Zillow Group(Z) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Zillow reported total Q1 revenue of $598 million, up 13% year over year, exceeding expectations [11][27] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was$ 153 million, with an EBITDA margin of 26%, a 200 basis point improvement year over year [12][28] - The company achieved positive GAAP net income of $8 million, representing 1% of revenue [28][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Sale category revenue was$ 458 million, up 8% year over year, with residential revenue growing 6% and mortgages revenue increasing 32% [11][30] - Rentals revenue reached an all-time high of $129 million, up 33% year over year, driven primarily by multifamily revenue growth of 47% [19][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Zillow had 227 million average monthly unique users in Q1, maintaining a significant lead in the residential real estate market [9] - The company reported 37 million unique visitors to Zillow Rentals in March, solidifying its position as renters' number one preference [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Zillow is focused on executing its differentiated housing super app strategy, aiming to monetize a larger share of the total addressable market [7][12] - The company is expanding its enhanced markets, with a goal of increasing connections within these markets to over 35% by the end of the year [13][84] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year 2025 goals of low to mid-teens revenue growth and continued EBITDA margin expansion despite macroeconomic challenges [7][34] - The company anticipates accelerating rentals revenue growth, projecting a 40% increase for the full year 2025 [35][36] Other Important Information - Zillow's cash and investments at the end of Q1 were$ 1.6 billion, down from $1.9 billion, primarily due to share repurchases [32] - The board approved an additional$ 1 billion share repurchase authorization, reflecting confidence in the company's financial position [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the accelerating growth in the rentals business? - Management highlighted the execution of their strategy to build a comprehensive marketplace, resulting in increased inventory and brand preference among renters [43][45] Question: How should growth be assessed relative to the market? - Management noted that Zillow's growth outperformed the market, particularly in the residential segment, despite macroeconomic noise [50][52] Question: What are the mechanics of the partnership with Redfin? - Management clarified that there was no transfer of contracts; Zillow had to win the business, which resulted in significant property count growth [70][72] Question: What is the industry reaction to the new listing access standards? - Management reported positive industry support for the standards, which promote transparency in the real estate market [96] Question: What factors contributed to the lower than expected EBITDA expenses in Q1? - Management indicated slower hiring and lower marketing expenses than anticipated were the primary reasons for the variance [98]