NERDWALLET, INC. (NRDS)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

Overview

NerdWallet, Inc. (NerdWallet, we, our, or us) provides consumers and small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) with trusted guidance across a broad range of finance topics through a digital platform that integrates independent editorial content, comparison tools, data-driven product marketplaces, and access to regulated financial services offered through our subsidiaries. Our mission is to provide clarity for all of life’s financial decisions. Our vision is a world where everyone makes financial decisions with confidence.

Our platform enables users to compare financial products, access educational resources, receive personalized insights, and connect with third-party providers across credit cards, banking, insurance, lending, investing, wealth management, and other financial categories. We generate revenue primarily through referral fees, lead generation, and partner-based monetization, as well as through revenue derived from brokering and advisory services.

Our business model is designed to be partner-neutral and to support transparent consumer and SMB choice by offering side-by-side comparisons and unbiased information supported by editorial standards.

Recent Developments

On February 20, 2026, we entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with inspHIRE IO Corp., d/b/a Candidly, pursuant to which we acquired 100% of the outstanding membership interests of College Finance Company, LLC, which operates a student loan marketplace to connect borrowers with lenders. The preliminary purchase consideration for this acquisition was $17.2 million in cash which was paid during the six months ended June 30, 2026, including $1.5 million which was placed into escrow to secure potential post-closing indemnification rights.

During the three months ended March 31, 2026, as part of our ongoing efforts to align our operations with our strategic priorities, we have ceased revenue-generating operations outside of North America. We do not expect this action to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We collect, review and analyze operating and financial data of our business to assess our ongoing performance and compare our results to prior period results. In addition to revenue, net income (loss) and other results under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the following sets forth the non-GAAP financial measures we use to evaluate our business.

We use non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA in conjunction with GAAP measures as part of our overall assessment of our performance, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and quarterly forecasts, to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies, and to communicate with our Board of Directors concerning our financial performance.

Non-GAAP operating income (loss): We define non-GAAP operating income (loss) as income (loss) from operations adjusted to exclude depreciation and amortization, and further exclude (1) losses (gains) on disposals of assets, (2) acquisition-related costs, and (3) restructuring charges. We also reduce income from operations, or increase loss from operations, for capitalized internally developed software costs.

Adjusted EBITDA: We define adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) from continuing operations adjusted to exclude depreciation and amortization, interest income (expense), net, other gains (losses), net, and provision (benefit) for income taxes, and further exclude (1) losses (gains) on disposals of assets, (2) stock-based compensation, (3) acquisition-related costs, and (4) restructuring charges.

The above items are excluded from our non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA measures because these items are non-cash in nature, or because the amounts are not driven by core operating results and renders comparisons with prior periods less meaningful. We deduct capitalized internally developed software costs in our non-GAAP operating income (loss) measure to reflect the cash impact of personnel costs incurred within the time period.

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Table of Contents

We believe that non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results and in comparing operating results across periods. Moreover, non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA are key measurements used by our management internally to make operating decisions, including those related to analyzing operating expenses, evaluating performance, and performing strategic planning and annual budgeting. However, the use of these non-GAAP measures have certain limitations because they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect our operations. Non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as financial measures, should be considered as supplemental in nature, and are not meant as substitutes for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. These limitations include the following:

•Non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA exclude certain recurring, non-cash charges, such as amortization of software, depreciation of property and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, and (losses) gains on disposals of assets. Although these are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect all cash requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements;

•Non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA exclude certain acquisition-related costs, including acquisition-related retention compensation under compensatory retention agreements with certain key employees, and acquisition-related transaction expenses;

•Non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA exclude restructuring charges primarily consisting of severance payments, stock-based compensation, employee benefits, and related expenses for impacted employees, as well as contract termination costs, associated with our restructuring plan implemented in 2024;

•Adjusted EBITDA excludes stock-based compensation, including for acquisition-related inducement awards, which has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a significant recurring expense in our business and an important part of our compensation strategy; and

•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect interest income (expense) and other gains (losses), net, which include unrealized and realized gains and losses on foreign currency exchange, as well as certain nonrecurring gains (losses).

In addition, non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA as we define them may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Because of these limitations, you should consider non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including income (loss) from operations, net income (loss) and our other GAAP results.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliations of non-GAAP operating income (loss) to income (loss) from operations, and adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

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Results of Operations

The following tables set forth our results of operations for the periods presented. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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(1)Includes stock-based compensation as follows:

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The following table sets forth the components of our condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of revenue:

Income from operations decreased $3.7 million, or 35%, for the three months ended June 30, 2026, and increased $22.8 million, or 200%, for the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, as revenue increased $10.4 million and $23.4 million, respectively, while operating expenses increased $14.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, primarily attributable to increases of $17.4 million and $6.8 million in sales and marketing expenses, respectively, as well as a $2.0 millio

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Overview

NerdWallet, Inc. (NerdWallet, we, our, or us) provides consumers and small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) with trusted guidance across a broad range of finance topics through a digital platform that integrates independent editorial content, comparison tools, data-driven product marketplaces, and access to regulated financial services offered through our subsidiaries. Our mission is to provide clarity for all of life’s financial decisions. Our vision is a world where everyone makes financial decisions with confidence.

Our platform enables users to compare financial products, access educational resources, receive personalized insights, and connect with third-party providers across credit cards, banking, insurance, lending, investing, wealth management, and other financial categories. We generate revenue primarily through referral fees, lead generation, and partner-based monetization, as well as through revenue derived from brokering and advisory services.

Our business model is designed to be partner-neutral and to support transparent consumer and SMB choice by offering side-by-side comparisons and unbiased information supported by editorial standards.

Acquisitions

We have made acquisitions and established subsidiaries to expand into new verticals; to enter new markets; and to grow our platform so that our users have better outcomes. Recent acquisitions include:

•Next Door Lending. In October 2024, we acquired Next Door Lending LLC (NDL), a mortgage broker that offers a selection of loan products for home purchase and refinance, including cash-out refinance and debt consolidation, across a range of maturities and interest rates. Through NDL, we offer consumers access to government-sponsored entity-conforming loans, FHA insured loans, VA guaranteed loans and jumbo loans.

•NerdWallet Insurance Experts. In March 2025, we established NerdWallet Insurance Experts, LLC (NWIE), an insurance agency. Through NWIE, we provide property and casualty brokerage services to assist consumers to compare quotes and connect with licensed carriers or agents to obtain insurance policies.

•NerdWallet Wealth Partners. In June 2025, we acquired an SEC-registered investment adviser and created NerdWallet Wealth Partners, LLC, which provides traditional investment advisory services, such as financial planning and discretionary investment management.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We collect, review and analyze operating and financial data of our business to assess our ongoing performance and compare our results to prior period results. In addition to revenue, net income (loss) and other results under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the following sets forth the non-GAAP financial measures we use to evaluate our business.

We use non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA in conjunction with GAAP measures as part of our overall assessment of our performance, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and quarterly forecasts, to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies, and to communicate with our Board of Directors concerning our financial performance.

Non-GAAP operating income (loss): We define non-GAAP operating income (loss) as income (loss) from operations adjusted to exclude depreciation and amortization, and further exclude (1) impairment of right-of-use asset, (2) losses (gains) on disposals of assets, (3) acquisition-related costs, and (4) restructuring charges. We also reduce income from operations, or increase loss from operations, for capitalized internally developed software costs.

Adjusted EBITDA: We define adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) from continuing operations adjusted to exclude depreciation and amortization, interest income (expense), net, other gains (losses), net, and provision (benefit) for income taxes, and further exclude (1) impairment of right-of-use asset, (2) losses (gains) on disposals of assets, (3) stock-based compensation, (4) acquisition-related costs, and (5) restructuring charges.

The above items are excluded from our non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA measures because these items are non-cash in nature, or because the amounts are not driven by core operating results and renders comparisons with prior periods less meaningful. We deduct capitalized internally developed software costs in our non-GAAP operating income (loss) measure to reflect the cash impact of personnel costs incurred within the time period.

We believe that non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results and in comparing operating results across periods. Moreover, non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA are key measurements used by our management internally to make operating decisions, including those related to analyzing operating expenses, evaluating performance, and performing strategic planning and annual budgeting. However, the use of these non-GAAP measures have certain limitations because they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect our operations. Non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as financial measures, should be considered as supplemental in nature, and are not meant as substitutes for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. These limitations include the following:

•Non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA exclude certain recurring, non-cash charges, such as amortization of software, depreciation of property and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, impairment of right-of-use asset, and (losses) gains on disposals of assets. Although these are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect all cash requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements;

•Non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA exclude certain acquisition-related costs, including acquisition-related retention compensation under compensatory retention agreements with certain key employees, and acquisition-related transaction expenses;

•Non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA exclude restructuring charges primarily consisting of severance payments, stock-based compensation, employee benefits, and related expenses for impacted employees, as well as contract termination costs, associated with our Restructuring Plan;

•Adjusted EBITDA excludes stock-based compensation, including for acquisition-related inducement awards, which has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a significant recurring expense in our business and an important part of our compensation strategy; and

•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect interest income (expense) and other gains (losses), net, which include unrealized and realized gains and losses on foreign currency exchange, as well as certain nonrecurring gains (losses).

In addition, non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA as we define them may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Because of these limitations, you should consider non-GAAP operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including income (loss) from operations, net income (loss) and our other GAAP results.

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See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Key Components of Our Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliations of non-GAAP operating income (loss) to income (loss) from operations, and adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Key Components of Our Results of Operations

Revenue

We generate substantially all of our revenue through fees paid by our financial services partners in the form of either revenue per action, revenue per click, revenue per lead, and revenue per funded loan arrangements. For these revenue arrangements, in which a partner pays only when a consumer or SMB satisfies the criteria set forth within the arrangement, revenue is recognized generally when we match the consumer or SMB with the financial services partner. For some of our arrangements, the transaction price is considered variable and an estimate of the constrained transaction price is recorded when the match occurs. Our revenue generally includes five product categories: Insurance, Credit cards, SMB products, Loans and Emerging verticals. Insurance revenue includes revenue from consumer insurance products, including auto, life and pet insurance. Credit cards revenue includes revenue from consumer credit cards. SMB products revenue includes revenue from loans, credit cards and other financial products and services intended for small and mid-sized businesses. Loans revenue includes revenue from personal loans, mortgages, student loans and auto loans. Emerging verticals revenue includes revenue from other product sources, including banking, investing and international.

Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue consists primarily of amortization expense associated with capitalized software development costs and developed technology intangible assets related to our acquisitions, credit scoring fees, account linking fees, and third-party service and data costs.

We expect our cost of revenue to decrease in absolute dollars in the next few years, as amortization of capitalized software development costs decline following years of decreasing levels of capitalized software development costs, and to then increase in absolute dollars for the foreseeable future to the extent that our business continues to grow. We expect our cost of revenue to vary as a percentage of revenue in the next few years, and it may eventually decrease over time as a percentage of revenue as our business grows and recognizes economies of scale. However, this percentage may fluctuate from year to year depending on the timing and extent of our investments in experiences requiring third-party service and data costs.

Research and development

Research and development activities primarily relate to engineering, product management, data enhancement, and improved functionality related to our platform. Research and development expenses primarily consist of personnel related costs, including stock-based compensation, technology and facility-related expenses and contractor expense for our engineering, product management, data and other personnel engaged in maintaining and enhancing the functionality of our platform.

We expect our research and development expenses to increase in absolute dollars for the foreseeable future, primarily for increased headcount costs to further develop and innovate our platform. Over time, we expect research and development expenses to decrease as a percentage of revenue as our business grows and recognizes economies of scale. However, this percentage may fluctuate from period to period depending on the timing and extent of our research and development expenses.

Sales and marketing

Our marketing strategy leverages multiple channels across brand marketing, performance marketing and organic marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist of: performance marketing, primarily costs to drive traffic directly to our platform; brand marketing, primarily advertising costs to increase brand awareness; and organic and other marketing, primarily personnel-related costs, including stock-based compensation, for content and other marketing and sales teams. We are able to adjust our marketing spend to reflect changes in external factors and consumer and SMB behavior. Performance marketing spend can be adjusted more quickly than brand marketing, which typically involves pre-committing to spend in future periods.

We expect our sales and mark

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