 0.8%, compared to the prior period primarily due to a $8.9 million increase in subscription and licensing revenue, partially offset by a $4.6 million decline in advertising and performance marketing revenue. The increase in subscription and licensing revenue was due primarily to higher revenue of $8.1 million within the Company’s health and wellness and connectivity businesses. The decrease in advertising and performance marketing revenue was due primarily to lower revenue of $5.2 million within the Company’s health and wellness businesses.
Current report
Cybersecurity and Martech’s revenues of $69.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $4.2 million, or 5.8%, compared to the prior period. The decrease of $4.2 million was driven by lower revenue of approximately $3.7 million within the Company’s cybersecurity business due primarily to lower revenue from the Company’s consumer privacy services during the three months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the prior period.
Current report
Cybersecurity and Martech’s revenues of $144.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $1.8 million, or 1.2%, compared to the prior period. The decrease of $1.8 million was driven by lower revenue of approximately $1.1 million within the Company’s cybersecurity business and $0.7 million within the Company’s martech business during the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the prior period.
Current report
On June 18, 2024, the Company entered into a New Lender Joinder Agreement and Eighth Amendment (the “Joinder and Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Joinder and Amendment provides for, among other things, (i) an increase in the Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment by an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million for a total of $350.0 million credit agreement, (ii) an extension of the scheduled maturity date from April 7, 2026 to the earlier of (x) June 18, 2027 and (y) under certain limited circumstances, August 2, 2026, (iii) a “credit spread adjustment” for SOFR-based borrowings of 0.10% across all interest period tenors, (iv) the inclusion of limited conditionality borrowing mechanics with respect to certain borrowings and (v) certain other related amendments.
Current report
On July 16, 2024, the Company issued $263.1 million in aggregate principal amount of new 3.625% Convertible Notes due 2028 (the “3.625% Convertible Notes”) and paid an aggregate of approximately $135.0 million in cash in exchange for approximately $400.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 1.75% Convertible Notes (collectively, the “Exchange Transaction”) pursuant to separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of the 1.75% Convertible Notes. The Company also paid outstanding and accrued interest on the exchanged 1.75% Convertible Notes. The 3.625% Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.625% per annum on the principal amount thereof, payable semi-annually in arrears on September 1 and March 1 of each year, beginning on March 1, 2025, to the noteholders of record of the 3.625% Convertible Notes as of the close of business on the immediately preceding August 15 and February 15, respectively. The 3.625% Convertible Notes will mature on March 1, 2028, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The 3.625% Convertible Notes can be settled in cash, the Company’s common stock, or a combination of cash and the Company’s common stock, at $0.01 par value per share, at the Company’s election. See Note 16 –Subsequent Eventsin Part I Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Current report
A summary of share repurchases under the 2020 Program during the six months ended June 30, 2024 is as follows (in thousands, except share amounts):
Current report
(1)Includes the impact of excise taxes.
Current report
Cumulatively as of June 30, 2024, 6,758,692 shares have been repurchased under the 2020 Program, at an aggregate cost of $486.7 million (including excise tax). These shares were subsequently retired. Refer to Note 10 –Stockholders’ Equity in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further details.
Current report
On August 2, 2024, the Board authorized an increase in the 2020 Program for an additional 5 million shares of the Company’s common stock and an extension of the expiration date of the 2020 Program from August 6, 2025 to August 2, 2029. As a result, the aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2020 Program increased from up to 10 million shares to up to 15 million shares of the Company’s common stock, with 8,241,308 shares remaining under the 2020 Program as of August 2, 2024.
Removed paragraphs (3)
Previous report
Digital Media’s net sales of $239.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $4.9 million, or 2.1%, compared to the prior period primarily due to $7.8 million of incremental revenue contributed by businesses acquired in 2023 and 2024, partially offset by an organic decline in other businesses.
Previous report
Cybersecurity and Martech’s net sales of $75.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $2.4 million, or 3.3%, compared to the prior period primarily due to the realization of functional intellectual property revenue in certain businesses during the period.
Previous report
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, no shares were repurchased under the 2020 Program. As a result of the repurchases, to date, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for purchase under the 2020 Program as of March 31, 2024 was 4,741,308 shares. Refer to Note 10 — Stockholders’ Equity in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further details.
Reworded paragraphs (43)
Previous wording
-28- manage our legal proceedings; liability for legal and other claims; or adhering to our internal controls and procedures;
Current wording
-32- manage our legal proceedings; liability for legal and other claims; or adhering to our internal controls and procedures;
Previous wording
Our consolidated revenues are currently generated primarily from two basic business models, each with different financial profiles and variability. Our Digital Media business is driven primarily by advertising revenues, has relatively higher sales and marketing expense, and has seasonal strength in the fourth quarter. Our Cybersecurity and Martech business is driven primarily by subscription revenues with relatively stable and predictable margins from quarter to quarter. In addition to growing our business organically, on a regular basis we acquire businesses to grow our customer bases, expand and diversify our service offerings, enhance our technologies, acquire skilled personnel, and enter into new markets. We continue to pursue additional acquisitions, which may include companies operating under business models that differ from those we operate under today. Such acquisitions could impact our consolidated profit margins and the variability of our revenues.
Current wording
Our consolidated revenues are currently generated primarily from two basic business models, each with different financial profiles and variability. Our Digital Media business is driven primarily by advertising revenues, has relatively higher sales and marketing expenses, and has seasonal strength in the fourth quarter. Our Cybersecurity and Martech business is driven primarily by subscription revenues with relatively stable and predictable margins from quarter to quarter. In addition to growing our business organically, on a regular basis we acquire businesses to grow our customer bases, expand and diversify our service offerings, enhance our technologies, acquire skilled personnel, and enter into new markets. We continue to pursue additional acquisitions, which may include companies operating under business models that differ from those we operate under today. Such acquisitions could impact our consolidated profit margins and the variability of our revenues.
Previous wording
We use certain metrics to generally assess the operational and financial performance of our businesses. For our advertising and performance marketing businesses, net advertising revenue retention is an indicator of our ability to retain the spend of our existing customers year over year, which we view as a reflection of the effectiveness of our advertising platform. Similarly, we monitor the number of our customers and the revenue per customer, as defined below, as these metrics provide further details related to our reported revenue and contribute to certain of our business planning decisions.
Current wording
We use certain metrics to generally assess the operational and financial performance of our businesses. For our advertising and performance marketing businesses, net advertising and performance marketing revenue retention is an indicator of our ability to retain the spend of our existing customers year over year, which we view as a reflection of the effectiveness of our advertising and performance marketing platform. Similarly, we monitor the number of our customers and the revenue per customer, as defined below, as these metrics provide further details related to our reported revenue and contribute to certain of our business planning decisions.
Previous wording
For our subscription and licensing businesses, the number of subscribers that we serve is an indicator of our customer retention and growth. The average monthly revenue per customer and the churn rate also contribute to insights that contribute to certain of our business planning decisions.
Current wording
For our subscription and licensing businesses, the number of customers that we serve is an indicator of our customer retention and growth. The average quarterly revenue per customer and the churn rate also contribute to insights that contribute to certain of our business planning decisions.
Previous wording
(1) Represents the quarterly average of the end of month customer counts for both the Digital Media and Cybersecurity and Martech businesses. Resellers without visibility into the number of underlying customers served by the reseller are counted as one customer.
Current wording
(2) Resellers within Cybersecurity and Martech segment are counted as one customer when there is not visibility into the number of underlying customers served by the reseller.
Previous wording
(2)Represents quarterly gross subscription and licensing revenues divided by customers as defined in footnote (1).
Current wording
(3) Represents quarterly gross subscription and licensing revenues divided by customers as defined in footnote (1).
Previous wording
(3)Churn rate is calculated as (i) the average revenue per customer in the prior month multiplied by the number of cancellations in the current month, calculated at each business and aggregated; divided by (ii) subscription and licensing revenue in the current month, calculated at each business and aggregated. For Ookla, the churn rate calculation included in the consolidated churn rate calculation includes the sum of the monthly revenue from the specific cancelled agreements in the numerator.
Current wording
(4) Churn rate is calculated as (i) the average revenue per customer in the prior month multiplied by the number of cancellations in the current month, calculated at each business and aggregated; divided by (ii) subscription and licensing revenue in the current month, calculated at each business and aggregated.
Previous wording
(4)Certain prior period key performance metrics in the table above have been adjusted for our Cybersecurity and Martech segment as a result of gaining greater transparency into a reseller relationship enabling us to identify the underlying customers and for our Digital Media segment to remove certain subscribers who have paused their subscription for more than one month and to include certain subscribers that are within the estimated active usage period of a lifetime subscription. The following table summarizes the adjustments made to previously reported amounts.
Current wording
(7) Certain prior period key performance metrics in the consolidated table above have been adjusted for our Cybersecurity and Martech segment as a result of gaining greater transparency into a reseller relationship enabling us to identify the underlying customers and for our Digital Media segment to remove certain subscribers who have paused their subscription for more than one month and to include certain subscribers that are within the estimated active usage period of a lifetime subscription. The following table summarizes the adjustments made to previously reported amounts.
Previous wording
In the ordinary course of business, we have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial condition in the preparation of our financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Our critical accounting policies are described in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2024. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, there were no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation and Overview in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional description of significant accounting policies of the Company.
Current wording
In the ordinary course of business, we have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial condition in the preparation of our financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Our critical accounting policies are described in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2024. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, there were no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation and Overview in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional description of significant accounting policies of the Company.
Previous wording
Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Current wording
Results of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
Previous wording
We expect our Digital Media business to improve as we integrate our recent acquisitions and over the longer term as advertising transactions continue to shift from offline to online, and we continue to expand our advertising platforms. The main focus of our platform monetization programs is to provide relevant and useful advertising to visitors to our websites, provide meaningful content that informs and shapes purchase intent, and leverage our brand and editorial assets into subscription platforms. As a result, we expect to continue to take steps to improve the relevance of the ads displayed on our websites and those included within our advertising networks, and improve the effectiveness of our content in driving purchase decisions and subscriptions.
Current wording
We expect our Digital Media business to improve as we integrate our recent acquisitions and over the longer term as advertising transactions continue to shift from offline to online, and we continue to expand our advertising platforms. The main focus of our platform monetization programs is to provide relevant and useful advertising to visitors to our websites, provide meaningful content that informs and shapes purchase intent, and leverage our brand, data, content, and editorial assets into subscription platforms. As a result, we expect to continue to take steps to improve the relevance of the ads displayed on our websites and those included within our advertising networks, and improve the effectiveness of our content in driving purchase decisions and subscriptions.
Previous wording
Our revenues consist of revenues from our Digital Media business and our Cybersecurity and Martech business. Digital Media revenues primarily consist of advertising and performance marketing revenues and subscription and licensing revenue earned through the granting of access to, or delivery of, certain data products or services to customers, fees paid for generating business leads, and licensing and sale of editorial content and trademarks. Cybersecurity and Martech revenues primarily consist of revenues from “fixed” customer subscription revenues and “variable” revenues generated from actual usage of our services.
Current wording
Our revenues consist of revenues from our Digital Media business and our Cybersecurity and Martech business. Digital Media revenues primarily consist of advertising and performance marketing revenues and subscription and licensing revenues earned through the granting of access to, or delivery of, certain data products or services to customers, fees paid for generating business leads, and licensing and sale of editorial content and trademarks. Cybersecurity and Martech revenues primarily consist of revenues from “fixed” customer subscription and licensing revenues and “variable” revenues generated from actual usage of our services.
Previous wording
Our revenues increased during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the prior period primarily due to a $4.3 million increase in subscription and licensing revenue in our Digital Media business and a $2.5 million increase in subscription and licensing revenue in our Cybersecurity and Martech business. Included in revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $7.8 million of incremental revenue contributed by businesses acquired in 2023 and 2024. The Company considers revenue from an acquired business to become organic revenue in the first month in which the Company can compare that full month in the current year against the corresponding full month under its ownership in the prior year.
Current wording
Included in revenue during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was $1.5 million and $20.0 million of incremental revenue contributed by businesses acquired in 2023 and 2024.
Previous wording
Direct costs primarily consist of costs associated with content fees, production costs, royalty fees, and hosting costs. The increase in direct costs for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily due to a $2.7 million increase in web and database hosting fees and a $1.1 million increase in merchant fees, partially offset by a $1.4 million decrease in depreciation and amortization costs and a $0.9 million decrease in advertising inventory costs.
Current wording
Direct costs represent the Company’s costs of revenue and primarily include costs associated with compensation for personnel directly involved in revenue generation, content fees, production costs, royalty fees, hosting and licensing costs, processing fees, and depreciation and amortization expense. The increase in direct costs for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily due to a $2.4 million increase in web and database hosting fees and a $1.7 million increase in processing fees. The increase in direct costs for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily due to a $5.0 million increase in web and database hosting fees, a $2.8 million increase in processing fees, and a $1.2 million increase in campaign fulfillment fees, partially offset by $1.8 million decrease in depreciation and amortization expense.
Previous wording
Sales and marketing costs consist primarily of internet-based advertising, sales and marketing, personnel costs, and other business development-related expenses. Our internet-based advertising relationships consist primarily of fixed cost and performance-based (cost-per-impression, cost-per-click and cost-per-acquisition) advertising relationships with an array of online service providers. The increase in sales and marketing expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the prior period was primarily due to $2.1 million higher personnel-related expenses and $1.4 million higher expenses for software purchases, partially offset by $2.7 million lower marketing expenses.
Current wording
Sales and marketing costs consist primarily of internet-based advertising, sales and marketing, personnel costs, and other business development-related expenses. Our internet-based advertising relationships consist primarily of fixed cost and performance-based (cost-per-impression, cost-per-click, and cost-per-acquisition) advertising relationships with an array of online service providers. The increase in sales and marketing expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the prior period was primarily due to a $2.7 million increase in personnel-related expenses and a $1.5 million increase in expenses for software purchases. The increase in sales and marketing expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily due to a $4.9 million increase in personnel-related expenses and a $2.9 million increase in expenses for software purchases, partially offset by a $2.1 million decrease in advertising and marketing expenses.
Previous wording
Research, development, and engineering costs consist primarily of personnel-related expenses. The decrease in research, development, and engineering costs for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the prior period was primarily due to lower personnel related costs due primarily to an increase in capitalized costs related to the nature of the projects in 2024 compared to 2023, partially offset by an increase in related consulting and professional fees.
Current wording
Research, development, and engineering costs consist primarily of personnel-related expenses. The decrease in research, development, and engineering costs for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the prior period was primarily due to a $1.1 million decrease in personnel-related costs as a result of an increase in capitalized costs related to the nature of the projects during the second quarter of 2024 compared to 2023. The decrease in research, development, and engineering costs for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily due to a $0.8 million decrease in personnel-related expenses.
Previous wording
Our general, administrative, and other related costs consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, depreciation and amortization, changes in the fair value associated with contingent consideration, share-based compensation expense, bad debt expense, professional fees, severance, and insurance costs. The decrease in general, administrative, and other related costs for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily due to a $4.6 million decrease in depreciation and amortization expense.
Current wording
Our general, administrative, and other related costs consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, depreciation and amortization, changes in the fair value associated with contingent consideration, share-based compensation expense, bad debt expense, professional fees, severance, and insurance costs. The decrease in general, administrative, and other related costs for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily due to a $6.1 million decrease in expense from changes in estimated amounts of deferred acquisition payments related to previously acquired businesses, and a $4.5 million decrease in depreciation and amortization expense, partially offset by a $3.8 million increase in personnel-related expenses. The decrease in general, administrative, and other related costs for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily due to a $9.0 million decrease in depreciation and amortization expense.
Previous wording
The following table presents the effects of share-based compensation expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the periods presented (in thousands):
Current wording
The following table presents share-based compensation expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the periods presented (in thousands):
Previous wording
The following table represents the components of non-operating income and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Current wording
The following table represents the components of non-operating income and expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Previous wording
Interest expense, net. Interest expense is generated primarily from interest due on outstanding debt, partially offset by interest income generated from interest earned on cash, cash equivalents, and investments. Interest expense, net was $1.8 million and $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Interest expense, net decreased
Current wording
Interest expense, net. Interest expense is generated primarily from interest due on outstanding debt, partially offset by interest income generated from interest earned on cash, cash equivalents, and investments. Interest expense, net was $1.8 million and $10.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $3.6 million and $15.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Interest expense, net decreased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the prior periods primarily due to 1) the absence from 2024 results of an additional non-recurring $7.4 million of interest expense on the 1.75% Convertible Notes at a rate of 0.50% per annum, that accumulated through June 30, 2023, and 2) higher interest income as a result of higher interest rates.
Previous wording
Loss on sale of business. Loss on sale of business during the three months ended March 31, 2024 represents the loss on disposal of an international asset at Digital Media within the shopping vertical.
Current wording
Loss on sale of business. Loss on sale of business during the six months ended June 30, 2024 represents the loss on disposal of an international business at Digital Media within the shopping vertical.
Previous wording
Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net. Unrealized loss on short-term investment held at the reporting date, net was $10.7 million and $20.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unrealized loss recorded during the periods presented represents the change in fair value of our investment in Consensus common stock.
Current wording
Unrealized loss on short-term investments held at the reporting date, net. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company sold its remaining investment in Consensus common stock. Unrealized loss on short-term investment held at the reporting date, net was zero and $3.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Unrealized loss on short-term investment held at the reporting date, net was $10.7 million and $23.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unrealized loss recorded during the periods presented represented the change in fair value of our investment in Consensus common stock.
Previous wording
Gain on investments, net. Gain on investments, net is generated from gains from investments in equity and debt securities. Gain on investments, net was zero and $0.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Gain on investments, net recorded during the first quarter of 2023 was related to the disposition of Consensus common stock.
Current wording
Gain on investments. Gain on investments is generated from gains from investments in equity and debt securities. Gain on investments was $3.1 million and zero during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Gain on investments was $3.1 million and $0.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Gain on investments recorded during the periods presented related to the disposition of Consensus common stock.
Previous wording
Other loss, net. Other loss, net is generated primarily from miscellaneous items and gains or losses on foreign currency. Other loss, net was $0.1 million and $0.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily attributable to changes in gains or losses on foreign currency.
Current wording
Other income (loss), net. Other income (loss), net is generated primarily from miscellaneous items and gains or losses on foreign currency. Other income (loss), net was $5.3 million and $(1.5) million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $5.2 million and $(2.4) million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The change was primarily attributable to a reversal of a reserve established on a receivable from a buyer of a previously disposed business and to changes in gains or losses on foreign currency.
Previous wording
Provision for income taxes amounted to income tax expense of $8.2 million and income tax benefit of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 42.2% and (65.6)% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current wording
Provision for income taxes amounted to income tax expense of $7.0 million and $6.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $15.2 million and $5.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 19.9% and 27.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and 27.9% and 23.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous wording
The increase in our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily attributable to the following:
Current wording
The decrease in our effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily attributable to the following:
Previous wording
an increase in our effective income tax rate during 2024 due to the recognition of a valuation allowance against a portion of our U.S. capital loss carryforwards, which resulted in a discrete tax charge of $3.2 million;
Current wording
a recognition of a valuation allowance against a portion of our U.S. capital loss carryforwards, which resulted in a discrete tax charge of $2.5 million;
Previous wording
an increase in our effective income tax rate due to a decrease in the amount of unrealized losses recognized on our investment in Consensus common stock, which resulted in a lower tax benefit during the three months ended March 31, 2024; and
Current wording
a decrease in the amount of unrealized losses recognized on our investment in Consensus common stock, which resulted in a lower tax benefit during the six months ended June 30, 2024; and
Previous wording
an increase in our effective income tax rate during 2024 due to a $1.0 million tax benefit recognized in 2023 related to the release of reserves for uncertain tax positions with no similar event during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Current wording
a $1.0 million tax benefit recognized in 2023 related to the release of reserves for uncertain tax positions with no similar event during the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Previous wording
Loss from equity method investment, net. Loss from equity method investment was generated from our investment in the OCV Fund I, LP (the “OCV Fund”) for which we receive annual audited financial statements. The investment in the OCV Fund is presented net of tax and on a one-quarter lag due to the timing and availability of financial information from OCV. If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value that is other-than-temporary, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.
Current wording
Income (loss) from equity method investment, net. Income or loss from equity method investment is primarily generated from our investment in the OCV Fund I, LP (the “OCV Fund”) for which we receive annual audited financial statements. The investment in the OCV Fund is presented net of tax and on a one-quarter lag due to the timing and availability of financial information from OCV. If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value that is other-than-temporary, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.
Previous wording
Loss from equity method investment was $0.6 million and $9.2 million, net of tax benefit, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in loss from equity method investment, net during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily due to a smaller decline in the value of the underlying investments.
Current wording
Income from equity method investment was $8.8 million, net of income tax, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to loss from equity method investment of $0.6 million, net of income taxes, for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Income from equity method investment was $8.2 million, net of income taxes, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to loss from equity method investments of $9.8 million, net of income taxes, for the six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. The increase in loss from equity method investment, net during the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily due to a greater decline in the value of the underlying investments. The decrease in loss from equity method investment, net during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily due to a smaller decline in the value of the underlying investments.
Previous wording
Digital Media’s operating costs and expenses of $207.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $1.7 million, or 0.8%, compared to the prior period primarily due to higher direct costs and sales and marketing expenses, partially offset by lower general, administrative, and related costs.
Current wording
Digital Media’s operating costs and expenses of $216.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 increased $0.6 million, or 0.3%, compared to the prior period primarily due to higher direct costs and sales and marketing expenses, partially offset by lower general, administrative, and related costs. Digital Media’s operating costs and expenses of $424.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased $2.3 million, or 0.6%, compared to the prior period primarily due to higher general, administrative, and related costs, offset by lower direct costs and sales and marketing expenses.
Previous wording
As a result of these factors, Digital Media’s operating income of $31.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $3.1 million, or 11.0%, compared to the prior period.
Current wording
As a result of these factors, Digital Media’s operating income of $35.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $1.7 million, or 4.6%, compared to the prior period. Digital Media’s operating income of $66.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased $1.4 million, or 2.2%, compared to the prior period.
Previous wording
Cybersecurity and Martech’s operating costs and expenses of $56.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $5.4 million, or 8.7% compared to the prior period primarily due to lower general, administrative, and related costs and direct costs.
Current wording
Cybersecurity and Martech’s operating costs and expenses of $57.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $2.2 million, or 3.8% compared to the prior period primarily due to lower general, administrative, and related costs, partially offset by higher sales and marketing expenses. Cybersecurity and Martech’s operating costs and expenses of $113.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $7.6 million, or 6.3%, compared to the prior period primarily due to lower general, administrative, and related costs and direct costs.
Previous wording
As a result of these factors, Cybersecurity and Martech’s operating income of $19.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $2.6 million, or 15.7%.
Current wording
As a result of these factors, Cybersecurity and Martech’s operating income of $11.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $2.0 million, or 14.6%. Cybersecurity and Martech’s operating income of $31.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased $5.8 million, or 23.2%.
Previous wording
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operations and debt financing. We continue to invest in the development and expansion of our operations using available cash flows from operations. Ongoing investments include, but are not limited to, improvements in our offerings, investments in new products and services, acquisitions, and continued investments in sales and marketing. We also use cash flows from operations to service our debt obligations and the repurchase of our shares.
Current wording
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operations and debt financing. We continue to invest in the development and expansion of our operations using available cash flows from operations. Ongoing investments include, but are not limited to, improvements in our offerings, investments in new products and services, acquisitions, and continued investments in sales and marketing. We also use cash flows from operations to service our debt obligations and for the repurchase of our shares.
Previous wording
Ziff Davis’ long-term contractual obligations generally include its long-term debt as described above, interest on long-term debt, lease payments on its property and equipment, and holdback amounts in connection with certain business acquisitions. These long-term contractual obligations extend through 2031.
Current wording
Ziff Davis’ long-term contractual obligations generally include its long-term debt as described in Note 7 –Debtin Part I Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, interest on long-term debt, lease payments on its property and equipment, and
Previous wording
As of March 31, 2024, we and our subsidiaries had outstanding $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of indebtedness. As of March 31, 2024, our total future minimum lease payments are $27.9 million of which approximately $12.8 million future minimum lease payments are due in the succeeding twelve months.
Current wording
As of June 30, 2024, we and our subsidiaries had outstanding $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of indebtedness. As of June 30, 2024, our total future minimum lease payments are $25.8 million of which approximately $12.0 million future minimum lease payments are due in the succeeding twelve months.
Previous wording
As of March 31, 2024, our liability for uncertain tax positions was $36.6 million. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into commitments including those related to cloud computing, information technology, security, and information and document management. The Company also has revenue sharing arrangements with annual minimum guarantees based upon third-party website advertising metrics and other contractual provisions.
Current wording
As of June 30, 2024, our liability for uncertain tax positions was $37.1 million. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into commitments including those related to cloud computing, information technology, security, and information and document management. The Company also has revenue sharing arrangements with annual minimum guarantees based upon third-party website advertising metrics and other contractual provisions.
Previous wording
Our net cash provided by operating activities resulted primarily from cash received from our customers offset by cash payments we made to third parties for their services, employee compensation, interest payments associated with our debt, and taxes. The $39.7 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily related to increased payments to our vendors during the current period, partially offset by an increase in collections from our customers. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities includes the activities of TDS Gift Cards (“TDS”) from the date of the acquisition. TDS negatively impacted the Company’s net cash provided by operating activities by $39.1 million.
Current wording
Our net cash provided by operating activities resulted primarily from cash received from our customers offset by cash payments we made to third parties for their services, employee compensation, interest payments associated with our debt, and taxes. The $28.9 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily related to the timing of collections from our customers and increased payments to our vendors during the current period, partially offset by a reduction in prepaid expenses during the current period. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities includes the activities of TDS Gift Cards (“TDS”) from the date of the acquisition. TDS negatively impacted the Company’s net cash provided by operating activities by $40.5 million.
Showing the first 40 of 43 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
Rearranged current paragraphs (4)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
(1) Represents the quarterly average of the end of month customer counts.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
(5) Within the Digital Media segment, the churn rate calculation for Ookla includes the sum of the monthly revenue from the specific cancelled agreements in the numerator.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
The increase in our effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior period was primarily attributable to the following:
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
-42- holdback amounts in connection with certain business acquisitions. These long-term contractual obligations extend through 2031.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
-33- during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the prior period primarily due to higher interest income as a result of higher interest rates.