ZETA(ZETA) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Report

Data and Technology - Zeta's data set includes over 245 million individuals in the U.S. and more than 535 million globally, with an average of over 2,500 attributes per individual[26]. - The platform ingests more than one trillion content consumption signals per month, synthesizing this data into hundreds of intent-based audiences[27]. - Zeta has over 500 data scientists and engineers dedicated to developing new products and expanding data offerings, enhancing competitive advantages[46]. - The company has a patent portfolio of over 150 patents, including approximately 39 granted patents focused on machine learning and AI[77]. - The company collects extensive consumer data, including ad specifications and online behavior, which is critical for enhancing product offerings[138]. - The effectiveness of the platform relies on the ability to collect and use online data, which is threatened by changes in consumer behavior and regulatory restrictions[123]. - The company utilizes third-party open source software, which may expose it to liabilities and compromise the proprietary nature of its platform[158]. - The market for AI Technologies is rapidly evolving, and the company cannot guarantee continued growth or market acceptance of its AI products and services[163]. - The company uses AI Technologies licensed from third parties, and any changes in availability or pricing could harm its business[164]. Marketing and Sales - Zeta's AI-powered marketing solutions enable brands to optimize marketing spend, increasing return on investment (ROI) through real-time analytics and recommendations[31]. - The Zeta Marketing Platform (ZMP) consists of three core products: Email Service Provider (ESP), CDP+, and DSP, allowing customers to purchase individually or in combination[33]. - The company aims to further penetrate its existing customer base and increase marketing budget allocation to its platform through cross-selling and new features[44]. - Zeta is focused on acquiring new customers and expanding its sales capacity, leveraging its One Zeta model to accelerate growth[45]. - The company reported that 24% of its revenue for 2025 came from the consumer & retail sector, followed by travel and hospitality (11%), insurance (11%), telecommunications (10%), and financial services (8%)[57]. Financial Performance - For the year ended December 31, 2025, the company generated revenues of $1,000,000 or more from 184 super-scaled customers, representing 87% of total revenue[57]. - The company had a total of 2,651 customers as of December 31, 2025, an increase from 1,793 customers in 2024[57]. - The company’s top ten customers accounted for more than one-third of total revenue in 2025, with one customer exceeding 10% of total revenue[82]. - A significant portion of the company's revenue is derived from usage-based pricing, which is less stable than subscription-based pricing, posing risks to revenue growth if super-scaled customers reduce their usage[83]. - The company anticipates continued seasonal trends, with higher marketing activity in Q4 due to the holiday shopping season, leading to lower performance in Q1[64]. - The company has incurred substantial net operating losses (NOLs), which may be limited in their use if ownership changes occur[180]. Competition and Market Risks - The company faces intense competition characterized by price sensitivity and evolving distribution models, necessitating differentiation through AI-powered marketing solutions[59]. - The company must continuously respond to competitive pressures and technological changes to sustain and grow revenue, as the industry is intensely competitive[94]. - The company is subject to evolving data privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), impacting its data collection practices[67]. - The company may face increased scrutiny and regulatory actions in the technology industry, which could negatively impact operations and financial results[120]. Cybersecurity and Compliance - The company faces numerous cybersecurity risks, including potential data breaches that could adversely affect its business and financial performance[139]. - Employee-related cybersecurity risks are heightened due to remote and hybrid working arrangements, increasing the likelihood of unauthorized access to sensitive information[140]. - The company has implemented a cybersecurity risk management program based on frameworks such as NIST CSF and ISO 27001, assessed annually by third-party auditors[205]. - The company may incur significant costs related to cybersecurity breaches, including operational disruptions that could lead to decreased revenue[141]. - The company is subject to various consumer protection laws, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which could expose it to significant liabilities[127]. Legal and Regulatory Matters - The company is involved in various legal proceedings but does not currently face any litigation that could materially adversely affect its business or financial condition[217]. - A class action lawsuit was filed against the Company and its CEO and CFO in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on November 22, 2024[218]. - The lawsuit alleges false and misleading statements about the Company's business and operations between February 27, 2024, and March 10, 2025[218]. - The Company believes the claims made in the lawsuit are without merit and is vigorously defending itself[218]. Human Resources and Management - The company employs approximately 3,300 employees as of December 31, 2025, with around 2,000 located outside the U.S.[71]. - The company aims to enhance its total rewards programs, including flexible work schedules and 401(k) matching, to attract and retain talent[75]. - Retaining key management and hiring skilled employees is critical for the company's success, with intense competition for talent in the industry[105]. Financial Obligations and Capital Structure - The company has $200.0 million outstanding under its Senior Secured Credit Facility with Bank of America, secured by substantially all assets[172]. - Interest rates have fluctuated significantly, with the Federal Reserve raising rates in 2022 and 2023, which could adversely impact the company's financial condition[170]. - The company may need additional capital in the future to meet financial obligations and pursue business objectives, which may not be available on favorable terms[171]. - The company is subject to operating and financial covenants that may restrict its business and financing activities, potentially affecting its ability to pursue growth strategies[174]. Intellectual Property - Protecting intellectual property rights is challenging, and failure to do so could erode the company's competitive advantage[150]. - The company may face difficulties in enforcing its intellectual property rights in foreign countries, potentially leading to competitive disadvantages[151]. - The company relies on a combination of trade secrets, non-disclosure agreements, and intellectual property laws to protect its proprietary technology, but enforcement can be difficult and costly[153]. - Patent protection for the company's technology may not be obtained quickly enough to meet business needs, and the patent prosecution process is complex and expensive[154]. Operational Challenges - The company is subject to various environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, which may entail costs and reputational risks[117]. - The company is currently assessing the impact of the OBBBA on its financial condition and operations[179]. - The company has established internal controls over financial reporting but acknowledges that these controls may not prevent all errors or fraud, leading to potential material misstatements[192][193].

ZETA(ZETA) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Report - Reportify