Who Owns Ziff Davis Company?

Ziff Davis Bundle

Get Full Bundle:

	5 FORCES	$15	$10
	BCG	$15	$10
	CANVAS	$15	$10
	4P's MIX	$15	$10
	PESTLE	$15	$10
	SWOT	$15	$10

TOTAL:

ADD TO CART

Who Owns Ziff Davis?

Understanding a company's ownership is key to grasping its direction and market sway. Ziff Davis, Inc., a prominent digital media entity, has a history of ownership shifts. A major change saw j2 Global, Inc. rebrand as Ziff Davis, Inc. in October 2021, marking a return to its tech-focused roots.

This strategic move reflects the company's adaptation in the digital age. Its journey from a magazine publisher to an internet services leader highlights its evolution.

The ownership of Ziff Davis, Inc. is a complex tapestry woven with early stakes, investor influence, public shareholders, and significant strategic realignments. This evolution has shaped its current standing as a digital media powerhouse.

The company, now a Nasdaq-listed entity (ZD), operates across various sectors including technology, gaming, and health. In 2024, its estimated revenue reached approximately US$1.4 billion, supported by around 3,800 employees. For a deeper dive into its operational environment, consider a Ziff Davis PESTEL Analysis.

The foundational ownership of Ziff Davis commenced in August 1927, established by William Bernard Ziff Sr. and Bernard George Davis in Chicago, Illinois. Initially known as Popular Aviation Company, it evolved into the Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, signifying the partnership between its founders.

Founding Partnership

William Bernard Ziff Sr. and Bernard George Davis established the company in 1927. Ziff Sr. held the majority ownership, while Davis possessed a significant minority stake.

Leadership Transition

Following William B. Ziff Sr.'s passing in 1953, his son, William B. Ziff Jr., took over the company's leadership. Bernard Davis sold his share to Ziff Jr. in 1958.

Family Ownership Structure

In 1969, William B. Ziff Jr. created Ziff Communications Company. He transferred a substantial ownership interest, 90%, to his three sons via trust funds.

Nephew's Stake

The remaining 10% of Ziff Communications Company ownership was distributed among William B. Ziff Jr.'s three nephews. This structure allowed Ziff Jr. to maintain control as chairman.

Early Expansion

Under William B. Ziff Jr.'s guidance, the company expanded into technology magazines, including the launch of PC Magazine. This period marked significant growth for the Ziff-Davis media group.

Historical Financials

Specific details regarding the initial capital investment or precise equity splits at the company's inception in 1927 are not extensively documented in historical records.

Bernard Davis, after selling his stake in Ziff Davis in 1958, went on to establish Davis Publications, Inc. Despite this separation, the company continued to operate under the established Ziff-Davis name. William B. Ziff Jr.'s strategic move in 1969 to transfer ownership to his sons and nephews solidified a family-centric control structure, enabling him to steer the company's direction, particularly its impactful entry into the burgeoning technology publishing sector. Understanding these early ownership dynamics is crucial for tracing the Ziff Davis ownership history and its subsequent evolution. For a deeper dive into how the company generates revenue, explore the Revenue Streams & Business Model of Ziff Davis.

Key Ownership Milestones

The early Ziff Davis ownership saw significant shifts, moving from a founding partnership to family control, influencing its strategic direction and expansion.

• Founding in 1927 by William B. Ziff Sr. and Bernard G. Davis.
• William B. Ziff Jr. assumed leadership in 1953.
• Bernard Davis sold his stake in 1958.
• Establishment of Ziff Communications Company in 1969.
• Transfer of 90% ownership to Ziff Jr.'s sons.
• The remaining 10% ownership went to Ziff Jr.'s nephews.

Ziff Davis SWOT Analysis

• Complete SWOT Breakdown
• Fully Customizable
• Editable in Excel & Word
• Professional Formatting
• Investor-Ready Format

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Ziff Davis, Inc.'s ownership journey has been dynamic, transitioning from private family control to public trading and multiple private equity hands. Key milestones include its IPO in 1999, a Chapter 11 filing in 2008, and its acquisition by j2 Global in 2012, which later rebranded as Ziff Davis in 2021.

The current ownership structure of Ziff Davis, Inc. as of 2025 is predominantly institutional, with a significant majority of shares held by investment firms. This reflects a broad base of investor confidence in the company's digital media and internet-focused strategy. Understanding these stakeholders is crucial for comprehending the company's strategic direction and its position within the market.

Major Stakeholders in Ziff Davis

Institutional investors are the primary owners of Ziff Davis, holding nearly all of its stock. Richard S. Ressler is the largest individual shareholder.

• Institutional investors hold approximately 99.76% of Ziff Davis stock as of May 2025.
• Key institutional shareholders include Blackrock Inc. (15.32%), Vanguard Group Inc. (11.40%), and Janus Henderson Group PLC (8.48%).
• Insiders, such as executives, own about 0.58% of the shares as of April 2025.
• Richard S. Ressler is the largest individual shareholder with 1.64 million shares, representing a 3.90% stake.
• The company's Brief History of Ziff Davis showcases its evolution through various ownership changes.

Ziff Davis PESTLE Analysis

• Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
• No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
• Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
• Instant Download, Ready to Use
• 100% Editable, Fully Customizable

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The governance of Ziff Davis, Inc. is managed by a Board of Directors, comprising eight individuals as of March 2024. This board is tasked with overseeing the company's strategic direction and safeguarding shareholder interests, ensuring a balance of expertise and independent oversight.

Ziff Davis operates under a standard one-share-one-vote common stock system, meaning each share grants its holder a single vote. This structure ensures that voting power directly correlates with ownership stake, without any preferential voting rights for specific shareholders. As of April 2025, key executives like CEO Vivek Shah held approximately 0.39% of the company's shares, with CFO Bret Richter holding about 0.07%. Recent insider transactions in March 2025 involved executives such as Brian Kretzmer, Bret Richter, and Vivek Shah, indicating continued engagement from leadership. For detailed information on board composition and voting matters, the company's investor relations website provides access to SEC filings, including proxy statements, which are essential for understanding Ziff Davis ownership and company structure. No significant proxy battles or activist investor campaigns have been publicly reported as influencing the company's decision-making processes as of mid-2025.

Understanding Ziff Davis Ownership and Voting Power

Ziff Davis employs a straightforward voting structure where each share of common stock corresponds to one vote. This ensures that a shareholder's influence is directly tied to their investment size.

• One-share-one-vote principle is followed.
• No dual-class shares or special voting rights exist.
• CEO Vivek Shah holds 0.39% of shares as of April 2025.
• Detailed ownership information is available in SEC filings.
• Understanding Ziff Davis ownership is key for investors.
• Explore the Marketing Strategy of Ziff Davis for further insights.

Ziff Davis Business Model Canvas

• Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
• Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
• Investor-Ready BMC Format
• 100% Editable and Customizable
• Clear and Structured Layout

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Over the past few years, Ziff Davis, Inc. has undergone a significant transformation, marked by a rebranding and a series of strategic acquisitions. This period has seen the company solidify its identity and expand its digital media footprint, indicating a dynamic shift in its ownership trends and operational focus.

Ziff Davis has demonstrated robust financial performance and an aggressive growth strategy through acquisitions. The company reported Q1 2025 revenues of $328.6 million, a 4.5% increase year-over-year, with net income surging by 128.1% to $24.2 million. Projections for 2025 indicate a 5.0% revenue increase to $1,472 million and a 6.0% rise in adjusted EBITDA to $523 million. The company is also actively engaged in share buyback programs, signaling a commitment to shareholder value. Institutional investors hold a substantial 99.76% of Ziff Davis's stock as of May 16, 2025, reflecting strong institutional confidence.

Strategic Acquisitions Drive Growth

Ziff Davis has actively expanded its portfolio through key acquisitions in 2024 and 2025. These strategic moves, including the purchases of CNET, Gamer Network, and The Skimm, highlight the company's focus on strengthening its presence across various digital media sectors.

Financial Health and Shareholder Returns

The company's financial results show consistent revenue growth and significant increases in net income. Ziff Davis's commitment to share buybacks further underscores its strategy to enhance shareholder value while maintaining a strong financial position.

Institutional Investor Confidence

A high percentage of Ziff Davis's stock is held by institutional investors, indicating significant confidence in the company's direction and future prospects. This trend suggests a stable ownership structure with a strong backing from major financial entities.

Evolving Company Identity

The rebranding from j2 Global to Ziff Davis in 2021 marked a pivotal moment, signaling a clearer focus on its digital media and internet properties. This strategic shift is further detailed in the Mission, Vision & Core Values of Ziff Davis article.

Ziff Davis Porter's Five Forces Analysis

• Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
• Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
• 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
• Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
• Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked

GET TEMPLATE ➔