Company Description
System1, Inc. (SST) is described in its public disclosures as an omnichannel customer acquisition marketing platform that combines technology and data science to connect high-intent consumers with advertising partners. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SST and is classified in the specialty business services industry within the industrials sector.
According to System1, its business centers on an advanced Responsive Acquisition Marketing Platform (RAMP). RAMP is characterized by the company as omnichannel and omnivertical, designed for a privacy-centric environment. Through this platform, System1 states that it can build and grow brands across multiple consumer verticals, develop and expand a suite of privacy-focused products, and deliver high-intent customers to its advertising partners.
Business Model and Platform
System1’s disclosures explain that it develops technology and data science to operate a responsive acquisition marketing platform. The company has identified two main operating segments in prior descriptions: Owned and Operated Advertising (O&O) and a Partner Network. It has indicated that the O&O segment has historically generated a significant portion of its revenue. System1 also notes that it operates in the United States and other countries.
Across its platform, System1 emphasizes the use of AI and machine learning. The company reports that it integrates AI-driven automation and decision-making into its operations, including its RAMP platform and broader business processes. It has also described using agentic coding and generative AI in its development workflows to accelerate platform enhancements and improve optimization accuracy for marketing campaigns.
Products, Brands, and Consumer Verticals
System1 states that it operates several flagship brands across multiple consumer verticals, including shopping, travel, and search. Within its product portfolio, the company has highlighted a number of specific properties and initiatives:
- Startpage.com, which System1 describes as part of its suite of privacy-focused products. The company has reported growth in daily active users and has worked with Startpage on additional offerings.
- MapQuest, a mapping and navigation brand that System1 has updated with redesigned mobile applications on iOS and Android. The company has reported new features around route optionality, enhanced user preferences, and CarPlay support, as well as a white-label consumer mapping solution for integration into third-party websites and search engines.
- CouponFollow.com, a coupon and deals property that System1 has identified as an organic product within its portfolio. The company has reported growth in organic sessions and expansion of localized coupon content in certain European markets.
- 1.org, which System1 has described as a charitable-focused search engine that allows users to support nonprofit organizations by searching the web. The company has mentioned gamification features to improve retention and a nonprofit partnership with Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.
System1 has also referenced the development of Vanish Private AI Chat through Startpage.com, describing it as a mobile app that provides access to multiple AI chat services through Startpage’s proxy layer, with a focus on not logging users’ IP addresses, queries, or conversations.
Customer Acquisition and Advertising Partners
In its public statements, System1 explains that its platform is intended to deliver high-intent customers to advertising partners, with the goal of maximizing partners’ reach and effectiveness. The company has noted that it serves advertisers across multiple consumer verticals, including shopping, travel, and search, and has previously indicated that it serves customers in areas such as health and wellness, automotive, finance, travel, and entertainment.
System1 has also discussed its relationships with network partners and advertising partners, including references to a key advertising partner whose product changes have affected its marketing business. The company has described efforts to adapt to these changes, including shifting marketing focus to newer products offered by that partner.
Traffic Quality and Risk Management
System1 has disclosed that it monitors the quality of traffic delivered through its partners. In one instance, the company reported that it informed a traffic partner that a significant portion of traffic delivered was invalid in origin, and that third parties independently verified its analysis. System1 stated that it is pursuing recovery through available channels and emphasized a commitment to enforcing high standards of traffic quality and protecting the interests of advertisers and shareholders.
The company’s public filings and press releases also outline various risk factors it monitors, including the ability to maintain key relationships with network partners and advertisers, collect and safely store first-party data, respond to changes in customer demand, compete in evolving markets, maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and integrate new technologies such as AI and machine learning.
Financial Reporting and Non-GAAP Metrics
System1 regularly reports its financial results and provides reconciliations for certain non-GAAP measures that it uses to evaluate its operations. The company defines Adjusted Gross Profit as gross profit plus depreciation and amortization related to cost of revenues, and Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred compensation, gain or loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash revaluation of warrant liability, and acquisition and restructuring costs.
System1 states that these non-GAAP measures are used by management and the board of directors to assess the operational strength and performance of its core business, set budgets, and develop operational goals. The company also notes the limitations of these metrics and explains that they are not substitutes for GAAP measures such as gross profit, income (loss) from operations, or net income (loss).
Capital Markets, NYSE Listing, and Corporate Actions
System1’s Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SST. In company disclosures, System1 has described actions taken in relation to its listing status and capital structure. The company’s board of directors approved a reverse stock split of its Class A and Class C common stock at a ratio of one-for-ten. System1 reported that the reverse split became effective at a specified time and that its Class A common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on the NYSE under the existing symbol SST with a new CUSIP number.
The company has explained that the reverse stock split was intended, among other things, to increase the per-share trading price of its Class A common stock in order to satisfy NYSE continued listing standards. System1 has also noted related adjustments to equity awards, equity incentive plans, and warrant terms as a result of the reverse split, as well as the treatment of fractional shares.
In a separate filing, System1 disclosed that it received a notice of noncompliance from the NYSE regarding Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, relating to market capitalization and stockholders’ equity thresholds. The company reported that it has an 18-month period to cure the deficiencies, subject to NYSE approval of a business plan, and that it intends to consider alternatives to regain compliance.
Ownership and Governance Developments
System1 has reported certain governance and ownership events through its SEC filings. These include the resignation of directors, with the company stating that such resignations did not arise from disagreements regarding operations, policies, or practices. The company has also disclosed a privately negotiated off-market transaction in which Cannae Holdings, LLC, identified as its largest individual shareholder, sold a block of Class A common stock to Kenloch Holdings, LLC, an entity formed by certain members of management and independent directors and managed by System1’s co-founder, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board.
Through these disclosures, System1 provides investors with information about changes in board composition, significant share transactions involving large shareholders, and the structure of ownership interests aligned with management and directors.
Use of AI, Privacy Focus, and Product Innovation
System1’s public communications emphasize the integration of AI and machine learning into its marketing platform and internal processes. The company has described its RAMP platform as built for a privacy-centric world and has highlighted the development of privacy-focused products such as Startpage.com and Vanish Private AI Chat. These products are described as incorporating privacy protections, including the use of a proxy layer and policies not to log certain user data.
The company has also described specific product initiatives, such as MapQuest’s new features and white-label mapping solutions, CouponFollow.com’s localized content and growth in organic sessions, and 1.org’s gamification features and nonprofit partnerships. These examples illustrate how System1 applies its platform capabilities to consumer-facing brands and products across different verticals.
Regulatory Filings and Investor Communications
System1 regularly files reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including current reports on Form 8-K that disclose material events such as financial results, supplemental financial information, investor presentations, governance changes, and notices from the NYSE. The company also issues press releases to announce quarterly financial results and other significant developments, and it makes certain supplemental materials and presentations available through its investor relations channels.
Through these filings and communications, System1 provides detailed financial data, definitions and reconciliations of non-GAAP metrics, and narrative explanations of its business performance, strategic focus, and risk considerations.
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Short Interest History
Short interest in System1 (SST) currently stands at 192.8 thousand shares, down 1.8% from the previous reporting period, representing 4.6% of the float. Over the past 12 months, short interest has decreased by 90.7%. This relatively low short interest suggests limited bearish sentiment. With 10.1 days to cover, it would take significant time for short sellers to close their positions based on average trading volume.
Days to Cover History
Days to cover for System1 (SST) currently stands at 10.1 days, up 88.4% from the previous period. This elevated days-to-cover ratio indicates it would take over two weeks of average trading volume for short sellers to exit their positions, suggesting potential for a short squeeze if positive news emerges. The days to cover has decreased 34.3% over the past year, suggesting improved liquidity for short covering. The ratio has shown significant volatility over the period, ranging from 1.0 to 15.4 days.