DEF: GoDaddy Aims for Profitable Growth and Long-Term Stockholder Value in 2025

• GoDaddy's 2025 proxy statement outlines key business items for the annual meeting, including the election of nine directors, an advisory vote on executive compensation, and ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent accounting firm.
• The company emphasizes its mission to empower entrepreneurs and deliver profitable growth, highlighting the launch of GoDaddy Airo and its focus on AI-powered experiences.
• GoDaddy reported strong financial performance in 2024, with total revenue of $4.6 billion (an 8% increase), total bookings of $5.0 billion (a 9% increase), and Normalized EBITDA of $1.4 billion (a 23% increase).
• The company also repurchased 39.4 million shares as part of its $4.0 billion multi-year share repurchase program.
• GoDaddy is committed to sustainability, focusing on customer experience, inclusive entrepreneurship, employee engagement, ethical conduct, and environmental impact.
• The board is fully declassified, with all directors standing for election annually.
• The company maintains a year-round stockholder engagement program to gather feedback and incorporate it into decision-making processes.
• Executive compensation is tied to performance, with a significant portion of pay at risk based on corporate and individual achievements.
• The board recommends stockholders vote FOR all proposals at the annual meeting.

Score: 8

Explanation: The document presents a positive outlook for GoDaddy, highlighting strong financial performance, strategic initiatives, and a commitment to stockholder value. While there are some challenges and risks, the overall tone is optimistic and confident.

• Strong financial performance in 2024 with increased revenue, bookings, and EBITDA.
• Successful share repurchase program reducing outstanding shares.
• Promising traction with GoDaddy Airo.
• High customer retention rates.
• Commitment to sustainability and environmental goals.
• Positive stockholder engagement and support for executive compensation program.
• Board refreshment with the addition of Graham Smith.
• Board declassification, enhancing corporate governance.

• Net income decreased by 32% in 2024.
• Slight reduction in customer retention rate from 85% to 84% due to divestitures and product end-of-life.

• The company faces risks related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
• The company's success depends on its ability to evolve and build products to meet customers' changing needs.
• The company's performance is subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

The Board believes there is an incredible opportunity for GoDaddy to execute on its mission to empower entrepreneurs and make opportunity more inclusive for all, while continuing to provide long-term stockholder value through profitable growth.

• The launch of GoDaddy Airo was a direct result of our focus on accelerating the pace of innovation and enhancing our customer experience.
• This relentless customer focus has propelled our profitable growth model and progress towards the financial targets set out at our 2024 Investor Day.
• We gain invaluable feedback through our conversations that we incorporate into our Board and committee discussions.

GoDaddy operates in the competitive market of online services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, facing competition from companies offering domain registration, website building, marketing tools, and e-commerce solutions. The company's focus on AI-powered experiences and a unified software platform aligns with industry trends towards integrated solutions and personalized customer experiences.

• GoDaddy's peer group includes companies like Akamai Technologies, Autodesk, DocuSign, Dropbox, eBay, Etsy, Fortinet, Gen Digital, HubSpot, Nutanix, Open Text Corporation, Pinterest, Shopify, Toast, Verisign, Wix.com, Zillow Group, and Zoom Communications.
• These companies represent a mix of technology, e-commerce, and internet service providers, reflecting GoDaddy's diverse business lines.
• The company's financial performance and growth metrics are assessed against these peers to ensure competitive compensation and strategic alignment.

• Stockholders: The company aims to deliver long-term stockholder value through profitable growth and strategic initiatives.
• Employees: The company is committed to fostering a thriving workplace culture and providing learning and development opportunities.
• Customers: The company focuses on creating customer value and providing personalized support for entrepreneurs.
• Communities: The company aims to positively impact the communities it serves through sustainability initiatives and social impact programs.

• Stockholders will vote on the proposals at the annual meeting on June 4, 2025.
• The company will continue to execute its strategy to empower entrepreneurs and drive profitable growth.
• The board will continue to oversee the company's risk management and corporate governance practices.

• 2019: Baseline year for GHG emissions reduction target.
• 2020: Annual meetings of stockholders held in 2020.
• 2021: Annual meetings of stockholders held in 2021.
• 2022: Annual meetings of stockholders held in 2022.
• 2023: GoDaddy achieved its target to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% in 2023 from a 2019 baseline.
• 2024-01-01: Start of the rTSR performance period for PSUs granted in February 2022.
• 2024-06: Graham Smith appointed to the Board in June 2024.
• 2024-12-31: End of the rTSR performance period for PSUs granted in February 2022.
• 2025-03-01: PSUs granted in February 2022 vested on March 1, 2025.
• 2025-04-07: Record date for the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders.
• 2025-04-24: Date of proxy statement.
• 2025-06-04: Date of the 2025 virtual annual meeting of stockholders.
• 2026: Annual meeting of stockholders in 2026.
• 2030: Target year to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% from a 2019 baseline.