MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW) Information


A Brief History of MarketWise, Inc.

Company Overview

MarketWise, Inc. is a leading multi-brand platform focused on subscription-based financial research, software, education, and tools for self-directed investors. Established to cater to the growing demand for independent investment research, MarketWise offers a diverse portfolio of products aimed at enhancing investor knowledge and decision-making.

Financial Performance

As of September 30, 2024, MarketWise reported a net revenue of $97.2 million for Q3 2024, a decrease from $106.2 million in Q3 2023. For the nine months ending September 30, 2024, the total net revenue was $311.2 million, down from $336.0 million in the same period the previous year, representing a year-over-year decline of 7.4%.

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change (%) YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Change (%)
Net Revenue $97.2 million $106.2 million -8.4% $311.2 million $336.0 million -7.4%
Net Income $22.7 million $12.0 million +88.5% $66.7 million $52.4 million +27.3%
Operating Expenses $75.3 million $95.1 million -20.8% $246.4 million $285.5 million -13.7%

Subscriber Metrics

MarketWise's Paid Subscriber base has seen a significant decline, with the total number of Paid Subscribers decreasing to 592,000 as of September 30, 2024, a drop of 182,000 or 23.5% compared to 774,000 the previous year. This decline is attributed to reduced consumer engagement and a significant decrease in marketing spend.

Key Financial Ratios

As of September 30, 2024, MarketWise's financial health indicators reflect ongoing challenges:

  • Average Revenue Per User (ARPU): $417, down from $496 in the previous year, indicating a decrease of 15.9%.
  • Net Income Margin: 23.4%, up from 11.3% in Q3 2023, showing improved profitability despite lower revenues.
  • Operating Margin: 22.6%, improved from 11.6% in the previous year.

Stock Performance

MarketWise's stock has experienced volatility, reflecting broader market trends and company-specific challenges. As of late September 2024, the stock price has shown fluctuations consistent with the company's revenue trends and market conditions.

Future Outlook

The company aims to stabilize its subscriber base and enhance engagement through strategic marketing efforts and product diversification. Efforts are underway to improve the conversion rates from free to paid subscriptions, which have historically contributed significantly to subscriber growth.



A Who Owns MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW)

Current Ownership Structure

As of September 30, 2024, MarketWise, Inc. holds a controlling interest of 12.3% in MarketWise, LLC, while the noncontrolling interest is at 87.7%. This represents a slight increase from the previous year, where the controlling interest was 10.6%.

Shareholder Breakdown

Shareholder Type Ownership Percentage Notes
MarketWise, Inc. (Controlling Interest) 12.3% Increased from 10.6% in 2023
Noncontrolling Interests 87.7% Includes various other stakeholders

Financial Performance Indicators

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, MarketWise reported:

  • Net Revenue: $97.2 million
  • Net Income: $22.7 million
  • Cash and Cash Equivalents: $94.1 million

In comparison, for the same period in 2023:

  • Net Revenue: $106.2 million
  • Net Income: $12.0 million

Income Attribution

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net income attributable to MarketWise, Inc. was $1.7 million, compared to $140,000 for the same period in 2023.

Tax Distributions

During the third quarter of 2024, MarketWise made a required tax distribution of $5.8 million in accordance with its operating agreement.

Operating Metrics

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 % Change
Paid Subscribers 592,000 774,000 -23.5%
Total Billings $48.9 million $95.5 million -48.8%
Adjusted CFFO Margin -11.9% 12.6% -24.5%

Equity Structure

As of September 30, 2024, the equity structure includes:

  • Class A Common Stock: 39,381,380 shares
  • Class B Common Stock: 279,890,147 shares
  • Additional Paid-In Capital: $101.9 million
  • Accumulated Deficit: $(121.4) million

Market Performance

MarketWise's share price as of September 30, 2024, reflects the broader market conditions impacting the company's valuation. The share performance is influenced by factors such as subscriber growth, revenue fluctuations, and operational restructuring efforts.



MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW) Mission Statement

MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW) is dedicated to empowering self-directed investors with superior financial research, software, education, and tools. The mission of the company emphasizes delivering high-quality, independent investment research and a comprehensive suite of services designed to enhance the investment experience for its subscribers.

Core Values and Principles

  • Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of ethics and transparency in all interactions.
  • Innovation: Continually enhancing product offerings to meet the evolving needs of investors.
  • Customer Focus: Prioritizing the needs and preferences of subscribers to foster long-term relationships.
  • Expertise: Leveraging a team of experienced professionals to provide valuable insights and guidance.

Performance Metrics as of September 30, 2024

As of September 30, 2024, MarketWise, Inc. reported several key financial metrics that reflect its operational performance:

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 % Change
Paid Subscribers 592,000 774,000 (23.5%)
Total Net Revenue (in millions) $97.2 $106.2 (8.4%)
Total Billings (in millions) $48.9 $95.5 (48.8%)
Net Income (in millions) $22.7 $12.0 89.2%
Cash and Cash Equivalents (in millions) $94.1 N/A N/A

Strategic Focus Areas

MarketWise, Inc. prioritizes several strategic initiatives to enhance its market position:

  • Subscriber Growth: Focused on acquiring new subscribers through robust marketing strategies and customer engagement.
  • Product Diversification: Expanding the range of financial products and tools offered to meet diverse investor needs.
  • Operational Efficiency: Streamlining operations to reduce costs and improve profitability.
  • Technology Investment: Investing in technology to enhance user experience and improve service delivery.

Financial Overview

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, MarketWise, Inc. experienced notable fluctuations in financial performance compared to the previous year:

Financial Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 % Change
Net Revenue (in thousands) $97,186 $106,150 (8.4%)
Operating Expenses (in thousands) $75,284 $95,108 (20.8%)
Income from Operations (in thousands) $21,902 $11,042 98.3%
Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations (in thousands) ($5,829) $12,055 (148.4%)

Market Position and Competitive Edge

MarketWise, Inc. leverages its extensive portfolio of brands and content to maintain a competitive edge in the financial services industry. The company's commitment to high-quality research and innovative tools positions it favorably among competitors.

As of September 30, 2024, MarketWise's average revenue per user (ARPU) was $417, showcasing a 15.9% decline from $496 in the previous year, indicating a need for strategic adjustments in pricing or product offerings to enhance subscriber value.



How MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW) Works

Business Model

MarketWise, Inc. operates primarily as a subscription-based financial research and publishing company. Its revenue streams are derived from:

  • Term subscriptions
  • Membership subscriptions
  • Advertising revenue
  • Revenue share agreements

As of September 30, 2024, the company reported a total net revenue of $97.2 million, a decrease of 8.4% compared to $106.2 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Financial Performance

The financial performance of MarketWise, Inc. for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 is summarized in the table below:

Metric Q3 2024 (in thousands) Q3 2023 (in thousands) Change (%)
Net Revenue $97,186 $106,150 (8.4)
Net Income $22,746 $12,044 88.7
Operating Expenses $75,284 $95,108 (20.8)
Cash and Cash Equivalents $94,100 N/A N/A

Subscriber Metrics

As of September 30, 2024, MarketWise reported a Paid Subscriber base of 592,191, down from 774,000 the previous year, reflecting a decrease of 23.5%. The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) also decreased from $496 to $417, a decline of 15.9% during the same period.

Revenue Breakdown

The revenue breakdown for the three months ended September 30, 2024 is shown in the table below:

Revenue Source Q3 2024 (in thousands) Q3 2023 (in thousands)
Subscription Revenue $96,841 $105,581
Advertising Revenue $111 $0
Revenue Share (Related Party) $211 $0
Revenue Share (Third-party) $23 $0
Total Revenue $97,186 $106,150

Cost Structure

MarketWise's operating expenses for Q3 2024 are detailed below:

Expense Type Q3 2024 (in thousands) Q3 2023 (in thousands) Change (%)
Cost of Revenue $12,902 $13,812 (6.6)
Sales and Marketing $36,644 $52,466 (30.2)
General and Administrative $22,480 $25,005 (10.1)
Research and Development $2,614 $2,085 25.4
Total Operating Expenses $75,284 $95,108 (20.8)

Liquidity and Cash Flow

MarketWise's liquidity position as of September 30, 2024, includes:

  • Cash and cash equivalents of $94.1 million
  • Float estimated at approximately $119.9 million
  • Interest income earned of $1.4 million for Q3 2024

Recent Developments

In February 2024, MarketWise initiated a strategic reorganization due to misconduct at its Legacy Research Group, leading to significant curtailment of operations in that segment. This transition is expected to impact future revenue and subscriber engagement.

Key Business Metrics

The following key metrics summarize the company's performance:

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Paid Subscribers 592,191 774,000
Free Subscribers 15,294,686 16,341,577
Net Renewal Billings (in thousands) $15,742 $20,780
Total Billings (in thousands) $48,929 $95,513


How MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW) Makes Money

Revenue Streams

MarketWise, Inc. generates revenue primarily through subscription-based financial research, publications, and software as a service (SaaS) offerings. The company has a diverse portfolio that includes:

  • Term and membership subscriptions
  • Advertising placements on their websites
  • Print products and events
  • Revenue share agreements

Financial Performance

For the third quarter of 2024, MarketWise reported total net revenue of $97.2 million, down from $106.2 million in the same quarter of 2023, reflecting a decrease of 8.4%.

The breakdown of revenue sources for the third quarter of 2024 includes:

Revenue Source Q3 2024 Revenue (in millions) Q3 2023 Revenue (in millions) % Change
Term Subscriptions $65.5 $73.2 -9.3%
Membership Subscriptions $31.7 $32.7 -3.1%
Advertising and Other $0.0 $0.3 -100%

Billings Overview

Total Billings for the third quarter of 2024 were $48.9 million, a decrease of 48.8% from $95.5 million in the third quarter of 2023. The decline was driven by reduced engagement across their subscription offerings.

The following table presents the breakdown of Billings:

Billings Type Q3 2024 Billings (in millions) Q3 2023 Billings (in millions) % Change
New Marketing Billings $32.3 $73.7 -56.1%
Net Renewal Billings $15.7 $20.8 -24.2%
Other Billings $0.9 $1.0 -15.7%

Subscriber Metrics

As of September 30, 2024, the company reported a Paid Subscriber base of 592 thousand, down from 774 thousand in the previous year, indicating a decline of 23.5%.

The average revenue per user (ARPU) decreased to $417 from $496, reflecting a decrease of 15.9%.

Operating Expenses

For the third quarter of 2024, MarketWise reported total operating expenses of $75.3 million, a reduction of 20.8% compared to $95.1 million in the same quarter of 2023. The breakdown is as follows:

Expense Type Q3 2024 Expense (in millions) Q3 2023 Expense (in millions) % Change
Cost of Revenue $12.9 $13.8 -6.6%
Sales and Marketing $36.6 $52.5 -30.2%
General and Administrative $22.5 $25.0 -10.1%
Research and Development $2.6 $2.1 +25.4%
Depreciation and Amortization $0.6 $1.0 -36.6%

Net Income

MarketWise reported a net income of $22.7 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $12.0 million in the third quarter of 2023, reflecting a significant increase attributable to reduced operating expenses and effective cost management.

Cash Flow and Liquidity

As of September 30, 2024, MarketWise had cash and cash equivalents of $94.1 million and an estimated float of $119.9 million. The company reported a net cash used in operating activities of $(5.8) million for the third quarter, a significant decline from $12.1 million generated in the same quarter of 2023.

Future Outlook

MarketWise's future revenue generation will heavily depend on the recovery of its subscriber base and the effectiveness of its marketing strategies moving forward. The company anticipates further challenges due to the ongoing impact of the Legacy Research Group wind-down and shifting market conditions.

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Resources:

  1. MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.