ZIP · ZipRecruiter, Inc.

ZipRecruiter delivered Q1 2026 results above the midpoint of guidance in a sluggish hiring market, with revenue of $107.5 million reflecting stability via flat quarterly paid employers at 63.3K despite macroeconomic headwinds and 2% YoY decline in revenue per paid employer to $1,698. Gross margin held steady at 89%, supported by $95.6 million gross profit, while operating expenses fell YoY to $97.1 million, driven by lower personnel costs and stock-based compensation, enabling Adjusted EBITDA of $9.7 million (9% margin) versus $5.9 million (5% margin) last year. Net loss narrowed to $(4.7) million from $(12.8) million YoY, reflecting disciplined cost management amid seasonal pressures. CEO Ian Siegel highlighted accelerating innovation, including a next-generation AI matching engine boosting job seeker applications 37% and 'Be Seen First' feature achieving 12% adoption with nearly 2x employer response rates, enhancing marketplace engagement. Additional momentum came from 26% YoY growth in engaged job seekers via organic search, ChatGPT app integration, enterprise revenue gains, and multimedia employer branding. Q2 guidance signals modest revenue growth to $109-$115 million and Adjusted EBITDA expansion to $10-$16 million (9%-14% margin), underscoring confidence in product-driven share gains. Share repurchases of 3.5 million shares for $9.4 million under the $750 million program reinforce capital return focus with 91 million fully diluted shares outstanding.