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Ziff Davis, Inc.. (ZD) Stock Fundamental Analysis & AI Rating 2026

ZD Nasdaq Telegraph & Other Message Communications CIK: 0001084048
Recently Updated • Analysis: Apr 19, 2026 • SEC Data: 2025-12-31
HOLD
72% Conf
Pending
Analysis scheduled

📊 ZD Key Takeaways

Revenue: $1.5B
Net Margin: 3.3%
Free Cash Flow: $287.9M
Current Ratio: 1.27x
Debt/Equity: 0.49x
EPS: $1.15
AI Rating: HOLD with 72% confidence
Ziff Davis, Inc.. (ZD) receives a HOLD rating with 72% confidence from our AI fundamental analysis based on SEC 10-K filings. With revenue of $1.5B, net profit margin of 3.3%, and return on equity (ROE) of 2.7%, Ziff Davis, Inc.. demonstrates mixed fundamentals in the Telecom sector. Below is our complete ZD stock analysis for 2026.

Is Ziff Davis, Inc.. (ZD) a Good Investment?

Claude

Ziff Davis generates strong free cash flow ($287.9M, 19.8% FCF margin) with moderate leverage and healthy gross margins (58.5%), demonstrating operational cash generation capability. However, flat net income growth despite 3.5% revenue expansion and a significant 19% YoY EPS decline signal deteriorating profitability and negative operational leverage, coupled with severely depressed returns on capital (ROE 2.7%, ROA 1.3%) that suggest inefficient capital deployment.

Why Buy Ziff Davis, Inc.. Stock? ZD Key Strengths

Claude
  • + Exceptional free cash flow generation at $287.9M with 19.8% FCF margin, demonstrating strong cash conversion despite earnings challenges
  • + Healthy gross margins at 58.5% indicating competitive pricing power and cost management
  • + Moderate leverage at 0.49x D/E ratio with adequate interest coverage of 4.9x and strong cash position of $607.0M

ZD Stock Risks: Ziff Davis, Inc.. Investment Risks

Claude
  • ! Net income flat YoY while revenue grows 3.5% indicates margin compression and deteriorating operational leverage
  • ! Diluted EPS declined 19% YoY, signaling earnings per share deterioration despite revenue growth
  • ! Critically low return on equity (2.7%) and return on assets (1.3%) indicate severe capital inefficiency and value destruction

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Operating margin trend - monitor for stabilization or reversal of compression below 12.6%
  • * Return on equity - critical turnaround indicator given severe underperformance at 2.7%
  • * EPS growth acceleration - essential to verify if earnings decline reverses and profitability improves

Ziff Davis, Inc.. (ZD) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios

Revenue
$1.5B
Net Income
$47.4M
EPS (Diluted)
$1.15
Free Cash Flow
$287.9M
Total Assets
$3.7B
Cash Position
$607.0M

💡 AI Analyst Insight

Ziff Davis, Inc.. presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.

ZD Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis

Gross Margin 58.5%
Operating Margin 12.6%
Net Margin 3.3%
ROE 2.7%
ROA 1.3%
FCF Margin 19.8%

ZD vs Telecom Sector: How Ziff Davis, Inc.. Compares

How Ziff Davis, Inc.. compares to Telecom sector averages

Net Margin
ZD 3.3%
vs
Sector Avg 14.0%
ZD Sector
ROE
ZD 2.7%
vs
Sector Avg 15.0%
ZD Sector
Current Ratio
ZD 1.3x
vs
Sector Avg 1.0x
ZD Sector
Debt/Equity
ZD 0.5x
vs
Sector Avg 1.2x
ZD Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is Ziff Davis, Inc.. Stock Overvalued? ZD Valuation Analysis 2026

Based on fundamental analysis, Ziff Davis, Inc.. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Telecom sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
2.7%
Sector avg: 15%
Net Profit Margin
3.3%
Sector avg: 14%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
0.49x
Sector avg: 1.2x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

Ziff Davis, Inc.. Balance Sheet: ZD Debt, Cash & Liquidity

Current Ratio
1.27x
Quick Ratio
1.27x
Debt/Equity
0.49x
Debt/Assets
52.1%
Interest Coverage
4.87x
Long-term Debt
$866.5M

ZD Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend

ZD 5-year financial data: Year 2024: Revenue $1.4B, Net Income $63.8M, EPS $1.36. Year 2025: Revenue $1.5B, Net Income $41.5M, EPS $0.89.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: Ziff Davis, Inc..'s revenue has shown modest growth of 4% over the 5-year period. The most recent EPS of $0.89 reflects profitable operations.

ZD Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
19.8%
Free cash flow / Revenue

ZD Quarterly Earnings & Performance

Quarterly financial performance data for Ziff Davis, Inc.. including revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
Quarter Revenue Net Income EPS
Q3 2025 $353.6M -$1.0M $-0.02
Q2 2025 $320.8M $26.3M $0.62
Q1 2025 $314.5M $10.6M $0.23
Q3 2024 $341.0M -$1.0M $-0.02
Q2 2024 $320.8M $9.1M $0.19
Q1 2024 $307.1M -$7.6M $-0.16

Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.

Ziff Davis, Inc.. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
$407.1M
Cash generated from operations
Stock Buybacks
$173.8M
Shares repurchased (TTM)
Capital Expenditures
$119.2M
Investment in assets
Dividends
None
No dividend program

ZD SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Ziff Davis, Inc.. (CIK: 0001084048)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
Mar 26, 2026 DEF 14A zd-20260326.htm View →
Mar 13, 2026 4 xslF345X05/marketforms-72535.xml View →
Mar 13, 2026 4 xslF345X05/marketforms-72519.xml View →
Mar 13, 2026 4 xslF345X05/marketforms-72533.xml View →
Mar 13, 2026 4 xslF345X05/marketforms-72534.xml View →

Frequently Asked Questions about ZD

What is the AI rating for ZD?

Ziff Davis, Inc.. (ZD) has an AI rating of HOLD with 72% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are ZD's key strengths?

Claude: Exceptional free cash flow generation at $287.9M with 19.8% FCF margin, demonstrating strong cash conversion despite earnings challenges. Healthy gross margins at 58.5% indicating competitive pricing power and cost management.

What are the risks of investing in ZD?

Claude: Net income flat YoY while revenue grows 3.5% indicates margin compression and deteriorating operational leverage. Diluted EPS declined 19% YoY, signaling earnings per share deterioration despite revenue growth.

What is ZD's revenue and growth?

Ziff Davis, Inc.. reported revenue of $1.5B.

Does ZD pay dividends?

Ziff Davis, Inc.. does not currently pay dividends.

Where can I find ZD SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for Ziff Davis, Inc.. (CIK: 0001084048) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is ZD's EPS?

Ziff Davis, Inc.. has a diluted EPS of $1.15.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

Is ZD a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Ziff Davis, Inc.. has a HOLD rating with 72% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.

Is ZD stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for ZD: ROE of 2.7% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 3.3% (sector avg: 14%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.

Should I buy ZD stock in 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives Ziff Davis, Inc.. a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is ZD's free cash flow?

Ziff Davis, Inc..'s operating cash flow is $407.1M, with capital expenditures of $119.2M. FCF margin is 19.8%.

How does ZD compare to other Telecom stocks?

Vs Telecom sector averages: Net margin 3.3% (avg: 14%), ROE 2.7% (avg: 15%), current ratio 1.27 (avg: 1).

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Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: Apr 19, 2026 | Data as of: 2025-12-31 | Powered by Claude AI