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Groupon Inc

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 11, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About 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 Mar 11, 2025

GRPN$15.49-0.6%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-15.

0001490281-24-000024

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-11.

0001490281-25-000005

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The 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 246 previous paragraphs and 248 current paragraphs.

205 unchanged; 37 reworded; 6 added; 3 removed; 1 previous and 0 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 (6)

Current report

•We may have exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities, including the Italy tax Assessment.

Current report

•The conditional conversion feature of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes, if triggered, may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.

Current report

•Challenges in navigating legal and judicial systems in international jurisdictions, which may vary significantly in complexity, efficiency, and enforceability, and where we do not employ legal staff locally, further increasing the difficulty of addressing and resolving disputes;

Current report

We may have exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities, including the Italy tax Assessment.

Current report

Various jurisdictions, in particular the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, are adopting or considering new laws and regulations that enhance mandatory sustainability disclosures, reporting and diligence requirements. If we are unable to comply with new laws and regulations concerning ESG matters or fail to meet investor, industry or stakeholder expectations and standards, our reputation may be harmed, we may be subject to fines, penalties, regulatory or other enforcement actions, and our business financial condition may be adversely affected. If our ESG-related data, processes, and reporting are viewed as incomplete or inaccurate, or if we fail to achieve progress with respect to ESG-related goals on a timely basis or at all, we may be viewed negatively by stakeholders concerned about these matters.

Current report

The conditional conversion feature of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes, if triggered, may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
Removed paragraphs (3)

Previous report

•If we are required to materially increase the liability recorded in our financial statements with respect to unredeemed vouchers, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous report

If we are required to materially increase the liability recorded in our financial statements with respect to unredeemed vouchers, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous report

In certain states and foreign jurisdictions, vouchers may be considered a gift card. Some of these states and foreign jurisdictions include gift cards under their unclaimed and abandoned property laws that require companies to remit to the government the full value or a portion of the value of the unredeemed balance on the gift cards after a specified period of time (generally between one and five years) and impose certain reporting and record-keeping obligations. We do not remit any amounts relating to unredeemed vouchers based on our assessment of applicable laws. The analysis of the potential application of the unclaimed and abandoned property laws to vouchers is complex, involving an analysis of constitutional and statutory provisions and factual issues, including our contractual relationship with customers and merchants. In recent periods, we increased our use of redemption payment terms with our North America merchants. The determinations we make with respect to variable consideration that we earn on those transactions may be subject to the laws described above. In the event that one or more states or foreign jurisdictions successfully challenges our position on the application of its unclaimed and abandoned property laws to vouchers, our liabilities with respect to unredeemed vouchers, including any resulting penalties and interest, may be materially higher than the amounts shown in our financial statements which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
Reworded paragraphs (37)

Previous wording

•Our restructuring plan could be disruptive to our operations and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, and we may not realize some or all of the anticipated benefits of this plan in the time frame anticipated or at all.

Current wording

•Current or future restructuring plans could be disruptive to our operations and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, and we may not realize some or all of the anticipated benefits of the plans in the time frame anticipated or at all.

Previous wording

•Our international operations are subject to varied and evolving sociopolitical conditions as well as commercial, employment and regulatory challenges, and our inability to adapt to the diverse and changing landscapes of our international markets may adversely affect our business.

Current wording

•Our U.S. and international operations are subject to varied and evolving sociopolitical conditions as well as commercial, employment and regulatory challenges, and our inability to adapt to the diverse and changing landscapes of our U.S. and international markets may adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

•As we increase our reliance on cloud-based applications and platforms to operate and deliver our products and services, any disruption or interference with these platforms could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

•As we have increased our reliance on cloud-based applications and platforms to operate and deliver our products and services, any disruption or interference with these platforms could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

•We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to settle conversions of the 2026 Notes in cash, to repurchase the 2026 Notes upon a fundamental change or to repay the 2026 Notes in cash at their maturity (if not earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased), and our current and future debt may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon conversions of the 2026 Notes or at their maturity or to repurchase the 2026 Notes.

Current wording

•We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to settle conversions of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes in cash, to repurchase the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes upon a fundamental change or to repay the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes in cash at their maturity (if not earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased), and our current outstanding and future debt may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon conversions of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes or at their maturity or to repurchase the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes.

Previous wording

•The terms of the 2026 Notes could delay or prevent an attempt to take over our Company.

Current wording

•The terms of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes could delay or prevent an attempt to take over our Company.

Previous wording

There are no assurances that our actions will be successful in executing our strategy and returning the Company to growth. Our efforts may prove more difficult than we currently anticipate. Further, we may not succeed in realizing the benefits of these efforts on our anticipated timeline or at all. In addition, as we implement our strategy, the macroeconomic environment, including but not limited to, inflationary pressures, higher labor costs, labor shortages, supply chain challenges and resulting changes in consumer and merchant behavior may make it more difficult to effectively execute our strategy, including to quickly test, learn and scale initiatives relating to improving inventory selection or improving customer experience. Even if fully implemented, our strategy may not result in a return to growth or the other anticipated benefits to our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to effectively execute our strategy and realize its anticipated benefits, it could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

There are no assurances that our actions will be successful in executing our strategy and returning the Company to growth. Our efforts may prove more difficult than we currently anticipate. Further, we may not succeed in realizing the benefits of these efforts on our anticipated timeline or at all. In addition, as we implement our strategy, the macroeconomic environment, including but not limited to, inflationary pressures, higher labor costs, tariff policy, labor shortages, supply chain challenges and resulting changes in consumer and merchant behavior may make it more difficult to effectively execute our strategy, including to quickly test, learn and scale initiatives relating to improving inventory selection or improving customer experience. Even if fully implemented, our strategy may not result in a return to growth or the other anticipated benefits to our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to effectively execute our strategy and realize its anticipated benefits, it could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our restructuring plan could be disruptive to our operations and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, and we may not realize some or all of the anticipated benefits of this plan in the time frame anticipated or at all.

Current wording

Current or future restructuring plans could be disruptive to our operations and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, and we may not realize some or all of the anticipated benefits of the plans in the time frame anticipated or at all.

Previous wording

Our international operations are subject to varied and evolving sociopolitical conditions as well as commercial, employment and regulatory challenges, and our inability to adapt to the diverse and changing landscapes of our international markets may adversely affect our business.

Current wording

Our U.S. and international operations are subject to varied and evolving sociopolitical conditions as well as commercial, employment and regulatory challenges, and our inability to adapt to the diverse and changing landscapes of our U.S. and international markets may adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

Our international operations require management attention and resources and also require us to localize our services to conform to a wide variety of local cultures, business practices, laws and policies. Our international operations are subject to numerous risks, including the following:

Current wording

Our operations require management attention and resources and also require us to localize our services to conform to a wide variety of local cultures, business practices, laws and policies. Our operations are subject to numerous risks, including the following:

Previous wording

•our ability to successfully respond to macroeconomic challenges, including but not limited to, inflationary pressures, higher labor costs, labor shortages, supply chain challenges and resulting changes in consumer and merchant behavior and the ability to optimize our supply to take into account consumer preferences at a particular point in time;

Current wording

•our ability to successfully respond to macroeconomic challenges, including but not limited to, inflationary pressures, higher labor costs, tariff policy, labor shortages, supply chain challenges and resulting changes in consumer and merchant behavior and the ability to optimize our supply to take into account consumer preferences at a particular point in time;

Previous wording

•difficulty in staffing, including attracting and retaining talent with an appropriate level of skill and experience, including product and technology expertise, cybersecurity expertise, GAAP knowledge and experience to create the proper control environment for effective internal control over financial reporting, developing and managing foreign operations, including through centralized shared service centers, as a result of distance, language barriers and cultural differences;

Current wording

•difficulty in staffing, including attracting and retaining talent with an appropriate level of skill and experience, including knowledge and experience in developing and managing foreign operations, including through centralized shared service centers, as a result of distance, language barriers and cultural differences;

Previous wording

We are subject to complex laws and regulations that apply to our international operations, such as data privacy and protection requirements, including GDPR, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Anti-Bribery Act and similar local laws prohibiting certain payments to government officials, banking and payment processing regulations and anti-competition regulations, among others. The cost of complying with these various, and sometimes conflicting, laws and regulations is substantial. We have implemented and continue to implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, however, we cannot ensure that our employees, contractors, or agents will not violate our policies. Changing laws, regulations and enforcement actions in the United States and throughout the world could harm our business. If commercial and regulatory constraints in our international markets restrict our ability to conduct our operations or execute our strategic plan, our business may be adversely affected.

Current wording

We are subject to complex laws and regulations that apply to our international operations, such as data privacy and protection requirements, including GDPR, the FCPA, the UK Anti-Bribery Act and similar local laws prohibiting certain payments to government officials, banking and payment processing regulations and anti-competition regulations, among others. The cost of complying with these various, and sometimes conflicting, laws and regulations is substantial. We have implemented and continue to implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, however, we cannot ensure that our employees, contractors, or agents will not violate our policies. Changing laws, regulations and enforcement actions in the United States and throughout the world could harm our business. If commercial and regulatory constraints in our international markets restrict our ability to conduct our operations or execute our strategic plan, our business may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

•the continued consequences of the macroeconomic environment, including but not limited to, inflationary pressures, higher labor costs, labor shortages, supply chain challenges and resulting changes in consumer and merchant behavior;

Current wording

•the continued consequences of the macroeconomic environment, including but not limited to, inflationary pressures, higher labor costs, tariff policy, labor shortages, supply chain challenges and resulting changes in consumer and merchant behavior;

Previous wording

In prior years, COVID-19 had a significant impact on refunds, and any downturns in general economic conditions or extended period of low consumer confidence in the future could also increase our refund rates. An increase in our refund rates could significantly reduce our liquidity, profitability and financial results. We estimate future refunds based on historical refund experience by category. We assess the trends that could affect our estimates on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the refund reserve calculations if it appears that changes in circumstances, including changes to our refund policies or general economic conditions, may cause future refunds to differ from our initial estimates. Our actual level of refund claims could prove to be greater than the level of refund claims we estimate. If our refund reserves are not adequate to cover future refund claims, this inadequacy could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. In addition, we may not be able to obtain reimbursement from merchants for refunds that we issue, which could have an adverse effect on our financial results.

Current wording

Any downturns in general economic conditions or extended period of low consumer confidence in the future could increase our refund rates. An increase in our refund rates could significantly reduce our liquidity, profitability and financial results. We estimate future refunds based on historical refund experience by category. We assess the trends that could affect our estimates on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the refund reserve calculations if it appears that changes in circumstances, including changes to our refund policies or general economic conditions, may cause future refunds to differ from our initial estimates. Our actual level of refund claims could prove to be greater than the level of refund claims we estimate. If our refund reserves are not adequate to cover future refund claims, this inadequacy could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. In addition, we may not be able to obtain reimbursement from merchants for refunds that we issue, which could have an adverse effect on our financial results.

Previous wording

In order to be successful, we must attract, retain and motivate executives and other key employees, including those in managerial, technical, accounting and sales positions. Hiring and retaining qualified executives, engineers, sales representatives and other key personnel are critical to our success, and competition can be intense for experienced and well qualified executives and employees, particularly in recent periods. In 2021 and 2022, we experienced significant leadership changes, including the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer in December 2021, as well as appointing our Interim Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Accounting Officer into such roles permanently in November 2022 and May 2022, respectively. Additionally, in February 2023, our Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary resigned, in March 2023, we appointed a new Interim Chief Executive Officer, in April 2023 we appointed a new Chief Financial Officer and in May 2023 we appointed a new Interim Chief Accounting Officer who was then appointed as Chief Accounting Officer in November 2023. Furthermore, we have experienced continued disruption in our business due to the announcement of our cost savings plan and significant turnover in our senior management team. Reductions in our workforce have led to employees filling certain key roles and we may experience additional changes in key roles in the future. Executive leadership and senior management transitions, reductions in workforce and significant employee turnover can be time consuming, difficult to manage, create instability, cause disruption to our business and the loss of institutional knowledge, and any of these issues could impede the execution of our day-to-day operations and our ability to fully implement our business and growth strategy. These impacts also make it more difficult to attract and retain talent.

Current wording

In order to be successful, we must attract, retain and motivate executives and other key employees, including those in managerial, technical, accounting and sales positions. Hiring and retaining qualified executives, engineers, sales representatives and other key personnel are critical to our success, and competition can be intense for experienced and well qualified executives and employees, particularly in recent periods. In February 2023, our Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary resigned, in March 2023, we appointed a new Interim CEO who was then appointed as CEO in May 2024. In April 2023, we appointed a new CFO and in May 2023 we appointed a new Interim Chief Accounting Officer who was then appointed as Chief Accounting Officer in November 2023. Furthermore, we experienced disruption in our business due to the previously announced cost savings plan and significant turnover in our senior management team in 2023. Reductions in our workforce have led to employees filling certain key roles and we may experience additional changes in key roles in the future. Executive leadership and senior management transitions, reductions in workforce and significant employee turnover can be time consuming, difficult to manage, create instability, cause disruption to our business and the loss of institutional knowledge, and any of these issues could impede the execution of our day-to-day operations and our ability to fully implement our business and growth strategy. These impacts also make it more difficult to attract and retain talent.

Previous wording

The material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting identified as of December 31, 2022 is not yet fully remediated. The material weakness is due to inadequate preventative and detective controls over complex manual calculations used to record certain month-end balances. While management has made improvements to the control environment throughout 2023, additional control procedures are still being implemented.

Current wording

The material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting identified as of December 31, 2022 is not yet fully remediated. The material weakness is due to inadequate preventative and detective controls over complex manual calculations used to record certain month-end balances. While management has made improvements to our internal controls, as described in Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, the material weakness will not be remediated until we have concluded, through testing, that our controls are operating effectively for a sufficient period of time.

Previous wording

We are also subject to payment card association operating rules, certification requirements and rules governing electronic funds transfers, which could change or be reinterpreted to make it difficult or impossible for us to comply. Specifically, we are required to meet certain Payment Card Industry (“PCI”) Data Security Standards issued by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. If we fail to maintain PCI compliance or compliance with other related rules or requirements, we may be subject to fines and higher transaction fees and lose our ability to accept credit and debit card payments from customers or facilitate other types of online payments, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

Current wording

We are also subject to payment card association operating rules, certification requirements and rules governing electronic funds transfers, which could change or be reinterpreted to make it difficult or impossible for us to comply. Specifically, we are required to meet certain PCI Data Security Standards issued by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. If we fail to maintain PCI compliance or compliance with other related rules or requirements, we may be subject to fines and higher transaction fees and lose our ability to accept credit and debit card payments from customers or facilitate other types of online payments, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Email continues to be a significant source of organic traffic for us. If email providers or Internet service providers implement new or more restrictive email or content delivery or accessibility policies, including with respect to net neutrality, it may become more difficult to deliver emails to our customers or for customers to access our site and services. For example, certain email providers, including Google, categorize our emails as "promotional," and these emails are directed to an alternate, and less readily accessible, section of a customer's inbox. If email providers materially limit or halt the delivery of our emails, or if we fail to deliver emails to customers in a manner compatible with email providers’ email handling or authentication technologies, our ability to contact customers through email could be significantly restricted. In addition, if we are placed on "spam" lists or lists of entities that have been involved in sending unwanted, unsolicited emails, our operating results and financial condition could be substantially harmed. In addition, in 2021, Apple released an iOS update, which updated its privacy practices and policies, limiting the ability of email senders to track recipients' email activity. Additionally, in 2022, Google announced plans to adopt new privacy related changes to its Android advertising identifiers. Such actions, and similar actions in the future, could adversely impact our email open rates, our ability to drive traffic to our marketplace and the effectiveness and efficiency of our email marketing, any of which could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

Email continues to be a significant source of organic traffic for us. If email providers or Internet service providers implement new or more restrictive email or content delivery or accessibility policies, including with respect to net neutrality, it may become more difficult to deliver emails to our customers or for customers to access our site and services. For example, certain email providers, including Google, categorize our emails as "promotional," and these emails are directed to an alternate, and less readily accessible, section of a customer's inbox. If email providers materially limit or halt the delivery of our emails, or if we fail to deliver emails to customers in a manner compatible with email providers’ email handling or authentication technologies, our ability to contact customers through email could be significantly restricted. In addition, if we are placed on "spam" lists or lists of entities that have been involved in sending unwanted, unsolicited emails, our operating results and financial condition could be substantially harmed.

Previous wording

Furthermore, web browser providers have implemented and may continue to implement changes in their browsers. For example, Google has indicated it intends to further restrict the use of third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, consistent with similar actions taken by the owners of other browsers. Such actions may adversely impact our ability to successfully drive traffic to our marketplace and limit the effectiveness and efficiency of our marketing.

Current wording

Furthermore, web browser providers have implemented and may continue to implement changes in their browsers.

Previous wording

We also rely on mobile marketplace operators (i.e., app store operators) to drive downloads of our mobile application. If any mobile marketplace operator determines that our mobile application is non-compliant with its vendor policies, the operator may revoke our rights to distribute through its marketplace or refuse to permit a mobile application update at any time. These operators may also change their mobile application marketplaces or mobile operating systems in a way that negatively affects the prominence of, effectiveness of, or ease with which users can access, our mobile application. For example, Apple made changes to iOS and its App Tracking Transparency policy, which now requires apps to get a user’s opt-in permission before tracking or sharing the user’s data across apps or websites owned by companies other than the app’s owner. Such actions, and similar actions in the future, could adversely impact our ability to drive traffic to our mobile application and marketplace, the ability of customers to access our offerings through mobile devices and the effectiveness and efficiency of our marketing, any of which could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

We also rely on mobile marketplace operators (i.e., app store operators) to drive downloads of our mobile application. If any mobile marketplace operator determines that our mobile application is non-compliant with its vendor policies, the operator may revoke our rights to distribute through its marketplace or refuse to permit a mobile application update at any time. These operators may also change their mobile application marketplaces or mobile operating systems in a way that negatively affects the prominence of, effectiveness of, or ease with which users can access, our mobile application.

Previous wording

As we increase our reliance on cloud-based applications and platforms to operate and deliver our products and services, any disruption or interference with these platforms could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

As we have increased our reliance on cloud-based applications and platforms to operate and deliver our products and services, any disruption or interference with these platforms could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We rely on cloud-based applications and platforms for critical business functions. In early 2023, we completed the migration of our public-facing websites, internal applications and services, as well as our back-end business intelligence systems from being hosted at our data centers to a multi-cloud infrastructure. If we are not able to realize the anticipated benefits of our migration to this multi-cloud infrastructure, our business could be harmed. Further, there may be unforeseen issues as a result of these migrations that may cause disruptions to the availability of our products due to service outages, downtime or other similar issues that could harm our business. We also may be subject to additional risk of cybersecurity breaches or other improper access to our data or confidential information following our migration to cloud-based computing platforms. In addition, cloud computing services may operate differently than anticipated when introduced or when new versions or enhancements are released. As we increase our reliance on cloud-based computing services, our exposure to damage from service interruptions may increase. In the event any such issues arise, it may be difficult for us to switch our operations from our primary cloud-based providers to alternative providers. Further, any such transition could involve significant time and expense and could negatively impact our ability to deliver our products and services, which could harm our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We rely on cloud-based applications and platforms for critical business functions. In early 2023, we completed the migration of our public-facing websites, internal applications and services, as well as our back-end business intelligence systems from being hosted at our data centers to a multi-cloud infrastructure. If we are not able to realize the anticipated benefits of our migration to this multi-cloud infrastructure, our business could be harmed. To date, although we may be subject to additional risk of cybersecurity breaches or other improper access to our data or confidential information following our migration to cloud-based computing platforms, the risk is less than us building and managing our own data centers before we moved to these cloud-based services. In addition, cloud computing services may operate differently than anticipated when introduced or when new versions or enhancements are released. As we have increased our reliance on cloud-based computing services, our exposure to damage from service interruptions may increase. In the event any such issues arise, it may be difficult for us to switch our operations from our primary cloud-based providers to alternative providers. Further, any such transition could involve significant time and expense and could negatively impact our ability to deliver our products and services, which could harm our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We currently hold non-controlling minority investments in entities, including SumUp Holdings S.a.r.l. ("SumUp"), Monster Holdings LP and Nearby Pte Ltd, and we may make additional strategic minority investments in the future. Such minority investments inherently involve a lesser degree of control over business operations, thereby potentially increasing the financial, legal, operational and/or compliance risks associated with the investments.We are dependent on such entities in order to realize the potential benefits of these investments. Further, currently there is no public market for the securities of any such entity, and we may not have rights with respect to transactions involving any of these entities. Other investors in these entities may have business goals and interests that are not aligned with ours, or may exercise their rights in a manner in which we do not approve. These circumstances could lead to delayed decisions or disputes and litigation with those other investors, all of which could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We currently hold non-controlling minority investments in entities, including SumUp, and we may make additional strategic minority investments in the future. Such minority investments inherently involve a lesser degree of control over business operations, thereby potentially increasing the financial, legal, operational and/or compliance risks associated with the investments. We are dependent on such entities in order to realize the potential benefits of these investments. Further, currently there is no public market for the securities of any such entity, and we may not have rights with respect to transactions involving any of these entities. Other investors in these entities may have business goals and interests that are not aligned with ours, or may exercise their rights in a manner in which we do not approve. These circumstances could lead to delayed decisions or disputes and litigation with those other investors, all of which could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We regard our trademarks, service marks, copyrights, patents, trade dress, trade secrets, proprietary technology, merchant lists, subscriber lists, sales methodology and similar intellectual property as critical to our success, and we rely on trademark, copyright and patent law, trade secret protection and confidentiality and/or license agreements with our employees and others to protect our proprietary rights. Effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our deals are made available. We also may not be able to acquire or maintain appropriate domain names or trademarks in all countries in which we do business. Furthermore, regulations governing domain names may not protect our trademarks and similar proprietary rights. We may be unable to prevent third parties from acquiring and using domain names or trade names that are similar to, infringe upon or diminish the value of our trademarks and other proprietary rights. We may be unable to prevent third parties from using and registering our trademarks, or trademarks that are similar to, or diminish the value of, our trademarks in some countries.

Current wording

We regard our trademarks, service marks, copyrights, trade dress, trade secrets, proprietary technology, merchant lists, subscriber lists, sales methodology and similar intellectual property as critical to our success, and we rely on trademark, copyright and patent law, trade secret protection and confidentiality and/or license agreements with our employees and others to protect our proprietary rights. Effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our deals are made available. We also may not be able to acquire or maintain appropriate domain names or trademarks in all countries in which we do business. Furthermore, regulations governing domain names may not protect our trademarks and similar proprietary rights. We may be unable to prevent third parties from acquiring and using domain names or trade names that are similar to, infringe upon or diminish the value of our trademarks and other proprietary rights. We may be unable to prevent third parties from using and registering our trademarks, or trademarks that are similar to, or diminish the value of, our trademarks in some countries.

Previous wording

Various federal laws, such as the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act and foreign laws and regulations, such as the European Directive on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing, impose certain anti-money laundering requirements on companies that are financial institutions or that provide financial products and services. For these purposes, financial institutions are broadly defined to include money services businesses such as money transmitters, check cashers and sellers or issuers of stored value cards. Examples of anti-money laundering requirements imposed on financial institutions include subscriber identification and verification programs, record retention policies and procedures and transaction reporting. We do not believe that we are a financial institution subject to these laws and regulations based, in part, upon the characteristics of Groupon vouchers and our role with respect to the distribution of Groupon vouchers to customers. For example, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCEN"), a division of the U.S. Treasury Department tasked with implementing the requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act (the "BSA"), has adopted regulations expanding the scope of the BSA and requirements for parties involved in stored value or prepaid access cards, including a proposed expansion of financial institutions to include sellers or issuers of prepaid access cards. While we believe Groupon vouchers are not subject to these regulations, it is possible that FinCEN or a court of law could consider Groupon vouchers (or other Groupon products) a financial product and thus deem Groupon to be subject to such laws and obligations as a financial institution. In the event that we become subject to the requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act or any other anti-money laundering law or regulation imposing obligations on us as a money services business, our regulatory compliance costs to meet these obligations would likely increase which could adversely impact our operating results.

Current wording

Various federal laws, such as the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act and foreign laws and regulations, such as the European Directive on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing, impose certain anti-money laundering requirements on companies that are financial institutions or that provide financial products and services. For these purposes, financial institutions are broadly defined to include money services businesses such as money transmitters, check cashers and sellers or issuers of stored value cards. Examples of anti-money laundering requirements imposed on financial institutions include subscriber identification and verification programs, record retention policies and procedures and transaction reporting. We do not believe that we are a financial institution subject to these laws and regulations based, in part, upon the characteristics of Groupon vouchers and our role with respect to the distribution of Groupon vouchers to customers. For example, the FinCEN, a division of the U.S. Treasury Department tasked with implementing the requirements of the BSA, has adopted regulations expanding the scope of the BSA and requirements for parties involved in stored value or prepaid access cards, including a proposed expansion of financial institutions to include sellers or issuers of prepaid access cards. While we believe Groupon vouchers are not subject to these regulations, it is possible that FinCEN or a court of law could consider Groupon vouchers (or other Groupon products) a financial product and thus deem Groupon to be subject to such laws and obligations as a financial institution. In the event that we become subject to the requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act or any other anti-money laundering law or regulation imposing obligations on us as a money services business, our regulatory compliance costs to meet these obligations would likely increase which could adversely impact our operating results.

Previous wording

Many states and certain foreign jurisdictions impose license and registration obligations on those companies engaged in the business of money transmission, with varying definitions of what constitutes money transmission. We currently believe that we are not a money transmitter given our role and the product terms of Groupon vouchers or other Groupon products or services. However, a successful challenge to our position or expansion of state or foreign laws could subject us to increased compliance costs and delay our ability to offer

Current wording

Many states and certain foreign jurisdictions impose license and registration obligations on those companies engaged in the business of money transmission, with varying definitions of what constitutes money transmission. We currently believe that we are not a money transmitter given our role and the product terms of Groupon vouchers or other Groupon products or services. However, a successful challenge to our position or expansion of state or foreign laws could subject us to increased compliance costs and delay our ability to offer Groupon vouchers or other products or services in certain jurisdictions pending receipt of any necessary licenses or registrations.

Previous wording

A variety of U.S. federal, state and international laws and regulations govern the collection, use, retention, sharing and security of consumer data. The existing privacy-related laws and regulations are evolving and subject to potentially differing interpretations. In addition, various U.S. federal, state and foreign legislative and regulatory bodies continue to enact new laws regarding privacy, as well as expand the scope of existing laws. For example, GDPR requires companies to satisfy requirements regarding the handling of personal and sensitive data, including its collection, use, security and the ability of persons whose data is stored to correct or delete such data about themselves. European countries continue to expand the scope of its application of GDPR within their local legislation. The California Privacy Rights Act (the "CPRA"), which expands on and effectively replaces the California Consumer Privacy Act (the "CCPA") that became effective January 1, 2023, similarly regulates the collection and use of consumers' data, and includes additional protection for sensitive personal data. The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (the "CDPA"), effective as of January 1, 2023, and the Colorado Privacy Act (the "CPA"), effective as of July 1, 2023, provide new data privacy rights to their respective residents. Complying with the GDPR, CCPA, CPRA, CDPA, CPA and similar laws and regulations may cause us to incur substantial operational costs or require us to change our business practices. Further, despite our diligent efforts to comply with these laws and regulations, we may not be successful either due to internal or external factors such as resource allocation limitations or a lack of vendor cooperation. Noncompliance could result in proceedings against us by governmental entities or others and fines. For example, fines under GDPR could be up to the greater of €20 million or 4% of annual global revenue and damage our reputation and brand and non-compliance with CPRA could result in fines of up to $7,500 per violation in addition to providing consumers with a private right of action. As a result of GDPR, CCPA, CPRA and similar laws and regulations, we may experience difficulty retaining or obtaining new customers due to the compliance cost, potential risk exposure and portability of customer data. We also may find it necessary to establish and maintain systems and procedures to comply with these evolving laws and regulations that involve substantial expense and distraction from other aspects of our business. Additionally, there could be uncertainty around how to comply with privacy laws, in various jurisdictions such as country or state-specific laws that may conflict with or deviate from established privacy directives, or future laws and regulations in other jurisdictions.

Current wording

A variety of U.S. federal, state and international laws and regulations govern the collection, use, retention, sharing and security of consumer data. The existing privacy-related laws and regulations are evolving and subject to potentially differing interpretations. In addition, various U.S. federal, state and foreign legislative and regulatory bodies continue to enact new laws regarding privacy, as well as expand the scope of existing laws. For example, GDPR requires companies to satisfy requirements regarding the handling of personal and sensitive data, including its collection, use, security and the ability of persons whose data is stored to correct or delete such data about themselves. European countries continue to expand the scope of its application of GDPR within their local legislation. The CPRA, which expands on and effectively replaces the CCPA that became effective January 1, 2023, similarly regulates the collection and use of consumers' data, and includes additional protection for sensitive personal data. The CDPA, effective as of January 1, 2023, and the CPA, effective as of July 1, 2023, provide new data privacy rights to their respective residents. Complying with the GDPR, CCPA, CPRA, CDPA, CPA and similar laws and regulations may cause us to incur substantial operational costs or require us to change our business practices. Further, despite our diligent efforts to comply with these laws and regulations, we may not be successful either due to internal or external factors such as resource allocation limitations or a lack of vendor cooperation. Noncompliance could result in proceedings against us by governmental entities or others and fines. For example, fines under GDPR could be up to the greater of €20 million or 4% of annual global revenue and damage our reputation and brand and non-compliance with CPRA could result in fines of up to $7,500 per violation in addition to providing consumers with a private right of action. As a result of GDPR, CCPA, CPRA and similar laws and regulations, we may experience difficulty retaining or obtaining new customers due to the compliance cost, potential risk exposure and portability of customer data. We also may find it necessary to establish and maintain systems and procedures to comply with these evolving laws and regulations that involve substantial expense and distraction from other aspects of our business. Additionally, there could be uncertainty around how to comply with privacy laws, in various jurisdictions such as country or state-specific laws that may conflict with or deviate from established privacy directives, or future laws and regulations in other jurisdictions.

Previous wording

We also are subject to regular review and audit by both U.S. (federal, state. local) and foreign tax authorities. In particular, we currently are, and expect to continue to be, subject to numerous federal, state and international tax audits relating to income, transfer pricing, sales, VAT and other tax liabilities. Some of these pending and future audits could involve significant liabilities and/or penalties. We are subject to claims for tax assessments by foreign jurisdictions, including a proposed assessment for $120.7 million (inclusive of estimated incremental interest from the original assessment). We believe that the assessment, which primarily relates to transfer pricing on transactions occurring in 2011, is without merit and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves in that matter. See Item 8, Note 14, Income Taxes, for additional information. Any adverse outcome of such a review or audit could have a significant negative effect on our financial position and results of operations. In addition, the determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires significant judgment by management, and there are many transactions where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made.

Current wording

We also are subject to regular review and audit by both U.S. (federal, state. local) and foreign tax authorities. In particular, we currently are, and expect to continue to be, subject to numerous federal, state and international tax audits relating to income, transfer pricing, sales, VAT and other tax liabilities. Some of these pending and future audits could involve significant liabilities and/or penalties. We are subject to claims for tax assessments by foreign jurisdictions, including a proposed Assessment for $122.3 million (inclusive of estimated incremental interest from the original Assessment). We believe that the Assessment, which primarily relates to transfer pricing on transactions occurring in 2011, is without merit and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves in that matter. See Item 8, Note 14, Income Taxes, for additional information. Any adverse outcome of such a review or audit could have a significant negative effect on our financial position and results of operations. In addition, the determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires significant judgment by management, and there are many transactions where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made.

Previous wording

Under Sections 382 and 383 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” (as defined by the Code) may be subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change net operating loss ("NOLs") and other tax attributes such as research tax credits to offset future income taxes. If we undergo one or more ownership changes as a result of transactions in our stock, then our ability to utilize NOLs and other pre-change tax attributes could be limited by Sections 382 and 383 of the Code, and similar U.S. state provisions. Future changes in our stock ownership, many of which are outside of our control, could result in an ownership change under Section 382 or 383 of the Code. For these reasons, we might not be able to utilize our NOLs and other tax attributes, even if we maintain profitability.

Current wording

Under Sections 382 and 383 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” (as defined by the Code) may be subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change NOLs and other tax attributes such as research tax credits to offset future income taxes. If we undergo one or more ownership changes as a result of transactions in our stock, then our ability to utilize NOLs and other pre-change tax attributes could be limited by Sections 382 and 383 of the Code, and similar U.S. state provisions. Future changes in our stock ownership, many of which are outside of our control, could result in an ownership change under Section 382 or 383 of the Code. For these reasons, we might not be able to utilize our NOLs and other tax attributes, even if we maintain profitability.

Previous wording

We may need additional capital in the future and to seek additional financing or covenant relief. Any such financing may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all, and our failure to raise capital when needed could harm our business. We have outstanding $230.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2026 Notes due March 2026.

Current wording

We may need additional capital in the future and to seek additional financing or covenant relief. Any such financing may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all, and our failure to raise capital when needed could harm our business. We have outstanding $53.7 million and $197.3 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes.

Previous wording

We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to settle conversions of the 2026 Notes in cash, to repurchase the 2026 Notes upon a fundamental change or to repay the 2026 Notes in cash at their maturity (if not earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased), and our current and future debt may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon conversions of the 2026 Notes or at their maturity or to repurchase the 2026 Notes.

Current wording

We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to settle conversions of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes in cash, to repurchase the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes upon a fundamental change or to repay the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes in cash at their maturity (if not earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased), and our current outstanding and future debt may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon conversions of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes or at their maturity or to repurchase the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes.

Previous wording

Holders of the 2026 Notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 2026 Notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change before the maturity date at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2026 Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, upon conversion of the 2026 Notes, unless we elect to deliver solely shares of our Common Stock to settle such conversion (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), we will be required to make cash payments in respect of the 2026 Notes being converted. Moreover, we will be required to repay the 2026 Notes in cash at their maturity unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. However, we may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time we are required to make repurchases of the 2026 Notes surrendered therefor or pay cash with respect to the 2026 Notes being converted or at their maturity.

Current wording

Holders of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their respective notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change before the maturity date at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes, respectively, to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, upon conversion of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes, unless we elect to deliver solely shares of our Common Stock to settle such conversion (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional shares), we will be required to make cash payments in respect of the respective notes, being converted. Moreover, we will be required to repay the 2026 Notes and the 2027 Notes, in cash at their respective maturity dates unless earlier converted, redeemed (noting that the 2027 Notes cannot be redeemed by us) or repurchased. However, we may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time we are required to make repurchases of the 2026 Notes and/or the 2027 Notes surrendered or pay cash with respect to the 2026 Notes and/or 2027 Notes being converted or at their maturity.

Previous wording

In addition, our ability to repurchase the 2026 Notes or to pay cash upon conversions of the 2026 Notes or at their maturity may be limited by law, regulatory authority or agreements governing our future indebtedness. Our failure to repurchase the 2026 Notes at a time when the repurchase is required by the Indenture governing the 2026 Notes or to pay cash upon conversions of the 2026 Notes or at their maturity as required by the Indenture would constitute a default under the Indenture. A default under the Indenture governing the 2026 Notes could also lead to a default under agreements governing our existing and future indebtedness. Moreover, the occurrence of a fundamental change under the Indenture governing the 2026 Notes could constitute an event of default under any such future agreement. If the payment of the related indebtedness were to be accelerated after any applicable notice or grace periods, we may not have sufficient funds to repay such indebtedness and repurchase the 2026 Notes or pay cash with respect to the 2026 Notes being converted or at maturity of the 2026 Notes.

Current wording

In addition, our ability to repurchase the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes or to pay cash upon conversions of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes or at their maturity may be limited by law, regulatory authority or agreements governing our future indebtedness. Our failure to repurchase the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes at a time when the repurchase is required by the 2026 Notes Indenture and 2027 Notes Indenture governing the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes, respectively, or to pay cash upon conversions of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes or at their maturity as required by the Indenture would constitute a default under each respective indenture. A default under the 2026 Notes Indenture governing the 2026 Notes and the 2027 Notes Indenture governing the 2027 Notes could also lead to a default under agreements governing our existing and future indebtedness. Moreover, the occurrence of a fundamental change under the 2026 Notes Indenture governing the 2026 Notes and the 2027 Notes Indenture governing the 2027 Notes could constitute an event of default under any such future agreement. If the payment of the related indebtedness were to be accelerated after any applicable notice or grace periods, we may not have sufficient funds to repay such indebtedness and repurchase the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes or pay cash with respect to the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes being converted or at maturity of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes.

Previous wording

The terms of the 2026 Notes could delay or prevent an attempt to take over our Company.

Current wording

The terms of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes could delay or prevent an attempt to take over our Company.

Previous wording

The terms of the 2026 Notes require us to repurchase the 2026 Notes in the event of a fundamental change. A takeover of our Company would constitute a fundamental change. This could have the effect of delaying or preventing a takeover of our Company that may otherwise be beneficial to our stockholders.

Current wording

The terms of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes require us to repurchase the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes in the event of a fundamental change. A takeover of our Company would constitute a fundamental change. This could have the effect of delaying or preventing a takeover of our Company that may otherwise be beneficial to our stockholders.

Previous wording

In the event the conditional conversion feature of the 2026 Notes is triggered, holders of the 2026 Notes will be entitled to convert their 2026 Notes at any time during specified periods at their option. If one or more holders elect to convert their 2026 Notes, then we would be required to pay cash, deliver shares or deliver a combination of shares and cash, at our election. Unless we elect to satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering solely shares of our Common Stock (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), we would be required to settle a portion or all of our conversion obligation in cash, which could adversely affect our liquidity. In addition, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture) prior to the maturity date, holders may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the 2026 Notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2026 Notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. Even if holders of the 2026 Notes do not elect to convert their 2026 Notes, we could be required under applicable accounting rules to reclassify all or a portion of the outstanding principal of the 2026 Notes, as a current rather than long-term liability, which would result in a material reduction of our net working capital.

Current wording

In the event the conditional conversion feature of the 2026 Notes and/or the 2027 Notes is triggered, holders of these notes will be entitled to convert their respective notes at any time during specified periods at their option. If one or more holders elect to convert their 2026 Notes and/or 2027 Notes, then we would be required to pay cash, deliver shares or deliver a combination of shares and cash, at our election. Unless we elect to satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering solely shares of our Common Stock (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional shares), we would be required to settle a portion or all of our conversion obligation in cash, which could adversely affect our liquidity. In addition, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the 2026 Indenture and 2027 Indenture) prior to the maturity date, holders may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the 2026 Notes and/or the 2027 Notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2026 Notes and/or the 2027 Notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. Even if holders of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes do not elect to convert their respective notes, we could be required under applicable accounting rules to reclassify all or a portion of the outstanding principal of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes, as a current rather than long-term liability, which would result in a material reduction of our net working capital.

Previous wording

We expect the stock price volatility to continue for the foreseeable future as a result of these and other factors.

Current wording

We expect the volatility in our stock price and financial markets to continue for the foreseeable future as a result of these and other factors.
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Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Groupon vouchers or other products or services in certain jurisdictions pending receipt of any necessary licenses or registrations.