Biggest changeA discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, which is available free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. 56 The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for each of the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 (in thousands) Revenue (1) $ 904,649 $ 741,141 Cost of revenue (2) 86,298 79,614 Gross profit 818,351 661,527 Operating expenses Sales and marketing (2) 484,429 410,665 Research and development (2) 127,737 110,470 General and administrative (2)(3) 108,957 148,784 Total operating expenses 721,123 669,919 Income (loss) from operations 97,228 (8,392) Other income (expense) Interest expense (28,498) (916) Other income, net 5,354 32 Total other expense, net (23,144) (884) Income (loss) before income taxes 74,084 (9,276) Income tax expense (benefit) 12,590 (12,876) Net income $ 61,494 $ 3,600 ____________ (1) Revenue is comprised as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 (in thousands) Subscription revenue $ 696,334 $ 600,090 Performance-based revenue 208,315 141,051 Total revenue $ 904,649 $ 741,141 (2) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 (in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 807 $ 1,093 Sales and marketing 10,858 17,865 Research and development 30,985 34,230 General and administrative 34,306 54,070 Total stock-based compensation $ 76,956 $ 107,258 (3) Includes one-time charges related to financial advisory services, accounting and legal expenses, the bonus earned by our Chief Executive Officer, and other filing costs in connection with our Direct Listing totaling $0 and $34.0 million in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 57 Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 Revenue Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 $ Change % Change (in thousands, except percentages) Total revenue $ 904,649 $ 741,141 $ 163,508 22 % Revenue increased $163.5 million, or 22%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Biggest changeA discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which is available free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. 58 The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for each of the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (in thousands) Revenue (1) $ 645,722 $ 904,649 Cost of revenue (2) 64,309 86,298 Gross profit 581,413 818,351 Operating expenses Sales and marketing (2)(3) 265,253 484,429 Research and development (2)(3) 141,801 127,737 General and administrative (2)(3)(4) 94,922 108,957 Total operating expenses 501,976 721,123 Income from operations 79,437 97,228 Other income (expense) Interest expense (29,393) (28,498) Other income (expense), net 20,506 5,354 Total other income (expense), net (8,887) (23,144) Income before income taxes 70,550 74,084 Income tax expense 21,452 12,590 Net income $ 49,098 $ 61,494 ____________ (1) Revenue is comprised as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (in thousands) Subscription revenue $ 508,384 $ 696,334 Performance-based revenue 137,338 208,315 Total revenue $ 645,722 $ 904,649 (2) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 660 $ 807 Sales and marketing 12,537 10,858 Research and development 35,352 30,985 General and administrative (4) 35,686 34,306 Total stock-based compensation $ 84,235 $ 76,956 (3) Includes one-time charges resulting from our restructuring plan announced on May 31, 2023 to reduce our global workforce by approximately 20%.
Investing Activities For the year ended December 31, 2022, cash used in investing activities was $351.1 million resulting from purchases of marketable securities of $367.1 million, capitalized software development costs of $7.9 million, and capital expenditures of $2.7 million primarily related to purchases of computer supplies and equipment, partially offset by $25.6 million received from paydowns, maturities, and redemptions of marketable securities and $0.9 million received from sales of marketable securities.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, cash used in investing activities was $351.1 million resulting from purchases of marketable securities of $367.1 million, capitalized software development costs of $7.9 million, and capital expenditures of $2.7 million primarily related to purchases of computer supplies and equipment, partially offset by $25.6 million received from paydowns, maturities, and redemptions of marketable securities and $0.9 million received from sales of marketable securities.
Determination of the Fair Value of Common Stock on Grant Dates Prior to the completion of our Direct Listing on May 26, 2021, our common stock was not publicly traded, and therefore, our board of directors exercised significant judgment in determining the fair value of our common stock on the date of each stock-based grant, with input from management and the assistance from an independent third-party valuation firm based on several objective and subjective factors.
Determination of the Fair Value of Common Stock on Grant Dates Prior to the completion of our Direct Listing on May 26, 2021, our common stock was not publicly traded, and therefore, our board of directors exercised significant judgment in determining the fair value of our common stock on the date of each stock-based grant, with input from management and the 68 assistance from an independent third-party valuation firm based on several objective and subjective factors.
The Quarterly Paid Employer metric includes all actively recruiting employers (or entities acting on behalf of employers) on a paying subscription plan or performance marketing campaign for at least one day in a given calendar quarter. Paid Employers excludes employers from our third-party sites or other indirect channels, employers who are not actively recruiting and employers on free-trials.
The Quarterly Paid Employer metric includes all actively recruiting employers (or entities acting on behalf of employers) on a paying subscription plan or performance marketing campaign for at least one day in a given quarter. Paid Employers excludes employers from our third-party sites or other indirect channels, employers who are not actively recruiting and employers on free-trials.
Investments not considered cash equivalents are classified as marketable securities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We classify and account for our money market mutual funds which have readily determinable fair values as equity securities, and we carry such securities at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in other income, net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Investments not considered cash equivalents are classified as marketable securities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We classify and account for our money market mutual funds which have readily determinable fair values as equity securities, and we carry such securities at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Given that we do not have sufficient exercise history to develop reasonable expectations about future exercise patterns and post-vesting employment termination behavior, we determine the expected term for our “plain vanilla” stock options using the simplified method, which is calculated as the midpoint of the stock option vesting term and the expiration date of the stock option.
Given that we do not have sufficient exercise history to develop reasonable expectations about future exercise patterns and post-vesting employment termination behavior, we determine the expected term for our “plain vanilla” stock options using the simplified method, which is calculated as the midpoint of the stock option vesting term and the expiration date of the stock option. Expected Volatility.
Other Income, Net Other income, net consists primarily of interest income recognized on cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, gains and losses from foreign currency exchange transactions, and realized gains and losses recognized on sales of available-for-sale debt securities. We have foreign currency exposure primarily related to personnel-related expenses that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S.
Other Income (Expense), Net Other income (expense), net consists primarily of interest income recognized on cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, gains and losses from foreign currency exchange transactions, and realized gains and losses recognized on sales of available-for-sale debt securities. We have foreign currency exposure primarily related to personnel-related expenses that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S.
Under the income approach, 67 a Discounted Cash Flow, or DCF, model was used, where net cash flows attributable to our business and an assumed terminal value were discounted to present value using a discount rate, based on our estimated weighted average cost of capital that reflected the risks inherent in the cash flows.
Under the income approach, a Discounted Cash Flow, or DCF, model was used, where net cash flows attributable to our business and an assumed terminal value were discounted to present value using a discount rate, based on our estimated weighted average cost of capital that reflected the risks inherent in the cash flows.
For the alternative exit scenario, an OPM with an appropriate time to liquidity was used to estimate the fair value of the share classes assuming the near-term liquidity scenario does not occur, with the resulting share values under each scenario weighted by management’s estimate of their respective probabilities. We also applied a discount for lack of marketability.
For the alternative exit scenario, an OPM with an appropriate time to liquidity was used to estimate the fair value of the share classes assuming the near-term liquidity scenario does not occur, with the resulting share values under each scenario weighted by 69 management’s estimate of their respective probabilities. We also applied a discount for lack of marketability.
Our Net Leverage Ratio is defined as total debt less total cash and permitted investments outstanding at period end, with a maximum total cash and permitted investments adjustment of $550.0 million, divided by the trailing 12 months of earnings, adjusted for items such as non-cash expenses and other nonrecurring transactions.
Our Net Leverage Ratio is defined as total debt less total cash and permitted investments outstanding at period end, with a maximum total cash and permitted investments adjustment of $550.0 million, divided by the trailing 12 months of earnings, adjusted for items such as non-cash 62 expenses and other nonrecurring transactions.
As the satisfaction of the performance condition was not probable for accounting purposes prior to the waiver, the waiver of the liquidity event-based performance condition 68 resulted in the remeasurement of the modified awards at fair value on the date of the waiver, which management estimated to be $25.04 per share or approximately $172.6 million.
As the satisfaction of the performance condition was not probable for accounting purposes prior to the waiver, the waiver of the liquidity event-based performance condition resulted in the remeasurement of the modified awards at fair value on the date of the waiver, which management estimated to be $25.04 per share or approximately $172.6 million.
We determine revenue recognition through the following steps: • Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer • Identification of all performance obligations in the contract • Determination of the transaction price • Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract • Recognition of revenue when, or as, the performance obligation or obligations are satisfied 64 We identify enforceable revenue contracts when the terms are agreed to by the customer.
We determine revenue recognition through the following steps: • Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer • Identification of all performance obligations in the contract • Determination of the transaction price • Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract • Recognition of revenue when, or as, the performance obligation or obligations are satisfied We identify enforceable revenue contracts when the terms are agreed to by the customer.
Our primary objectives in investing our excess cash reserves are to preserve capital, provide sufficient liquidity to satisfy both operational cash flow 69 requirements and potential strategic investment opportunities, and to obtain a reasonable or market rate of return on investments.
Our primary objectives in investing our excess cash reserves are to preserve capital, provide sufficient liquidity to satisfy both operational cash flow requirements and potential strategic investment opportunities, and to obtain a reasonable or market rate of return on investments.
If neither condition is met, we evaluate whether the decline is the result of credit-related factors, in which case we record the credit-related portion of the impairment loss through other income, net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations, and record the non-credit-related portion of the impairment loss, net of tax, through other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
If neither condition is met, we evaluate whether the decline is the result of credit-related factors, in which case we record the credit-related portion of the impairment loss through other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations, and record the non-credit-related portion of the impairment loss, net of tax, through other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
We determine any realized gains and losses on the sale of our available-for-sale debt securities using a specific identification method, and we record such gains and losses through other income, net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
We determine any realized gains and losses on the sale of our available-for-sale debt securities using a specific identification method, and we record such gains and losses through other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The sales allowance is estimated by considering historical results and trends and is accounted for as a reduction to revenue or deferred revenue for contracts where payments are received upfront and revenue is recognized over time.
The sales allowance is 67 estimated by considering historical results and trends, and is accounted for as a reduction to revenue or deferred revenue for contracts where payments are received upfront and revenue is recognized over time.
Provided that Ian Siegel continues to be the CEO of ZipRecruiter, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period, regardless of whether the stock price targets are achieved.
Provided that Ian Siegel continues to be the CEO of ZipRecruiter, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period, regardless of whether the stock 70 price targets are achieved.
For more information on the senior unsecured notes, please see Note 8 – Debt to the audited financial statements included in this report. Share Repurchase Program During the year ended December 31, 2022, our board of directors authorized us to repurchase up to $450.0 million of our outstanding common stock, with no fixed expiration.
For more information on the senior unsecured notes, please see Note 9 – Debt to the audited financial statements included in this report. Share Repurchase Program During the year ended December 31, 2022, our board of directors authorized us to repurchase up to $450.0 million of our outstanding common stock, with no fixed expiration.
If either condition is met, we record an impairment loss on the security through other income, net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
If either condition is met, we record an impairment loss on the security through other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Investments We maintain an investment portfolio of primarily highly rated debt securities and money market mutual funds to manage our excess cash reserves.
Investments We maintain an investment portfolio of highly rated debt securities and money market mutual funds to manage our excess cash reserves.
We classify and account for our debt securities as available-for-sale, and we carry such securities at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported net of tax as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the security is sold or matures.
We classify and account for our debt securities as available-for-sale, and we carry such securities at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported net of tax as a separate component of 71 stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the security is sold or matures.
Historically, we have largely focused our marketing spend on employers, and despite being the highest rated job seeker app on iOS and Android 3 , we are not yet the most well-known. Starting in 2021 and continuing in 2022, we have made significant investments in media campaigns focused on job seeker acquisition and engagement.
Historically, we have largely focused our marketing spend on employers, and despite being the highest rated job seeker app on iOS and Android, we are not yet the most well-known. Starting in 2021 and continuing in 2022 and 2023, we have made significant investments in media campaigns focused on job seeker acquisition and engagement.
Revenue from job posting enhancements is recognized as the customer uses the enhancement on their job postings. Unused prepaid job enhancements are not refundable, and we recognize revenue for the estimated portion of prepaid job enhancements that are expected to expire unused, or breakage, based on estimates considering historical breakage levels for upsell plans.
Revenue from job posting enhancements is recognized as the customer uses the enhancement on their job postings. Unused prepaid job posting enhancements are not refundable, and we recognize revenue for the estimated portion of prepaid job posting enhancements that are expected to expire unused, or breakage, based on estimates considering historical breakage levels for upsell services.
We have financed our operations and capital expenditures primarily through cash generated from operations, sales of shares of common and preferred stock and from our senior unsecured notes, bank loans, and convertible notes. As of December 31, 2022, we had no amounts outstanding under our credit facility.
We have financed our operations and capital expenditures primarily through cash generated from operations, sales of shares of common and preferred stock and from our senior unsecured notes, bank loans, and convertible notes. As of December 31, 2023, we had no amounts outstanding under our credit facility.
This group of employers excluded from our Paid Employer count does not contribute a significant amount of revenue. In the last quarter of the year ended December 31, 2022, Quarterly Paid Employers decreased when compared to the prior-year period.
This group of employers excluded from our Paid Employer count does not contribute a significant amount of revenue. In the last quarter of the year ended December 31, 2023, Quarterly Paid Employers decreased when compared to the prior-year period.
Dollar, principally the Canadian Dollar, British Pound and the Israeli New Shekel. Other income (expense) also includes sublease income which consists of income earned from noncancellable sublease agreements related to two of our office facilities. Income Tax Expense (Benefit) We are subject to federal and state income taxes in the United States, as well as several international jurisdictions.
Dollar, principally the Canadian Dollar, British Pound and the Israeli New Shekel. Other income (expense), net also includes sublease income which consists of income earned from noncancellable sublease agreements related to some of our office facilities. Income Tax Expense (Benefit) We are subject to federal and state income taxes in the United States, as well as several international jurisdictions.
These investments are included within cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For more information, see Note 10 – Financial Instruments to the audited financial statements included in this report.
These investments are included within cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For more information, see Note 11 – Financial Instruments to the audited financial statements included in this report.
We expect to continue to invest in corporate infrastructure and incur additional expenses associated with operating as a public company, including expenses related to compliance and reporting obligations 55 pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, and higher expenses for investor relations costs, professional services, and director and officer insurance.
We expect to continue to invest in corporate infrastructure and incur additional expenses associated with operating as a public company, including expenses related to compliance and reporting obligations 57 pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, and higher expenses for investor relations costs, professional services, and director and officer liability insurance.
Obligations and Other Commitments See Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies to the audited financial statements included in this report for our future minimum commitments related to certain software service agreements.
Obligations and Other Commitments See Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies to the audited financial statements included in this report for our future minimum commitments related to certain software service agreements.
We consider all of our investments as available for use in current operations, including those with maturity dates beyond one year, and therefore classify these securities within current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2022, we held $404.0 million in total investments, consisting of money market mutual funds and available-for-sale debt securities.
We consider all of our investments as available for use in current operations, including those with maturity dates beyond one year, and therefore classify these securities within current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2023, we held $283.0 million in total investments, consisting of money market mutual funds and available-for-sale debt securities.
Results of Operations A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 is presented below.
Results of Operations A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 is presented below.
Phil, our AI-powered personal recruiter, engages job seekers on their journey and provides technology that makes their job search and application process more efficient. Our ability to cost effectively grow the number of job seekers and increase their engagement in our marketplace is critical to strengthen our marketplace.
Phil, our AI-powered career advisor, engages job seekers on their journey and provides technology that makes their job search and application process more efficient. Our ability to cost effectively grow the number of job seekers and increase their engagement in our marketplace is critical to strengthen our marketplace.
For more information on the credit facility, please see Note 8 – Debt to the audited financial statements included in this report. We have no amounts outstanding under the credit facility and are in compliance with our debt covenants as of December 31, 2022.
For more information on the credit facility, please see Note 9 – Debt to the audited financial statements included in this report. We have no amounts outstanding under the credit facility and are in compliance with our debt covenants as of December 31, 2023.
If we had made different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense and our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 may have been significantly different.
If we had made different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense and our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 may have been significantly different.
Resume database plans are priced based on how many resumes the customer would like to view in a month and may be purchased independent of, or in addition to, a job posting plan. Resume database plans are billed in advance of the subscription period, which typically ranges from one to twelve months.
Resume database plans are priced based on how many resumes the customer would like to view in a month and may be purchased independent of, or in addition to, a job posting plan. Resume database plans are billed in advance of the subscription period, which typically ranges from one to twelve months. Revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription period.
We allocate a portion of overhead costs, such as rent, IT costs, supplies, and depreciation and amortization, to sales and marketing expense based on headcount.
We allocate a portion of overhead costs, such as rent, IT costs, supplies, and depreciation and amortization, to sales and marketing expense based on headcount. Sales and marketing costs are expensed as incurred.
Customers that use performance-based revenue plans are typically companies with consistent hiring needs and sophisticated recruitment campaigns where they manage incoming applications and job postings on their own ATSs.
Customers that use performance-based revenue plans are typically companies with consistent hiring needs and sophisticated recruitment campaigns where they manage incoming applications and job postings on their own applicant tracking systems.
Although we incurred a current year pretax profit and maintain a recent history of cumulative earnings, during the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a valuation allowance of $12.7 million against the deferred tax asset associated with carried forward California Research and Development Credits as we believe that it is more likely than not that we will not generate sufficient California sourced taxable income in future years to utilize that deferred tax asset.
Although we incurred a current year pretax profit and maintain a recent history of cumulative earnings, during the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded an incremental valuation allowance of $2.3 million against the deferred tax asset associated with carried forward California Research and Development Credits as we believe that it is more likely than not that we will not generate sufficient California sourced taxable income in future years to utilize that deferred tax asset.
Given that our marketplace remains free for job seekers, employers’ spending funds our continued investment in matching technology. The majority of our marketing efforts to date have been toward reaching employers. Our investment in employer-specific marketing has driven a significant increase in brand awareness. Our aided brand awareness among employers has grown to over 80% in 2022.
Given that our marketplace remains free for job seekers, employers’ spending funds our continued investment in matching technology. The majority of our marketing efforts to date have been toward reaching employers. Our investment in employer-specific marketing has driven a significant increase in brand awareness.
The amount available under the credit facility is reduced by letters of credit outstanding, which totaled $5.4 million as of December 31, 2022. The letters of credit outstanding relate to various leased office spaces.
The amount available under the credit facility is reduced by letters of credit outstanding, which totaled $4.3 million as of December 31, 2023. The letters of credit outstanding relate to various leased office spaces.
We determined the expected volatility assumption using the frequency of daily 66 historical prices of comparable public company common stock for a period equal to the expected term of the option. We periodically assess the comparable companies and other relevant factors used to measure expected volatility for stock option grants. Risk-free Rate.
We determined the expected volatility assumption using the frequency of daily historical prices of comparable public company common stock for a period equal to the expected term of the option. We assess the comparable companies and other relevant factors used to measure expected volatility for stock option grants on an as-needed basis. Risk-free Rate.
We believe our offering to job seekers compares favorably versus alternatives due to the combination of our large and unique set of jobs to choose from, plus our proven matching technology that continues to get smarter over time. In 2022 alone we engaged with over 42 million Active Job Seekers.
We believe our offering to job seekers compares favorably versus alternatives due to the combination of our large and unique set of jobs to choose from, plus our proven matching technology that continues to get smarter over time.
We have invested in research and development to improve our matching technology and deliver a high-quality experience to employers and job seekers. In 2022 and 2021, we spent $127.7 million and $110.5 million, or 14% and 15% of total revenue, respectively, on research and development.
We have invested in research and development to improve our matching technology and deliver a high-quality experience to employers and job seekers. In 2023 and 2022, we spent $141.8 million and $127.7 million, or 22% and 14% of total revenue, respectively, on research and development.
Revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription period. 65 Performance-based Revenue Performance-based revenue consists of customers who pay on a per click by job applicant or per job application basis for the job postings customers wish to distribute through our software.
Performance-based Revenue Performance-based revenue consists of customers who pay on a per click by job applicant or per job application basis for the job postings they wish to distribute through our software.
The final settlement occurred in February 2023. Approximately $110.7 million remains available for future repurchases of our Class A common stock under our share repurchase program as of December 31, 2022. For more information, see Note 13 – Share Repurchase Program to the audited financial statements included in this report.
Approximately $63.4 million remains available for future repurchases of our Class A common stock under our share repurchase program as of December 31, 2023. For more information, see Note 14 – Share Repurchase Program to the audited financial statements included in this report.
The record-setting levels of hiring activity we saw throughout the first half of 2022 started to show signs of softening near the end of June 2022.
The record-setting levels of hiring activity we saw throughout the first half of 2022 started to show signs of softening near the end of June 2022 and proceeded to slow down significantly during the latter half of 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, cash used in investing activities was $13.3 million resulting from capitalized software development costs of $7.3 million and capital expenditures of $6.1 million primarily related to leasehold improvements for one of our operating leases. 63 Financing Activities For the year ended December 31, 2022, cash provided by financing activities was $195.1 million which consisted of $550.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of our senior unsecured notes, $8.1 million of proceeds from the issuance of stock under the employee stock purchase plan, and $4.7 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options, partially offset by $339.3 million for the repurchase of common stock, $19.2 million for the net settlement of taxes on RSUs, and $9.4 million for the payment of the issuance costs related to the issuance of our senior unsecured notes.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, cash provided by financing activities was $195.1 million which consisted of $550.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of our senior unsecured notes, $8.1 million of proceeds from the issuance of stock under the employee stock purchase plan, and $4.7 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options, partially offset by $339.3 million for the repurchase of common stock, $19.2 million for the net settlement of taxes on RSUs, and $9.4 million for the payment of the issuance costs related to the issuance of our senior unsecured notes.
For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA, an explanation of our management’s use of this measure and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA, see the section titled “Key Operating Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” 48 KEY OPERATING METRICS AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES In addition to the measures presented in our consolidated financial statements, we use the following key operating metrics and non-GAAP financial measures to identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans, and make strategic decisions: March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2022 June 30, 2022 September 30, 2022 December 31, 2022 Quarterly Paid Employers 114,705 169,191 169,535 147,081 150,233 156,537 135,703 108,296 Revenue per Paid Employer $1,093 $1,081 $1,254 $1,497 $ 1,513 $1,533 $1,673 $1,944 Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 (in thousands, except percentages) Adjusted EBITDA $ 184,866 $ 108,329 Adjusted EBITDA margin 20 % 15 % Quarterly Paid Employers We quantify the revenue-generating customer base as the number of Paid Employers in our marketplace.
For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA, an explanation of our management’s use of this measure and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA, see the section titled “Key Operating Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” 50 KEY OPERATING METRICS AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES In addition to the measures presented in our consolidated financial statements, we use the following key operating metrics and non-GAAP financial measures to identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans, and make strategic decisions: March 31, 2022 June 30, 2022 September 30, 2022 December 31, 2022 March 31, 2023 June 30, 2023 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2023 Quarterly Paid Employers 150,233 156,537 135,703 108,296 105,948 101,634 89,668 70,712 Revenue per Paid Employer $ 1,513 $1,533 $1,673 $1,944 $1,734 $1,677 $1,736 $1,922 Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (in thousands, except percentages) Adjusted EBITDA $ 175,296 $ 184,866 Adjusted EBITDA margin 27 % 20 % Quarterly Paid Employers We quantify the revenue-generating customer base as the number of Paid Employers in our marketplace.
If the stock price targets are met sooner than the derived service period, we will accelerate the recognition of stock-based compensation expense to reflect the cumulative expense associated with the vested shares. Income Taxes We account for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes .
If the stock price targets are met sooner than the derived service period, we will accelerate the recognition of stock-based compensation expense to reflect the cumulative expense associated with the vested shares.
Liquidity and Capital Resources As of December 31, 2022, we had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $570.4 million and $244.6 million available in unused borrowing capacity under our current credit facility.
Liquidity and Capital Resources As of December 31, 2023, we had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $520.1 million and $245.7 million available in unused borrowing capacity under our current credit facility.
In the last quarter of the year ended December 31, 2022, Revenue per Paid Employer increased by 30% when compared to the prior-year period.
In the last quarter of the year ended December 31, 2023, Revenue per Paid Employer decreased slightly when compared to the prior-year period.
Cash Flows The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 128,808 $ 144,136 Net cash used in investing activities (351,134) (13,336) Net cash provided by financing activities 195,085 9,282 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ (27,241) $ 140,082 Operating Activities The primary source of operating cash inflows is cash collected from our customers for our services.
Cash Flows The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 103,192 $ 128,808 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 106,736 (351,134) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (154,265) 195,085 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ 55,663 $ (27,241) Operating Activities The primary source of operating cash inflows is cash collected from our customers for our services.
This trend continued through the remainder of the year ended December 31, 2022, as the U.S. labor market continued to be impacted by supply chain disruptions, inflation, and rising interest rates which posed challenges for many businesses.
This trend continued throughout the year ended December 31, 2023, as the U.S. labor market continued to be impacted by high interest rates and high inflation, which posed challenges for many businesses.
We expect that sales and marketing expenses will increase on an absolute dollar basis and may vary from period to period as a percentage of revenue for the foreseeable future as we plan to continue to invest in sales and marketing to attract both employers and job seekers to our marketplace and to increase our brand awareness.
We expect that sales and marketing expenses will increase on an absolute dollar basis as we plan to continue to invest in sales and marketing to attract both employers and job seekers to our marketplace and to increase our brand awareness.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, cash provided by operating activities was $144.1 million resulting from our net income of $3.6 million, adjusted by non-cash charges of $109.2 million and a net increase of $31.4 million in our operating assets and liabilities.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, cash provided by operating activities was $103.2 million resulting from our net income of $49.1 million, adjusted by non-cash charges of $74.6 million and a net decrease of $20.5 million in our operating assets and liabilities.
The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 differed from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to the net favorable adjustments related to prior years and research and development tax credits, partially offset by state taxes, state valuation allowances on certain tax credit carryforwards, and non-deductible expenses including limitations on the amount of deductible officer compensation.
The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes, state valuation allowances on certain tax credit carryforwards, and non-deductible expenses such as limitations on the amount of deductible executive compensation partially offset by research and development tax credits and a reduction in our Israeli subsidiary’s statutory tax rate for years 2020 through 2023.
Customers may also access our software to review job applications and manage job postings. We recognize revenue from job posting plans ratably over the term of the agreement beginning on the date the subscription service is made available to the customer.
We recognize revenue from job posting plans ratably over the term of the agreement beginning on the date the subscription service is made available to the customer.
No expense is recognized for awards with performance conditions until the performance condition is probable of being met. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires us to make certain assumptions including: Fair Value of our Common Stock. See the section titled “Determination of the Fair Value of Common Stock on Grant Dates” below. Expected Term.
The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires us to make certain assumptions including: Fair Value of our Common Stock. See the section titled “Determination of the Fair Value of Common Stock on Grant Dates” below. Expected Term.
We have elected to treat stock-based awards with graded vesting schedules and time-based service conditions as a single award and recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period . For awards that contain both performance and service vesting conditions, the grant date fair value is recognized as compensation expense using a graded vesting attribution model.
We have elected to treat stock-based awards with graded vesting schedules and only time-based service conditions as a single award and recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period .
Customer contracts are typically subject to renewal at the end of the subscription term and are nonrefundable. Time-based job posting plans : Job posting plans provide customers access to cloud-based software services, where they may create job postings that are posted to our marketplace in addition to numerous other job sites or partner networks with job seeker communities.
Time-based job posting plans : Job posting plans provide customers access to cloud-based software services, where they may create job postings that are posted to our marketplace in addition to numerous 66 other job sites or partner networks with job seeker communities. Customers may also access our software to review job applications and manage job postings.
The CEO Performance Award also contains an implied performance-based vesting condition as the CEO’s ability to earn the award was contingent upon the completion of the Direct Listing. Accordingly, no expense was recognized prior to the completion of our Direct Listing on May 26, 2021, as vesting was not considered probable for accounting purposes until the Direct Listing occurred.
Accordingly, no expense was recognized prior to the completion of our Direct Listing on May 26, 2021, as vesting was not considered probable for accounting purposes until the Direct Listing occurred.
We bring employers and job seekers together using industry-leading matching technology. This technology benefits from the billions of data points we gather as job seekers and 51 employers interact, leading to better matches over time. As a result of our advancements with matching, we delivered over 30 million Great Match candidates in 2022.
We bring employers and job seekers together using industry-leading matching 53 technology. This technology benefits from the billions of data points we gather as job seekers and employers interact, leading to better matches over time.
The credit facility has a maturity date of April 30, 2026 and bears interest at a rate based upon our Net Leverage Ratio.
Credit Facility In April 2021, we entered into a $250.0 million credit facility agreement with a syndicate of banks. The credit facility has a maturity date of April 30, 2026 and bears interest at a rate based upon our Net Leverage Ratio.
As a result, we now follow the timeline required for adopting new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies. , Recent Accounting Pronouncements See Note 2 – Basis of Presentation, Principles of Consolidation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the audited financial statements included in this report for more information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements See Note 2 – Basis of Presentation, Principles of Consolidation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the audited financial statements included in this report for more information.
Investments During the third quarter of 2022, we began investing primarily in highly rated debt securities and money market mutual funds to manage our excess cash reserves.
Investments During the year ended December 31, 2023, we continued investing in highly rated debt securities and money market mutual funds to manage our excess cash reserves.
Total gross margins were 90% and 89% in the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and this improvement reflected our continued commitment to operational efficiencies and maintaining costs proportionate to revenue growth.
Total gross margins remained flat at 90% in the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, reflecting our continued commitment to operational efficiencies and maintaining costs proportionate to revenue.
Stock-Based Compensation Compensation expense related to stock-based awards is measured and recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value of the awards granted. The fair value of each option award and employee stock purchase right associated with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
The fair value of restricted stock units, or RSUs, is estimated based on the fair value of our common stock. The fair value of each option award and employee stock purchase right associated with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, our revenue was $904.6 million and we generated net income of $61.5 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $184.9 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, our revenue was $741.1 million and we generated net income of $3.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $108.3 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, our revenue was $904.6 million and we generated net income of $61.5 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $184.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure not presented in accordance with GAAP.
We expect that these expenses will continue to be our largest operating expense category for the foreseeable future as we continue to expand on our sales and marketing efforts. We measure the expected returns of specific sales and marketing initiatives and adjust spend levels up or down accordingly.
We expect that these expenses will continue to be our largest operating expense category for the foreseeable future as we continue to expand on our sales and marketing efforts over time.
Stock-based Compensation for Awards with a Market Condition In April 2021, we granted an RSU award (the “CEO Performance Award”), which included service, market, and performance-based vesting conditions. The fair value of the award is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The associated stock-based compensation expense is recorded over the requisite service period, using a graded attribution method.
Stock-based Compensation for Awards with a Market Condition In April 2021, we granted an RSU award to Ian Siegel, our Chief Executive Officer, or the CEO, and such award, the CEO Performance Award, which included service, market, and performance-based vesting conditions. The fair value of the award is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model.
Through December 31, 2022, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated organizations or financial partnerships, such as structured finance or special purpose entities that have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
Through December 31, 2023, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated organizations or financial partnerships, such as structured finance or special purpose entities that have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. 65 Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Critical accounting policies and estimates are both the most important to the portrayal of our net assets and results of operations and require difficult, subjective, or complex judgments.
We believe the return on these investments will create operating leverage over time while continuing to drive top-line growth. Seasonality Our business is seasonal, reflecting typical behavior in hiring markets. Hiring activity tends to decelerate in the fourth quarter. In 2019, for example, sequential revenue growth was 13% and 4% for the quarters ended June 30 and September 30, respectively.
We believe the return on these investments will create operating leverage over time while continuing to drive top-line growth. Seasonality Our business is seasonal, reflecting typical behavior in hiring markets. Hiring activity tends to decelerate in the fourth quarter. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the patterns we typically see in our quarterly seasonality.
Our automated recruiter curates jobs and proactively sends alerts for new opportunities where they are a Great Match, which is a designation assigned by ZipRecruiter’s technology to indicate a high potential fit between a job seeker and a job. As our matching technology learns more about job seekers’ preferences and attributes, our technology offers increasingly higher quality matches.
Our artificial intelligence-powered career advisor, Phil, curates jobs and proactively sends alerts for new opportunities where they are a Great Match, which is a designation assigned by ZipRecruiter’s technology to indicate a high potential fit between a job seeker and a job.
Sales and Marketing Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 $ Change % Change (in thousands, except percentages) Sales and marketing $ 484,429 $ 410,665 $ 73,764 18 % Percentage of revenue 54 % 55 % Sales and marketing expenses grew $73.8 million, or 18%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Sales and Marketing Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 $ Change % Change (in thousands, except percentages) Sales and marketing $ 265,253 $ 484,429 $ (219,176) (45) % Percentage of revenue 41 % 54 % Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $219.2 million, or 45%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
General and administrative expense also consists of non-recurring costs as part of our transition to a publicly traded company and includes fees paid to our financial advisors in connection with our Direct Listing. In addition, we allocate a portion of overhead costs, such as rent, IT costs, supplies, and depreciation and amortization, to general and administrative expense based on headcount.
In addition, we allocate a portion of overhead costs, such as rent, IT costs, supplies, and depreciation and amortization, to general and administrative expense based on headcount.
Average Monthly Revenue per Paid Employer by Employer Cohort Start Year Satisfied employers continue to expand their relationship with us in terms of additional jobs and tenure in our marketplace. Those with recurring hiring needs remain active in our marketplace over time and tend to increase their spend each year, posting additional jobs and purchasing job enhancement products.
Those with recurring hiring needs remain active in our marketplace over time and tend to increase their spend each year, posting additional jobs and purchasing job enhancement products. Despite the impact on employer hiring demand, our cohort trends remained intact: employers across annual cohorts continue to spend more over time.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 $ Change % Change (in thousands, except percentages) Cost of revenue $ 86,298 $ 79,614 $ 6,684 8 % Gross margin 90 % 89 % Cost of revenue increased $6.7 million, or 8%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily driven by an increase of $3.7 million in credit card processing fees due to the increase in revenue.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 $ Change % Change (in thousands, except percentages) Cost of revenue $ 64,309 $ 86,298 $ (21,989) (25) % Gross margin 90 % 90 % Cost of revenue decreased by $22.0 million, or 25%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to a decrease of $9.3 million in job distribution costs from performance-based revenue, a decrease of $5.8 million in credit card processing fees, and a decrease of $5.7 million in partner revenue share.
The non-cash charges primarily resulted from $107.3 million for stock-based compensation expense, $9.5 million pertaining to amortization of intangible assets and depreciation, and $5.4 million pertaining to non-cash lease expense, partially offset by $14.9 million related to the change in our deferred tax assets primarily driven by current year pretax losses and the tax related impact of stock-based compensation.
The non-cash charges primarily resulted from $84.2 million for stock-based compensation expense, $11.6 million pertaining to amortization of intangible assets and depreciation, and $4.2 million pertaining to non-cash lease expense, partially offset by $18.4 million related to the change in our deferred tax assets driven by an increase to our current year 64 capitalization of software and research costs from a tax perspective partially offset by a decrease in our operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, net of valuation allowances, and $11.3 million in amortization and accretion of marketable securities.
During the year ended 61 December 31, 2022, and prior to entering into a new accelerated share repurchase agreement in December 2022, or December ASR, we repurchased 16.0 million shares of our Class A common stock for $289.3 million under our share repurchase program, including 5.1 million shares of our Class A common stock delivered under the completed accelerated share repurchase agreements entered into in March and June 2022, totaling $100.0 million, 7.9 million shares of our Class A common stock delivered under a Rule 10b5-1 plan totaling $137.7 million, and 3.0 million shares of our Class A common stock totaling $51.6 million through open market purchases.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased 9.6 million shares of our Class A common stock for $147.3 million under our share repurchase program, including 6.9 million shares of our Class A common stock delivered under a Rule 10b5-1 plan totaling $110.7 million, 2.6 million shares of our Class A common stock purchased in the open market totaling $36.6 million, and 0.1 million shares of our Class A common 63 stock delivered upon the final settlement of an accelerated share repurchase agreement that we entered into in December 2022 with a major financial institution for which the payment was made in December 2022.
The requisite service period is the longer of the service period derived from the Monte Carlo simulation model and the explicit service period the CEO is required to remain employed to vest in the award. The market condition is satisfied upon achieving certain stock price targets for a period following the completion of our Direct Listing.
The associated stock-based compensation expense is recorded over the requisite service period, using a graded attribution method. The requisite service period is the longer of the service period derived from the Monte Carlo simulation model and the explicit service period the CEO is required to remain employed to vest in the award.