Biggest changeFor the Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (in thousands) Revenue $ 376,815 $ 307,675 Cost of revenue (1) 65,477 52,327 Gross profit 311,338 255,348 Operating expenses Sales and marketing (1) 144,340 126,871 Research and development (1) 80,080 57,442 General and administrative (1) 78,610 77,410 Exit Costs — 1,292 Total operating expenses 303,030 263,015 Income (loss) from operations 8,308 (7,667) Other income, net 12,094 12,313 Income before income taxes 20,402 4,646 Provision for income taxes 13,027 3,696 Net income 7,375 950 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries (861) — Net income attributable to Semrush Holdings, Inc. $ 8,236 $ 950 (1) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows: For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 239 $ 130 Sales and marketing 4,742 3,077 Research and development 5,906 2,213 General and administrative 17,112 9,917 Total stock-based compensation $ 27,999 $ 15,337 59 The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data expressed as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated (amounts may not sum due to rounding): For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Revenue 100 % 100 % Cost of revenue 17 % 17 % Gross profit 83 % 83 % Operating expenses Sales and marketing 38 % 41 % Research and development 21 % 19 % General and administrative 21 % 25 % Exit Costs — % — % Total operating expenses 80 % 85 % Income (loss) from operations 3 % (2) % Other income, net 3 % 4 % Income before income taxes 6 % 2 % Provision for income taxes 3 % 1 % Net income 3 % 1 % Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — % — % Net income attributable to Semrush Holdings, Inc. 3 % 1 % Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 Revenue O ur revenue during the years end ed December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows: For the Year Ended December 31, Change 2024 2023 Amount % (dollars in thousands) Revenue $ 376,815 307,675 $ 69,140 22 % For the year ended December 31, 2024, revenue increased by $69.1 million.
Biggest changeYear Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (in thousands) Revenue $ 443,644 $ 376,815 Cost of revenue (1) 86,308 65,477 Gross profit 357,336 311,338 Operating expenses Sales and marketing (1) 176,593 144,340 Research and development (1) 97,170 80,080 General and administrative (1) 106,385 78,610 Total operating expenses 380,148 303,030 (Loss) income from operations (22,812) 8,308 Other income, net 12,710 12,094 (Loss) income before income taxes (10,102) 20,402 Provision for income taxes 9,395 13,027 Net (loss) income (19,497) 7,375 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries (540) (861) Net (loss) income attributable to Semrush Holdings, Inc. $ (18,957) $ 8,236 (1) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 406 $ 239 Sales and marketing 7,425 4,742 Research and development 14,764 5,906 General and administrative 30,030 17,112 Total stock-based compensation $ 52,625 $ 27,999 67 The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data expressed as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated (amounts may not sum due to rounding): Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Revenue 100 % 100 % Cost of revenue 19 % 17 % Gross profit 81 % 83 % Operating expenses Sales and marketing 40 % 38 % Research and development 22 % 21 % General and administrative 24 % 21 % Total operating expenses 86 % 80 % (Loss) income from operations (5) % 3 % Other income, net 3 % 3 % (Loss) income before income taxes (2) % 6 % Provision for income taxes 2 % 3 % Net (loss) income (4) % 3 % Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — % — % Net (loss) income attributable to Semrush Holdings, Inc.
Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $58.2 million, which resulted from $151.2 million used to purchase short-term investments, $25.9 million used in cash paid for acquisition of assets and businesses, net of cash acquired, $7.9 million in capitalization of internal-use software costs, $7.8 million used in funding of investment loan receivables, $5.4 million used for the purchasing of noncontrolling interest shares, and $3.8 million used in purchases of property and equipment.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $58.2 million, which resulted from $151.2 million used to purchase short-term investments, $25.9 million used in cash paid for acquisition of assets and businesses, net of cash acquired, $7.9 million in capitalization of internal-use software costs, $7.8 million used in funding of investment loan receivables, $5.4 million used for the purchasing of noncontrolling interest shares, and $3.8 million used in purchases of property and 71 equipment.
In addition to these expenses, we incur third-party service provider costs, 56 such as data center and networking expenses, data acquisition costs, allocated overhead costs, depreciation and amortization expense associated with our property and equipment, and amortization of capitalized software development costs and intangible assets acquired through business combinations and asset acquisitions.
In addition to these expenses, we incur third-party service provider costs, such as data center and networking expenses, data acquisition costs, allocated overhead costs, depreciation and amortization expense associated with our property and equipment, and amortization of capitalized software development costs and intangible assets acquired through business combinations and asset acquisitions.
Our general and administrative expenses also include professional fees for external legal, accounting, and other consulting services, insurance, depreciation and amortization expense, as well as allocated overhead. We expect to increase the size of our general and administrative functions to support the growth of our business.
Our general and administrative expenses also include professional fees for external legal, accounting, and other consulting services, 65 insurance, depreciation and amortization expense, as well as allocated overhead. We expect to increase the size of our general and administrative functions to support the growth of our business.
Our subscription arrangements provide customers the right to access our hosted software 64 applications and customers do not have the right to take possession of our software during the hosting arrangement. We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”).
Our subscription arrangements provide customers the right to access our hosted software applications and customers do not have the right to take possession of our software during the hosting arrangement. We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”).
These expenses are comprised of personnel and related costs, including salaries, benefits, incentive compensation, and stock-based compensation expense related to the management of our data centers, our customer support team, and our customer success team.
These expenses are comprised of personnel and related costs, including salaries, benefits, incentive 64 compensation, and stock-based compensation expense related to the management of our data centers, our customer support team, and our customer success team.
This cash is held in deposits and money market funds. 62 We believe our existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, will be sufficient to meet our operating and capital needs for at least the next 12 months. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including those set forth under Item 1A. Risk Factors.
This cash is held in deposits and money market funds. 70 We believe our existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, will be sufficient to meet our operating and capital needs for at least the next 12 months. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including those set forth under Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We recommend that you review the reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, and the reconciliation of free cash flow margin to net cash provided by operating activities (as a percentage of 55 revenue), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, and that you not rely on free cash flow, free cash flow margin or any single financial measure to evaluate our business.
We recommend that you review the reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, and the reconciliation of free cash flow margin to net cash provided by operating activities (as a percentage of 63 revenue), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, and that you not rely on free cash flow, free cash flow margin or any single financial measure to evaluate our business.
We expect our cost of revenue to increase in absolute dollars due to expenditures related to the purchase of hardware, data, expansion, and support of our data center operations and customer support/success teams. We have seen improvement in our cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue, and expect it to remain near current levels.
We expect our cost of revenue to increase in absolute dollars due to expenditures related to the purchase of hardware, data, expansion, and support of our data center operations and customer support/success teams. We have seen improvement in our cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue as revenue has increased, and expect it to remain near current levels.
Discussions of 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022 have been omitted from this Annual Report but can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on March 7, 2024.
Discussions of 2023 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023 have been omitted from this Annual Report but can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025.
Our subscriptions are generally non-cancellable during the contractual subscription term, however some of our subscription contracts contain a right to a refund if requested within seven days of purchase. Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue primarily consists of expenses related to hosting our platform and products, acquiring data, merchant account fees, and providing support to our customers.
Our subscriptions are generally non-cancellable during the contractual subscription term, however some of our subscription contracts contain a right to a refund if requested within seven days of purchase. Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue primarily consists of expenses related to hosting our platform and products, acquiring data, AI inferencing costs, merchant account fees, and providing support to our customers.
We expect to continue to incur additional expenses as a result of operating as a public company, including costs to 57 comply with rules and regulations applicable to companies listed on a U.S. securities exchange, costs related to compliance and reporting obligations pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, increases in insurance premiums, investor relations, and professional services.
We expect to continue to incur additional expenses as a result of the proposed Merger, operating as a public company, including costs to comply with rules and regulations applicable to companies listed on a U.S. securities exchange, costs related to compliance and reporting obligations pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, increases in insurance premiums, investor relations, and professional services.
We have elected the fair value option in respect to the accounting for our convertible debt security and investment receivable investments, allowing for increases and decreases in the fair value of such investments to be recorded to other income, net for each reporting period. Interest expense is related to interest associated with outstanding finance leases.
We have elected the fair value option in respect to the accounting for our convertible debt securities and investment loan receivable investments, allowing for increases and decreases in the fair value of such investments to be recorded to other income, net for each reporting period. Interest expense is related to interest associated with outstanding finance leases.
We plan to increase the dollar amount of our investment in research and development for the foreseeable future as we focus on developing new products, features, and enhancements to our platform.
We plan to increase the dollar amount of our investment in research and development for the foreseeable future as we focus on developing new AI-specific products, features, and enhancements to our platform.
This section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K discusses 2024 and 2023 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023.
This section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K discusses 2025 and 2024 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2025 and 2024.
Our recurring subscription model provides significant visibility into our future results and we believe Annual Recurring Revenue (“ARR”) is the best indicator of the scale of our platform and products, while mitigating fluctuations due to seasonality and contract term.
Our recurring subscription model provides significant visibility into our future results and we believe ARR is the best indicator of the scale of our platform and products, while mitigating fluctuations due to seasonality and contract term.
New sales personnel require training and may take several months or more to achieve productivity; as such, the costs we incur in connection with the hiring of new sales personnel in a given period are not typically offset by increased revenue in that period and may not result in new revenue if these sales personnel fail to become productive.
New sales personnel, including our recent investments in Enterprise sales staff, require training and may take several months or more to achieve productivity; as such, the costs we incur in connection with the hiring of new sales personnel in a given period are not typically offset by increased revenue in that period and may not result in new revenue if these sales personnel fail to become productive.
The period-to-period comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results. Company Overview We are a leading online visibility management SaaS platform, enabling companies globally to identify and reach the right audience in the right context and through the right channels.
The period-to-period comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results. Company Overview We are a leading online visibility management SaaS platform. We enable companies globally to identify and reach the right audience for their content, in the right context, and through the right channels.
These factors include: Acquiring New Paying Customers We expect increasing demand for third-party online visibility software to accelerate adoption of our platform and products.
These factors include: Acquiring New Paying Customers We expect increasing demand for third-party online visibility software, particularly enterprise and artificial intelligence solutions, to accelerate adoption of our platform and products.
We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 2 “Summary to Significant Accounting Policies” to the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following accounting policies involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity.
Our actual results may differ from these estimates. 72 We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 2 “Summary to Significant Accounting Policies” to the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following accounting policies involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity.
These cash outflows were partially offset by $241.6 million in proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments. 63 Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $1.9 million and consisted of $4.1 million in proceeds related to the exercises of stock options; partially offset by $1.6 million in repayment of acquired debt and $0.6 million of cash outflows relating to payments on finance leases.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $1.9 million and consisted of $4.1 million in proceeds related to the exercises of stock options; partially offset by $1.6 million in repayment of acquired debt and $0.6 million of cash outflows relating to payments on finance leases.
Since our founding in 2008, we have achieved a number of significant milestones, including: • 2010: Surpassed 1,000 customers. • 2015: Surpassed 10,000 customers. • 2016: Launched Semrush Brand and Content Marketing tools. • 2017: Completed our first round of financing and introduced collaboration features, including the ability to add users and share projects and received U.S. and UK search awards for the “Best SEO Software Suite”. • 2018: Completed another round of financing led by Greycroft and e.ventures; surpassed $70 million in ARR; and launched Semrush Local and Semrush Intelligence. • 2019: Surpassed 50,000 customers and $100 million in ARR. • 2020: Received multiple awards, including “Best SEO Software Suite” and “Best Search Software Tool” according to the European Search Awards, our headcount grew to more than 900 employees globally. • 2021 : Completed our IPO and the Follow-On Offering and surpassed $200 million in ARR. • 2022 : Launched our first AI product powered by ChatGPT 1.0. • 2023 : Surpassed $300 million in ARR, 100,000 paying customers, and 1,000,000 active free customers. • 2024 : Surpassed $400 million in ARR and launched the general availability of the Enterprise SEO solution. 51 Key Factors Affecting Our Performance We regularly review a number of factors that have impacted, and we believe will continue to impact, our results of operations and growth.
Since our founding in 2008, we have achieved a number of significant milestones, including: • 2010: Surpassed 1,000 customers. • 2015: Surpassed 10,000 customers. • 2016: Launched Semrush Brand and Content Marketing tools. • 2017: Completed our first round of financing and introduced collaboration features, including the ability to add users and share projects and received U.S. and UK search awards for the “Best SEO Software Suite”. • 2018: Completed another round of financing led by Greycroft and e.ventures; surpassed $70 million in ARR; and launched Semrush Local and Semrush Intelligence. • 2019: Surpassed 50,000 customers and $100 million in ARR. • 2020: Received multiple awards, including “Best SEO Software Suite” and “Best Search Software Tool” according to the European Search Awards, our headcount grew to more than 900 employees globally. • 2021 : Completed our IPO and the Follow-On Offering and surpassed $200 million in ARR. • 2022 : Launched our first AI product powered by ChatGPT 1.0. 57 • 2023 : Surpassed $300 million in ARR, 100,000 paying customers, and 1,000,000 active free customers. • 2024 : Surpassed $400 million in ARR and launched the general availability of the Enterprise SEO solution. • 2025 : Surpassed $460 million in ARR and launched an expanded suite of generative AI products including the AI Visibility Toolkit and Enterprise AIO.
Liquidity and Capital Resources As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $48.9 million, short-term investments of $186.7 million and accounts receivable of $9.0 million. Our principal uses of cash in recent periods have been to fund operations , invest in capital expenditures and short-term investments, and strategically acquire new businesses and assets.
Liquidity and Capital Resources As of December 31, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of $264.3 million, short-term investments of $5.0 million and accounts receivable, net of $26.5 million. Our principal uses of cash in recent periods have been to fund operations , invest in capital expenditures and short-term investments, and strategically acquire new businesses and assets.
We intend to continue investing in product development to improve our data assets, expand our products and enhance our technological capabilities. 53 Non-GAAP Financial Measures In addition to our financial results determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we believe that non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP income from operations margin, free cash flow and free cash flow margin, each a non-GAAP financial measure, are useful in evaluating the performance of our business.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures In addition to our financial results determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we believe that non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP income from operations margin, free cash flow and free cash flow margin, each a non-GAAP financial measure, are useful in evaluating the performance of our business.
By excluding acquisition-related costs and adjustments from our non-GAAP measures, management is better able to evaluate our ability to utilize our existing assets and estimate the long-term value that acquired assets will generate for us. 54 Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (in thousands) Income (loss) from operations $ 8,308 $ (7,667) Stock-based compensation expense 27,999 15,337 Amortization of acquired intangibles $ 4,346 $ 2,307 Restructuring and other costs $ 2,230 $ 1,292 Acquisition-related costs $ 2,917 $ 372 Non-GAAP income from operations $ 45,800 $ 11,641 Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Income (loss) from operations (as a percentage of revenue) 2.2 % (2.5) % Stock-based compensation expense (as a percentage of revenue) 7.4 % 5.0 % Amortization of acquired intangibles (as a percentage of revenue) 1.2 % 0.8 % Restructuring and other costs (as a percentage of revenue) 0.6 % 0.4 % Acquisition-related costs (as a percentage of revenue) 0.8 % 0.1 % Non-GAAP income from operations margin 12.2 % 3.8 % Free cash flow and free cash flow margin We define free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment and capitalized software development costs.
By excluding acquisition-related costs and adjustments from our non-GAAP measures, management is better able to evaluate our ability to utilize our existing assets and estimate the long-term value that acquired assets will generate for us. 62 Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (in thousands) (Loss) income from operations $ (22,812) $ 8,308 Stock-based compensation expense 52,625 27,999 Amortization of acquired intangibles 5,966 4,346 Restructuring and other costs 6,621 2,230 Acquisition-related costs, net 10,938 2,917 Non-GAAP income from operations $ 53,338 $ 45,800 The following table sets forth a reconciliation of our (loss) income from operations (as a percentage of revenue) to non-GAAP income from operations margin (percentage amounts may not sum due to rounding): Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (Loss) income from operations (as a percentage of revenue) (5.1) % 2.2 % Stock-based compensation expense (as a percentage of revenue) 11.9 % 7.4 % Amortization of acquired intangibles (as a percentage of revenue) 1.3 % 1.2 % Restructuring and other costs (as a percentage of revenue) 1.5 % 0.6 % Acquisition-related costs, net (as a percentage of revenue) 2.5 % 0.8 % Non-GAAP income from operations margin 12.0 % 12.2 % Free cash flow and free cash flow margin We define free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment and capitalized software development costs.
Stock-Based Compensation We measure stock options and other stock-based awards granted to employees and members of our board of directors for their services as directors based on the fair value on the date of the grant and recognize the corresponding compensation expense of those awards over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award.
Amortization of deferred contract costs is included in sales and marketing expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. 73 Stock-Based Compensation We measure stock options and other stock-based awards granted to employees and members of our board of directors for their services as directors based on the fair value on the date of the grant and recognize the corresponding compensation expense of those awards over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award.
Operating Activities Our largest source of operating cash is cash collections from our customers for subscription services. Our primary uses of cash from operating activities are for online advertising, personnel costs across the sales and marketing, product and development, and general and administrative departments, and hosting costs.
Operating Activities Our largest source of operating cash is cash collections from our customers for subscription services. Our primary uses of cash from operating activities are for personnel costs, online advertising, and hosting costs.
The increase in the provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to increased profits in our foreign subsidiaries, the non-deductibility of certain equity awards and the requirement to capitalize certain research and development costs which results in a current U.S. tax provision but no deferred tax benefit as a result of the valuation allowance maintained against our net deferred tax assets.
The decrease in the provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to lower (loss) income before income taxes, the effects of changes in the tax provision recorded on the earnings of our profitable foreign subsidiaries, restrictions on the deductibility of equity awards, restrictions on the deductibility of transaction costs, and the impact of the requirement to capitalize and amortize certain research and development costs which results in a current provision for U.S. taxes but no deferred tax benefit as a result of the valuation allowance maintained against our net deferred tax assets.
In addition to our leases, we also have multi-year commitments with certain data providers expiring at various dates through 2026. For more information regarding our commitments with data providers, see Note 15 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments Our principal commitments consist of obligations under leases for office space. For more information regarding our lease obligations, see Note 4 “Leases” to the consolidated financial statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to our leases, we also have commitments with certain data providers expiring at various dates through 2028.
Other Income, Net Year Ended December 31, Change 2024 2023 Amount % (dollars in thousands) Other income, net $ 12,094 $ 12,313 $ (219) (2) % Percentage of total revenue 3 % 4 % For the year ended December 31, 2024, other income, net decreased by $0.2 million.
Other Income, Net Year Ended December 31, Change 2025 2024 Amount % (dollars in thousands) Other income, net $ 12,710 $ 12,094 $ 616 5 % Percentage of total revenue 3 % 3 % For the year ended December 31, 2025, other income, net increased by $0.6 million.
Other costs include litigation contingency reserves, asset impairment charges, relocation expenses associated with the migration of employees in 2022 that occurred throughout 2022 and early 2023, and gains or losses on the sale or disposition of certain non-strategic assets or product lines. Acquisition-related costs.
Other costs include litigation contingency reserves, asset impairment charges, and gains or losses on the sale or disposition of certain non-strategic assets or product lines. Acquisition-related costs.
Provision for Income Taxes Year Ended December 31, Change 2024 2023 Amount % (dollars in thousands) Provision for income taxes $ 13,027 $ 3,696 $ 9,331 252 % Percentage of total revenue 3.5 % 1.2 % For the year ended December 31, 2024, the provision for income taxes increased by $9.3 million.
Provision for Income Taxes Year Ended December 31, Change 2025 2024 Amount % (dollars in thousands) Provision for income taxes $ 9,395 $ 13,027 $ (3,632) (28) % Percentage of total revenue 2 % 3 % For the year ended December 31, 2025, the provision for income taxes decreased by $3.6 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $8.0 million, which resulted from net income of $1.0 million adjusted for non-cash charges of $28.3 million and a net cash outflow of $21.3 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities.
Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2025 was $59.6 million, which resulted from a net loss of $19.5 million adjusted for non-cash charges of $84.4 million and a net cash outflow of $5.3 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities.
Deferred contract costs that will be recorded as expense during the succeeding 12-month period are recorded as current deferred contract costs, and the remaining portion is recorded as deferred contract costs, net of current portion. Amortization of deferred contract costs is included in sales and marketing expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Deferred contract costs that will be recorded as expense during the succeeding 12-month period are recorded as current deferred contract costs, and the remaining portion is recorded as deferred contract costs, net of current portion.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 46,996 $ 7,986 Net cash used in investing activities (58,222) (29,068) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,870 (19) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (432) 184 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents $ (9,788) $ (20,917) Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 46,996 $ 7,986 Purchases of property and equipment (3,802) (2,486) Capitalization of internal-use software costs (7,862) (5,165) Free cash flow $ 35,332 $ 335 Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Net cash provided by operating activities (as a percentage of revenue) 12.5 % 2.6 % Purchases of property and equipment (as a percentage of revenue) (1.0) % (0.8) % Capitalization of internal-use software costs (as a percentage of revenue) (2.1) % (1.7) % Free cash flow margin 9.4 % 0.1 % Components of our Results of Operations Revenue We generate nearly all of our revenue from subscriptions to our online visibility management SaaS platform under a SaaS model.
Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 59,583 $ 46,996 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 162,942 (58,222) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (7,535) 1,870 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 415 (432) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ 215,405 $ (9,788) Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 59,583 $ 46,996 Purchases of property and equipment (1,793) (3,802) Capitalization of internal-use software costs (14,865) (7,862) Free cash flow $ 42,925 $ 35,332 The following table sets forth a reconciliation of our net cash provided by operating activities (as a percentage of revenue) to free cash flow margin (percentage amounts may not sum due to rounding): Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Net cash provided by operating activities (as a percentage of revenue) 13.4 % 12.5 % Purchases of property and equipment (as a percentage of revenue) (0.4) % (1.0) % Capitalization of internal-use software costs (as a percentage of revenue) (3.4) % (2.1) % Free cash flow margin 9.7 % 9.4 % Components of our Results of Operations Revenue We generate nearly all of our revenue from subscriptions to our online visibility management SaaS platform under a SaaS model.
In addition, this method requires a valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. To date, we have incurred cumulative net losses and maintain a full valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets.
In addition, this method requires a valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We continue to evaluate the need for a valuation allowance, which is dependent on our future financial performance and expected long-term projects.
We have successfully increased ARR per paying customer over time and believe this metric is an indicator of our ability to grow the long-term value of our platform and products. We expect ARR per paying customer to continue to increase as customers adopt our premium offerings and we continue to introduce new products and functionality.
This calculation excludes revenue from new customers and any non-recurring revenue. We have successfully increased ARR per paying customer over time and believe this metric is an indicator of our ability to grow the long-term value of our platform and products.
We define the number of paying customers as the number of unique business and individual customers as of a given date.
We define ARR per paying customer as of a given date as ARR from our paying customers as of that date divided by the number of paying customers as of that date. We define the number of paying customers as the number of unique business and individual customers as of a given date.
Operating Expenses Sales and Marketing Year Ended December 31, Change 2024 2023 Amount % (dollars in thousands) Sales and marketing $ 144,340 $ 126,871 $ 17,469 14 % Percentage of total revenue 38 % 41 % For the year ended December 31, 2024, sales and marketing expense increased by $17.5 million.
Operating Expenses Sales and Marketing Year Ended December 31, Change 2025 2024 Amount % (dollars in thousands) Sales and marketing $ 176,593 $ 144,340 $ 32,253 22 % Percentage of total revenue 40 % 38 % For the year ended December 31, 2025, sales and marketing expense increased by $32.3 million.
On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions. Our actual results may differ from these estimates.
On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions.
We expect to fund these obligations with cash flows from operations and cash on our balance sheet. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Refer to sections titled “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Refer to sections titled “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Our audited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Costs to Obtain a Contract We capitalize incremental direct costs of obtaining revenue contracts, which primarily consist of sales commissions paid for new subscription contracts. We amortize these commissions over a period of approximately 24 months on a systematic basis, consistent with the pattern of transfer of the goods or services to which the asset relates.
We amortize these commissions over a period of approximately 24 months on a systematic basis, consistent with the pattern of transfer of the goods or services to which the asset relates.
Non-cash charges primarily consisted of $15.3 million of stock-based compensation expense, $10.4 million for amortization of deferred contract costs related to capitalized commissions, $6.8 million of depreciation and amortization expense, and $3.9 million of non-cash lease expense; partially offset by $6.1 million for accretion of premiums and discounts on investments.
Non-cash charges primarily consisted of $52.6 million of stock-based compensation expense, $14.7 million for amortization of deferred contract costs related to capitalized commissions, $13.9 million of depreciation and amortization expense, $5.0 million of non-cash lease expense, $1.5 million in other non-cash items; partially offset by $2.1 million for accretion of premiums and discounts on investments and $0.9 million for change in fair value included in other income, net.
Our tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 primarily relates to increased profits in our foreign subsidiaries, the non-deductibility of certain equity awards and the requirement to capitalize certain research and development costs which results in a current U.S. tax provision but no deferred tax benefit as a result of the valuation allowance maintained against our net deferred tax assets. 58 Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 The following tables set forth information comparing our results of operations in dollars and as a percentage of total revenue for the periods presented.
Our tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 primarily relates to increased profits in our foreign subsidiaries, the non-deductibility of certain equity awards and the requirement to capitalize certain research and development costs which results in a current U.S. tax provision but no deferred tax benefit as a result of the valuation allowance maintained against our net deferred tax assets. 66 On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or the “OBBBA”, was enacted in the United States.
We do not expect to incur exit costs associated with our relocation efforts in future periods. Other Income, Net Included in other income, net are foreign currency transaction gains and losses. The functional currencies of our international locations are the local currencies for these regions.
Exit costs in connection with our relocation efforts include employee severance and fringe benefit costs, the loss on the sales of our Russian subsidiaries, and other associated relocation costs. We do not expect to incur exit costs associated with our relocation efforts in future periods. Other Income, Net Included in other income, net are foreign currency transaction gains and losses.
We expect our general and administrative expenses to decrease as a percentage of revenue over time. Exit Costs During the second quarter of 2022, we began relocating our Russia-based workforce to other jurisdictions. As of June 30, 2023, we had substantially completed our relocation efforts.
We expect our general and administrative expenses to decrease as a percentage of revenue over time. Our future general and administrative expenses will be significantly dependent on our ability to successfully consummate the Merger as well as related expenses. Exit Costs During the second quarter of 2022, we began relocating our Russia-based workforce to other jurisdictions.
As indicated in the chart, our customer cohorts typically experience their lowest dollar-based net revenue retention rate during their second full year after becoming a customer, after which the dollar-based net revenue retention rate typically improves and we are able to drive increased spending across the remaining customers within the cohort. 52 We calculate our dollar-based net revenue retention rate as of the end of a period by using (a) the revenue from our customers during the twelve month period ending one year prior to such period as the denominator and (b) the revenue from those same customers during the twelve months ending as of the end of such period as the numerator.
We calculate our dollar-based net revenue retention rate as of the end of a period by using (a) the revenue from our customers during the twelve month period ending one year prior to such period as the denominator and (b) the revenue from those same customers during the twelve months ending as of the end of such period as the numerator.
Other income, net also includes amounts for interest income and expense, other miscellaneous income and expense, and gains and losses unrelated to our core operations.
We continue to expect our foreign currency exchange gains and losses to continue to fluctuate in the future as foreign currency exchange rates change. Other income, net also includes amounts for interest income and expense, other miscellaneous income and expense, and gains and losses unrelated to our core operations.
Any differences resulting from the re-measurement of assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are recorded within other income, net. We expect our foreign currency exchange gains and losses to continue to fluctuate in the future as foreign currency exchange rates change.
The functional currencies of our international locations are the local currencies for these regions. Any differences resulting from the re-measurement of assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are recorded within other income, net.
This increase was primarily driven by an increase to personnel costs of $20.4 million primarily as a result of increased wage, contractor, and stock based compensation costs, which increased year over year, and an overall increase in allocable overhead costs.
This increase was primarily driven by a $23.8 million increase in personnel costs as a result of higher wage, commission, and stock-based compensation costs.
We believe that investing in the development of new products, features, and enhancements improves customer experience, makes our platform more attractive to new paying customers, and provides us with opportunities to expand sales to existing paying customers and convert free customers to paying customers.
We believe these investments will improve customer experience, make our platform more attractive to new paying customers, and provide us with opportunities to expand sales to existing paying customers and convert free customers to paying customers.
The change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily the result of a $14.0 million increase in deferred contract costs, a $7.4 million decrease in accounts payable, a $3.9 million decrease in operating lease liabilities, and a $3.8 million increase in accounts receivable, and a $2.3 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
The change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily the result of a $21.9 million increase in deferred revenue, a $13.2 million increase in accounts payable, and a $5.5 million increase in accrued expenses.
Our sales team is largely focused on driving account expansion by encouraging our customers to fully recognize the potential benefit from our comprehensive platform and the additional features and functionalities available in our Enterprise SEO solution. As a result, we have become increasingly efficient at acquiring customers who increase their spend with us over time.
Our sales team is largely focused on driving account expansion by encouraging our customers to fully recognize the potential benefit from our comprehensive platform and the additional features and functionalities available in our Enterprise and AI Optimization (“AIO”) solutions. As a result, we continue to see increased momentum cross-selling our broader digital marketing platform within our existing customer base.
All costs associated with our relocation efforts are included in the consolidated statements of operations in our operating expenses under the line item, Exit Costs . Exit costs in connection with our relocation efforts include employee severance and fringe benefit costs, the loss on the sales of our Russian subsidiaries, and other associated relocation costs.
As of June 30, 2023, we had substantially completed our relocation efforts. All costs associated with our relocation efforts are included in the consolidated statements of operations in our operating expenses under the line item, Exit Costs .
In 2024, macro-economic pressure in the lower end of our market was a contributing factor to a slight decrease of our dollar-based net revenue retention rate from 107% to 106% as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively. This calculation excludes revenue from new customers and any non-recurring revenue.
Our dollar-based net revenue retention rate as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was approximately 104% and 106%, respectively. The decrease in our dollar-based net revenue retention was the result of softness in the lower end of the market.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $29.1 million, which resulted from $257.5 million used to purchase short-term investments, $5.2 million in capitalization of internal-use software costs, $5.1 million used in cash paid for acquisition of assets and businesses, and $2.5 million used in purchases of property and equipment.
These inflows were partially offset by $140.8 million used to purchase short-term investments, $14.9 million in capitalization of internal-use software costs, $6.4 million used for the purchasing of noncontrolling interest shares, $5.6 million used in cash paid for acquisition of assets and businesses, net of cash acquired, and $1.8 million used in purchases of property and equipment.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments Our principal commitments consist of obligations under leases for office space and leases for data center facilities. For more information regarding our lease obligations, see Note 4 “Leases” to the consolidated financial statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
For more information regarding our commitments with data providers, see Note 15 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We expect to fund these obligations with cash flows from operations and cash on our balance sheet.
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted of $2.5 million in cash outflows relating to payments on finance leases. These outflows were partially offset by $2.2 million in proceeds related to the exercises of stock options and $0.3 million in proceeds related to shares issued in connection with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $7.5 million and consisted of $10.1 million in taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards and $1.1 million in repayment of acquired debt; partially offset by $3.9 million in proceeds related to the exercises of stock options.
Our ARR per paying customer as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $3,522 and $3,125, respectively, in absolute unrounded amounts. We define ARR per paying customer as of a given date as ARR from our paying customers as of that date divided by the number of paying customers as of that date.
We expect ARR per paying customer to continue to increase as customers adopt our premium offerings and we continue to introduce new products and functionality. Our ARR per paying customer as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $4,369 and $3,522, respectively, in absolute unrounded amounts.
Research and Development Year Ended December 31, Change 2024 2023 Amount % (dollars in thousands) Research and development $ 80,080 $ 57,442 $ 22,638 39 % Percentage of total revenue 21 % 19 % For the year ended December 31, 2024, research and development costs increased by $22.6 million, primarily due to a $12.8 million increase to personnel costs, which includes a $3.7 million increase to stock based compensation expense, primarily as a result of a 11% increase in headcount as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
This increase was primarily driven by a $16.5 million increase in personnel costs as a result of higher wage and stock-based compensation costs. 69 General and administrative Year Ended December 31, Change 2025 2024 Amount % (dollars in thousands) General and administrative $ 106,385 $ 78,610 $ 27,775 35 % Percentage of total revenue 24 % 21 % For the year ended December 31, 2025, general and administrative expense increased by $27.8 million.
ARR for prior periods have not been adjusted to reflect this change as there is no variance between the two definitions for the periods presented. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had approximately 117,000 paying customers and 108,000 paying customers, respectively, accounting for $411.6 million and $337.1 million in ARR, respectively.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had approximately 108,000 paying customers and 117,000 paying customers, respectively, accounting for $471.4 million and $411.6 million in ARR, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we experienced a decrease of approximately 9,000 paying customers.
This increase was primarily driven by a $3.9 million increase to integration and data costs, primarily as a result of increasing costs incurred related to new products and customer growth, a $3.5 million increase to depreciation and amortization expense primarily related to increased intangible asset balances as of December 31, 2024, a $1.7 million increase to personnel costs, a $1.6 million increase to merchant fees commensurate with revenue growth, and an overall increase in allocable overhead costs.
This increase was primarily driven by a $11.0 million increase to integration and data costs, a $3.5 million increase to depreciation and amortization costs, a $2.5 million increase to personnel costs, a $1.5 million increase in hosting fees, a $1.0 million increase to other costs, and a $0.9 million increase to merchant fees .
This increase was also driven by an increase in the number of paying customers to approximately 117,000 as of December 31, 2024 from nearly 108,000 as o f December 31, 2023. 60 Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin For the Year Ended December 31, Change 2024 2023 Amount % (dollars in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 65,477 $ 52,327 $ 13,150 25 % Gross profit $ 311,338 $ 255,348 $ 55,990 22 % Gross margin 83 % 83 % For the year ended December 31, 2024, cost of revenue increased by $13.2 million.
This trend is also reflected in the growth of ARR per paying customer to $4,369 as of December 31, 2025 from $3,522 as of December 31, 2024. 68 Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin Year Ended December 31, Change 2025 2024 Amount % (dollars in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 86,308 $ 65,477 $ 20,831 32 % Gross profit $ 357,336 $ 311,338 $ 45,998 15 % Gross margin 81 % 83 % For the year ended December 31, 2025, cost of revenue increased by $20.8 million.
The change in other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to a decrease in fair value adjustments compared to the prior year. This decrease was partially offset by increases to foreign currency gains.
This increase was primarily due to an increase in fair value adjustments compared to the prior year.
The period-to-period comparison of results is not necessarily indicative of results for future periods.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 The following tables set forth information comparing our results of operations in dollars and as a percentage of total revenue for the periods presented. The period-to-period comparison of results is not necessarily indicative of results for future periods.