LEGALZOOMCOM INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 26, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 26, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-29.
0001286139-24-000031
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-26.
0001286139-25-000044
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 208 previous paragraphs and 197 current paragraphs.
99 unchanged; 81 reworded; 15 added; 23 removed; 5 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (15)
Current report
•our ability to successfully implement our updated strategic execution priorities;
Current report
•the ongoing integration of the operations of Formation Nation, which we acquired in February 2025;
Current report
Our employees and personnel use generative AI technologies to perform certain functions of their work, and the disclosure and use of personal data in generative AI technologies is subject to various privacy laws and other privacy obligations. If we are unable to use generative AI, it could make our business less efficient and result in competitive disadvantages. Additionally, sensitive information of the Company or our customers could be leaked, disclosed, or revealed as a result of or in connection with our employees’, personnel’s, or vendors’ use of generative AI technologies.
Current report
Further, in July 2024, we announced the appointment of Jeff Stibel as our new Chief Executive Officer. If we are unable to manage this leadership transition successfully, our ability to operate our business effectively may be impaired.
Current report
•encountering difficulties or unforeseen expenditures in integrating the business, technologies, products, personnel or operations of any acquired company, particularly if key personnel of the acquired company decide not to work for us;
Current report
•inability to retain personnel, key customers, distributors, vendors and other business partners of the acquired business;
Current report
•our inability to realize the financial and strategic goals or anticipated synergies of the acquisition or investment on a timely basis, if at all;
Current report
•incurring higher than anticipated costs to effectively integrate an acquired business, to bring an acquired company into compliance with applicable laws and regulations or due to additional compensation issued or assumed in connection with an acquisition;
Current report
•disruption to our ongoing business, diversion of resources and distraction of our management;
Current report
•exposure to litigation or other claims in connection with, or inheritance of claims or litigation risk as a result of, an acquisition;
Current report
•potential identified or unknown security vulnerabilities in acquired products or technologies that expose us to additional security risks or delay our ability to integrate the products or technologies into our offerings;
Current report
•difficulty in maintaining controls, procedures and policies during the transition and integration and inability to conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective;
Current report
We publish privacy policies, marketing materials and other statements regarding data privacy and security. Regulators in the United States are increasingly scrutinizing these statements, and if these policies, materials or statements are found to be deficient, lacking in transparency, deceptive, unfair, misleading, or misrepresentative of our practices, we may be subject to investigation, enforcement actions by regulators or other adverse consequences.
Current report
•our ability to effectively and successfully integrate the operations of Formation Nation into our existing business;
Current report
•our ability to successfully implement our strategic execution priorities;
Removed paragraphs (23)
Previous report
Our recent growth may not be indicative of our future growth and, if we continue to grow, we may not be able to manage our growth effectively
Previous report
Our failure to successfully address the evolving market for transactions on mobile devices and to build mobile products could harm our business
Previous report
•we may not be able to realize anticipated synergies on a timely basis, if at all;
Previous report
•an acquisition or investment may disrupt our ongoing business, divert resources, increase our expenses and distract our management;
Previous report
If we are unable to sustain our revenue growth rate, we may not maintain profitability in the future
Previous report
Our revenue growth rate may decline despite our increased revenue growth rate in certain recent periods, even if our revenue increases in the future to higher levels on an absolute basis. As we grow our business, our revenue growth rate may slow in future periods due to a number of reasons. Any success that we may experience in the future will depend in large part on our ability to, among other things:
Previous report
•increase revenue from existing customers through increased or broader use of our platform, including through maintaining and/or increasing the rate at which customers purchase our subscriptions;
Previous report
•improve the performance and capabilities of our services through research and development;
Previous report
•identify and acquire or invest in new businesses, products or technologies that we believe could complement or expand our platform; and
Previous report
If we are unable to maintain consistent revenue or revenue growth, our stock price could be volatile, and it may be difficult to maintain profitability. You should not rely on our revenue for any prior quarterly or annual periods as any indication of our future revenue or revenue growth.
Previous report
We are in the process of implementing a new revenue recognition accounting software system and challenges with the implementation of the system may impact our business and operations
Previous report
We are in the process of implementing a new revenue recognition accounting software system, which we expect to complete in the first quarter of 2024. The implementation efforts of the revenue recognition accounting software may prove to be more difficult, costly, or time consuming than expected, and it is possible that the system will not yield the benefits anticipated. Any disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design and implementation of our new revenue accounting software program could materially impact our operations, cause operational difficulties or lead to errors within our financial reporting.
Previous report
•Regulation of legal document processing services and registered agent services varies among the jurisdictions in which we conduct business.
Previous report
•Regulations regarding virtual mail, including those imposed by the U.S. Postal Service, are new and evolving, are generally untested in U.S. courts, and may be interpreted, applied, created or amended by both federal and state agencies in a manner that could harm our business.
Previous report
•Regulation of our legal plans varies considerably among the insurance departments, bar associations, Supreme Courts and attorneys general of each U.S. state. In addition, some U.S. states and federal agencies may seek to regulate our legal plans or other subscription plans.
Previous report
In addition, a growing number of legislative and regulatory bodies have adopted consumer notification and other requirements in the event that consumer information (such as personal information) is actually or reasonably believed to be compromised, and additional regulations regarding the use, access, accuracy, and security of such data are possible. In the U.S., state laws provide for disparate data breach notification regimes. If our practices are deemed to be a violation of applicable data privacy or security obligations, whether or not consistent with current or future regulations and industry practices, we may be subject to public criticism, private class actions, reputational harm, or claims by regulators, which could disrupt our business and expose us to increased liability. Our failure to comply with these obligations, or any future obligations of a similar nature, could result in substantial regulatory penalties, litigation expense, and loss of revenue.
Previous report
Increasing and changing government regulation of our business may harm our operating results
Previous report
In addition, new legislation, regulation, public policy considerations, litigation by the government or private entities, and changes to or new interpretations of existing laws may result in greater oversight of our industry, restrict the types of products and services that we can offer or the prices we can charge, or otherwise cause us to change the way we operate our businesses or offer our products and services. We may not be able to respond quickly to such regulatory, legislative and other developments, and these changes may in turn increase our cost of doing business and limit our revenue opportunities. In addition, if our practices are not consistent with new interpretations of existing laws, we may become subject to lawsuits, penalties, and other liabilities, any of which could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects.
Previous report
Changes in state-imposed requirements by one or more states may also significantly increase the costs of providing services to our customers and may prevent us from delivering a quality product to our customers in a timely manner.
Reworded paragraphs (81)
Previous wording
Our success significantly depends on business formations. The majority of our transaction revenue is generated by providing business formation services to guide our customers through the transition from being aspiring business owners to launching their entities. In 2023 and 2022, business formations represented the largest share of our total transaction orders. The number of business formations on our platform is subject to unpredictable declines or fluctuations as a result of a number of factors, many of which are out of our control, including an overall decline in the number of U.S. business formations, an economic slowing or downturn, a public health pandemic or epidemic, increased competition, compliance or operating costs (including wage and benefit pressures), regulatory obstacles, changes in law (including changes in tax laws and regulations), changes in the business environment from inflation, interest rates, government assistance or other factors, and dissatisfaction with our services. Declines in the overall number of business formations or the number of business formations on our platform have adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, our business, results of operations, financial condition or future prospects. To the extent the growth rate of new business formations declines, these impacts can be expected to intensify.
Current wording
The majority of our transaction revenue is generated by providing business formation services to guide our customers through the transition from being aspiring business owners to launching their entities. In 2024 and 2023, business formations represented the largest share of our total transaction orders. The number of business formations on our platform is subject to unpredictable declines or fluctuations as a result of a number of factors, many of which are out of our control, including an overall decline in the number of U.S. business formations, an economic slowing or downturn, a public health pandemic or epidemic, increased competition, regulatory obstacles, changes in law (including changes in tax laws and regulations), changes in the business environment from inflation, interest rates, government assistance, increased compliance or operating costs (including wage and benefit pressures) and dissatisfaction with our services. Declines in the overall number of U.S. business formations or the number of business formations on our platform have adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, our business, results of operations, financial condition or future prospects. To the extent the growth rate of new business formations declines, these impacts can be expected to intensify.
Previous wording
For the past few years, a significant amount of our revenue has been derived from our subscriptions for small businesses and individuals. In 2023, approximately 62% of our revenue came from subscriptions. Subscriptions have primarily originated from transactional customers who opted to become subscribers. For us to maintain or improve our operating results, it is important that we convert transactional customers into subscribers, retain our existing subscribers and that our subscribers renew their subscriptions with us when the existing subscription term expires. However, subscriptions may be terminated at any time, and the rate at which we retain our subscribers may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including subscribers’ satisfaction or dissatisfaction with our platform, the effectiveness of our customer support services, the quality and perceived quality of the services provided by our tax professionals and the independent attorneys who participate in our legal plan network, our pricing and the pricing of competing products or services, the lifecycle of our customers’ businesses and their evolving needs, and the effects of global economic conditions, regulatory changes and reductions in subscribers’ discretionary income and spending levels. As a result, we cannot accurately predict subscription renewal rates or the number of our existing or new customers that will subscribe to our subscription services, including whether customers will continue to subscribe at the same rate as they have historically. If we are unable to continue to convert our transactional customers to subscribers, retain our existing subscribers or our existing subscribers do not expand the use of our platform, our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects would be adversely affected. If the growth of our subscription business falls below the expectations of the public market, securities analysts or investors, the price of our common stock could also be harmed.
Current wording
For the past few years, a significant amount of our revenue has been derived from our subscriptions for small businesses and individuals. In 2024, approximately 64% of our revenue came from subscriptions. Subscriptions have primarily originated from transactional customers who opted to become subscribers. For us to maintain or improve our operating results, including our revenue growth rate, it is important that we convert transactional customers into subscribers, retain our existing subscribers and that our existing subscribers expand their use of our platform. However, subscriptions may be terminated at any time, and the rate at which we retain our subscribers may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including subscribers’ satisfaction or dissatisfaction with our platform, the effectiveness of our customer support services, the quality and perceived quality of the services we provide, our pricing and the pricing of competing products or services, the lifecycle of our customers’ businesses and their evolving needs, and the effects of global economic conditions, regulatory changes and reductions in subscribers’ discretionary income and spending levels. As a result, we cannot accurately predict subscription renewal rates or the number of our existing or new customers that will subscribe to our subscription services, including whether customers will continue to subscribe at the same rate as they have historically. During 2024, we experienced a deceleration in our subscription revenue growth rate. If our subscription revenue growth rate does not improve or if we are unable to convert our transactional customers to subscribers, retain our existing subscribers or our existing subscribers do not expand the use of our platform, our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects would be adversely affected. If the growth of our subscription business, including our subscription revenue growth rate, falls below the expectations of the public market, securities analysts or investors, the price of our common stock could also be harmed.
Previous wording
We have experienced growth in operations and headcount, which has placed, and will continue to place, significant demands on our management team and our administrative, operational and financial infrastructure. We have also significantly increased the size of our customer base over the last several years. Our success will depend in part on our ability to manage this growth effectively. To manage the growth of our operations and personnel, we will need to continue to improve our operational, financial and management controls and our reporting systems and procedures. As we grow, we must also effectively integrate, develop and motivate our employees, and maintain the beneficial aspects of our corporate culture. Failure to effectively manage our growth could result in declines in service quality or customer satisfaction, increased costs, difficulties or delays in introducing new products or services or other operational difficulties. Any of these difficulties could adversely impact our brand and reputation, business, results of operations, financial condition or future prospects.
Current wording
In the past, we have experienced significant growth in both operations and headcount, which placed increased demands on our management team and our administrative, operational and financial infrastructure. Our management team, including our new Chief Executive Officer, has developed a strategy to continue growing our business. In addition, we acquired Formation Nation in February 2025, which we are now in the process of integrating into our operations. Our ability to manage this expected growth effectively and to integrate new employees, operations and technologies of Formation Nation into our existing business will require us to continue to expand our operational and financial infrastructure, to improve our management controls and reporting systems and procedures and to continue to retain, attract, train, motivate and manage employees. Failure to effectively manage our growth could result in declines in service quality or customer satisfaction, increased costs, difficulties or delays in introducing new products or services or other operational difficulties. Any of these difficulties could adversely impact our brand and reputation, business, results of operations, financial condition or future prospects.
Previous wording
Our growth also makes it difficult to evaluate future prospects. Our ability to forecast our future operating results is subject to a number of uncertainties, including our ability to plan for and model future growth. If the assumptions regarding these uncertainties, which we use to plan our business, are incorrect or change in reaction to changes in our markets, our results of operations and financial condition could differ materially from our expectations, our business could suffer and the trading price of our stock may decline.
Current wording
Our ability to achieve our growth strategy also impacts our ability to forecast our future operating results. If the assumptions regarding the growth of our business are incorrect or change in reaction to changes in our markets, our results of operations and financial condition could differ materially from our expectations, our business could suffer and the trading price of our stock may decline.
Previous wording
•changes to our product offerings, including pricing changes and the offering of free or even lower cost products, and our testing of new product line-ups;
Current wording
•changes to our product offerings, including any new or discontinued products, pricing changes, the bundling of certain product offerings and our testing of new product line-ups;
Previous wording
•the mix of subscriptions and services sold during a period;
Current wording
•the mix of subscriptions and transactional products sold during a period;
Previous wording
•adverse global macroeconomic and market conditions, including economic conditions specifically affecting industries in which our customers operate; and
Current wording
•adverse global macroeconomic and market conditions or uncertainty with respect thereto, including economic conditions specifically affecting industries in which our customers operate; and
Previous wording
•general geopolitical events and conditions, both domestically and internationally, such as the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Current wording
•general geopolitical events and conditions, both domestically and internationally.
Previous wording
Fluctuations in our quarterly operating results and the price of our common stock may be particularly pronounced in the current global macroeconomic environment, including due to uncertainty caused by recessionary fears, inflation and rising interest rates and their respective impacts on consumer spending patterns, the success of existing small businesses and the formation of new small businesses. In addition, fluctuations in our quarterly operating results may cause those results to fall below our financial guidance or other projections, or the expectations of analysts or investors, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline. Fluctuations in our results could also cause a number of other problems. For example, analysts or investors may change their models for valuing our common stock, we could experience short-term liquidity issues, our ability to retain or attract key personnel may diminish, and other unanticipated issues may arise.
Current wording
Fluctuations in our quarterly operating results and the price of our common stock may be particularly pronounced in the current global macroeconomic environment, including due to uncertainty caused by recessionary fears, elevated inflation and interest rates and their respective impacts on consumer spending patterns, the success of existing small businesses and the formation of new small businesses. In addition, fluctuations in our quarterly operating results may cause those results to fall below our financial guidance or other projections, or the expectations of analysts or investors, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline. Fluctuations in our results could also cause a number of other problems. For example, analysts or investors may change their models for valuing our common stock, we could experience short-term liquidity issues, our ability to retain or attract key personnel may diminish, and other unanticipated issues may arise.
Previous wording
We have a history of net losses, we anticipate increasing expenses in the future, and we may not be able to maintain profitability
Current wording
We have a history of net losses and we may not be able to maintain profitability
Previous wording
Since inception, we have incurred an accumulated deficit and may incur net losses in the foreseeable future. At December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $933.1 million.
Current wording
Since inception, we have incurred an accumulated deficit and may incur net losses in the foreseeable future. At December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $1,069.3 million.
Previous wording
We will need to generate and sustain increased revenue levels in future periods in order to maintain or increase our level of profitability. We expect our cost of revenue and operating expenses to increase as we continue to invest in enhancing our customer experience and in new product development, including expert-assisted offerings for our tax and attorney-assisted legal offerings. If our revenue and gross profit do not grow at a greater rate than our operating expenses, we will not be able to maintain or increase profitability and our business may be harmed. We may incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including due to the risks and uncertainties described herein. Even if we are profitable, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. Our failure to achieve sustained profitability would depress the value of our company and could impair our ability to raise capital, expand our business, diversify our product offerings, market our current and planned products, or continue our operations.
Current wording
We will need to generate and sustain increased revenue levels in future periods in order to maintain or increase our level of profitability. If our revenue and gross profit do not grow at a greater rate than our operating expenses, we will not be able to maintain or increase profitability and our business may be harmed. We may incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including due to the risks and uncertainties described herein. Even if we are profitable, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. Our failure to achieve sustained profitability would depress the value of our company and could impair our ability to raise capital, expand our business, diversify our product offerings, market our current and planned products, or continue our operations.
Previous wording
If we fail to provide high-quality products and services, customer care and customer experience and add new products and services that meet our customers’ expectations, we may not be able to attract and retain customers
Current wording
If we fail to provide high-quality products and services that meet our customers’ expectations, we may not be able to attract and retain customers
Previous wording
In order to increase revenue and maintain profitability, we must attract new customers and retain existing customers. The quality and value of our services, customer care and customer experience, as well as the quality and accuracy of the services provided by our accountants and the independent attorneys who participate in our and our partner’s networks, are critical to the success of our business and our ability to attract and retain customers. The failure or perceived failure of these independent attorneys and accountants to satisfy customer expectations could impede our ability to attract and retain customers.
Current wording
In order to increase revenue and maintain profitability, we must attract new customers and retain existing customers. The quality and value of our services, customer care and customer experience, as well as the quality and accuracy of the services provided by the independent attorneys who participate in our and our partner’s networks, are critical to the success of our business and our ability to attract and retain customers. The failure or perceived failure of our customer support and fulfillment services and/or these independent attorneys to satisfy customer expectations could impede our ability to attract and retain customers.
Previous wording
In addition, we intend to continue to add new services and enhance our existing product and services, which will require us to devote significant resources before we know whether such products or services will be successful. For instance, in August 2023 we launched LZ Books, a simple online accounting solution, and in November 2023 we launched a new business license offering. The success of any new products or services or enhancements to existing products or services depends on several factors, including timely completion, competitive pricing, adequate quality testing, introduction, integration with existing products and services, and market acceptance. We have in the past invested resources and introduced new products and services that have failed to produce the customer interest that we expected. We may fail to attract new customers or lose existing customers if current or future development efforts or services fail to meet customer expectations on a timely basis if at all. If we are unable to continue offering innovative solutions or if new or enhanced solutions, including LZ Tax or LZ Books, fail to engage our customers, we may be unable to attract additional customers or retain our current customers, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition or future prospects.
Current wording
In addition, we intend to continue to add new products and services and enhance our existing products and services, both of which will require us to devote significant resources before we know whether such products or services will be successful. For instance, in August 2023 we launched LZ Books, a simple online accounting solution, and in November 2023 we launched a new business license offering. The success of any new products or services or enhancements to existing products or services depends on several factors, including timely completion, competitive pricing, adequate quality testing, introduction, integration with existing products and services, and market awareness and acceptance. We have in the past invested resources and introduced new products and services that have failed to produce the customer interest or results that we expected. We may fail to attract new customers or lose existing customers if current or future development efforts or services fail to meet customer expectations on a timely basis if at all. If we are unable to continue offering innovative solutions or if new or enhanced solutions fail to engage our customers, we may be unable to attract additional customers or retain our current customers, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition or future prospects.
Previous wording
Our success depends on continued innovation to provide features that make our platform useful for existing and prospective customers. We have invested and intend to continue to invest resources in technology and development in order to continue improving the simplicity and effectiveness of our platform. In addition, we have introduced and intend to continue to introduce significant changes to our platform and to our product offerings, including the offering of free or even lower cost products. We have also developed and introduced new and unproven services, including using technologies with which we have little or no prior development or operating experience, such as generative artificial intelligence, or AI. There is no assurance that our past or future investments in any of the foregoing changes, developments or new product introductions will provide us with the benefits we expect.
Current wording
Our success depends on continued innovation to provide features that make our platform useful for existing and prospective customers. We have invested and intend to continue to invest resources in technology and development in order to continue improving the simplicity and effectiveness of our platform. We have also developed and introduced new and unproven services, including using technologies with which we have little or no prior development or operating experience, such as generative artificial intelligence, or AI. There is no assurance that our past or future investments in any changes or developments to our platform will provide us with the benefits we expect.
Previous wording
In addition, because our platform is available over the internet or on mobile networks, we need to regularly modify and enhance our platform to keep pace with changes in internet-related hardware, software, communications and database technologies and standards. If we are unable to respond in a timely and cost-effective manner to these rapid technological developments and changes in standards, our platform may become less marketable, less competitive or obsolete, and our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects would be harmed. If new technologies emerge that are able to deliver competitive services at lower prices, more efficiently, more conveniently or more securely than LegalZoom, such technologies could adversely impact our ability to compete. Our platform must also integrate with a variety of network, hardware, mobile, and software platforms and technologies, and we need to frequently modify and enhance our services to adapt to changes and innovation in these technologies. Any failure of our platform to operate effectively with current or future infrastructure platforms and technologies could reduce the demand for our platform. If we are unable to respond to these changes in a cost-effective manner, our platform may become less marketable, less competitive or obsolete, and our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects may be adversely affected.
Current wording
In addition, because our platform is available over the internet and on mobile networks, we need to regularly modify and enhance our platform to keep pace with changes in internet-related hardware, software, communications and database technologies and standards. We expect the number of people who access our platform through mobile devices, including smartphones and handheld tablets or computers, to increase. If we are not able to provide customers with the experience, solutions and functionality they want on mobile devices, we may not be able to attract or retain customers or convert our website traffic into customers and our business may be harmed. If we are unable to respond in a timely and cost-effective manner to these rapid technological developments and changes in standards, our platform may become less marketable, less competitive or obsolete, and our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects would be harmed. If new technologies emerge that are able to deliver competitive services at lower prices, more efficiently, more conveniently or more securely than LegalZoom, such technologies could adversely impact our ability to compete. Our platform must also integrate with a variety of network, hardware, mobile, and software platforms and technologies, and we need to frequently modify and enhance our services to adapt to changes and innovation in these technologies. Any failure of our platform to operate effectively with current or future infrastructure platforms and technologies could reduce the demand for our platform. If we are unable to respond to these changes in a cost-effective manner, our platform may become less marketable, less competitive or obsolete, and our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects may be adversely affected.
Previous wording
The legal solutions market is highly competitive and our failure to effectively compete successfully could
Current wording
The legal solutions market is highly competitive and our failure to effectively compete successfully could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects
Previous wording
We operate in a very competitive industry. We face intense competition from law firms and solo attorneys, online legal document services, legal plans, secretaries of state, tax preparation companies and other service providers. The online legal solutions market is evolving rapidly and is becoming increasingly competitive. New market entrants that provide technologies that improve the delivery of legal solutions, such as generative AI and machine learning, could also increase the level of competition in the market. Other companies that focus on the online legal document services market or business formations, including law firms that may elect to pursue the online legal document services market, can and do directly compete with us. Law firms and solo attorneys, who provide in-person consultations and are able to provide direct legal advice that we generally cannot offer due to laws and regulations regarding the unauthorized practice of law, or UPL, compete with us offline and have developed and may continue to develop competing online legal services. We also compete in the registered agent services business with several companies that target small businesses, and these competitors have extensive experience in this market. In addition, if U.S. state or federal agencies increase their offerings to our target customers or if their offerings become more attractive to our target customers, including through free and easy-to-use business formation services or other document filing portals, it could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. For example, certain U.S. states offer online portals where consumers may file their articles of organization for free, other than filing fees. We also compete in the tax advisory and preparation services business with several companies, many of which are larger and more experienced. To the extent we are unable to compete, our business, results of operations, financial condition or future prospects may be harmed.
Current wording
We operate in a very competitive industry. We face intense competition from law firms, solo attorneys, online legal document services, legal plans, secretaries of state and other service providers. The online legal solutions market is evolving rapidly and is becoming increasingly competitive. New market entrants that provide technologies that improve the delivery of legal solutions, such as generative AI and machine learning, could also increase the level of competition in the market. Other companies that focus on the online legal services market or business formations, including law firms that may elect to pursue the online legal services market, can and do directly compete with us. Law firms and solo attorneys, who provide in-person consultations and are able to provide direct legal advice that we generally cannot offer due to laws and regulations regarding UPL, compete with us offline and have developed and may continue to develop competing online legal services. We also compete in the registered agent services business with several companies that target small businesses, and these competitors have extensive experience in this market. In addition, some U.S. state and federal agencies have increased their offerings to our target customers or otherwise made their offerings more attractive to our target customers, including through free and easy-to-use business formation services or other document filing portals. To the extent U.S. states and federal agencies continue to increase or enhance their offerings to our target customers, it could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. To the extent we are unable to compete, our business, results of operations, financial condition or future prospects may be harmed.
Previous wording
Any of our existing competitors, or other potential competitors that have not yet entered the market, may also develop innovative and cost-effective services, including automated corporate formation document processing, that target our existing and potential customers. Some of our competitors and potential competitors are larger and have greater name recognition, longer operating histories, more established customer relationships, larger budgets, and significantly greater resources than we do. As a result, our competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively than we can to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards, or customer requirements. We expect to face increasing competition from offline and online legal services providers in our market, including through their use of generative AI, and our failure to effectively compete with these providers could result in revenue reductions, reduced margins, or loss of market share, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects.
Current wording
Any of our existing competitors, or other potential competitors that have not yet entered the market, have developed and may continue to develop innovative and cost-effective services, including automated corporate formation document processing, that target our existing and potential customers. Some of our competitors and potential competitors are larger and have greater name recognition, longer operating histories, more established customer relationships, larger budgets, and significantly greater resources than we do. As a result, our competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively than we can to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards, or customer requirements. We expect to face increasing competition from offline and online legal services providers in our market, including through their use of generative AI, and our failure to effectively compete with these providers could result in revenue reductions, reduced margins, or loss of market share, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects.
Previous wording
We believe our brand has contributed to the success of our business and we have made substantial investments to build and strengthen our brand and reputation. Maintaining and enhancing the LegalZoom brand and our reputation is critical to growing and retaining our customer base. Regulatory proceedings, consumer claims, false and misleading advertising claims, litigation, customer complaints or negative publicity through word-of-mouth, social media outlets, blogs, the Better Business Bureau and other sources related to our business practices, as well as customer care, data privacy or security issues, irrespective of their validity, could diminish confidence in our services and adversely affect our brand and reputation and our ability to attract and retain customers.
Current wording
We believe our brand has contributed to the success of our business and we have made substantial investments to build and strengthen our brand and reputation. Maintaining and enhancing the LegalZoom brand and our reputation is critical to growing and retaining our customer base. Regulatory proceedings, consumer claims, false and misleading advertising claims, litigation, customer complaints or negative publicity through word-of-mouth, social media outlets, blogs, and other third party sources related to our business practices, as well as customer care, data privacy or security issues, irrespective of their validity, could diminish confidence in our services and adversely affect our brand and reputation and our ability to attract and retain customers. In addition, our brand and reputation could be impacted by any damage or reputational harm to our newly acquired Inc. Authority and Nevada Corporate Headquarters brands.
Previous wording
In addition, our services, as well as those of our competitors, are regularly reviewed and commented upon by online and social media sources. Negative reviews, or reviews in which our competitors’ services are rated more highly than ours, irrespective of their accuracy, could negatively affect our brand and reputation. We have in the past received negative reviews wherein our customers expressed dissatisfaction with our services, including dissatisfaction with our customer support, our billing policies and the way our subscriptions operate, and we expect to receive similar reviews in the future. If we do not handle customer complaints effectively, our brand and reputation may suffer. We may lose our customers’ confidence, they may choose not to renew their subscriptions or purchase additional services from us, and we may fail to attract new customers. In addition, maintaining and enhancing our brand and reputation may require us to incur significant expenses and make substantial investments, which may not be successful. If we fail to successfully promote and maintain our brand and reputation, or if we incur excessive expenses in doing so, our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects may be adversely affected.
Current wording
Our services, as well as those of our competitors, are regularly reviewed and commented upon by online and social media sources. Negative reviews, or reviews in which our competitors’ services are rated more highly than ours, irrespective of their accuracy, could negatively affect our brand and reputation. We have in the past received negative reviews wherein our customers expressed dissatisfaction with our services, including dissatisfaction with our customer support, our billing policies and the way our subscriptions operate, and we expect to receive similar reviews in the future. If we do not handle customer complaints effectively, our brand and reputation may suffer. We may lose our customers’ confidence, they may choose not to renew their subscriptions or purchase additional services from us, and we may fail to attract new customers. In addition, maintaining and enhancing our brand and reputation may require us to incur significant expenses and make substantial investments, which may not be successful. If we fail to successfully promote and maintain our brand and reputation, or if we incur excessive expenses in doing so, our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects may be adversely affected.
Previous wording
Furthermore, our brand and reputation are in part reliant on third-parties, including the independent attorneys and accountants who participate in our and our partners’ networks. The failure or perceived failure of these attorneys and accountants to satisfy customer expectations could negatively impact our brand and reputation.
Current wording
Furthermore, our brand and reputation are in part reliant on third-parties, including the independent attorneys who participate in our network and the partners to which we refer our customers for business insurance, tax solutions or banking services, among others. The failure or perceived failure of these third parties to satisfy customer expectations could negatively impact our brand and reputation.
Previous wording
We are incorporating generative AI into some of our products, which may present both compliance risks and reputational risks
Current wording
We are incorporating generative AI into some of our offerings, which may present both compliance risks and reputational risks
Previous wording
We have incorporated and intend to continue incorporating a number of generative AI features into our products. For instance, in September 2023 we announced the beta launch of Doc Assist, a document summarization product that uses generative AI to help small businesses review documents. This technology, which is a new and emerging technology that is in its early stages of commercialization, presents a number of risks inherent in its use. Generative AI technologies can create accuracy issues, unintended biases and discriminatory outcomes. If the recommendations, forecasts, content, or analyses that AI applications, including Doc Assist, assist in producing are or are alleged to be deficient or inaccurate, we could be subjected to competitive harm, potential legal liability, and brand or reputational harm. Some AI scenarios may also present ethical issues. Though measures have been taken to address algorithmic bias, if we enable or offer AI solutions that are controversial because of their perceived or real impact on human rights, privacy, employment, or other social issues, we may experience brand or reputational harm. Additionally, potential government regulation related to AI use and/or related ethics issues may expose us to legal liability and/or increase the burden and cost of research and development in this area, and failure to properly remediate AI usage or ethics issues may cause public confidence in AI to be undermined, which could slow adoption of AI in our solution.
Current wording
We have incorporated and intend to continue incorporating a number of generative AI features into our offerings. For instance, in September 2023 we announced the launch of Doc Assist, a document summarization product that uses generative AI to help small businesses review documents. This technology, which is a new and emerging technology that is in its early stages of commercialization, presents a number of risks inherent in its use. Generative AI technologies, including the third-party large language models incorporated into our generative AI offerings, can create accuracy issues, unintended biases and discriminatory outcomes. If the recommendations, content, or analyses that AI applications, including Doc Assist, assist in producing are or are alleged to be deficient or inaccurate or if they are determined to constitute UPL, we could be subjected to competitive harm, potential legal liability, and brand or reputational harm. Some AI scenarios may also present ethical issues. If we enable or offer AI solutions that are controversial because of their perceived or real impact on human rights, privacy, employment, or other social issues, we may experience brand or reputational harm. Additionally, present and future government regulation related to AI use and/or related ethics issues may expose us to legal liability and/or increase the burden and cost of research and development in this area, and failure to properly remediate AI usage or ethics issues may cause public confidence in AI to be undermined, which could slow adoption of AI in our solutions. Governments have passed and are likely to continue to pass additional laws regulating generative AI. Our use of this technology could result in additional compliance costs, regulatory investigations and actions, and lawsuits.
Previous wording
Our ability to maintain or increase customer traffic to our websites from internet search engines is not entirely within our control. We rely on both algorithmic and paid listing internet search results to drive customer traffic to our websites. Algorithmic listings are determined and displayed solely by a set of formulas designed by internet search engine companies. Internet search engines periodically revise their algorithms, methodologies and displays or incorporate AI into their platforms in ways that we cannot predict. Such changes have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the placement of our search result page ranking, which could reduce traffic to our websites. In addition, we can purchase paid listings, which are displayed if particular words or terms are included in a customer’s internet search. We bid for paid listings against our competitors and third parties that may outbid us for preferred placement, which could adversely impact advertising efficiency and customer acquisition efforts. If competition for paid listings increases or if paid listings prohibit the use of particular words or terms, we may be required to increase our marketing expenses or reduce the number or prominence of these paid listings. If we reduce our internet search engine advertising, the number of customers who visit our websites could decline significantly. Additionally, changes in regulations or the business practices of third parties could limit our ability and the ability of search engines and social media platforms, including Google and Meta Platforms, to collect data from users and engage in targeted advertising, making them less effective in disseminating our advertisements to our target customers. The regulation of the use of cookies and other current online tracking and advertising practices or a loss in our ability to make effective use of services that employ such practices could adversely affect our business.
Current wording
Our ability to maintain or increase customer traffic to our websites from internet search engines is not entirely within our control. We rely on both algorithmic and paid listing internet search results to drive customer traffic to our websites. Algorithmic listings are determined and displayed solely by a set of formulas designed by internet search engine companies. Internet search engines periodically revise their algorithms, methodologies and displays or incorporate AI into their platforms in ways that we cannot predict. Such changes have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the placement of our search result page ranking, which could reduce traffic to our websites. In addition, we can purchase paid listings, which are displayed if particular words or terms are included in a customer’s internet search. We bid for paid listings against our competitors and third parties that may outbid us for preferred placement, which could adversely impact advertising efficiency and customer acquisition efforts. To the extent competition for paid listings increases or if paid listings prohibit the use of particular words or terms, we have in the past, and may again in the future, be required to increase our marketing expenses or reduce the number or prominence of these paid listings. If we reduce our internet search engine advertising, the number of customers who visit our websites could decline significantly. Additionally, changes in regulations or the business practices of third parties have in the past and could in the future limit our ability and the ability of search engines and social media platforms, including Google and Meta Platforms, to collect data from users and engage in targeted advertising, making them less effective in disseminating our advertisements to our target customers. The regulation of the use of cookies and other current online tracking and advertising practices or a loss in our ability to make effective use of services that employ such practices could adversely affect our business.
Previous wording
A reduction or loss of any of our advertising channels may adversely affect our ability to attract new customers, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects.
Current wording
The introduction of new technology or changes in the way in which customers consume information on the internet, such as shifting preferences for AI chat platforms, may diminish the effectiveness of our current marketing practices. We have in the past and may in the future be required to adopt new approaches to marketing to respond to these shifts. Any inability to respond to these changes effectively and in a cost-effective manner, or any reduction or loss of any of our current advertising channels, could adversely affect our ability to attract new customers, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects.
Previous wording
Our future success will depend upon our continued ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain top talent. Competition for such talent is intense, particularly within the technology industry. To attract top talent, we have had to offer, and believe we will need to continue to offer, highly competitive compensation and benefit packages before we can validate the productivity of those employees, a practice which may not be sustainable and, even if sustainable, can be costly. We have from time to time experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, difficulty in hiring and retaining highly skilled employees with appropriate qualifications which may, among other things, impede our ability to execute our growth strategies or continue to operate our business in a satisfactory manner. In addition, our remote first work policy, which results in a predominantly remote workforce, has made it difficult to orient, train, develop, motivate, and engage with our employees and embed them into the LegalZoom culture. If we are not able to effectively attract or retain quality employees and manage our workforce, including, for example, if employee relations deteriorate or a portion of our employees were to become unionized, disruptions to the business will occur, our costs will increase, our ability to achieve our strategic objectives will be adversely impacted, our brand or reputation could suffer, and our business may be adversely affected. In addition, we have in the past, and may in the future, conduct reduction in workforce actions, which can lead to the elimination of roles causing unexpected adverse impacts on our business. These adverse impacts can include attrition beyond the intended reduction in workforce, delays in the development of new products or services due to gaps in knowledge transfer and new employee ramp up time, an increased risk of litigation, the distraction of employees, and reduced employee morale, any of which could also adversely affect our reputation as an employer and make it more difficult for us to hire new employees in the future.
Current wording
Our future success will depend upon our continued ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain top talent. Competition for such talent is intense, particularly within the technology industry. To attract top talent, we have had to offer, and believe we will need to continue to offer, highly competitive compensation and benefit packages before we can validate the productivity of those employees, a practice which may not be sustainable and, even if sustainable, can be costly. Further, integration of employees and operations as a result of our acquisition of Formation Nation may present challenges, which could negatively affect our ability to retain and recruit personnel who are essential to our future success. We have from time to time experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, difficulty in hiring and retaining highly skilled employees with appropriate qualifications which may, among other things, impede our ability to execute our growth strategies or continue to operate our business in a satisfactory manner. In addition, our remote first work policy, which results in a predominantly remote workforce, has made it difficult to orient, train, develop, motivate, and engage with our employees and embed them into the LegalZoom culture. If we are not able to effectively attract or retain quality employees and manage both our domestic and international workforce, including if employee relations deteriorate, disruptions to the business will occur, our costs will increase, our ability to achieve our strategic objectives will be adversely impacted, our brand or reputation could suffer, and our business may be adversely affected. In addition, we have in the past, and may in the future, conduct reduction in workforce actions, which can lead to the elimination of roles causing unexpected adverse impacts on our business. These adverse impacts can include attrition beyond the intended reduction in workforce, delays in the development of new products or services due to gaps in knowledge transfer and new employee ramp up time, an increased risk of litigation, the distraction of employees, and reduced employee morale, any of which could also adversely affect our reputation as an employer and make it more difficult for us to hire new employees in the future.
Previous wording
In addition, if we cannot attract additional, qualified independent attorneys to participate in our legal plan network to service the needs of our legal plan subscribers, attorneys to support our attorney assisted legal offerings, and qualified certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and tax professionals to service the needs of our subscribers, or if these attorneys, accountants and tax professionals encounter regulatory issues that prevent them from being able to service the needs of our customers, we may not be able grow and maintain our legal plan subscription business, other assisted legal solutions or tax offerings and, as a result, our business, revenue, results of operations and future prospects may be adversely affected.
Current wording
In addition, if we cannot attract additional, qualified independent attorneys to participate in our legal plan network to service the needs of our legal plan subscribers and attorneys to support our attorney assisted legal offerings, or if these attorneys encounter regulatory issues that prevent them from being able to service the needs of our customers, we may not be able grow and maintain our legal plan subscription business or other assisted legal solutions and, as a result, our business, revenue, results of operations and future prospects may be adversely affected.
Previous wording
We depend on, and anticipate we will continue to depend on, various third-party relationships to sustain and grow our business. For example, we currently partner with a variety of third-parties to provide website development, credit card and banking services, productivity tools and business insurance, among others. Our sales and our customers’ user experience depend on our ability to connect and integrate easily to such third party solutions. We have in the past and may in the future determine to exit certain partnership relationships, and we may also fail to retain and expand partnership relationships for many reasons, including third parties’ failure to maintain, support, or secure their technology platforms in general, restrictions imposed by regulatory compliance, and our integrations in particular. Any such termination of a partnership relationship, whether voluntary or involuntary, could harm our relationship with our customers, our reputation and brand, our business and results of operations, and our future prospects.
Current wording
We depend on, and anticipate we will continue to depend on, various third-party relationships to sustain and grow our business. For example, we currently partner with a variety of third-parties to provide our customers with tax solutions, website development, credit card and banking services, productivity tools and business insurance, among others. Our sales and customer experience depend on our ability to connect and integrate easily to such third party solutions. We have in the past and may in the future determine to exit certain partnership relationships. We may also fail to retain and expand partnership relationships for many reasons, including third parties’ failure to maintain, support, or secure their technology platforms in general, restrictions imposed by regulatory compliance, and our integrations in particular. Terminations of partnership relationships, whether voluntary or involuntary, have in the past and could again in the future result in disputes or litigation or harm our relationship with our customers, our reputation and brand, our business and results of operations, and our future prospects.
Previous wording
As we seek to add different types of partners to our partner ecosystem, it is uncertain whether these third parties will be successful in building integrations, co-marketing our solutions to provide a significant volume and quality of lead referrals and orders, or continuing to work with us as their own products evolve. Identifying and negotiating new and expanded partner relationships requires significant resources and we cannot guarantee that the parties with which we have relationships can and will continue to devote the resources necessary to operate and expand our platform. In addition, integrating third party technology can be complex, costly and time-consuming. Third parties may be unwilling to build integrations, and we may be required to devote additional resources to develop integrations for business applications on our own. The contracts applicable to third party development tools may be unfavorable and add costs or risks to our business or may require us to push additional contract terms to our customers that affect our relationship with our customers. Third parties we partner with, including providers of business applications with which we have integrations, may decide to compete with us or enter into arrangements with our competitors, resulting in such providers withdrawing support for our integrations. If we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining our relationships with third-parties, our ability to compete or our revenue, results of operations and future prospects may be adversely affected. Even if we are successful in establishing and maintaining these relationships with third parties, we cannot ensure that these relationships will result in increased usage of our platform or increased revenue. In addition, any failure of our solutions to operate effectively with these business applications could reduce the demand for our solutions and harm to our business and we may also be held responsible for obligations that arise from the actions or omissions of third parties. If we are unable to respond to these failures in a cost-effective manner, our solutions may become less marketable, less competitive or obsolete, and our results of operations may be negatively impacted.
Current wording
As we seek to add different types of partners to our partner ecosystem, it is uncertain whether these third parties will be successful in building integrations, co-marketing our solutions to provide a significant volume and quality of lead referrals and orders, or continuing to work with us as their own products evolve. Identifying and negotiating new and expanded partner relationships requires significant resources and we cannot guarantee that the parties with which we have relationships can or will continue to devote the resources necessary to operate and expand our platform. In addition, integrating third party technology can be complex, costly and time-consuming. Third parties may be unwilling to build integrations, and we may be required to devote additional resources to develop integrations for business applications on our own. The contracts applicable to third party development tools may be unfavorable and add costs or risks to our business or may require us to push additional contract terms to our customers that affect our relationship with our customers. Third parties we partner with, including providers of business applications with which we have integrations, may decide to compete with us or enter into arrangements with our competitors, resulting in such providers withdrawing support for our integrations. If we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining our relationships with third-parties, our ability to compete or our revenue, results of operations and future prospects may be adversely affected. Even if we are successful in establishing and maintaining these relationships with third parties, we cannot ensure that these relationships will result in increased usage of our platform or increased revenue. In addition, any failure of our solutions to operate effectively with these business applications could reduce the demand for our solutions and harm to our business and we may also be held responsible for obligations that arise from the actions or omissions of third parties. If we are unable to respond to these failures in a cost-effective manner, our solutions may become less marketable, less competitive or obsolete, and our results of operations may be negatively impacted.
Previous wording
We rely on third parties to fulfill portions of the services we offer and to support our operations. For example, we rely on government agencies, including secretary of state offices, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to process business formation documents, tax filings and intellectual property applications. These agencies have in the past and may in the future be unable or refuse to process submissions in a timely manner, including as a result of any government shutdowns, slowdowns or staffing shortages. To the extent we are unable to process submissions or filings in a timely manner, our brand and reputation may be adversely affected, or our customers may seek other avenues for their business formation, tax or intellectual property needs.
Current wording
We rely on third parties to fulfill portions of the services we offer and to support our operations. For example, we rely on government agencies, including secretary of state offices, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to process business formation documents and related filings and intellectual property applications. These agencies have in the past and may in the future be unable or refuse to process submissions in a timely manner, including as a result of any government shutdowns, slowdowns or staffing shortages. To the extent we are unable to process submissions or filings in a timely manner, our brand and reputation may be adversely affected, or our customers may seek other avenues for their business formation or intellectual property needs.
Previous wording
We also utilize third parties in connection with the fulfillment and distribution of our services, including the independent attorneys in our legal plan network, the accountants and tax professionals through our subscription plans, and a third party to support our registered agent subscription services. We also outsource certain operational functions. As a result, we rely on third parties to ensure that our and our customers’ needs are sufficiently met. While we select third party providers carefully, we have limited control over their actions. If these third party providers encounter difficulties, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, our business operations could be adversely affected. This reliance on third party providers also subjects us to risks arising from the loss of control over processes, and potentially, termination of these services by the third parties. A failure of our third party providers to perform services in a satisfactory manner may have a significant adverse effect on our business. In addition, our platform interoperates with certain third party sites. As a result, our results may be affected by the performance of those parties and the interoperability of our platform with other sites. If certain third parties limit certain integration functionality, change their treatment of our services at any time, or experience quality issues, such as bugs and defects, our revenue, results of operations and future prospects may be adversely affected.
Current wording
We also utilize third parties in connection with the fulfillment and distribution of our services, including the independent attorneys in our legal plan network and to support our registered agent and virtual mail subscription services. We also outsource certain operational functions, including certain sales and customer service functions. As a result, we rely on third parties to ensure that our and our customers’ needs are sufficiently met. While we select third party providers carefully, we have limited control over their actions. If these third party providers encounter difficulties, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, our business operations could be adversely affected. This reliance on third party providers also subjects us to risks arising from the loss of control over processes, and potentially, termination of these services by the third parties. A failure of our third party providers to perform services in a satisfactory manner may have a significant adverse effect on our business. In addition, our platform interoperates with certain third party sites. As a result, our results may be affected by the performance of those parties and the interoperability of our platform with other sites. If certain third parties limit certain integration functionality, change their treatment of our services at any time, or experience quality issues, such as bugs and defects, our revenue, results of operations and future prospects may be adversely affected.
Previous wording
We may acquire or invest in companies, which may divert our management’s attention and result in additional dilution to our stockholders
Current wording
The acquisition of Formation Nation and any future acquisitions or investments may divert our management’s attention, result in additional dilution to our stockholders or adversely affect our operating results
Previous wording
We have in the past acquired or invested in businesses, products or technologies that we believed could complement or expand our current platform, enhance our technical capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. As part of our business strategy, we may in the future continue to seek to acquire or invest in businesses, products or technologies that we believe could complement or expand our services, enhance our technical capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. The risks we face in connection with such acquisitions or investments, whether or not they are consummated, include, but are not limited to:
Current wording
We have in the past acquired or invested in businesses, products or technologies that we believed could complement or expand our current platform, enhance our technical capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. In February 2025, we acquired Formation Nation, and we may in the future seek to acquire or invest in additional businesses, products or technologies. The risks and uncertainties we face in connection with the recent acquisition of Formation Nation or any future acquisitions or investments, whether or not they are consummated, include, but are not limited to:
Previous wording
•an acquisition may negatively affect our results of operations because it may require us to incur charges or assume substantial debt or other liabilities, may cause adverse tax consequences, may expose us to claims and disputes by stockholders and third-parties, including intellectual property claims and disputes, or may not generate sufficient financial return to offset additional costs and expenses related to the acquisition;
Current wording
•an acquisition may require us to incur charges or assume substantial debt or other liabilities, cause adverse tax consequences, expose us to claims and disputes by stockholders and third parties, including intellectual property claims and disputes, or may not generate sufficient financial return to offset additional costs and expenses related to the acquisition;
Previous wording
•an acquisition or investment may result in a delay or reduction of customer purchases for both us and the company acquired due to customer uncertainty about continuity and effectiveness of service from either company;
Current wording
•delays or reductions in customer purchases for both us and the company acquired due to customer uncertainty about continuity and effectiveness of service from either company;
Previous wording
•we may encounter challenges integrating the employees of the acquired company into our company culture;
Current wording
•challenges integrating the employees of the acquired company into our company culture;
Previous wording
•if we issue a significant amount of equity securities in connection with any future acquisitions, existing stockholders may be diluted and earnings per share may decrease.
Current wording
•the issuance of a significant amount of equity securities in connection with any future acquisitions, existing stockholders may be diluted and earnings per share may decrease.
Previous wording
We believe that focusing on the long-term best interests of our company and our consideration of our stakeholders more broadly, including our stockholders, customers, employees, partners, the communities in which we operate, and other stakeholders we may identify from time to time, is essential to the long-term success of our company and to long-term stockholder value. Therefore, we have made decisions, and may in the future make decisions, that we believe are in the long-term best interests of our company and our stockholders, even if such decisions may negatively impact the short- or medium-term performance of our business, results of operations, and financial condition or the short- or medium-term performance of our common stock. Our commitment to pursuing long-term value for our company and our stockholders, potentially at the expense of short- or medium-term performance, may materially adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, including by making owning our common stock less appealing to investors who are focused on returns over a shorter time horizon. Our decisions and actions in pursuit of long-term success and long-term stockholder value, which may include changes to our platform to enhance the experience of our customers, partners and the communities in which we operate, enabling equitable access to legal and compliance services, investing in our relationships with our customers, partners, and employees, investing in and introducing new services, or changing our approach to working with local or national jurisdictions on laws and regulations governing our business, may not result in the long-term benefits that we expect, in which case our business, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of our common stock could be materially adversely affected.
Current wording
We believe that focusing on the long-term best interests of our company and our consideration of our stakeholders more broadly, including our stockholders, customers, employees, partners, the communities in which we operate, and other stakeholders we may identify from time to time, is essential to the long-term success of our company and to long-term stockholder value. Therefore, we have made decisions, and may in the future make decisions, that we believe are in the long-term best interests of our company and our stockholders, even if such decisions may negatively impact the short- or medium-term performance of our business, results of operations, and financial condition or the short- or medium-term performance of our common stock. For example, our strategic execution priorities, which we believe will increase the predictability of our business, improve operational efficiencies and margins, and help us accelerate and sustain growth at scale, may result in short-term adverse impacts to our business and financial results. Our commitment to pursuing long-term value for our company and our stockholders, potentially at the expense of short- or medium-term performance, may materially adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, including by making owning our common stock less appealing to investors who are focused on returns over a shorter time horizon. Our decisions and actions in pursuit of long-term success and long-term stockholder value, which may include changes to our platform to enhance the experience of our customers, partners and the communities in which we operate, enabling equitable access to legal and compliance services, investing in our relationships with our customers, partners, and employees, investing in and introducing new services, or changing our approach to working with local or national jurisdictions on laws and regulations governing our business, may not result in the long-term benefits that we expect, in which case our business, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of our common stock could be materially adversely affected.
Showing the first 40 of 81 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
Rearranged current paragraphs (2)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Failure to effectively manage our growth could adversely impact our business
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
We have found material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the past and our prior material weakness related to our income tax provision resulted in the restatement of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarters and year-to-date periods ended March 31, 2022,
Rearranged previous paragraphs (5)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The number of people who access our platform through mobile devices, including smartphones and handheld tablets or computers, has increased significantly in the past few years and is expected to continue to increase. If we are not able to provide customers with the experience, solutions and functionality they want on mobile devices, we may not be able to attract or retain customers or convert our website traffic into customers and our business may be harmed. In addition, we face different fraud risks and regulatory risks from transactions sent from mobile devices than we do from personal computers. If we are unable to effectively anticipate and manage these risks, our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects may be harmed.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
In addition, changes in the tax laws of foreign jurisdictions could arise as a result of the global
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Our business involves providing services that meet the legal and accounting needs of our customers and, as a result, is subject to a variety of complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including the following:
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•Our business model includes the provision of services that represent an alternative to traditional legal services, which subjects us to allegations of UPL. UPL generally refers to an entity or person giving legal advice that is not licensed to practice law or advertising their services as the practice of law. However, laws and regulations defining UPL, and the governing bodies that enforce UPL rules, differ among the various jurisdictions in which we operate and are often vague.