Yext Inc

Previous wording

•We may expand our business through acquisitions, which may result in unexpected risks and challenges to complete and integrate.

Current wording

•We have and may continue to expand our business through acquisitions, which may result in unexpected risks and challenges to complete and integrate.

Previous wording

We experienced declines in our revenue growth in recent years, including revenue growth rates of 10% from the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, 3% from the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, 1% from the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, and a contraction of 3% from the three months ended April 30, 2023 to the three months ended April 30, 2024. While our historical revenue growth rates are not indicative of future growth, we may not achieve revenue growth in future periods, or our growth rates may slow further or contract in future periods. You should not rely on our revenue for any prior quarterly or annual periods as an indication of our future revenue or revenue growth. While our recent decline in growth rate was largely attributable to the departure of a large customer, we may continue to experience declines as a result of a number of factors, including our ability to execute on our business strategy, our ability to compete effectively for customers and business partners, the impact of public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other macroeconomic factors on our business, and other factors that are outside of our control. As we adjust our strategies to reflect the recent changes in our business, including transitioning a portion of our services business to various third-party service providers, this has and may continue to negatively impact our revenue growth rates. In addition, we are undertaking a substantial cost-cutting plan to reduce costs and increase our profitability, which could further limit our ability to grow organically and may even result in contraction of our revenue. If we are unable to maintain consistent revenue or revenue growth, our stock price could be volatile, and it could be difficult to achieve or maintain profitability.

Current wording

We experienced declines in our revenue growth in recent years, including revenue growth rates of 10% from the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, 3% from the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, 1% from the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, and a contraction of 4% from the six months ended July 31, 2023 to the six months ended July 31, 2024. While our historical revenue growth rates are not indicative of future growth, we may not achieve revenue growth in future periods, or our growth rates may slow further or contract in future periods. You should not rely on our revenue for any prior quarterly or annual periods as an indication of our future revenue or revenue growth. While our recent decline in growth rate was largely attributable to the departure of a large customer, we may continue to experience declines as a result of a number of factors, including our ability to execute on our business strategy, our ability to compete effectively for customers and business partners, the impact of public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other macroeconomic factors on our business, and other factors that are outside of our control. As we adjust our strategies to reflect the recent changes in our business, including transitioning a portion of our services business to various third-party service providers, this has and may continue to negatively impact our revenue growth rates. In addition, in June 2024, we initiated a substantial cost-cutting plan to reduce costs and increase our profitability, which could further limit our ability to grow organically and may even result in contraction of our revenue. If we are unable to maintain consistent revenue or revenue growth, our stock price could be volatile, and it could be difficult to achieve or maintain profitability.

Previous wording

We generated a net loss of $3.8 million for the quarter ended April 30, 2024 and $2.6 million, $65.9 million, and $93.3 million for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of April 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $683.0 million, reflecting our losses recognized historically on a GAAP basis. While we have recognized losses on a GAAP basis, we may be deemed to be profitable for tax purposes. See “Risks Related to Laws, Regulation and Taxation” for further discussion. We will need to generate and sustain increased revenue levels and reduced expenses in future periods to become profitable, and, even if we do, we may not be able to maintain or increase our level of profitability. As a result, we may continue to experience operating losses for the indefinite future. Further, while we have recently reduced operating expenses, we expect our operating expenses may increase in the coming years as we hire additional personnel, expand our distribution channels, develop our technology and new features, face increased compliance costs associated with our growth and entry into new markets and geographies and adopt new systems to scale and automate our operations. If our revenue does not increase to offset these and other potential increases in operating expenses, we may not be profitable in future periods. If we are unable to achieve and sustain profitability, the market price of our common stock may significantly decrease.

Current wording

We generated a net loss of $7.9 million for the six months ended July 31, 2024 and $2.6 million, $65.9 million, and $93.3 million for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of July 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $687.0 million, reflecting our losses recognized historically on a GAAP basis. While we have recognized losses on a GAAP basis, we may be deemed to be profitable for tax purposes. See “Risks Related to Laws, Regulation and Taxation” for further discussion. We will need to generate and sustain increased revenue levels and reduced expenses in future periods to become profitable, and, even if we do, we may not be able to maintain or increase our level of profitability. As a result, we may continue to experience operating losses for the indefinite future. Further, while we have recently reduced operating expenses, we expect our operating expenses may increase in the coming years as we hire additional personnel, expand our distribution channels, develop our technology and new features, face increased compliance costs associated with our growth and entry into new markets and geographies and adopt new systems to scale and automate our operations. If our revenue does not increase to offset these and other potential increases in operating expenses, we may not be profitable in future periods. If we are unable to achieve and sustain profitability, the market price of our common stock may significantly decrease.

Previous wording

We have in the past acquired and may in the future seek to acquire or invest in businesses, features or technologies that we believe could complement or expand our platform, enhance our technical capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. For example, we are presently pending the completion and integration of our acquisition of Hearsay. The pursuit of potential acquisitions may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various expenses in identifying, investigating and pursuing suitable acquisitions, whether or not they are consummated.

Current wording

We have in the past acquired and may in the future seek to acquire or invest in businesses, features or technologies that we believe could complement or expand our platform, enhance our technical capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. For example, on August 1, 2024, we completed our acquisition of Hearsay and are currently in the process of integrating its business into Yext. The pursuit of potential acquisitions may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various expenses in identifying, investigating and pursuing suitable acquisitions, whether or not they are consummated.

Previous wording

In addition, a significant portion of the purchase price of companies we acquire may be allocated to acquired goodwill and intangible assets, which must be assessed for impairment at least annually. In the future, if our acquisitions do not yield expected returns, we may be required to take charges to our operating results based on this impairment assessment process, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

In addition, the accounting for purchases can be complicated. For example, a significant portion of the purchase price of companies we acquire may be allocated to acquired goodwill and intangible assets, which must be assessed for impairment at least annually. In the future, if our acquisitions do not yield expected returns, we may be required to take charges to our operating results based on this impairment assessment process, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

We generally recognize revenue from customers ratably over the terms of their agreements, which are typically one year in length but may be up to three years or longer in length. As a result, most of the revenue we report in each quarter is the result of subscription agreements entered into during previous quarters. Consequently, a decline in new or renewed subscriptions in any one quarter may not be reflected in our revenue results for that quarter. Any such decline, however, will negatively affect our revenue in future quarters.

Current wording

We generally recognize revenue from customers ratably over the terms of their agreements, which are typically one year in length but may be up to three years or longer in length. As a result, most of the revenue we report in each quarter is the result of subscription agreements entered into during previous quarters. Consequently, a decline in new or renewed subscriptions in any one quarter may not be reflected in our revenue results for that quarter. Any such decline, however, will negatively affect our revenue in future quarters. Accordingly, the effect of significant downturns in sales and market acceptance of our products or a decline in our retention rate, may not be fully apparent or reflected in our results of operations until future periods. Our subscription model also makes it difficult for us to rapidly increase our revenue through additional sales in any period, as revenue from new customers must be recognized over the applicable subscription term.

Previous wording

Our management, headcount and operations have grown substantially since Yext went public in 2017, growing to approximately 1,100 as of January 31, 2024. After years of growth, our overall headcount experienced a reduction in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023. In addition, a reduction in force was initiated in late January of 2023, resulting in additional terminations of approximately eight percent (8%) of overall headcount that took effect in the three months ended April 30, 2023. On June 4, 2024, we committed to a restructuring plan resulting in the reduction of our workforce by approximately twelve percent (12%) of overall headcount as compared to our headcount as of January 31, 2024, which we expect to be substantially complete in the three months ended July 31, 2024.

Current wording

Our management, headcount and operations have grown substantially since Yext went public in 2017, growing to approximately 1,100 as of January 31, 2024. After years of growth, our overall headcount experienced a reduction in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023. In addition, a reduction in force was initiated in late January of 2023, resulting in additional terminations of approximately eight percent (8%) of overall headcount that took effect in the three months ended April 30, 2023. On June 4, 2024, we initiated a restructuring plan resulting in the reduction of our workforce by approximately twelve percent (12%) of overall headcount as compared to our headcount as of January 31, 2024, which we substantially completed in the three months ended July 31, 2024.

Previous wording

There are a limited number of AI service providers that license large language models ("LLMs") that are sufficient for use in our AI-powered applications. If our agreements with these AI service providers terminate or cannot be renewed on favorable terms, it may affect our ability to develop our AI-powered platform innovations and features. Any of the foregoing and any similar issues, whether actual or perceived, could negatively impact our users’ experience and diminish the perceived quality and value of our offerings. This in turn could damage our brand, reputation, competitive position and business.

Current wording

There are a limited number of AI service providers that license large language models, or LLMs, that are sufficient for use in our AI-powered applications. If our agreements with these AI service providers terminate or cannot be renewed on favorable terms, it may affect our ability to develop our AI-powered platform innovations and features. Any of the foregoing and any similar issues, whether actual or perceived, could negatively impact our users’ experience and diminish the perceived quality and value of our offerings. This in turn could damage our brand, reputation, competitive position and business.

Previous wording

From time to time, we are and may be involved in disputes or regulatory inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of business. We expect that the number and significance of potential disputes may increase as our business expands and our company grows larger. While our agreements with customers limit our liability for damages arising from our platform, we cannot assure you that these contractual provisions will protect us from liability for damages in the event we are sued or a dispute arises. Although we carry general liability insurance coverage, our insurance may not cover all potential claims to which we are exposed or may not be adequate to indemnify us for all liability that may be imposed. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation or dispute resolution, require significant amounts of management time, and result in the diversion of significant operational resources. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable, we cannot assure you that the results of any of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition.

Current wording

From time to time, we are and may be involved in disputes or regulatory inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as claims brought by our customers in connection with commercial disputes or employment claims made by our current or former employees. We expect that the number and significance of potential disputes may increase as our business expands and our company grows larger. While our agreements with customers limit our liability for damages arising from our platform, we cannot assure you that these contractual provisions will protect us from liability for damages in the event we are sued or a dispute arises. Although we carry general liability insurance coverage, our insurance may not cover all potential claims to which we are exposed or may not be adequate to indemnify us for all liability that may be imposed. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation or dispute resolution, require significant amounts of management time, and result in the diversion of significant operational resources. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable, we cannot assure you that the results of any of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition.

Previous wording

For example, in Europe, the Council of the EU European Parliament and European Commission has reached provisional agreement on a revised draft of the AI Act which is currently expected to be enacted in early 2024. The current draft of the AI Act, if enacted, would establish a risk-based governance framework for regulating high-risk AI systems operating in the EU market. This framework would categorize AI systems based on the risks associated with such AI systems’ intended purposes as creating “unacceptable”, “high” or “limited” risks. While the AI Act has not been enacted or enforced, there is a risk that our current or future AI-powered software or applications may be categorized as “high” risk or “limited” risk, obligating us to comply with the applicable requirements of the AI Act, which may impose additional costs on us, increase our risk of liability, or adversely affect our business. For example, “high” risk AI systems are required, amongst other things, to implement and maintain certain risk and quality management systems, conduct certain conformity and risk assessments, use appropriate data governance and management practices, including in development and training, and meet certain standards related to testing, technical robustness, transparency, human oversight, and cybersecurity. Even if our AI systems are not categorized as “high” risk we may be subject to additional transparency and other obligations for “low” risk AI system providers. The AI Act sets forth certain penalties, including fines of the greater of EUR 35 million or 7% of worldwide annual turnover (as defined in the AI Act) for the prior year for violations related to offering prohibited AI-systems or data governance, fines of the greater of EUR 15 million or 3% of worldwide annual turnover for the prior year for violations related to the requirements for “high” risk AI systems, and fines of the greater of EUR 7.5 million or 1.5% of worldwide annual turnover for the prior year for violations related to supplying incorrect, incomplete or misleading information to the European Union and member state authorities. If enacted in this form or a similar form, this regulatory framework is expected to have a material impact on the way AI is regulated in the European Union, and together with developing guidance and/or decisions in this area, may affect our use of AI and our ability to provide and to improve our services, require additional compliance measures and changes to our operations and processes, result in increased compliance costs and potential increases in civil claims against us, and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

For example, the European Union has enacted legislation, the AI Act, which entered into force on August 1, 2024. The AI Act establishes a risk-based governance framework for regulating high-risk AI systems operating in the EU market. This framework categorizes AI systems based on the risks associated with such AI systems’ intended purposes as creating “unacceptable”, “high” or “limited” risks. There is a risk that our current or future AI-powered software or applications may obligate us to comply with the applicable requirements of the AI Act, which may impose additional costs on us, increase our risk of liability, or adversely affect our business. For example, “high” risk AI systems are required, amongst other things, to implement and maintain certain risk and quality management systems, conduct certain conformity and risk assessments, use appropriate data governance and management practices, including in development and training, and meet certain standards related to testing, technical robustness, transparency, human oversight, and cybersecurity. Even if our AI systems are not categorized as “high” or “unacceptable” risk we may be subject to additional transparency and other obligations for “low” risk AI system providers. The AI Act sets forth certain penalties, including fines of the greater of EUR 35 million or 7% of worldwide annual turnover (as defined in the AI Act) for the prior year for violations related to offering prohibited AI-systems or data governance, fines of the greater of EUR 15 million or 3% of worldwide annual turnover for the prior year for violations related to the requirements for “high” risk AI systems, and fines of the greater of EUR 7.5 million or 1.5% of worldwide annual turnover for the prior year for violations related to supplying incorrect, incomplete or misleading information to the European Union and member state authorities. This regulatory framework is expected to have a material impact on AI regulation in the European Union, and together with developing guidance and/or decisions in this area, may affect our use of AI and our ability to provide and to improve our services, require additional compliance measures and changes to our operations and processes, result in increased compliance costs and potential increases in civil claims against us, and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

In March 2022, we announced a program to repurchase up to $100.0 million of our common stock, which was increased by an additional $50.0 million in September 2023. Such repurchases may be made from time to time subject to pre-determined price and volume guidelines. As of April 30, 2024, we repurchased 16,824,920 shares for $100.3 million. Repurchases pursuant to our share repurchase program could affect our stock price and increase its volatility and will reduce the market liquidity for our stock. These activities may have the effect of maintaining the market price of our common stock or slow down a decline in the market price of the common stock, and, as a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. Additionally, these repurchases will diminish our cash reserves, which could impact our ability to pursue possible future strategic opportunities and acquisitions and result in lower overall returns on our cash balances.

Current wording

In March 2022, we announced a program to repurchase up to $100.0 million of our common stock, which was increased by an additional $50.0 million in September 2023. Such repurchases may be made from time to time subject to pre-determined price and volume guidelines. As of July 31, 2024, we repurchased 16,868,190 shares for $100.2 million. Repurchases pursuant to our share repurchase program could affect our stock price and increase its volatility and will reduce the market liquidity for our stock. These activities may have the effect of maintaining the market price of our common stock or slow down a decline in the market price of the common stock, and, as a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. Additionally, these repurchases will diminish our cash reserves, which could impact our ability to pursue possible future strategic opportunities and acquisitions and result in lower overall returns on our cash balances.