ZipRecruiter (ZIP) Q3 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Q3 revenue rose 8% YoY to $124.4M; net income was $5.1M versus a $9.8M loss, and Adjusted EBITDA was $20.8M versus $9.2M

• Quarterly Paid Employers grew 10% YoY as product improvements supported momentum despite subdued hiring demand

• Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA exceeded guidance; FY2026 outlook was raised to 4%-5% revenue growth and a 13%-14% Adjusted EBITDA margin

Financial highlights

• Q3 revenue was $124.4M, up 8% YoY and at the top end of guidance; growth accelerated from 5% in Q2

• Net income was $5.1M; gross profit was $111.8M and operating income was $10.9M, versus an operating loss of $5.0M YoY

• Adjusted EBITDA was $20.8M, up from $9.2M YoY and above guidance; margin expanded to 17% from 8%

• Operating expenses were $100.9M, flat QoQ despite 5% higher revenue and lower YoY, primarily on lower stock-based compensation and personnel costs; sales and marketing fell to 48% of revenue from 52%

• 9M revenue rose 4% to $350.1M; net income was $43.8M versus a $32.2M loss, including a $60.0M debt-extinguishment gain

Outlook and guidance

• Q4 revenue guidance is $118M-$122M, or 6%-9% YoY growth, reflecting product momentum and typical seasonal hiring slowdown

• FY2026 revenue guidance is $468M-$472M, or 4%-5% YoY growth, versus a flat outlook at the start of the year

• Q4 Adjusted EBITDA guidance is $16M-$20M, a 14%-16% margin; marketing investment will be adjusted based on returns

• FY2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance is $51M-$65M, a 13%-14% margin, versus 9% in 2025