DoubleVerify Holdings Inc

Previous wording

Our future success will depend in part on our ability to develop new solutions and modify or enhance our existing platform in order to meet customer needs, add functionality and address technological advancements. To remain competitive, we will need to continuously upgrade our existing platform and develop new solutions that address evolving technologies and standards across all major channels, formats and devices for digital advertising, including mobile, social, video, in-app, display and connected television, as well as across digital media buying platforms, such as programmatic, direct ad exchanges and trading networks. We may be unsuccessful in upgrading our existing platform or identifying new solutions in a timely or cost-effective manner, or we may be limited in our ability to develop or market new or upgraded solutions due to patents held by others. In addition, any new product innovations may not achieve the market penetration or price levels necessary for profitability. Advancements in technology such as AI and machine learning are changing the way people work by automating tasks, enhancing communication, and improving decision-making processes, and our business may be harmed or we may face competitive disadvantage if we are slow to adopt these new technologies. If we are unable to develop timely enhancements to, and new features for, our existing platform or if we are unable to develop new solutions that align with advertiser demands as priorities shift or keep pace with rapid technological developments or changing industry standards, the solutions we deliver may become obsolete, less marketable and less competitive, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. Further, if our existing and future product offerings fail to maintain or achieve Media Rating Council (“MRC”) or other industry accreditation standards, customer acceptance of our products may decrease.

Current wording

Our future success will depend in part on our ability to develop new solutions and modify or enhance our existing platform in order to meet customer needs, add functionality and address technological advancements. To remain competitive, we will need to continuously upgrade our existing platform and develop new solutions that address evolving technologies, advertising strategies and standards across all major channels, formats and devices for digital advertising, including mobile, social, video, in-app, display and connected television, as well as across digital media buying platforms, such as programmatic, direct ad exchanges and trading networks. We may be unsuccessful in upgrading our existing platform or identifying new solutions in a timely or cost-effective manner, or we may be limited in our ability to develop or market new or upgraded solutions due to patents held by others. In addition, any new product innovations may not achieve the market penetration or price levels necessary for profitability. Advancements in technology such as AI and machine learning are changing the way people work by automating tasks, enhancing communication, and improving decision-making processes, and our business may be harmed or we may face competitive disadvantage if we are slow to adopt these new technologies. If we are unable to develop timely enhancements to, and new features for, our existing platform or if we are unable to develop new solutions that align with advertiser demands as priorities shift or keep pace with rapid technological developments or changing industry standards, the solutions we deliver may become obsolete, less marketable and less competitive, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. Further, if our existing and future product offerings fail to maintain or achieve Media Rating Council (“MRC”) or other industry accreditation standards, customer acceptance of our products may decrease.

Previous wording

The market for measurement, data analytics and authentication of digital advertising is competitive and evolving rapidly. As this market evolves, competition may intensify as existing companies expand their businesses and new companies enter the market, which could lead to commoditization and harm our ability to increase revenue and maintain profitability. Our success depends on our ability to retain and grow our existing customers and sell our platform and solutions to new customers. If existing or new companies develop, market or offer competitive products, acquire one of our competitors or form a strategic alliance with one of our competitors or integration partners, our ability to attract new customers or retain existing customers could be adversely impacted and our results of operations could be harmed. In addition, we have partnerships with platforms to allow our customers to utilize our solutions, and these integration partners, some of which have significant market share in the segment in which they operate, could develop products that compete with us in the future. Our current and potential competitors may have more financial, technical, marketing and other resources, as well as longer operating histories and greater name recognition than we do. As a result, these competitors may be better able to respond quickly to new technologies or devote greater resources to the development, promotion, sale and support of their products and services. We cannot assure you that our customers will continue to use our platform or that we will be able to replace, in a timely manner or at all, departing customers with new customers that generate comparable revenue.

Current wording

The market for measurement, data analytics, performance solutions and authentication of digital advertising is competitive and evolving rapidly. As this market evolves, competition may intensify as existing companies expand their businesses and new companies enter the market, which could lead to commoditization and harm our ability to increase revenue and maintain profitability. Our success depends on our ability to retain and grow our existing customers and market and sell our platform and solutions to new customers. If existing or new companies develop, market or offer competitive products, acquire one of our competitors or form a strategic alliance with one of our competitors or integration partners, our ability to attract new customers or retain existing customers could be adversely impacted and our results of operations could be harmed. Although no customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenue in 2024, the loss of multiple customers or changes in spending patterns in certain industry verticals due to such changing conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we have partnerships with platforms to allow our customers to utilize our solutions, and these integration partners, some of which have significant market share in the segment in which they operate, have and could continue to develop products that compete with us. In addition, these platform partners have significant control over how our solutions are provided on their platforms, may be able to provide differentiated data as part of their competitive solutions and, in many instances, are able to provide these competitive solutions at significantly lower rates or for free. We also maintain client relationships with such platforms as advertisers and any strain in our relationship with such partners could have adverse impact on revenue. Our current and potential competitors may have more financial, technical, marketing and other resources, as well as longer operating histories and greater name recognition than we do. As a result, these competitors may be better able to respond quickly to new technologies or devote greater resources to the development, promotion, sale and support of their products and services. We cannot assure you that our customers will continue to use our platform or that we will be able to replace, in a timely manner or at all, departing customers with new customers that generate comparable revenue.

Previous wording

We believe that our ability to compete successfully in our market depends on a number of factors, both within and outside of our control, including: (i) the price, quality and effectiveness of our solutions and those of our competitors; (ii) our ability to retain and add new integration partners; (iii) the timing and success of new product introductions; (iv) our position as an independent third-party within the digital advertising ecosystem; (v) the emergence of new technologies; (vi) the number and nature of our competitors; (vii) the protection of our intellectual property rights; (viii) the adoption of new privacy standards or regulations; and (ix) general market and economic conditions. The competitive environment could result in price reductions that could result in lower profits and loss of market share. If we are unable to compete successfully against our current and future competitors, we may not be able to retain and acquire customers and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

We believe that our ability to compete successfully in our market depends on a number of factors, both within and outside of our control, including: (i) the price, quality and effectiveness of our solutions and those of our competitors; (ii) our ability to retain and add new integration partners and the availability of our solutions on those platforms; (iii) the timing and success of new product introductions; (iv) our position as an independent third-party within the digital advertising ecosystem; (v) the emergence of new technologies; (vi) the number and nature of our competitors; (vii) the protection of our intellectual property rights; (viii) the adoption of new privacy standards or regulations; and (ix) general market and economic conditions. The competitive environment has and could in the future result in price reductions that could result in lower profits and loss of market share. If we are unable to compete successfully against our current and future competitors, we may not be able to retain and acquire customers and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our solutions necessitate that demand- and supply-side advertising platforms, ad servers and social platforms accept and integrate with our technology. We have formed partnerships with these platforms to integrate our technology with their software, allowing our customers to utilize our solutions wherever they purchase or place an ad. These platforms may deploy code or change operations that may impact joint solution and combined functionality, which would have a significant effect on our ability to offer our solutions. Some of these integration partners have significant market share in the segment in which they operate. We can make no assurances that our existing integration partners will continue to, or that potential new integration partners will agree to, integrate our solutions. We also cannot assure you that our customers will continue to use our solutions available on these digital media platforms. Some of our integration partners have developed products that compete with us and we cannot assure you that other partners will not also develop competing products in the future. If our customers stopped using our solutions on these digital media platforms or if our integration partners decide to cease integrating our solutions, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

Our solutions necessitate that demand- and supply-side advertising platforms, ad servers and social platforms accept and integrate with our technology. We have formed partnerships with these platforms to integrate our technology with their software, allowing our customers to utilize our solutions wherever they purchase or place an ad. These platforms may deploy code or change operations that may impact the platform or our solutions and functionality, which would have a significant effect on our ability to offer our solutions. Some of these integration partners have significant market share in the segment in which they operate. We can make no assurances that our existing integration partners will continue to, or that potential new integration partners will agree to, integrate our solutions. We also cannot assure you that our customers will continue to use our solutions available on these digital media platforms. Some of our integration partners have developed products that compete with us and that are able to be offered at substantially lower pricing or for free, and we cannot assure you that other partners will not also develop competing products in the future. If our customers stopped using our solutions on these digital media platforms or if our integration partners decide to cease integrating our solutions or require us to substantially change how our solutions are provided on these platforms, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Additionally, some of our integration partners are subject to regulatory actions, which, if successful, could cause our partners to be broken into separate companies. Certain of our partners have been the subject of allegations of taking illegal actions to acquire rivals and stifle competition. If our partners and their products are separated into separate companies, it could have a material effect on our ability to gather data and there can be no assurance that all of the separated companies will continue to be our partners, each of which could materially affect our business, results of operations, and revenues.

Current wording

Additionally, some of our integration partners are subject to regulatory actions, which, if successful, could cause our partners to be broken into separate companies or geographically limited. Certain of our partners have been the subject of allegations of taking illegal actions to acquire rivals and stifle competition. If our partners and their products are separated into separate companies, it could have a material effect on our ability to gather data and there can be no assurance that all of the separated companies will continue to be our partners, each of which could materially affect our business, results of operations, and revenues.

Previous wording

Our business, financial condition and results of operations could also be adversely affected by social issues or disruptions. For example, if there is public disapproval or boycotting of a specific platform, our ability to optimize ad placement or to forecast usage may be impacted based on unforeseen trends or events. Additionally, how we categorize specific sites in the course of our normal business operations could expose us to risks from publishers or advertisers who may disagree with our categorizations and incur negative ramifications if they believe their ads were monetarily contributing to websites that contribute to the spread of hate speech, disinformation, white supremacist activity, or voter suppression efforts, among other things. If publishers or advertisers believe our categorizations are faulty or unreliable, they may decrease or cease to use our solutions, which could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Our business, financial condition and results of operations could also be adversely affected by social issues or disruptions. For example, if there is public disapproval or boycotting of a specific platform, our ability to optimize ad placement or to forecast usage may be impacted based on unforeseen trends or events. Additionally, how we categorize specific sites in the course of our normal business operations could expose us to risks from publishers or advertisers who may disagree with our categorizations and incur negative ramifications if they believe their ads were monetarily contributing to websites that contribute to or otherwise appear alongside content they deem objectionable. If publishers or advertisers believe our categorizations are faulty or unreliable, they may decrease or cease to use our solutions, which could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

In addition, we rely on our demand-side and social integration partners to report to us on the usage of our solutions on their platforms, as well as revenue generated on their platforms. Any financial, technical or other difficulties our integration partners face may negatively impact our business, as a significant portion of our revenue depends on customers using our solutions on these digital media platforms, and we are unable to predict the nature and extent of any such impact. We exercise very little control over our integration partners, which increases our vulnerability to problems with the services they provide and our reliance upon them for accurate data and revenue reporting. Any errors, failures, interruptions or delays experienced in connection with our integration partners could adversely affect our business, reputation and financial condition.

Current wording

In addition, we rely on our demand-side and social integration partners to report to us on the usage of our solutions on their platforms, as well as revenue generated on their platforms. Any financial, technical or other difficulties our integration partners face may negatively impact our business, as a significant portion of our revenue depends on customers using our solutions on these digital media platforms, and we are unable to predict the nature and extent of any such impact. Our integration partners exercise significant control over our solutions on their platforms, which increases our vulnerability to problems with the services they provide and our reliance upon them for accurate data and revenue reporting. Any errors, failures, interruptions or delays experienced in connection with our integration partners could adversely affect our business, reputation and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our business depends on the demand for digital advertising measurement and authentication and on the overall economic health of our customers and integration partners. There is no assurance the digital advertising market will experience the growth we anticipate. The health of the digital advertising market and the related measurement and authentication sector is affected by many factors. Current or future economic downturns or unstable market conditions in the markets and geographies that we currently serve, and associated macroeconomic conditions such as high inflation rates, high interest rates, recessionary fears, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the conditions caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus or other future health pandemics and the impact of geopolitical instability in many parts of the world, may make it difficult for our customers and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities, and could cause our customers to decrease their advertising budgets or slow the growth of their digital ad spend, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As we explore new countries to expand our business, economic downturns or unstable market conditions for geo-political or other reasons in any of those countries could result in our investments not yielding the returns we anticipate.

Current wording

Our business depends on the demand for digital advertising measurement and authentication and on the overall economic health of our customers and integration partners. There is no assurance the digital advertising market will experience the growth we anticipate. The health of the digital advertising market and the related measurement and authentication sector is affected by many factors. Current or future economic downturns or unstable market conditions in the markets and geographies that we currently serve, and associated macroeconomic conditions such as high inflation rates, high interest rates, recessionary fears, tariffs, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the conditions caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus or other future health pandemics and the impact of geopolitical instability in many parts of the world, may make it difficult for our customers and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities, and could cause our customers to decrease their advertising budgets or slow the growth of their digital ad spend, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As we explore new countries to expand our business, economic downturns or unstable market conditions for geo-political or other reasons in any of those countries could result in our investments not yielding the returns we anticipate.

Previous wording

The macroeconomic conditions described above may affect how our customers conduct their businesses and adversely affect our customers’ willingness to utilize our solutions and delay prospective customers’ purchasing decisions. Our customers may decrease their overall advertising budgets as a response to economic uncertainty, a decline in their business activity, and other macroeconomic impacts on their business or industry.

Current wording

The macroeconomic conditions described above may affect how our customers conduct their businesses and adversely affect our customers’ willingness to utilize our solutions and delay prospective customers’ purchasing decisions. Our customers may decrease their overall advertising budgets as a response to economic uncertainty, a decline in their business activity, and other macroeconomic impacts on their business or industry. Although our clients are diversified across all major industry verticals, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, telecommunications, technology, automotive and healthcare, in the event we have clients concentrated in a particular industry, our business, reputation, financial condition and operating results could be harmed.

Previous wording

We have a large and diverse customer and integration partner base. At any given time, one or more of our customers or partners may experience financial difficulty, file for bankruptcy protection or cease operations. Unfavorable economic and financial conditions could result in an increase in customer or partner financial difficulties which could adversely affect us. In addition, we rely on data from third parties to invoice our clients. Our clients have in the past, and may in the future, dispute the way we calculate billing for our solutions or the data on which rely to calculate billing. If we are unable to resolve such disputes, we may lose clients or clients may decrease their use of our solutions and our financial performance and growth may be adversely affected. The direct impact on us could include reduced revenues and write-offs of accounts receivable and expenditures billable to customers, and if these effects were severe enough, the indirect impact could include impairments of intangible assets and reduced liquidity. Furthermore, the payment risks we face are heightened since (i) our programmatic and certain other partners collect payments from all of our advertiser customers utilizing their platform and remit to us such amounts on behalf of these advertiser customers and (ii) media agencies pay us on behalf of multiple customers who utilize them, each of whom are subject to independent billing and payment risks as well. Although no customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenue in 2023, two programmatic partner platforms collected approximately 18% and 17% each of our total revenue in 2023 on behalf of our advertiser customers using their platforms.

Current wording

We have a large and diverse customer and integration partner base. At any given time, one or more of our customers or partners may experience financial difficulty, file for bankruptcy protection or cease operations. Unfavorable economic and financial conditions could result in an increase in customer or partner financial difficulties which could adversely affect us. In addition, we rely on data from third parties to invoice our clients. Our clients have in the past, and may in the future, dispute the way we calculate billing for our solutions or the data on which rely to calculate billing. If we are unable to resolve such disputes, we may lose clients or clients may decrease their use of our solutions and our financial performance and growth may be adversely affected. The direct impact on us could include reduced revenues and write-offs of accounts receivable and expenditures billable to customers, and if these effects were severe enough, the indirect impact could include impairments of intangible assets and reduced liquidity. Furthermore, the payment risks we face are heightened since (i) our programmatic and certain other partners collect payments from all of our advertiser customers utilizing their platform and remit to us such amounts on behalf of these advertiser customers and (ii) media agencies pay us on behalf of multiple customers who utilize them, each of whom are subject to independent billing and payment risks as well. Although no customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenue in 2024, two programmatic partner platforms collected approximately 22% and 14% each of our total revenue in 2024 on behalf of our advertiser customers using their platforms.

Previous wording

The technology underlying our platform may contain material defects or errors. If the data analytics we deliver to our customers are inaccurate or perceived to be inaccurate, due to defects or errors in our technology, our business may be harmed. Any inaccuracy or perceived inaccuracy in the solutions we provide could lead to consequences that adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations, including:

Current wording

The technology underlying our platform may contain material defects or errors and are subject to certain technological or scale limitations. If the data analytics we deliver to our customers are inaccurate or perceived to be inaccurate, due to defects, errors or limitations in our technology, our business may be harmed. Any inaccuracy or perceived inaccuracy in the solutions we provide could lead to consequences that adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations, including:

Previous wording

Our future success also depends on our ability to retain, attract and motivate highly skilled technical, managerial, marketing and customer service personnel. We have increased the size of our workforce by more than 36% since the beginning of 2022 to 1,101 employees and expect to continue to grow in the near term. We may incur significant costs to attract and retain qualified employees, including significant expenditures related to salaries and benefits and compensation expenses related to equity awards. Providing equity compensation to employees through our equity compensation program is critical to maintaining our attractiveness as an employer in the technology industry. If there is volatility in our stock price, or new regulations relating to employee equity compensation, it may harm our ability to attract and retain qualified employees. New regulations that prohibit the use of certain restrictive covenants in agreements with our employees could impact our ability to retain existing employees. Further, new employees often require significant training and we may lose new or existing employees to our competitors or other companies before we realize the benefit of our investment in recruiting and training them. In addition, changes to labor and immigration laws and regulations may adversely affect our access to technical and professional talent.

Current wording

Our future success also depends on our ability to retain, attract and motivate highly skilled technical, managerial, marketing and customer service personnel. We have increased the size of our workforce by more than 32% since the beginning of 2023 to 1,197 employees and expect to continue to grow in the near term. We may incur significant costs to attract and retain qualified employees, including significant expenditures related to salaries and benefits and compensation expenses related to equity awards. Providing equity compensation to employees through our equity compensation program is critical to maintaining our attractiveness as an employer in the technology industry. If there is volatility in our stock price, or new regulations relating to employee equity compensation, it may harm our ability to attract and retain qualified employees. New regulations that prohibit the use of certain restrictive covenants in agreements with our employees could impact our ability to retain existing employees. Further, new employees often require significant training and we may lose new or existing employees to our competitors or other companies before we realize the benefit of our investment in recruiting and training them. In addition, changes to labor and immigration laws and regulations may adversely affect our access to technical and professional talent.

Previous wording

Competition for personnel is intense, particularly those with technological expertise and our key areas of operations, including New York, Tel Aviv, Singapore, Berlin and London. A substantial majority of our employees work for us on an at-will basis, and we may experience a loss of productivity due to the departure of key personnel and the associated loss of institutional knowledge. Our inability to retain and attract the necessary personnel could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Competition for personnel is intense, particularly those with technological expertise and our key areas of operations, including New York, Tel Aviv, Paris, Singapore, Berlin and London. A substantial majority of our employees work for us on an at-will basis, and we may experience a loss of productivity due to the departure of key personnel and the associated loss of institutional knowledge. Our inability to retain and attract the necessary personnel could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

In addition, our international expansion has led to an increasing number of employees based in countries outside of North America. As a result, we may experience increased competition for employees outside of North America as the trend toward globalization continues, which may impact our employee retention and increase our compensation expenses as we endeavor to attract and retain qualified employees globally. With 453 employees based outside of the Americas as of December 31, 2023, including 127 employees in our Tel Aviv office and 79 employees in our London office, we are exposed to a number of additional country-specific risks. See “We are exposed to the risks of operating internationally.”

Current wording

In addition, our international expansion has led to an increasing number of employees based in countries outside of North America. As a result, we may experience increased competition for employees outside of North America as the trend toward globalization continues, which may impact our employee retention and increase our compensation expenses as we endeavor to attract and retain qualified employees globally. With 499 employees based outside of the Americas as of December 31, 2024, including 136 employees in our Tel Aviv office and 93 employees in our London office, we are exposed to a number of additional country-specific risks. See “We are exposed to the risks of operating internationally.”

Previous wording

Increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from customers, employees, regulators and other stakeholders with respect to our environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices may expose us to new or additional risks.

Current wording

Increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from customers, employees, regulators and other stakeholders with respect to our corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) practices may expose us to new or additional risks.

Previous wording

Customers, employees, governmental organizations, investors, proxy advisory services and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on ESG practices. While we are working to enhance our ESG efforts and related disclosures, if our stakeholders assess that our ESG efforts do not meet their expectations, which may continue to evolve, or we fail (or are perceived to fail) to meet the standards we set for our organization, our reputation, hiring initiatives, employee retention and customer and supplier relationships may be adversely affected. We may also incur significant costs and resources to monitor, report, and comply with various ESG initiatives, laws and regulations. New laws and regulations relating to ESG matters, including sustainability, climate change, human capital and diversity, are being developed in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. These laws and regulations may require considerable investment, including through the potential adoption of target-driven frameworks or disclosure requirements. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to adhere to our stated ESG goals, comply fully with developing ESG law and regulation or failure to satisfy stakeholders with our ESG practices or the speed at which we implement them could harm our business, reputation, financial condition and operating results.

Current wording

Customers, employees, governmental organizations, investors, proxy advisory services and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on environmental, social and governance practices. If these stakeholders assess that our CSR efforts do not meet their expectations, which may continue to evolve, or we fail (or are perceived to fail) to meet the standards we set for our organization, our reputation, hiring initiatives, employee retention and customer and supplier relationships may be adversely affected. We may also incur significant costs and resources to monitor, report, and comply with various CSR initiatives, customer requirements, laws and regulations. New laws and regulations relating to CSR matters, including sustainability, climate change, human capital and diversity, are being developed in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. These laws and regulations may require considerable investment, including through the potential adoption of target-driven frameworks or disclosure requirements. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to adhere to CSR initiatives, comply fully with developing CSR law and regulation or failure to satisfy stakeholders with our CSR practices or the speed at which we implement them could harm our business, reputation, financial condition and operating results.

Previous wording

In addition, U.S. and foreign governments have enacted or are considering enacting new legislation related to privacy, data protection, data security and digital advertising and we expect to see an increase in, or changes to, legislation and regulation that affects our industry. For example, the EU GDPR, which became effective on May 25, 2018, and has resulted and will continue to result in significantly greater compliance burdens and costs for companies with users and operations in the EU and European Economic Area (“EEA”). In addition, the UK GDPR, which became effective in January 2021, imposes similar requirements as the EU GDPR. Under the EU GDPR and UK GDPR, fines of up to 20 million Euros or 17.5 million Pounds, respectively, or up to 4% of the annual global revenues of the infringing party, whichever is greater, can be imposed for violations. The EU GDPR and UK GDPR impose several stringent requirements for controllers and processors of personal data and could make it more difficult and/or more costly for us to use and share personal data. In addition, the CCPA, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, limits how we may collect and use personal data. The effects of the CCPA potentially are far-reaching and may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and incur substantial compliance-related costs and expenses. In November 2020, California voters passed the CPRA, which expands the CCPA with additional data privacy compliance requirements that went into effect in 2023 and may impact our business, and establishes a regulatory agency dedicated to enforcing those requirements. Other states have also recently introduced or enacted comprehensive consumer privacy laws that broadly protect personal data, including the right to opt out of targeted advertising and certain profiling activities, and more states are expected to follow. It remains unclear how various provisions of the CCPA, CPRA and other state laws will be interpreted and enforced. Further, the COPPA applies to websites and other online services that are directed to children under thirteen (13) years of age and imposes certain restrictions on the collection, use and disclosure of personal information from these websites and online services. The Data Privacy Framework, or DPF, recently adopted by the EU, UK and Switzerland to support data transfers to the United States, which DV relies on, has been challenged by European privacy activists. Additionally, as backup should the DPF be invalidated, we rely on a data transfer mechanism called Standard Contractual Clauses that has also been subjected to regulatory and judicial scrutiny, although they remain valid. In 2022, EU and U.S. officials announced that an agreement had been reached on a framework for data transferred from the EU to the United States referred to as “Privacy Shield 2.0”, but it has not yet been officially adopted by the European Union. The continued uncertainty around the feasibility of onward tra…

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Current wording

In addition, U.S. and foreign governments have enacted or are considering enacting new legislation related to privacy, data protection, data security and digital advertising and we expect to see an increase in, or changes to, legislation and regulation that affects our industry. For example, the EU GDPR, which became effective on May 25, 2018, and has resulted and will continue to result in significantly greater compliance burdens and costs for companies with users and operations in the EU and European Economic Area (“EEA”). In addition, the UK GDPR, which became effective in January 2021, imposes similar requirements as the EU GDPR. Under the EU GDPR and UK GDPR, fines of up to 20 million Euros or 17.5 million Pounds, respectively, or up to 4% of the annual global revenues of the infringing party, whichever is greater, can be imposed for violations. The EU GDPR and UK GDPR impose several stringent requirements for controllers and processors of personal data and could make it more difficult and/or more costly for us to use and share personal data. In addition, the CCPA, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, limits how we may collect and use personal data. The effects of the CCPA potentially are far-reaching and may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and incur substantial compliance-related costs and expenses. In November 2020, California voters passed the CPRA, which expands the CCPA with additional data privacy compliance requirements that went into effect in 2023 and may impact our business, and establishes a regulatory agency dedicated to enforcing those requirements. Other states have also recently introduced or enacted comprehensive consumer privacy laws that broadly protect personal data, including the right to opt out of targeted advertising and certain profiling activities, and more states are expected to follow. It remains unclear how various provisions of the CCPA, CPRA and other state laws will be interpreted and enforced. Further, the COPPA applies to websites and other online services that are directed to children under thirteen (13) years of age and imposes certain restrictions on the collection, use and disclosure of personal information from these websites and online services. The Data Privacy Framework, or DPF, recently adopted by the EU, UK and Switzerland to support data transfers to the United States, which DV relies on, has been challenged by European privacy activists. Additionally, as backup should the DPF be invalidated, we rely on a data transfer mechanism called Standard Contractual Clauses that has also been subjected to regulatory and judicial scrutiny, although they remain valid. In 2022, EU and U.S. officials announced that an agreement had been reached on a framework for data transferred from the EU to the United States referred to as “Privacy Shield 2.0”, but it has not yet been officially adopted by the European Union. The continued uncertainty around the feasibility of onward tra…

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Previous wording

Our business depends, in part, on the demand for digital advertising technology. The digital advertising industry has been and may in the future be subject to reputational harm, negative media attention and public complaint relating to, among other things, the alleged lack of transparency and anti-competitive behavior among advertising technology companies. This public criticism could result in increased data privacy, anti-trust and other regulation in the digital advertising industry in the U.S. and internationally. In addition, our solutions are delivered in web browsers, mobile apps and other software environments where online advertising is displayed, and certain of these environments have announced future plans to phase out or end the use of cookies and other third-party tracking technology on their operating systems in order to provide more consumer privacy. While our core technology and solutions do not rely on persistent identifiers or cookie-based or cross-site tracking, these changes and other updates to software functionality in these environments could hurt our ability to effectively deliver our solutions and make them less effective if our solutions are restricted from operating. Moreover, in response to these changes, advertisers may alter the mix of their advertising spend towards platforms on which we offer more limited solutions or towards higher cost inventory that may result in lower impression volumes. We have also experienced significant growth in social media-related revenues and generate significant revenue from the use of our solutions on social media platforms, which have been and may in the future be the subject of avoidance campaigns or similar events, including ad boycotts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Additionally, social media platforms have been subject to regulatory scrutiny in various countries and jurisdictions, including the U.S., which has in the past and could in the future result in the use of certain social media platforms being banned in those locations. Any change or decrease in the demand for digital advertising, including on social media platforms as a result of avoidance campaigns or similar events, may negatively affect the demand for and use of our solutions. If our customers significantly reduce or eliminate their digital ad spend in response to the public criticism of the digital advertising industry or its related effects, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

Our business depends, in part, on the demand for digital advertising technology. The digital advertising industry has been and may in the future be subject to reputational harm, negative media attention and public complaint relating to, among other things, the alleged lack of transparency and anti-competitive behavior among advertising technology companies. This public criticism could result in increased data privacy, anti-trust and other regulation in the digital advertising industry in the U.S. and internationally. In addition, our solutions are delivered in web browsers, mobile apps and other software environments where online advertising is displayed, and certain of these environments have announced future plans to phase out or end the use of cookies and other third-party tracking technology on their operating systems in order to provide more consumer privacy. While our core technology and solutions do not rely on persistent identifiers or cookie-based or cross-site tracking, these changes and other updates to software functionality in these environments could hurt our ability to effectively deliver our solutions and make them less effective if our solutions are restricted from operating. Moreover, in response to these changes, advertisers may alter the mix of their advertising spend towards platforms on which we offer more limited solutions or towards higher cost inventory that may result in lower impression volumes. We have also experienced significant growth in social media-related revenues and generate significant revenue from the use of our solutions on social media platforms, which have been and may in the future be the subject of avoidance campaigns or similar events, including ad boycotts on Facebook and X. Additionally, social media platforms have been subject to regulatory scrutiny in various countries and jurisdictions, including the U.S., which has in the past and could in the future result in the use of certain social media platforms being banned in those locations. Any change or decrease in the demand for digital advertising, including on social media platforms as a result of avoidance campaigns or similar events, may negatively affect the demand for and use of our solutions. If our customers significantly reduce or eliminate their digital ad spend in response to the public criticism of the digital advertising industry or its related effects, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We have made, and expect to continue to make, investments in AI initiatives, including generative AI to develop new products, develop new features of existing products, and enhance our solutions. For example, in August 2023, we acquired Scibids. Scibids builds AI that automates and optimizes an advertiser’s programmatic buying of digital ad campaigns. We also utilize AI and machine learning models in the development of our solutions. There are significant risks involved in developing and deploying AI solutions and there can be no assurance that the usage of AI will enhance our products or services or be beneficial to our business, including our profitability. Our competitors or other third parties may incorporate AI into their offerings more quickly, cost-effectively or successfully than we can, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

We have made, and expect to continue to make, investments in AI initiatives, including generative AI to develop new products, develop new features of existing products, and enhance our solutions. For example, in August 2023, we acquired Scibids. Scibids builds AI that automates and optimizes an advertiser’s programmatic buying of digital ad campaigns. We also utilize AI and machine learning models in our classification engine and the development of our solutions. There are significant risks involved in developing and deploying AI solutions and there can be no assurance that the usage of AI will enhance our products or services or be beneficial to our business, including our profitability. Our competitors or other third parties may incorporate AI into their offerings more quickly, cost-effectively or successfully than we can, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

We are subject to taxation in, and to the tax laws and regulations of, multiple jurisdictions as a result of the international scope of our operations and our corporate entity structure. Adverse developments in these laws or regulations, or any change in position regarding the application, administration or interpretation thereof, in any applicable jurisdiction, could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, the tax authorities in any applicable jurisdiction, including the U.S., may disagree with the positions we have taken or intend to take regarding the tax treatment or characterization of any of our transactions.

Current wording

We are subject to taxation in, and to the tax laws and regulations of, multiple jurisdictions as a result of the international scope of our operations and our corporate entity structure. Adverse developments in these laws or regulations, or any change in position regarding the application, administration or interpretation thereof, in any applicable jurisdiction, could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. For example, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has been working on a Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project, which could change various aspects of the existing framework under which our tax obligations are determined in many of the countries in which we do business and also defines a global minimum tax, calling for the taxation of large multinational corporations at a minimum rate of 15%. While the changes from these rules have not impacted our business, financial condition or results of operations to date, they could increase our effective tax rate and cash tax payments in future periods. Further, several jurisdictions have proposed or enacted taxes applicable to digital services, which include business activities on digital advertising and which may increase our tax obligations in such jurisdictions. In addition, the tax authorities in any applicable jurisdiction, including the U.S., may disagree with the positions we have taken or intend to take regarding the tax treatment or characterization of any of our transactions.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had $436.0 million of goodwill and $274.0 million of other long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. We are required to test intangible assets and goodwill annually and on an interim basis if an event occurs or there is a change in circumstance that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below its carrying values or indicate that the carrying value of such intangibles is not recoverable. When the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable, a charge to operations is recognized. Either event would result in incremental expenses for that period, which would reduce any earnings or increase any loss for the period in which the impairment was determined to have occurred.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had $427.6 million of goodwill and $289.5 million of other long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. We are required to test intangible assets and goodwill annually and on an interim basis if an event occurs or there is a change in circumstance that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below its carrying values or indicate that the carrying value of such intangibles is not recoverable. When the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable, a charge to operations is recognized. Either event would result in incremental expenses for that period, which would reduce any earnings or increase any loss for the period in which the impairment was determined to have occurred.

Previous wording

Our impairment analysis is sensitive to changes in key assumptions used in our analysis, such as expected future cash flows. Additionally, changes in our strategy or significant technical developments could significantly impact the recoverability of our intangible assets. If the assumptions used in our analysis are not realized, it is possible that an impairment charge may need to be recorded in the future. We identified an impairment of long-lived assets of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. We did not identify any impairments of goodwill or long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2021. We cannot predict the amount and timing of any future impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets.

Current wording

Our impairment analysis is sensitive to changes in key assumptions used in our analysis, such as expected future cash flows. Additionally, changes in our strategy or significant technical developments could significantly impact the recoverability of our intangible assets. If the assumptions used in our analysis are not realized, it is possible that an impairment charge may need to be recorded in the future. We did not identify any impairments of goodwill or long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. We identified an impairment of long-lived assets of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. We cannot predict the amount and timing of any future impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets.

Previous wording

The New Revolving Credit Facility also contains covenants requiring the Credit Group to maintain certain financial ratios. The Credit Group’s ability to meet those financial ratios can be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that the Credit Group will meet any such ratios in the future.

Current wording

The New Revolving Credit Facility also contains covenants requiring the Credit Group a maximum total net leverage ratio of 4.50x as at the last day of each fiscal quarter (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2025). The Credit Group’s ability to meet such financial ratio can be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that the Credit Group will meet any such ratios in the future.

Previous wording

The New Revolving Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets (subject to customary exceptions) of the Credit Group. A failure to comply with the provisions of the New Revolving Credit Facility could result in a default or an event of default that could enable our lenders to declare the outstanding principal amount of that debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable. We might not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments. If the payment of our debt is accelerated and we do not have sufficient cash available to repay such indebtedness, the lenders could enforce their security interests and liquidate some or all of the secured assets of the Credit Group to repay the outstanding principal and interest, and our stockholders could experience a partial or total loss of their investment. For more information about the New Revolving Credit Facility, see Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current wording

The New Revolving Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets (subject to customary exceptions) of certain members of the Credit Group. A failure to comply with the provisions of the New Revolving Credit Facility could result in a default or an event of default that could enable our lenders to declare the outstanding principal amount of that debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable. We might not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments. If the payment of our debt is accelerated and we do not have sufficient cash available to repay such indebtedness, the lenders could enforce their security interests and liquidate some or all of the secured assets of certain members of the Credit Group to repay the outstanding principal and interest, and our stockholders could experience a partial or total loss of their investment. For more information about the New Revolving Credit Facility, see Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

Providence VII U.S. Holdings L.P. owns approximately 15% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. As a result, Providence will continue to exercise influence over all matters requiring stockholder approval for the foreseeable future, including approval of significant corporate transactions, which may reduce the market price of our common stock.

Current wording

Providence VII U.S. Holdings L.P. owns approximately 16% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. As a result, Providence will continue to exercise influence over all matters requiring stockholder approval for the foreseeable future, including approval of significant corporate transactions, which may reduce the market price of our common stock.