MARKETWISE INC

1. Organization

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

MarketWise, Inc. (“MarketWise,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a holding company that has no material assets other than its ownership in MarketWise, LLC, and operates and controls all of the businesses and operations of MarketWise, LLC and its subsidiaries. The Company provides independent investment research for investors around the world. We believe we are a leading content and technology multi-brand platform for self-directed investors. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality, independent investment research, as well as several software and analytical tools, on a subscription basis.

We operate multiple subsidiaries in the United States from our headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland.

On July 21, 2021, MarketWise, Inc. became a publicly traded company as a result of completing the business combination, recapitalization and other transactions with Ascendant Digital Acquisition Corp. (“ADAC” or “Sponsor”), a special purpose acquisition company, MarketWise, LLC, all of the members of MarketWise, LLC (the “MarketWise Members”), and Shareholder Representative Services LLC (collectively, the “Transactions”).

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements (“financial statements”) include the accounts of MarketWise, Inc. and its subsidiary, MarketWise, LLC, a variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which MarketWise, Inc. is deemed to be the primary beneficiary.

MarketWise, Inc. is a holding company that owns a minority economic interest in MarketWise, LLC but, through its role as the managing member of MarketWise, LLC, controls all of the business and operations of MarketWise, LLC. Therefore, MarketWise, LLC and its subsidiaries are included in the Company’s financial statements. As of December 31, 2024, MarketWise, Inc. had a 12.4% ownership interest in MarketWise, LLC.

The Company determined that MarketWise, LLC is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, and therefore, the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of that VIE are included in the Company’s financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions made in the accompanying financial statements include, but are not limited to, the fair value of common units, derivatives, warrants, valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, useful lives of intangible assets with definite lives, benefit period of deferred contract acquisition costs, determination of standalone selling prices, estimated life of membership customers, recoverability of goodwill and long-lived assets, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, the incremental borrowing rates to calculate lease liabilities and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and certain accruals. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjust those estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Emerging Growth Company

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period, which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our audited financial statements with another public company that is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company that has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

Variable Interest Entity

The usual condition for a controlling financial interest is ownership of a majority of the voting interests of an entity. However, a controlling financial interest may also exist through arrangements that do not involve controlling voting interests when an entity is insufficiently capitalized, or when an entity is not controlled through its voting interests, which is referred to as a variable interest entity.

We evaluate our ownership, contractual and other interests in entities to determine if we have a variable interest in an entity. These evaluations are complex, involve judgment, and the use of estimates and assumptions based on available historical information, among other factors. If we hold a contractual or ownership interest in an entity and we determine that the entity is a VIE and that we are determined to be the primary beneficiary, we consolidate such entity in our consolidated financial statements. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that meets both of the following criteria: (1) has the power to make decisions that most significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE; and (2) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that in either case could potentially be significant to the VIE. Periodically, we determine whether any changes in the interest or relationship with the entity impact the determination of whether we are still the primary beneficiary. If we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary in a VIE, we account for the investment or other variable interests in a VIE in accordance with applicable GAAP.

Segment Information

Operating segments are components of an enterprise that engage in business activities that may generate revenues and expenses for which separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. Our Interim Chief Executive Officer serves as the CODM.

Based on the financial information presented to and reviewed by our CODM in assessing our performance and for the purposes of allocating resources, we have determined our operating subsidiaries represent individual operating segments with homogenous and fungible products with similar economic characteristics that meet the criteria for aggregation into a single reportable segment for financial statement purposes. Accordingly, we have a single reportable segment.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all financial instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Our cash equivalents are composed of money market funds and certificates of deposit.

Accounts Receivable

Our accounts receivable primarily consist of receivables from third-party credit card providers which are stated at net realizable value. We didnot record an allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash. We maintain deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. We are exposed to credit risk in the event of a default by the financial institutions holding our cash to the extent recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. Management believes we are not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository institutions in which those deposits are held.

No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Derivative Financial Instruments

From time to time, we utilize instruments which may contain embedded derivative instruments as part of our overall strategy to compensate and retain key employees and independent contractors (see Note 9 – Derivative Financial Instruments below for additional information). Our derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Our derivative instruments have not been designated as hedges; therefore, both realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in earnings. For the purposes of cash flow presentation, realized and unrealized gains or losses are included within cash flows from operating activities. Upfront cash payments received upon the issuance of derivative instruments are included within cash flows from financing activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the related asset’s estimated useful life or the remaining term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Upon sale or retirement of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.

Business Combinations

We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing assets acquired and liabilities assumed include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired customers, trade names, acquired technology and deferred revenue from a market participant perspective, as well as determining useful lives and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. During the measurement period, which is up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded in earnings.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate fair value of the consideration transferred in a business combination over the fair value of the assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the goodwill may be impaired. Our annual impairment testing date is the first day of the fourth quarter.

Events or changes in circumstances which could trigger an impairment review include significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future results of operations, a significant adverse change in the business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition or a loss of key personnel. We have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative goodwill impairment test is not required. However, if we conclude otherwise, then we are required to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test.

The quantitative goodwill impairment test involves comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its respective carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is considered not to be impaired and no additional steps are necessary. If, however, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible assets, net consists primarily of identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization such as developed technology, customer relationships, and trade names resulting from our acquisitions. Intangible assets arising from acquisitions are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition and amortized over their estimated economic lives on a straight-line basis which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefits of the assets will be consumed. Intangible assets are presented net of accumulated amortization in the consolidated balance sheet.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for indications of possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows attributable to these assets or asset groups. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent an asset group is not recoverable, and the carrying amount exceeds the projected discounted future cash flows arising from these assets.

Revenue Recognition

We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:

•Identify the contract, or contracts, with a customer;

•Identify the performance obligations in the contract;

•Determine the transaction price;

•Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

•Recognize revenue when, or as, a performance obligation is satisfied

Research and software-as-a-service (“SaaS”) subscriptions

We primarily earn revenue from services provided in delivering subscription-based financial research, publications and SaaS offerings to individual customers through our online platforms. Revenues are recognized evenly over the duration of the subscriptions, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Customers are typically billed in advance of the subscriptions.

We also offer membership subscriptions where we receive an upfront payment upon entering into the contract and receive a lower amount annually (a “maintenance fee”) thereafter. The right to discounts on future maintenance fee payments is considered a material right which is recognized as revenue when the customer exercises the option or when the option expires. Certain upfront fees on membership subscriptions are paid in installments, generally over atwelve-month period. We recognize revenue related to membership subscriptions over the estimated customer lives, which wasfive years for each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. We have determined the estimated life of membership customers based on historic customer attrition rates.

Advertising and other

We earn revenue from the sale of advertising placements on our websites. We also earn revenue from the sale of print products and events, such as webinars and conferences. In addition we recognize revenue that we refer to as “revenue share,” where we earn a fee for each successful sale that third party companies or related parties generate from our customer list.

Performance Obligations

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account for revenue recognition. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied.

As part of certain marketing campaigns, we may offer a “performance guarantee” such that if we do not meet the guarantee conditions, the customer will receive, for example, an extension to their subscription term for no additional consideration. These offers are considered to be material rights for our customers and we allocate a portion of the transaction price to the material right performance obligation. Revenue associated with the material rights is recognized immediately if we have met the guarantee conditions, or over the extended subscription term if we have not met the guarantee conditions.

Our performance obligations are satisfied over time as subscriptions are available to customers or at a point-in-time as products are delivered to customers. Accordingly, revenue from subscription services is recognized over the duration of the subscription. Our advertising performance obligations are satisfied at a point-in-time, and revenue is recognized when impressions are delivered. Revenue from products is recognized at a point-in-time when delivered. Revenue from events is recognized over the duration of the event.

In addition, we apply the sales-based or usage-based royalty exception to revenue share, which are sales of functional intellectual property. Revenue is recognized at a point-in-time as fees are earned on successful sales from the customer lists.

Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations

Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations if subscription services are sold with other subscriptions, products or events within one contract. For such contracts, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers on a standalone basis.

Contract Balances

A contract asset is defined as an entity's right to consideration for goods or services that the entity has transferred to a customer but customer payment is contingent on a future event. A contract liability is defined to occur if the customer's payment of consideration precedes the entity's performance and represents the entity's obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the entity has received consideration. Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. We record a contract asset when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, or deferred revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing. No contract assets are recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Deferred revenue is primarily comprised of unearned revenue related to subscription services. Subscribers typically pay all or a portion of the subscription fees by credit card prior to the start of the subscriptions. Contract receivables are presented as accounts receivable due to processing time with credit card providers.

Subscribers may be able to cancel certain subscriptions for a full or pro-rated refund for a certain period of time, which is usually not more than 90 days after the start of their subscriptions. After the refund period, we have no obligation to refund any of the consideration received. Refund obligations are a significant estimate which we recognize as of each reporting period based on historical trends and record a contract liability for this amount in deferred revenue and other contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Assets Recognized from Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer

We capitalize incremental costs that are directly related to the acquisition or renewal of customer contracts, to the extent that the costs are expected to be recovered and if we expect the benefit of these costs to be longer than one year. We have elected to utilize the practical expedient and expense costs to obtain a contract with a customer when the expected benefit period is one year or less. Our capitalizable incremental costs include sales commissions to employees and fees paid to marketing vendors that are generally calculated as a percentage of the customer sale. We also capitalize revenue share fees that are payable to other companies, including related parties, who share their customer lists with us for each successful sale we make to a customer from their list. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected benefit period related directly to those costs, which is approximately four years.

Leases

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, operating lease liabilities, and operating lease liabilities, noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheets. We do not have any finance lease agreements.

ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset includes any lease payments made and excludes payments received for lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

We elected to use the practical expedient for short-term leases, and therefore do not record right-of-use assets or lease liabilities with lease durations of twelve months or less. Rather, the lease payments for short-term leases are recognized on the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We have also elected the practical expedient on not separating lease components from nonlease components for our office leases.

Variable payments, such as common area charges, maintenance, insurance and taxes, are primarily based on the amount of space we occupy. These payments in our leases are not dependent on an index or a rate and are excluded from the measurement of the lease liabilities and recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. We remeasure our lease payments when the contingency underlying such variable payments is resolved such that some or all of the remaining payments become fixed.

Cost of revenue consists primarily of payroll and payroll-related costs associated with producing and publishing our content, customer service, credit card processing fees, product costs and allocated overhead.

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of payroll and payroll-related costs, amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs, allocated overhead, agency costs, advertising campaigns, and branding initiatives. Conferences, webinars and other event costs are expensed during the period in which the event takes place. Other sales and marketing and advertising costs are expensed as they are incurred.

Advertising expense was $29,970, $44,270 and $97,704 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses consist primarily of payroll and related costs, allocated overhead, technical services, software expenses, and hosting expenses.

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of payroll and related costs, including severances, associated with our finance, legal, information technology, human resources, executive and administrative personnel, legal fees, corporate insurance, office expenses, professional fees, and travel and entertainment costs.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expenses are included in cost of revenue, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses in a manner consistent with the employee’s salary and benefits in the consolidated statements of operations.

2021 Incentive Award Plan

On July 21, 2021, the MarketWise, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan (the “2021 Incentive Award Plan”) became effective. As of December 31, 2024,35,203,881 shares of Class A common stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2021 Incentive Award Plan, and the maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options granted under the 2021 Incentive Award Plan is 32,045,000, in each case, subject to certain adjustments set forth therein.

The 2021 Incentive Award Plan provides for the grant of stock options, including incentive stock options, or ISOs, and nonqualified stock options, or NSOs; restricted stock; restricted stock units, or RSUs; stock appreciation rights, or SARs; and other stock or cash-based awards.

Equity-based compensation with service conditions is measured based on the grant date fair value of the awards and recognized as compensation expense over the period during which the recipient is required to perform services in exchange for the award (the requisite service period). We have elected to use a straight-line attribution method for recognizing compensation costs relating to awards that have service conditions only. Forfeitures are recorded as they occur.

2021 ESPP

As a result of the Transactions, we adopted the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) effective on January 1, 2022. Under the ESPP, the Company authorizes the grant of the right to purchase shares of Class A common stock by employees who qualify under the ESPP. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has reserved for issuance a total of 6,935,480 shares of Class A common stock for the ESPP. The current offering period began on January 1, 2024 and ended on December 31, 2024.

The ESPP is implemented through a series of offerings under which eligible employees are granted purchase rights to purchase shares of the Company’s Class A common stock on specified dates during such offerings. Under the ESPP, the Company has determined the offering period to occur insix month intervals, with the purchase occurring as of the last trading day of each offering period. On each purchase date, eligible employees will purchase the shares at a price per share equal to 85% of the lesser of (1) the fair market value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the first trading day of the offering period, or (2) the fair market value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the purchase date, as defined in the ESPP. The fair value of the ESPP is determined using the Monte Carlo model as of the beginning of each offering period and is expensed ratably over thesix month offering period.

Profits Interests

During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company granted fully vested profits interests in a subsidiary of the Company to an employee. The profits interests are accounted for under ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, and are classified as liability awards, which requires that the awards be remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period until the liability is settled.

Capitalized Software Development Costs

For internal use software, we capitalize external costs and payroll and payroll-related costs related to employees that developed new or additional software functionality. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are expensed as incurred and included in research and development in the consolidated statements of operations. These capitalized costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the software’s expected useful life, which is generally three years.

Capitalized Implementation Costs

We capitalize implementation costs incurred in cloud computing hosting arrangements that are service contracts and amortize such costs using the straight-line method over the term of the related hosting arrangement and any expected renewal periods. These costs include external direct costs for materials and services and payroll and payroll-related costs of employees devoting time to the project. Software maintenance and training costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. The capitalized implementation costs are capitalized within other current assets and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Measurement

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair values. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or an exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements as follows:

Level 1—Observable inputs such as unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date;

Level 2—Inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active;

Level 3— Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The carrying amount of our financial instruments, including accounts receivable, trade and other payables, accrued expenses and related party receivables and payables, approximate their respective fair values because of their short maturities. We have not elected the fair value option for any financial assets and liabilities for which such an election would have been permitted.

Warrant Liability

Warrants are accounted for as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging(“ASC 815”). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own ordinary shares, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the warrants are outstanding.

As more fully described in Note 18 – Warrant Exchange the Private Placement Warrants and Public Warrants were exchanged for Class A common stock of MarketWise, Inc. in September 2022.

Foreign Currency Translation

The Company has a subsidiary in Singapore, and its functional currency is the local currency. Gains and losses on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are included in determining net income (loss) for the period. Assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiary are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Results of operations are translated using weighted average exchange rates. Adjustments arising from the translation of our foreign subsidiary’s functional currency into U.S. dollars are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ deficit.

Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in other income, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations when realized. Foreign currency transaction activity was immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is currently comprised of changes in foreign currency translation adjustments in addition to our Net Income.

Income Taxes

Prior to the Transactions, we were a pass-through entity for income tax purposes. Subsequent to the Transactions, the portion of earnings allocable to MarketWise, Inc. is subject to corporate level tax rates at the federal, state and local levels.

The computation of the effective tax rate and provision at each interim period requires the use of certain estimates and significant judgment including, but not limited to, the expected operating income for the year, projections of the proportion of income that is subject to tax, permanent differences between our GAAP earnings and taxable income, and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets existing as of the balance sheet date. The estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change throughout the year as new events occur, additional information is obtained or as tax laws and regulations change. Accordingly, the effective tax rate for future interim periods may vary materially.

We account for income taxes pursuant to the asset and liability method which requires us to recognize current tax liabilities or receivables for the amount of taxes we estimate are payable or refundable for the current year, deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases of assets and liabilities and the expected benefits of net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period enacted. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities during the period in which related temporary differences become deductible.

The benefit of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in our income tax returns is recognized in the financial statements if such positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. Differences between tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured pursuant to the interpretation are referred to as “unrecognized benefits.” A liability is recognized (or amount of net operating loss carryover or amount of tax refundable is reduced) for an unrecognized tax benefit because it represents a potential future obligation to the taxing authority for a tax position that was not recognized. Interest costs and related penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are required to be calculated, if applicable and are recognized as general and administrative expenses.

Tax Receivable Agreement Obligation

In connection with the Transactions, concurrently with the Closing, we have entered into a Tax Receivable Agreement (“TRA”) with owners of MarketWise, LLC prior to the Transactions (that is, the MarketWise Members). The TRA generally provides for the payment by us to the MarketWise Members of 85% of the cash tax benefits, if any, that we are deemed to realize as a result of tax basis adjustments as a result of sales and exchanges of LLC Units in connection with, or following the Transactions, and certain distributions with respect to units. These tax basis adjustments generated over time may increase (for tax purposes) the depreciation and amortization deductions available to us and, therefore, may reduce the amount of U.S. federal, state and local tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in the future, although the IRS may challenge all or part of the validity of that tax basis, and a court could sustain such challenge. The tax basis adjustments upon sales or exchanges of units for shares of Class A common stock and certain distributions with respect to LLC Units may also decrease gains (or increase losses) on future dispositions of certain assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those assets. Actual tax benefits realized by us may differ from tax benefits calculated under the Tax Receivable Agreement as a result of the use of certain assumptions in the TRA, including the use of an assumed weighted average state and local income tax rate to calculate tax benefits. The payments that we may make under the TRA are expected to be substantial.

We account for the effects of these increases in tax basis and associated payments under the TRA when exchanges occur as follows:

a. recognize a contingent liability for the TRA obligation when it is deemed probable and estimable, with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in-capital, based on the estimate of the aggregate amount that MarketWise, Inc. will pay;

b. record an increase in deferred tax assets for the estimated income tax effects of the increases in tax basis based on enacted federal and state tax rates at the date of the exchange;

c. to the extent we estimate that we will not realize the full benefit represented by the deferred tax asset, based on an analysis that will consider, among other things, our expectation of future earnings, we reduce the deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance; and,

d. The effects of changes in any of the estimates and subsequent changes in the enacted tax rates after the initial recognition will be included in our net income.

Earnout Shares

Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, at the closing of the Transactions, we placed 3,051,000 shares of MarketWise, Inc. Class A common stock into escrow to be released to the Sponsor if certain conditions are met (“Sponsor Earnout Shares”). In addition, certain management members of the Company have been allocated 2,000,000 shares of Class A common stock in aggregate, with shares to be placed in escrow, and released at any time during a 4-year period following closing of the Transaction, if certain conditions are met (“Management Member Earnout Shares”). The Sponsor Earnout Shares and Management Member Earnout Shares (together, the “Earnout Shares”) will be released as follows:

1)50% when the volume weighted average price (the “VWAP) of Class A common stock is greater than or equal to $12.00 for a period of at least 20 trading days within a consecutive 30-trading-day period, or based on the per share equity value in a transaction in which our stockholders sell their shares; and

2)50% when the volume weighted average price (the “VWAP) of Class A common stock is greater than or equal to $14.00 for a period of at least 20 trading days within a consecutive 30-trading-day period, or based on the per share equity value in a transaction in which our stockholders sell their shares.

The Earnout Shares are classified as equity transactions at initial issuance and at settlement when the release conditions are met. Until the shares are issued and released, the Earnout Shares are not included in shares outstanding. The Earnout Shares are not considered stock-based compensation. As of the date of the Transactions, the Earnout Shares had a fair value of $26.0 million for 5,051,000 shares of Class A common stock.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interest represents the Company’s noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries which are not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the controlling Class A common stock ownership of the Company.

Net income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was attributable to consolidated MarketWise, Inc. and its respective noncontrolling interests.

As of December 31, 2024, MarketWise, Inc.’s controlling interest in MarketWise, LLC was 12.4% and the noncontrolling interest was 87.6%. For the year ended December 31, 2024 net income attributable to controlling interests included a $3,253 tax provision which is 100% attributable to the controlling interest.

As of December 31, 2023, MarketWise, Inc.’s controlling interest in MarketWise, LLC was 11.2% and the noncontrolling interest was 88.8%. For the year ended December 31, 2023 net income attributable to controlling interests included a $1,803 tax provision, which is 100% attributable to the controlling interest.

As of December 31, 2022, MarketWise, Inc.’s controlling interest in MarketWise, LLC was 9.1% and the noncontrolling interest was 90.9%. For the year ended December 31, 2022 net income attributable to controlling interests included a $1,490 tax provision, which is 100% attributable to the controlling interest.

Earnings Per Share

Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding after the closing of the Transactions. Diluted net income per share is based on the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding and the effect of all dilutive common stock equivalents and potentially dilutive share based compensation awards outstanding during the period after the closing of the Transactions. Class B common stock is not a participating security, therefore it is not included in the earnings per share calculation.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses(“ASU 2024-03”) which requires disaggregated disclosure of income statement expenses for public business entities. ASU 2024-03 is effective for the Company for the annual period beginning January 1, 2027, and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2028. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance and expects it to only impact disclosures, with no impact to results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures(“ASU 2023-09”). Under ASU 2023-09, companies must annually (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation, and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold (if the effect of those reconciling items is equal to or greater than 5 percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income (or loss) by the applicable statutory income tax rate).

ASU 2023-09 improves the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. It also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures.

ASU 2023-09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2025. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance and expects it to only impact disclosures, with no impact to results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures,(“ASU 2023-07”) which is aimed at improving reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 also requires additional interim disclosures. We adopted ASU 2023-07 effective for the annual period beginning January 1, 2024.

The enhanced segment disclosure requirements were applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements, and prior period disclosures were based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. The adoption of this guidance resulted in incremental disclosures in the Company’s financial statements. See Note 17 – Segment Reporting.

3. Revenue Recognition

Disaggregation of revenues

The following table depicts the disaggregation of revenue according to customer type and is consistent with how we evaluate our financial performance. We believe this depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

Revenue recognition by subscription type was as follows:

Revenue for the membership and term subscription types are determined based on the terms of the subscription agreements. Non-subscription revenue consists of revenue from advertising and other revenue from revenue share arrangements and the sale of print products and events, such as webinars and conferences.

Net revenue by principal geographic areas was as follows:

Revenue by location is determined by the billing entity for the customer.

Contract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition, amounts invoiced to customers, cash collections and refunds affects the recognition of accounts receivable, contract assets and deferred revenue. Our current deferred revenue balance is presented within the deferred revenue and other contract liabilities line item in the consolidated balance sheets and includes an obligation for refunds for contracts where the provision for refund has not lapsed. Accounts receivable, deferred revenue and obligation for refunds are as follows:

We recognized $288,266 and $315,066 of revenue during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, that was included within the beginning contract liability balance of the respective periods. The Company has collected all amounts included in deferred revenue other than $1,876 and $4,528 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, related to the timing of cash settlement with credit card processors.

Assets Recognized from Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer

The following table presents the opening and closing balances of our capitalized costs associated with contracts with customers:

We recognized impairment on capitalized costs associated with contracts with customers during the year ended December 31, 2024, related to the disposal of certain Legacy Research brands as part of the Legacy reorganization. We recognized an impairment of capitalized costs associated with contracts with customers during the year ended December 31, 2023 which was related to the sale of Buttonwood Publishing. See Note 5 – Acquisitions and Disposals. We didnot recognize any impairment on capitalized costs associated with contracts with customers for the years ended December 31, 2022.

Remaining Performance Obligations

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $426,986 of remaining performance obligations presented as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets. We expect to recognize approximately 51% of that amount as revenues over the next twelve months, with the remainder recognized thereafter.

4. Legacy Reorganization

On February 8, 2024, the Company reported that its board of directors (“Board”) had committed to a strategic realignment and reorganization (the “Reorganization”) to wind-down the operations of its Legacy Research Group business (“Legacy Research”) in response to misconduct discovered at Legacy Research where certain managers violated the Company’s policies.

Following the commitment to the Reorganization, Legacy Research continued to serve existing subscribers and fulfill existing subscriptions, but began to significantly curtail business activities including any marketing efforts to acquire new subscribers.

During second quarter 2024, we began the process of offering certain Legacy Research subscribers similar products published by other MarketWise brands, consistent with past Company practice when we cease a publication. We continued this process through the third quarter 2024.

In October 2024, we completed our Reorganization and operational transition plans with respect to substantially all of the Legacy Research brands, which resulted in the transfer of the related assets and related fulfillment obligations to other businesses within MarketWise for fair consideration. We also entered into agreements in October 2024 to sell certain Legacy Research brands that had immaterial year-to-date September 2024 Billings, one of which was to a related party. See also Note 5 – Acquisitions and Disposals.

The completion of the Reorganization resulted in a change in the Company’s internal reporting structure whereby the operations of substantially all the former Legacy brands were merged into its Alta reporting unit, certain other brands were merged into its 1729 Research and Brownstone Research reporting units, and certain brands were sold. Legacy Research ceased to be an operating segment as a result of these transactions. Accordingly, assets and liabilities were reassigned to Alta, 1729 Research, Brownstone Research, and the respective sold brands, including goodwill of $1.8 million, $0.4 million, $2.8 million, and $3.5 million, respectively, which was determined using a relative fair value approach. Significant assumptions of the valuation included, but were not limited to, prospective financial information and growth rates.

Separation costs incurred in the year ended December 31, 2024 totaled approximately $2.3 million within general and administrative expenses.

Legacy Research has leased office space and the current lease end date for this property is December 2028. The Company evaluated alternatives for this property and believes it is unlikely the space will be subleased. As such, the Company recorded a full impairment of the operating lease right-of-use asset as of December 31, 2024, totaling $2.1 million.

5. Acquisitions and Disposals

Disposal of certain former Legacy Research brands

In October 2024, we entered into an agreement to sell certain assets and liabilities that we had previously acquired as part of the MMP Acquisition (“MMP Business”) to a related party. The consideration of the acquisition did not require any upfront consideration. As defined in the sale agreement, the buyer will assume the subscription fulfillment obligation, which was $1.5 million as of the December 31, 2024 disposal date.

In addition, in October 2024, the Company disposed oftwo other brands as part of the Reorganization. Goodwill was allocated to the disposed brands using a relative fair value allocation methodology. The net gain on disposal is recognized within other income (expense) on the consolidated statement of operations.

The following table aggregates the balances of the disposal groups as of the respective sale dates:

MMP Acquisition

On January 1, 2024, we acquired 100% ownership of certain assets and liabilities from Money Map Press, LLC (“MMP Acquisition”), a provider of financial newsletters, which is a related party. The transaction consideration did not include any upfront consideration and the Company was to pay contingent consideration based on the level of subscription sales it achieves from certain customers beginning from the sale date through January 1, 2026, as defined in the sale agreement. The fair value of the contingent consideration was estimated to be $707. The MMP

Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. The following table summarizes the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

The excess purchase consideration over the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill. The acquired intangible assets related to the MMP Acquisition are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Accordingly, the tradenames are amortized over 8.7 years and customer relationships are amortized over 6.2 years. Amortization for the acquired intangible assets was $393 for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Buttonwood Publishing Sale

On December 1, 2023, we sold certain assets of Crowdability, Inc. (“Buttonwood Publishing”), a business we acquired in 2022 to a related party. The Company will receive contingent consideration based on the level of subscription sales the buyer achieves from certain customers beginning from the sale date through December 1, 2026, as defined in the sale agreement. The fair value of the contingent consideration was estimated to be $1,253. The contingent consideration will be remeasured at the end of each reporting period.

As a result of continuing losses with respect to the Buttonwood Publishing business and the sale transaction, we recorded impairment charges related to certain capitalized deferred contract acquisition costs, tradenames, customer relationships, and operating lease right of use assets totaling $1,389, $603, $541, and $50, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2023.

As of the sale date, Buttonwood Publishing was a reporting unit, and its goodwill was included in the loss on disposal, which totaled $1,583. The assets and liabilities of the disposal group as of December 1, 2023 were as follows:

Buttonwood Publishing Acquisition

During third quarter 2022, we acquired 100% ownership of certain assets and liabilities from Crowdability, Inc., a provider of financial newsletters, for cash of $12,770. The Buttonwood Publishing transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. The following table summarizes the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

The excess purchase consideration over the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill. The goodwill that arose from the acquisition was largely attributable to expanding our copy and editorial talent base and synergies which we expected to achieve from cross-marketing and providing complementary products to our existing and acquired customers and was fully expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The acquired intangible assets related to the Buttonwood Publishing transaction were amortized over their estimated useful lives. Accordingly, tradenames were amortized over 9.0 years and customer relationships were amortized over 6.5 years. Amortization for the acquired intangible assets was $1,388 and $632 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Revenue from Buttonwood Publishing was $3,918 and $1,961 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill are as follows:

As of December 31, 2024, the Company hasthree reporting units with goodwill. The reporting units to which goodwill is allocated that have negative carrying amounts are as follows:

No goodwill impairment charges have been recorded during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Intangible assets, net

Intangible assets, net consisted of the following as of the dates indicated:

We recorded amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets of $2,522, $3,554 and $2,760 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, within depreciation and amortization in theaccompanying consolid ated statement of operations. These amounts include amortization of capitalized software development costs of $1,105, $737 and $514 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

We recorded additions to capitalized software development costs of $542, $1,712 and $135 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

As of December 31, 2024, the total expected future amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets is as follows:

7. Fair Value Measurements

The following tables summarize our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of the dates indicated:

The level 3 assets relate to contingent consideration receivable from a related party associated with the sale of brands disposed as part of the Reorganization and the Buttonwood Publishing sale, and the level 3 liabilities relate to profits interests. See Note 5 – Acquisitions and Disposals and Note 11 – Stock-Based Compensation.

The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the recurring Level 3 fair value measurements during the year ended December 31, 2024:

The contingent consideration receivable issued during the year ended December 31, 2024 is associated with the two brands disposed as part of the Reorganization. The contingent consideration liability issued during the year ended December 31, 2024 is associated with the MMP Acquisition. See Note 5 – Acquisitions and Disposals.

The following table provides quantitative information regarding the recurring Level 3 fair value measurements inputs for the contingent consideration receivable, profits interests, and derivative liabilities at their measurement dates:

During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company determined that impairment indicators were present due to the Legacy reorganization which began in 2024. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment loss on Legacy’sintangible assets totaling $0.3 million, deferred contract acquisition costs totaling $2.1 million, as well as full impairment of the operating lease right-of-use asset totaling $2.1 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company determined that impairment indicators were present due to continuing losses with respect to its Buttonwood Publishing business which it had acquired during 2022. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment loss on Buttonwood Publishing’s intangible assets totaling $584. The Company used a with and without method to determine the fair value of the customer relationships and a relief from royalty method to determine the fair value of the tradenames. The key input for these nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements was the 22.8% discount rate. Additional impairments were recorded in December 2023, as further described in Note 5 – Acquisitions and Disposals.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the embedded derivative instruments were settled at fair value. The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the derivative liabilities during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023:

8. Balance Sheet Components

Capitalized Implementation Costs

We capitalized cloud computing implementation costs for customer-relationship management, revenue management, and enterprise resource planning systems of $108, $71 and $1,493 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The capitalized implementation costs are capita lized within other current assets and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization expense related to capitalized cloud computing implementation costs was $974, $939 and $372 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net consists of the following:

Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $231, $267 and $331 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

9. Derivative Financial Instruments

Prior to the closing of the Transactions, as part of our compensation and employee retention strategy, we entered into contracts with key employees and independent contractors which contain embedded derivatives. These contracts were intended to compensate the employees or independent contractors for services provided and retain their future services. These embedded derivative instruments were issued in the form of phantom interests in Net Income, as defined by our Board, that grant the holder value equal to a percentage of Net Income multiplied by a price multiple, or contained an option that granted appreciation rights upon exercise, and which became exercisable upon occurrence of an initial public offering. All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value as derivative liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the embedded derivative instruments were settled at fair value. The following table presents information on the location and amounts of derivative instruments gains and losses:

See Note 7 – Fair Value Measurements for more information regarding the valuation of our derivative instruments.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

We lease office facilities under operating lease agreements in the United States which have an initial term of longer than twelve months as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, remaining lease terms vary from 2 months to 4 years. For two leases we have the option to extend the lease terms for a period of 5 years, and for one lease we have the option to extend the lease term for a period of 3 years. The renewal options are not considered in the remaining lease term as we are not reasonably certain that we will exercise such options.

The components of lease expense were as follows:

Other information related to leases was as follows:

When recording the present value of lease liabilities, a discount rate is required. We have concluded that the rates implicit in the various operating lease agreements are not readily determinable. As a result, we instead used our incremental borrowing rate, which is calculated based on hypothetical borrowings to fund each respective lease over the lease term, as of the lease commencement date, assuming that borrowings are secured by the various leased properties. The incremental borrowing rates are determined based on an assessment of our implied credit rating, using ratings scales from reputable rating agencies that consider a number of qualitative and quantitative factors.

Market rates are derived as of the lease commencement dates with reference to companies with the same debt rating that operate in a similar industry.

As of December 31, 2024, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is included in Note 15 – Supplemental Cash Flow Information.

Contingencies

From time to time, we may be involved in disputes or regulatory inquiries, which arise in the ordinary course of business. When we determine that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, a liability is recorded and disclosed if the amount is material to us in aggregate. When a material loss contingency is reasonably possible, we do not record a liability, but instead disclose the nature and the amount of the claim and an estimate of the loss or range of loss, if such an estimate can reasonably be made. While it is not feasible to predict or determine the ultimate outcome of these matters, the Company believes that none of its current legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations and no corresponding liability has been recorded for any periods presented.

In May 2023 and January 2024, a subsidiary of the Company, Common Sense Publishing, LLC trading as Palm Beach Research Group (“Palm Beach Research Group”), received third-party subpoenas from the SEC in connection with charges against a former employee who was previously terminated for cause in November 2021. Palm Beach Research Group has responded to the subpoenas, and we have conducted our own internal investigation with the assistance of outside counsel. On January 29, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California charged the same former employee by information with one count of touting securities for undisclosed compensation and one count of participation in a criminal conspiracy to tout securities for undisclosed compensation. On March 12, 2024, the former employee entered a plea of guilty. Neither Palm Beach Research Group nor any of the Company’s subsidiaries have been charged with any wrongdoing. It is not possible at this time to determine whether Palm Beach Research Group will incur, or to reasonably estimate the amount of, any losses in connection with this matter.

On November 22, 2024, the Company's former Chief Executive Officer, Mark Arnold ("Claimant"), filed a demand for arbitration ("Demand") with the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"). The Demand includes claims against MarketWise, Inc. and MarketWise, LLC (collectively, the "Respondent") for (i) breach of employment agreement between Claimant and Respondent dated December 1, 2019; (ii) breach of letter agreement between Claimant and Respondent dated November 17, 2022; and (iii) violation of the Maryland Payment and Collection Wage Act. Claimant seeks (i) money damages in excess of $9,000,000; (ii) treble damages pursuant to the Maryland Payment and Collection Wage Act; (iii) incidental and consequential damages; (iv) attorneys' fees and costs; and (v) prejudgment interest. We have defenses and intend to vigorously defend against the claims brought by Mark Arnold in this matter.

11. Stock-Based Compensation

During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 we recorded stock-based compensation related to our 2021 Incentive Award Plan, profits interests, and our ESPP.

Included within cost of revenue, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses are stock-based compensation expenses as follows:

Total stock-based compensation expense includes: expense related to our new 2021 Incentive Award Plan, our ESPP, and profits interests, as follows:

2021 Incentive Award Plan

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we granted 23,330,718 restricted stock units to certain employees, service providers and members of our Board in aggregate under our 2021 Incentive Award Plan.

For employees and service providers, both RSUs and SARs are primarily time-based and typically vest ratably over four years, as specified in the individual grant notices. The RSUs may entitle the recipients to dividend equivalents if approved by the Plan Administrator, which are subject to the same vesting terms and accumulate during the vesting period. Upon vesting, the RSU holder will be issued the Company’s Class A common stock. The SARs will be settled in the Company’s Class A common stock upon exercise. The shares to be issued upon exercise will have a total market value equal to the SAR value calculated as (x) number of shares underlying SAR, multiplied by (y) any excess of the Company’s share value on the date of exercise over the exercise price set in each individual grant notice.

The fair value of RSUs is the same as the Company’s share price on the date of grant. The fair value of the SARs was determined using a Black-Scholes model.

The activities of the RSUs and SARs and the related weighted average grant-date fair value of the respective share classes, including granted, vested or exercised and forfeited, from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 are summarized as follows:

As of December 31, 2024,929,652 of the SARs were exercisable and have a remaining contractual term of 6.5 years. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 the weighted-average grant-date fair value of the RSUs granted was $1.07, $1.83 and $1.92, respectively, and the total fair value of RSUs vested was $7,027, $7,419 and $5,393, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company recognized $240 and $341 of stock-based compensation expense related to the ESPP during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we issued 397,934 and 435,519 shares under the ESPP for cash proceeds of $301 and $680, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, $63 and $12 has been withheld on behalf of employees for a future purchase period, respectively.

Profits Interests

The Company recognized $2,065 and 746 of stock-based compensation expense related to the profits interests during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

12. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the respective periods:

The Company’s potentially dilutive securities and their impact on the computation of dilutive earnings per share are as follows:

•Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants: the Public and Private Placement Warrants were "out of the money" during the portion of the year ended December 31, 2022 prior to the warrant exchange transaction in September 2022, therefore, earnings per share excludes any impact of the 20,699,993 Public Warrants and 10,280,000 Private Placement Warrants. After the warrant exchange transaction in September 2022 there areno warrants outstanding thereafter. For more details on the warrant exchange, see Note 18 – Warrant Exchange.

•Sponsor and MarketWise Management Member Earnout Shares: the 3,051,000 Sponsor Earnout Shares and the 2,000,000 MarketWise Management Member Earnout Shares (as defined and discussed in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 28, 2021) held in escrow are excluded from the earnings per share computation in both periods since the earnout contingency has not been met.

•Restricted stock units: The basic earnings per share calculation includes the impact of vested RSUs. The diluted earnings per share calculation includes the impact of unvested RSUs, where the impact is dilutive, unless the Company has a net loss. The diluted earnings per share calculations above exclude certain RSUs with performance conditions, since the performance conditions were not met, and such RSUs were forfeited as of December 31, 2022.

•Stock appreciation rights: The diluted earnings per share calculation excludes the impact of SARs since the effect was antidilutive.

•ESPP: The basic earnings per share calculation includes the impact of the shares that were issued under the ESPP as of December 31, 2024.

13. Income Taxes

We are subject to U.S. federal and state taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income or loss of MarketWise, LLC, as well as any standalone income or loss we generate. MarketWise, LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. income tax purposes and for most applicable state and local income tax purposes and generally does not pay income taxes in most jurisdictions. Instead, MarketWise, LLC’s taxable income or loss is passed through to its members, including us.

The components of income tax expense consisted of the following:

A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate is as follows:

The Company’s effective tax rate was 3.37%,3.21%, and 1.45% in 2024, 2023, and 2022 respectively, in comparison to the U.S. statutory rate of 21.00%. Our effective tax rates in 2024, 2023, and 2022 differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily because we generally do not record income taxes for the noncontrolling portion of pre-tax income. Further, the year over year difference includes the effects of the change in income allocation to the noncontrolling interest, partially offsetting the increase in the state tax apportionment.

Details of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

We had a federal net operating loss carryforward (“NOL”) of $5,938 and $13,030, which can be carried forward indefinitely as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We also had state net operating losses of $0 and $8,220 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, with various carryforward periods. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, it is more likely than not that future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the NOL and therefore, no valuation allowance was recorded on the NOL.

As a result of the Transactions, we recorded a deferred tax asset resulting from the outside basis difference in our interest in MarketWise, LLC. The Company considers both positive and negative evidence when measuring the need for a valuation allowance. A valuation allowance is not required to the extent that, in management’s judgment, positive evidence exists with a magnitude and duration sufficient to result in a conclusion that it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that the Company’s deferred tax assets will be realized.

In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset, the Company considered positive evidence related to its historic earnings, forecasted income and reversal of temporary differences. Therefore, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $30,944 and $29,869 for the periods ending December 31, 2024 and 2023 respectively, related to the deferred tax asset associated with the Investment in Partnership.

The deferred tax asset is remeasured at the end of the reporting period to reflect the change in relative ownership of MarketWise, LLC held by the Company. The impact of the remeasurement of the noncontrolling interest is reflected in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ deficit.

The Company did not record any penalties or interest related to uncertain tax positions, as management has concluded that no such positions exist, on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Company does not expect any changes to uncertain tax positions within the next 12 months.

The Company is subject to examination for tax years beginning with the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company had been under IRS examination of MarketWise, LLC for tax year 2020, and received final written confirmation in 2024 that the audit was completed with no changes. The Company is currently under IRS examination of Stansberry China, LLC for tax year 2021, and currently is awaiting responses to the first round of IDR responses. The Company is not currently subject to income tax audits in any state jurisdictions for any tax year.

Tax Receivable Agreement

As part of the Transactions, we entered into Tax Receivable Agreements (“TRAs”) with certain shareholders. Pursuant to our election under Section 754 of the Code, as amended, and the regulations issued thereunder, we expect to receive a step up in the tax basis of our ownership in MarketWise, LLC as exchanges of the LLC Units (as defined herein) occur. These increases in tax basis may reduce the amount we may otherwise pay to various tax authorities in the future. The TRA liability will represent approximately 85% of the calculated tax savings based on basis adjustments and other carryforward attributes assumed that we anticipate to be able to utilize in future years. We will retain the remaining 15% of calculated tax savings. The payments contemplated by the TRA are not conditioned upon any continued ownership interest in MarketWise, LLC. The timing and amount of aggregate payments due pursuant to the TRA may vary based on several factors including the timing and amount of future taxable income, as well as future applicable tax rates. As such, significant inputs and assumptions are used to estimate the future expected payments under the TRA. During the period ended December 31, 2024, Members of MarketWise, LLC exchanged an aggregate of 1,000,000 common units of MarketWise, LLC (“LLC Units”) together with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock for 1,000,000 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock. As a result, the deferred tax asset and corresponding TRA liability balances were $2,652 and $2,669, respectively, as of December 31, 2024. No payments have been made under the TRA andno significant payments are expected in the next 12 months.

14. Related Party Transactions

We have certain revenue share agreements with related parties. Accordingly, we recognized revenue from related parties of $3,344, $4,937 and $2,363 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

We incurred costs related to revenue share agreements with related parties which are capitalized within deferred contract acquisition costs. We capitalized $3,281, $6,578 and $3,110 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Additionally, a related party provided call center support and other services to the Company for which we recorded an expense within cost of revenue of $326, $511 and $800 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

A related party provided marketing and copywriting services to the Company for which we recorded an expense within cost of revenue of $897, $1,845 and $400 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

A related party also provided certain corporate functions to the Company and the costs of these services are recorded within related party expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. We recorded $94, $102 and $85 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We held balances of $354 and $1,220 as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 of related party payables related to revenue share expenses, call center support, and the services noted above. The balances with this related party are presented net and are included in related party payables in the consolidated balance sheet.

We earned fees and provided certain accounting and marketing services to companies owned by certain Class B unitholders. As a result, we recognized $469, $737 and $656 in other income, net for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Related party receivables related to these services were $194 and $239 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

We lease offices from related parties. Lease payments made to related parties were $1,744, $1,800 and $1,824 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and rent expense of $2,396, $2,438 and $2,378 were recognized in general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to leases with related parties. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, ROU assets of $3,172 and $7,261 and lease liabilities of $4,335 and $5,740 are associated with leases with related parties.

In April 2020 MarketWise, LLC provided a loan to a Class A unitholder and recognized a related party note receivable from the unitholder of $1,148. We recognized $17 in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2022. The related party note receivable balance of $1,158 was repaid in October 2022.

15. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental cash flow disclosures are as follows:

16. Stockholders’ Equity

The Company’s capital stock consists of (i) issued and outstanding Class A common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share, and (ii) issued and outstanding Class B common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share.

The table set forth below reflects information about the Company’s equity, as of December 31, 2024. The 3,051,000 Sponsor Earnout Shares held in escrow and the 2,000,000 Management Member Earnout Shares are considered contingently issuable shares and therefore excluded from the number of Class A common stock issued and outstanding in the table below.

Each share of Class A and Class B common stock entitles the holderone vote per share. Holders of Class A common stock have the right to receive dividends while holders of class B common stock have the right to receive a proportionate amount of distributions. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, only holders of Class A common stock have the right to receive liquidation proceeds, while the holders of Class B common stock are entitled to only the par value of their shares. Class B common stock can be issued only to members of MarketWise, LLC, their respective successors and permitted transferees. Under the terms of the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of MarketWise, LLC (the “MarketWise Operating Agreement”), and subject to certain restrictions set forth therein, the MarketWise Members are entitled to have their LLC Units redeemed or exchanged for shares of our Class A common stock, at our option. If redeemed for cash at the Company’s option, such cash would have to be generated through an offering of shares to the market such that there would not be any situation where there would be a net cash obligation to the Company for such redemption. Shares of our Class B common stock held by any such redeeming or exchanging MarketWise Member will be canceled for no additional consideration on aone-for-one basis with the redeemed or exchanged LLC Units whenever the MarketWise Members’ LLC Units are so redeemed or exchanged. The MarketWise Members may exercise such redemption rights for as long as their LLC Units remain outstanding. Our Board has discretion to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, of each series of preferred stock.

In April 2024, we purchased 7.2 million LLC Units for $10.8 million and canceled the same amount of Class B shares. In July 2024, we canceled 8.4 million LLC Units and Class B shares, which we reinstated in November 2024 effective as of the cancellation date.

In 2024, we paid quarterly dividends on shares of our Class A common stock. We also declared a special dividend for Class A shareholders on January 15, 2025. Our continued declaration and payment of dividends and institution of any other distributions of capital to shareholders will nonetheless be at the discretion of our Board and will depend on many factors, including our earnings, financial condition and results of operations, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of dividends, ability to obtain cash or other assets from our subsidiaries, restrictions imposed by applicable law, general business conditions and other factors that our Board may deem relevant. There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends in the future. Therefore, the success of an investment in shares of our Class A common stock may in the future depend only upon any future appreciation in their value. There is no guarantee that shares of our Class A common stock will appreciate or even maintain their value.

The dividends and distributions declared during the year ended December 31, 2024 were as follows:

On November 4, 2021, our Board authorized the repurchase of up to $35.0 million in aggregate of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. We didnot repurchase any shares during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and we repurchased 2,484,717 shares totaling $13,054 in aggregate, including fees and commissions of

$25 for the year ended December 31, 2022. Since the inception of the program we have repurchased 2,984,987 total shares. The share repurchase program expired by its terms on November 3, 2023.

For each share of Class A common stock the Company repurchased under the share repurchase program, MarketWise, LLC, the Company’s direct subsidiary, redeemedone LLC Unit held by the Company, decreasing the percentage ownership of MarketWise, LLC by the Company and relatively increasing the ownership by the other unitholders.

17. Segment Reporting

The CODM monitors financial results for internal purposes that are not prepared in accordance with GAAP (“Adjusted Basis”) because these results more closely align to how the business generates and uses cash.

The CODM uses Adjusted Net Profit (Loss) as the key performance measure for evaluating segment income or loss on a monthly basis when assessing segment performance and when making decisions about how to allocate operating resources, such as marketing spend and determining variable compensation for certain employees.

The primary components of the “Corporate and all other” line in the following tables include certain corporate overhead charges, expenses that have not been allocated to the reportable segment, including corporate functions, taxes, and activity related to components that is below quantitative threshold for separate disclosure.

The reconciliation of reportable segment Adjusted Basis Net Profit (Loss) to the consolidated totals are as follows:

(a)total net revenue for reportable segment is in accordance with GAAP

(b)subscription revenue, revenue share and other income are generally recognized on a cash basis under Adjusted Basis, rather than deferred and recognized over the subscription term or when earned in accordance with ASC 606

(c)amounts represent Adjusted Basis

(d)amounts represent stock-based compensation expense

(e)costs to obtain a contract are expensed under Adjusted Basis, rather than capitalized as deferred contract acquisition costs and subsequently amortized in accordance with ASC 340

(f)certain operating leases are recognized on a cash basis under Adjusted Basis, rather than initially recognizing right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, which are subsequently amortized over the lease term in accordance with ASC 842

(g)certain intangible assets arising from business combinations are not recognized upon acquisition and subsequently amortized in accordance with ASC 805 under Adjusted Basis

(h)derivatives and warrants are recognized on a cash basis under Adjusted Basis, rather than recognizing assets or liabilities at fair value and subsequent changes in fair value in earnings. The warrant amount in 2022 presents the net effect of the change in fair value, and the settlement of warrants as a result of the warrant exchange transaction on a GAAP basis.

(i)other line includes various items that are recognized differently under Adjusted Basis, including software development and implementation related costs, including implementation costs of cloud computing arrangements, employee benefit related items, and the net effect of differences in gain or loss on disposal of businesses in 2024 and 2023 and certain tax related items.

The reconciliation of reportable segment revenues to the consolidated totals are as follows:

The CODM does not use segment assets to evaluate segment performance or allocate resources. Therefore, we do not disclose segment assets. Long-lived assets were located in the United States as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

18. Warrant Exchange

On August 17, 2022, we commenced an exchange offer (the “Offer”) and consent solicitation (the “Consent Solicitation”) relating to our outstanding Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants to purchase shares of Class A common stock at $11.50 per share. Each holder of the warrants was offered the opportunity to receive 0.1925 shares of Class A common stock in exchange for each outstanding warrant tendered by the holder and exchanged pursuant to the Offer. Concurrently with the Offer, we solicited consents from holders of the warrants to amend the warrant agreement that governs all of the warrants (the “Warrant Agreement”) to permit us to require that each warrant outstanding upon the closing of the Offer be exchanged for 0.17325 shares of Class A common stock, which is a ratio 10% less than the exchange ratio applicable to the Offer (such amendment, the “Warrant Amendment”).

On September 14, 2022, we concluded the Offer and Consent Solicitation with approximately 96% of the outstanding warrants validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the Offer and Consent Solicitation. Accordingly, on September 19, 2022, we issued 5,725,681 shares of Class A common stock in exchange for the 29,743,932 warrants tendered in the Offer.

Additionally, we received the requisite approval of warrant holders to enter into the Warrant Amendment. Accordingly, we and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company entered into the Warrant Amendment, dated September 15, 2022, and we exercised our right, in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Amendment, to exchange each warrant that was outstanding upon the closing of the Offer for 0.17325 shares of Class A common stock per warrant. On September 30, 2022, we issued 214,058 shares of Class A common stock in exchange for the 1,236,061 outstanding warrants after closing of the Offering. As a result, there areno outstanding warrants as of September 30, 2022, and the warrants were delisted from trading on the Nasdaq. In connection with the warrant exchange, we paid out a de minimis amount of cash in lieu of fractional shares.

We incurred $2.1 million of costs directly related to the warrant exchange, consisting primarily of dealer manager fees and professional, legal, printing, filing, regulatory, and other costs. These costs were recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations as the transactions did not generate any proceeds to us and therefore the costs did not qualify to be deferred or charged to additional paid-in-capital under ASC 340-10-S99-1.

19. Subsequent Events

Subsequent events have been evaluated through March 6, 2025, which is the date that the financial statements were issued.