ZipRecruiter (ZIP) Q1 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Q1 2026 revenue was $107.5 million, exceeding guidance midpoint but down 2% year-over-year, reflecting a soft hiring market.

• Net loss for Q1 2026 was $4.7 million, a significant improvement from $12.8 million in Q1 2025, with a net loss margin of 4%.

• Adjusted EBITDA reached $9.7 million (9% margin), up from $5.9 million (5% margin) in the prior year.

• Product innovation, including next-gen AI search and Be Seen First, drove engagement and application growth, with AI-powered matching technology accelerating marketplace engagement.

• Over 4 million employers and 180 million job seekers have used the platform, with 80% of employers receiving a quality candidate within 24 hours.

Financial highlights

• Q1 2026 revenue was $107.5 million, with a 2% year-over-year and 4% sequential decline, reflecting muted hiring demand and seasonality.

• Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 9% from 5% in Q1 2025.

• Revenue per paid employer was $1,698, down 2% year-over-year and 10% sequentially.

• Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $393.5 million at quarter end.

• Repurchased 3.5 million shares for $9.4 million in Q1.

Outlook and guidance

• Q2 2026 revenue guidance is $112 million at midpoint, flat year-over-year and up 4% sequentially.

• Q2 Adjusted EBITDA guidance is $13 million (12% margin).

• Full-year 2026 expected to deliver flat revenue year-over-year, a 5 percentage point improvement over 2025.

• Adjusted EBITDA margin expected to expand from 9% in 2025 to 14% in 2026.

• Management expects continued investment in marketplace functionality and innovation, aiming to capture market share in the AI era.