Core Insights - The article discusses a webinar hosted by Orange 142 and the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, focusing on adapting digital strategies to AI-driven search [1] - The case study emphasizes the transition from traditional SEO to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), highlighting the importance of structured storytelling and intent signals [1] Group 1: AI-Driven Search and Digital Strategy - The webinar titled "How to Get Your Brand Recommended by AI: A Pigeon Forge Case Study" aims to provide a practical approach to GEO [1] - Pigeon Forge's marketing team recognized the need to adapt to AI advancements and the changing landscape of consumer discovery [1] - The GEO framework not only enhances visibility but also provides operational insights through AI-powered tools like Ask Martha, which addresses traveler inquiries in real-time [1] Group 2: Industry Impact and Practical Applications - The shift towards AI-driven discovery is reshaping how brands are evaluated and found, necessitating a reevaluation of existing search and content strategies [1] - The case study serves as a practical example of how marketers can implement a repeatable framework to adapt to generative AI systems [1] - The webinar is targeted at marketers and brand leaders seeking to understand the implications of AI on visibility and long-term growth [1] Group 3: Company Achievements and Recognition - Orange 142 has recently earned two 2025 MarCom Awards for its digital campaign efforts, indicating its ongoing success in the digital marketing space [1] - The company specializes in data-driven media execution across various channels, including programmatic, search, and social media [1] - With expertise in high-growth sectors like Travel & Tourism, Orange 142 aims to connect brands with valuable audiences through effective campaigns [1]

Core Insights - Orange 142's Senior Manager of Business Development, Cassandra Razzi, has been appointed to the 2026 Social Impact Committee of Destinations International, highlighting the company's commitment to enhancing tourism and community impact [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Overview - Orange 142 is a digital marketing agency under Direct Digital Holdings, specializing in helping businesses grow through data-driven media strategies [5] - The company focuses on high-growth sectors including Travel & Tourism, Healthcare, Energy, and Financial Services, delivering customized solutions across various digital channels [5] Group 2: Industry Impact - The Social Impact Committee of Destinations International aims to promote responsible tourism and economic vitality through outcomes-based strategies [2][3] - Razzi's role will involve collaborating with destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to implement performance-led strategies that enhance visibility and support sustainable economic outcomes [2][4] Group 3: Future Engagement - Razzi will participate in the 2026 Destinations International Marketing & Communications Summit, where industry leaders will discuss the future of destination storytelling influenced by AI and community expectations [4]

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 4, 2026. Registration Statement No. 333- UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (Primary Standard Industrial Delaware 7370 87-2306185 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) (I.R.S. Employer Identificati ...

Core Insights - Orange 142, a division of Direct Digital Holdings, received two 2025 MarCom Awards for its digital marketing efforts with Emerald Isle Realty, achieving Gold for SEM Campaign and Platinum for Organic Social Media Strategy [1][2] Company Overview - Orange 142 is a digital marketing agency focused on mid-market brands, providing data-driven media execution across various channels including programmatic, search, social, and connected TV [5] - The agency specializes in high-growth sectors such as Travel & Tourism, Healthcare, Energy, and Financial Services, aiming to connect brands with valuable audiences [5] Campaign Performance - The integrated marketing campaigns led to a 19% increase in paid traffic and a 33% lift in total revenue for Emerald Isle Realty [3] - Direct bookings from organic social increased by 62%, while direct revenue driven by organic social saw an 81% increase, resulting in a 9,134% return on investment, which is up 32% year over year [3]

Core Insights - Orange 142, a division of Direct Digital Holdings, has launched a high-compliance practice aimed at advertisers in regulated industries such as energy, political, and governed consumer products, addressing the need for compliance and performance in complex regulatory environments [1][3] Group 1: New Practice Overview - The new practice leverages Orange 142's adtech stack, which includes compliance-aligned supply paths, privacy-safe targeting, and transparent ROI-driven measurement, combining advanced AI capabilities with high-touch client service [2] - This initiative aims to provide a more efficient and accountable media-buying approach for regulated verticals, setting Orange 142 apart in a competitive market [2] Group 2: Client Support and Compliance - Orange 142 will assist clients in defining category-specific requirements, establishing activation rules, and aligning measurement practices with regulatory expectations, ensuring compliance in audience targeting, data handling, disclosures, and message review [3] - The practice is designed to offer clients a predictable and transparent framework, enabling them to act swiftly without compromising compliance or performance [3][4] Group 3: Market Demand and Future Plans - There is a growing demand for clarity in regulated industries regarding campaign approval processes and result measurement, which the new offering aims to address [4] - The new service is available immediately, with additional guidance, vertical insights, and activation playbooks expected to roll out in early 2026 [4]

Form S-1 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Amendment No. 1 to As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 2025. Registration Statement No. 333-291106 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) Delaware 7370 87-2306185 (I.R.S. Emplo ...

Revenue Performance - Buy-side revenue increased 7% to $7.3 million in Q3 2025, compared to $6.8 million in Q3 2024, representing the majority of consolidated revenue[15] - Sell-side revenue decreased to $600,000 in Q3 2025 from $2.2 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to lower impression inventory[15] - The number of customers increased by 5%, but revenues declined by 70%, highlighting challenges in the sell-side[36] Financial Metrics - Gross margin for Q3 2025 was 28%, down from 39% in Q3 2024[16] - Operating expenses decreased by 25% to $6.1 million in Q3 2025, compared to $7.2 million in the same period last year[16] - Year-to-date operating expenses reduced by $5.4 million, approximately a 20% decrease compared to the first nine months of 2024[14] - Net loss improved to $5 million or $0.24 per share in Q3 2025, compared to a net loss of $6.4 million or $0.71 per share in Q3 2024[18] - Total cash plus accounts receivable as of September 30, 2025, was $4.5 million, down from $6.4 million at the end of 2024[18] Debt and Equity Management - Successfully converted $25 million of existing debt into Series A convertible preferred stock, enhancing financial flexibility[19] - Expanded equity line of credit facility to $100 million, raising $8.9 million since its inception in November 2024[20] - The company completed a $10 million conversion of debt to preferred equity, indicating a positive shareholder equity position post-quarter[39] Strategic Initiatives - New partnership with ReachTV aims to enhance data-driven marketing for travel and tourism, reaching over 50 million travelers per month[7] - The company expects 2026 to be a positive cash flow year, driven by optimization opportunities and a focus on the buy-side business[34] - The buy-side business remains profitable, while the sell-side is being streamlined to improve overall profitability[35] - AI initiatives are enabling growth on the sell-side without significantly increasing fixed costs[38]

Group 1: RLX Technology Inc - RLX Technology Inc reported quarterly earnings of 3 cents per share on sales of $158.600 million [1] - Shares of RLX Technology rose 6% to $2.47 in pre-market trading following the earnings report [1] Group 2: Other Stocks in Pre-Market Trading - Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. surged 92% to $203.50 after a Schedule 13D Amendment revealed beneficial ownership of 3.37 million shares [4] - Binah Capital Group, Inc. gained 52.2% to $2.17 after posting stronger-than-expected third-quarter results [4] - Expion360 Inc. rose 42.4% to $1.81 following its third-quarter results [4] - Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. surged 31.2% to $0.1380 in pre-market trading [4] - Invivyd, Inc. gained 28.8% to $2.28 after reporting better-than-expected third-quarter financial results [4] - Milestone Scientific Inc. surged 26.3% to $0.4801 after reporting better-than-expected third-quarter sales [4] - Lazydays Holdings, Inc. gained 23.3% to $1.85 after a previous surge [4] - Omeros Corp gained 12.5% to $7.08 following a narrower-than-expected quarterly loss [4] - Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc rose 10% to $3.25 after a decline the previous day [4] Group 3: Declining Stocks in Pre-Market Trading - TSS Inc tumbled 40.2% to $9.10 after reporting a year-over-year decrease in third-quarter results [4] - enVVeno Medical Corp declined 35.8% to $0.42 after an unfavorable FDA appeal decision [4] - Nuvve Holding Corp fell 29.3% to $0.34 after announcing third-quarter results [4] - ESS Tech Inc shares dipped 24.2% to $3.22 after reporting weak quarterly sales [4] - Direct Digital Holdings Inc fell 18.8% to $0.23 after a significant gain the previous day [4] - StubHub Holdings Inc fell 18.8% to $15.28 after worse-than-expected third-quarter EPS results [4] - Mangoceuticals Inc dipped 17.7% to $0.98 after a decline the previous day [4] - Red Cat Holdings Inc dipped 15.1% to $6.57 after worse-than-expected financial results and a lowered FY25 sales guidance [4] - WhiteFiber Inc fell 13.4% to $17.21 after reporting worse-than-expected financial results [4] - Sobr Safe Inc fell 12.4% to $2.21 after a decline the previous day [4]

Financial Performance - Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $7,984,000, a decrease of 12% compared to $9,075,000 for the same period in 2024[10] - Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $8,169,000, down from $14,444,000 in 2024, reflecting a decline of 43%[10] - The net loss attributable to Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $2,680,000, compared to a net loss of $2,690,000 in the same period of 2024[10] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the net loss was $15.136 million, compared to a net loss of $13.338 million for the same period in 2024, representing an increase in loss of approximately 13.5%[19] - The company reported a total operating loss of $1.091 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to an operating income of $1.1 million for the same period in 2024[124] - The net loss attributable to Class A shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $3.043 million, compared to a loss of $2.690 million in 2024, reflecting an increase in loss of approximately 13%[128] Assets and Liabilities - Total current assets decreased to $6,603,000 as of September 30, 2025, down from $8,535,000 at the end of 2024, representing a decline of 23%[8] - Total liabilities decreased to $29,230,000 as of September 30, 2025, compared to $45,736,000 at the end of 2024, a reduction of 36%[8] - The company reported cash and cash equivalents of $871,000 as of September 30, 2025, down from $1,445,000 at the end of 2024, a decrease of 40%[8] - The accumulated deficit increased to $16,058,000 as of September 30, 2025, from $8,774,000 as of December 31, 2024, indicating a worsening financial position[8] - Total long-term debt as of September 30, 2025, was $16.3 million, down from $41.2 million as of December 31, 2024[68] Operating Expenses - Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were $18,429,000, a decrease of 20% compared to $22,973,000 in 2024[10] - Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $6,125,000, down from $7,172,000 in the same period of 2024, indicating a decrease of approximately 15%[10] - The company incurred corporate office expenses of $4.961 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, significantly higher than $0.247 million in the same period of 2024[125] Stock and Equity - The company issued 25,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, raising $21,220,000 net of issuance costs[12] - The company raised $6.708 million from the issuance of Class A Common Stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2025[19] - The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was established with a total amount of $25.0 million, carrying a cumulative dividend rate of 10% per annum[101][103] - The balance of Class A Common Stock increased to 3,795,199 units as of September 30, 2024, from 3,478,776 units at the end of 2023, representing a growth of 9.1%[16] Revenue Recognition - Revenue from the sell-side advertising segment is generated through the sale of digital ad units, while the buy-side segment focuses on managed advertising campaigns[28] - The Company recognized revenue on a gross basis, inclusive of all supplier costs, for both sell-side and buy-side advertising segments[30] - The Company’s revenue recognition follows a five-step process, primarily derived from sell-side and buy-side advertising[27] - The Company generated revenue from both sell-side and buy-side advertising, with the latter focusing on managed advertising campaigns and data services[28] Cash Flow and Liquidity - The company utilized $7.036 million in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, which is slightly lower than the $7.095 million used in the same period of 2024[19] - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $0.9 million, raising substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern[63] - The company anticipates liquidity sources from cash flow from operations and potential sales of equity or debt securities[65] Debt and Financing - The Company entered into a Term Loan and Security Agreement with a principal amount of up to $32.0 million, consisting of a $22.0 million closing date term loan and a $10.0 million delayed draw term loan[69] - The Company entered into a Credit Agreement with East West Bank for a revolving credit facility of up to $10.0 million, maturing on July 7, 2025[82] - The Company made prepayments totaling $1.0 million upon execution of the Third EWB Amendment, with additional prepayments of $1.0 million by January 15, 2025, and $2.0 million by April 15, 2025[86] Customer Concentration - Two customers accounted for 30% of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2025, while one customer accounted for 12% of revenues for the same period in 2024[47] Strategic Initiatives - The company has a plan to reduce expenses through staff reductions and cost-saving measures, executed on July 1, 2024[65] - The company completed the unification of its buy-side businesses, Orange 142 and Huddled Masses, in October 2024, aiming to enhance its advertising solutions[21]

Core Insights - Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. reported a quarterly loss of $0.24 per share, which was worse than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.16, but an improvement from a loss of $0.71 per share a year ago [1] - The company posted revenues of $7.98 million for the quarter ended September 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 44.94% and down from $9.07 million year-over-year [2] - Direct Digital shares have declined approximately 79.5% year-to-date, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 15.6% [3] Financial Performance - The earnings surprise for the recent quarter was -50.00%, while the previous quarter saw a positive surprise of +76.04% with an actual loss of $0.23 against an expected loss of $0.96 [1][2] - Over the last four quarters, the company has only surpassed consensus EPS estimates once [2] Future Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$0.17 on revenues of $19 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is -$0.90 on revenues of $51.8 million [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Direct Digital was mixed ahead of the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Advertising and Marketing industry, to which Direct Digital belongs, is currently in the top 41% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8]