Fathom Holdings Inc.

Previous wording

We experienced net losses of approximately $24.0 million and $27.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We cannot guarantee when or if we will achieve sustained profitability, particularly considering current economic uncertainty and increased interest rates. We expect to make significant future expenditures to develop and expand our business. We might not achieve sufficient revenue to achieve or maintain profitability. We could incur significant losses in the future for many reasons, including the other risks described in this Report, and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications and delays and other unknown events. Accordingly, we might not be able to achieve or maintain profitability and we may incur significant losses for the foreseeable future.

Current wording

We experienced net losses of approximately $21.6 million and $24.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We cannot guarantee when or if we will achieve sustained profitability, particularly considering current economic uncertainty and increased interest rates. We expect to make significant future expenditures to develop and expand our business. We might not achieve sufficient revenue to achieve or maintain profitability. We could incur significant losses in the future for many reasons, including the other risks described in this Report, and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications and delays and other unknown events. Accordingly, we might not be able to achieve or maintain profitability and we may incur significant losses for the foreseeable future.

Previous wording

Our value proposition for agents includes allowing them to keep more of their commissions than traditional companies do, and receive equity in our Company, which is not typical in the real estate industry. If agents do not understand our value proposition, we might not be able to attract, retain and incentivize agentsor maintain our agent growth rate, which would adversely affect our revenue growth and results of operations.

Current wording

Our value proposition for agents includes allowing them to keep more of their commissions than traditional companies do. If agents do not understand our value proposition, we might not be able to attract, retain and incentivize agentsor maintain our agent growth rate, which would adversely affect our revenue and results of operations.

Previous wording

Participation in our commission plan represents a key component of our agent and broker value proposition. Agents might not understand or appreciate our value. In addition, agents might not appreciate other components of our value proposition including the systems and tools that we provide to agents, and the professional development opportunities we create and deliver. We compete with many other real estate brokerages for qualified agents and if agents do not understand the elements of our agent value proposition, or do not perceive it to be more valuable than the models used by most competitors, we might not be able to attract, retain and incentivize new and existing agents to grow our revenue. This could also negatively impact our agent growth rate. Our net licensed agent and broker base grew by approximately 14% from 10,370 licensed agents and brokers at December 31, 2022, to 11,795 licensed agents and brokers at December 31, 2023. Because we derive revenue from real estate transactions in which our agents receive commissions, increases in our licensed agent base correlate to increases in revenue. A slowdown in our licensed agent growth rate would have a material adverse effect on revenue growth and could adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

Participation in our commission plan represents a key component of our agent and broker value proposition. Agents might not understand or appreciate our value. In addition, agents might not appreciate other components of our value proposition including the systems and tools that we provide to agents, and the professional development opportunities we create and deliver. We compete with many other real estate brokerages for qualified agents and if agents do not understand the elements of our agent value proposition, or do not perceive it to be more valuable than the models used by most competitors, we might not be able to attract, retain and incentivize new and existing agents to grow our revenue. This could also negatively impact our agent growth rate. Our net licensed agent and broker base grew by approximately 21% from approximately 11,795 agent licenses at December 31, 2023, to approximately 14,300 agent licenses at December 31, 2024. Because we derive revenue from real estate transactions in which our agents receive commissions, increases in our licensed agent base generally correlate to increases in revenue. A slowdown in our licensed agent growth rate would have a material adverse effect on revenue and could adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, our revenue declined to $345 million from $413 million, which represents an annual rate of decline of approximately 16%, however our historic growth has been better than market average increasing from 2020 to 2021 by 87% and from 2021 to 2022 by 25% in revenue. We believe that our future revenue growth will depend, among other factors, on our ability to:

Current wording

Our historic growth was better than market average, increasing from 2020 to 2021 by 87% and from 2021 to 2022 by 25% in revenue. However, for the year ended December 31, 2024, our revenue declined to $335 million from $345 million, which represents an annual rate of decline of approximately 3%. We believe that our future revenue growth will depend, among other factors, on our ability to:

Previous wording

•respond effectively to competitive threats; and

Current wording

•respond effectively to competitive threats, including recent industry consolidation; and

Previous wording

We might not be successful in our efforts to do any of the foregoing, and any failure to be successful in these matters could materially and adversely affect our revenue growth. Our past revenue growth is not indicative of our future growth.

Current wording

We might not be successful in our efforts to do any of the foregoing, and any failure to be successful in these matters could materially and adversely affect our revenue. Our past revenue growth is not indicative of our future growth.

Previous wording

As an example, in the matter of Burnett v. National Association of Realtors (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri), a federal jury found that the NAR and certain other remaining brokerage defendants liable for $1.8 billion in damages on claims that these companies conspired to artificially inflate brokerage commissions, which is in violation of federal antitrust law (the “Burnett Ruling”). The verdict was appealed on October 31, 2023. Additionally, certain other brokerage defendants settled with the plaintiffs, including both monetary and non-monetary settlement terms. That same day, the NAR, EXP World Holdings, Inc., Compass, Inc., Redfin Corporation, Weichert Realtors, United Real Estate, Howard Hann Real Estate Services, and Douglas Elliman, Inc. were named as defendants in Gibson v. National Association of Realtors (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri), alleging a similar fact pattern and antitrust violations. On or about March 15, 2024, NAR agreed to settle the Burnett Ruling, along with a sister litigation, by agreeing to pay $418 million over approximately four years, and changing certain of its rules surrounding agent commissions (the “Burnett Settlement”). The Burnett Settlement is subject to court approval.

Current wording

As an example, in the matter of Burnett v. National Association of Realtors (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri), a federal jury found that the NAR and certain other remaining brokerage defendants liable for $1.8 billion in damages on claims that these companies conspired to artificially inflate brokerage commissions, which is in violation of federal antitrust law (the “Burnett Ruling”). The verdict was appealed on October 31, 2023. Additionally, certain other brokerage defendants settled with the plaintiffs, including both monetary and non-monetary settlement terms. That same day, the NAR, EXP World Holdings, Inc., Compass, Inc., Redfin Corporation, Weichert Realtors, United Real Estate, Howard Hann Real Estate Services, and Douglas Elliman, Inc. were named as defendants in Gibson v. National Association of Realtors (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri), alleging a similar fact pattern and antitrust violations. On or about March 15, 2024, NAR agreed to settle the Burnett Ruling, along with a sister litigation, by agreeing to pay $418 million over approximately four years, and changing certain of its rules surrounding agent commissions (the “NAR Settlement”). On November 26, 2024, the NAR Settlement was granted over objections, which resolved the claims against the Company.

Previous wording

Due to the Burnett Settlement, there may be rule changes for the NAR. In the Burnett Settlement, effective mid-July 2024, NAR has agreed to put in place a new rule prohibiting offers of compensation on the MLS, as well as adopt new rules requiring written agreements between buyers and buyers’ agents. The direct and indirect effects, if any, of the Burnett Settlement and similar settlements upon the real estate industry are not yet entirely clear. There could also be further changes in real estate industry practices. All of this has prompted discussion of regulatory changes to rules established by local or state real estate boards or multiple listing services and may require changes to brokers’ business models, including changes in agent and broker compensation.

Current wording

Due to the NAR Settlement, there may be rule changes for the NAR. In the NAR Settlement, effective mid-July 2024, NAR has agreed to put in place a new rule prohibiting offers of compensation on the MLS, as well as adopt new rules requiring written agreements between buyers and buyers’ agents. The direct and indirect effects, if any, of the NAR Settlement and similar settlements upon the real estate industry are not yet entirely clear. There could also be further changes in real estate industry practices. All of this has prompted discussion of regulatory changes to rules established by local or state real estate boards or multiple listing services and may require changes to brokers’ business models, including changes in agent and broker compensation.

Previous wording

These advantages could be increasingly important considering current economic uncertainties and increased interest rates.

Current wording

These advantages could be increasingly important considering current economic uncertainties and increased interest rates, and recent industry consolidation could make competition even stronger in our industry.

Previous wording

There is also intense competition in the related businesses we recently expanded into via acquisitions, including insurance, title insurance, mortgage, lead generation, and other ancillary services. We added these services to our platform so our agents could offer critical ancillary services to their clients, but also to gain new and significant incremental revenue streams and enhance our revenues per transaction. Our efforts to create a more complete transaction experience for consumers through these services will require significant integration and coordination on our part and might not result in increased revenues or earnings, particularly if competitors offer more attractive rates or are perceived as offering a better transactional experience by agents or consumers. This increased competition could stall our growth in these areas.

Current wording

There is also intense competition in the related businesses we recently expanded into via acquisitions, including title insurance, mortgage, lead generation, and other ancillary services. We added these services to our platform so our agents could offer critical ancillary services to their clients, but also to gain new and significant incremental revenue streams and enhance our revenues per transaction. Our efforts to create a more complete transaction experience for consumers through these services will require significant integration and coordination on our part and might not result in increased revenues or earnings, particularly if competitors offer more attractive rates or are perceived as offering a better transactional experience by agents or consumers. This increased competition could stall our growth in these areas.

Previous wording

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act enacted in April 2012, and, for as long as we continue to be an “emerging growth company,” we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, not being required to have our independent registered public accounting firm audit our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an “emerging growth company” for up to five years following the completion of our initial public offering (“IPO”) in 2020, although, if we have more than $1.235 billion in annual revenue, if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of June 30 of any year, or if we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period before the end of that five-year period, we would cease to be an “emerging growth company” as of the following December 31. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result of any choices to reduce future disclosure, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

Current wording

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act enacted in April 2012, and, for as long as we continue to be an “emerging growth company,” we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, not being required to have our independent registered public accounting firm audit our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an “emerging growth company” for up to five years following the completion of our initial public offering (“IPO”) in 2020, although, if we have more than $1.235 billion in annual revenue, if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of June 30 of any year, or if we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period before the end of that five-year period, we would cease to be an “emerging growth company” as of the following December 31. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result of any choices to reduce future disclosure, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile. As of December 31, 2025, we will cease to be an "emerging growth company".

Previous wording

We depend on the industry experience and talent of our current executives, including our President and Chief Executive Officer Marco Fregenal. We also rely on individuals in key management positions within our operations, finance, and technology teams. We believe that our future results will depend, in part, upon our ability to retain and attract highly skilled and qualified management. The loss of our executive officers or any key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our operations because other officers might not have the experience and expertise to readily replace these individuals. To the extent that one or more of our top executives or other key management personnel depart from our company, our operations and business prospects may be adversely affected. In addition, changes in executives and key personnel could be disruptive to our business. We do not have any key person insurance.

Current wording

We depend on the industry experience and talent of our current executives, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Marco Fregenal. We also rely on individuals in key management positions within our operations, finance, and technology teams. We believe that our future results will depend, in part, upon our ability to retain and attract highly skilled and qualified management. The loss of our executive officers or any key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our operations because other officers might not have the experience and expertise to readily replace these individuals. To the extent that one or more of our top executives or other key management personnel depart from our company, our operations and business prospects may be adversely affected. In addition, changes in executives and key personnel could be disruptive to our business. We do not have any key person insurance.

Previous wording

We currently develop portions of our technology in Brazil, India, and Philippines and could conduct operations in foreign jurisdictions in the future. Conducting business in foreign countries involves inherent risks, including, but not limited to: difficulties in staffing, funding and managing foreign operations; unexpected changes in regulatory requirements; export restrictions; tariffs and other trade barriers; difficulties in protecting, acquiring, enforcing and litigating intellectual property rights; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; and potentially adverse tax consequences.

Current wording

We currently develop portions of our technology in Brazil, India, and Philippines and could conduct operations in other foreign jurisdictions in the future. Conducting business in foreign countries involves inherent risks, including, but not limited to: difficulties in staffing, funding and managing foreign operations; unexpected changes in regulatory requirements; export restrictions; tariffs and other trade barriers; difficulties in protecting, acquiring, enforcing and litigating intellectual property rights; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; and potentially adverse tax consequences.

Previous wording

The residential real estate market tends to be cyclical and typically is affected by changes in general macroeconomic conditions which are beyond our control. These conditions include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, fluctuations in debt and equity capital markets, levels of unemployment, consumer confidence and the general condition of the U.S. and the global economy. Further, geopolitical factors, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, could have residual effects on the global economy that negatively impact the U.S. residential real estate market and our business. The results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, along with the speculation and market response to primaries, campaigning, and candidate statements, could also alter lending and consumer behavior that could adversely affect our business. The residential real estate market also depends upon the strength of financial institutions, which are sensitive to changes in the general macroeconomic and regulatory environment. Lack of available credit or lack of confidence in the financial sector could impact the residential real estate market, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

The residential real estate market tends to be cyclical and typically is affected by changes in general macroeconomic conditions which are beyond our control. These conditions include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, fluctuations in debt and equity capital markets, levels of unemployment, consumer confidence and the general condition of the U.S. and the global economy. Further, geopolitical factors, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, could have residual effects on the global economy that negatively impact the U.S. residential real estate market and our business. The results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, including economic actions being taken by the new administration, could also alter lending and consumer behavior that could adversely affect our business. The residential real estate market also depends upon the strength of financial institutions, which are sensitive to changes in the general macroeconomic and regulatory environment. Lack of available credit or lack of confidence in the financial sector could impact the residential real estate market, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

For example, although the U.S. residential real estate market has improved in the years after the significant and prolonged downturn that began in the second half of 2008 and continued through 2011, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the U.S. residential real estate market during the spring of 2020 with home sales in April and May declining to levels unprecedented since the recession of the late 2000’s. More recently, while U.S. residential home sales rebounded sharply beginning in June 2020, they declined sharply in the latter half of 2022 as interest rates rose and economic uncertainties increased. We cannot predict whether the market will improve. If the residential real estate market or the economy does not improve, we may experience adverse effects on our business, financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to access capital and grow our business.

Current wording

For example, although the U.S. residential real estate market has improved in the years after the significant and prolonged downturn that began in the second half of 2008 and continued through 2011, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the U.S. residential real estate market during the spring of 2020 with home sales in April and May declining to levels unprecedented since the recession of the late 2000s. More recently, while U.S. residential home sales rebounded sharply beginning in June 2020, they declined sharply in the latter half of 2022 as interest rates rose and economic uncertainties increased. We cannot predict whether the market will improve. If the residential real estate market or the economy does not improve, we may experience adverse effects on our business, financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to access capital and grow our business.

Previous wording

The monetary policy of the U.S. government, and particularly the Federal Reserve Board, which regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States, significantly affects the availability of financing at favorable rates and on favorable terms, which in turn affects the domestic real estate market. Policies of the Federal Reserve Board can affect interest rates available to potential homebuyers. Further, we are affected by any rising interest rate environment. Changes in the Federal Reserve Board’s policies, the interest rate environment and mortgage market are beyond our control, are difficult to predict, and could restrict the availability of financing on reasonable terms for homebuyers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Since December 2015, the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board has raised the target range for federal funds 18 times, including three times in 2017, four times in 2018, seven times in 2022 and four times in 2023, after leaving the federal funds interest rate near 0% since late 2008. Future changes in the federal funds rate are uncertain, however the Federal Open Market Committee has indicated it does not expect additional increases to occur in 2024. Historically, changes in the federal funds rate have led to changes in interest rates for other loans, but the extent of the impact on the future availability and price of mortgage financing cannot be predicted with certainty.

Current wording

The monetary policy of the U.S. government, and particularly the Federal Reserve Board, which regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States, significantly affects the availability of financing at favorable rates and on favorable terms, which in turn affects the domestic real estate market. Policies of the Federal Reserve Board can affect interest rates available to potential homebuyers. Further, we are affected by any rising interest rate environment. Changes in the Federal Reserve Board’s policies, the interest rate environment and mortgage market are beyond our control, are difficult to predict, and could restrict the availability of financing on reasonable terms for homebuyers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Historically, changes in the federal funds rate have led to changes in interest rates for other loans, but the extent of the impact on the future availability and price of mortgage financing cannot be predicted with certainty.

Previous wording

Prior to our 2020 initial public offering, there was no market for shares of our common stock. An active trading market for our common stock might not be sustained, which could depress the market price of our common stock and affect your ability to sell our shares. The trading price of our common stock has ranged from $2.10 to $56.81 and is likely to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include:

Current wording

Prior to our 2020 initial public offering, there was no market for shares of our common stock. An active trading market for our common stock might not be sustained, which could depress the market price of our common stock and affect your ability to sell our shares. The trading price of our common stock has ranged from $1.53 to $56.81 and is likely to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include:

Previous wording

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market by our shareholders might cause the market price of our common stock to decrease significantly. Joshua Harley, our Founder and former Chief Executive Officer , Marco Fregenal, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and a director, and Glenn Sampson, a significant shareholder and director, have previously engaged in sales of our stock under Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, which have put pressure on our stock price. In November 2021, Mr. Harley and Mr. Fregenal sold an aggregate of 350,000 shares of common stock in our underwritten public offering of common stock, and in December 2023 Mr. Harley sold 1,000,000 shares of common stock in our underwriting public offering. The perception that such additional sales could occur could also depress the market price of our common stock. Any such sales could also create public perception of difficulties or problems with our business and might also make it more difficult for us to raise capital through the sale of equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate.

Current wording

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market by our shareholders might cause the market price of our common stock to decrease significantly. Joshua Harley, our Founder and former Chief Executive Officer, and Marco Fregenal, our President and Chief Executive Officer, a significant shareholder and director, have previously engaged in sales of our stock under Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, which have put pressure on our stock price. The perception that such additional sales could occur could also depress the market price of our common stock. Any such sales could also create public perception of difficulties or problems with our business and might also make it more difficult for us to raise capital through the sale of equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate.

Previous wording

Joshua Harley, our Founder and former Chief Executive Officer, together with Marco Fregenal, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and a director, and Glenn Sampson, a significant shareholder and director, own a significant percentage of our stock, and as a result, they can take actions that may be adverse to the interests of the other shareholders and the trading price for our common stock may be depressed.

Current wording

Joshua Harley, our Founder and former Chief Executive Officer, Marco Fregenal, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Scott Flanders, a significant shareholder and director, own a significant percentage of our stock, and as a result, they can take actions that may be adverse to the interests of the other shareholders and the trading price for our common stock may be depressed.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, Joshua Harley, Marco Fregenal, and Glenn Sampson beneficially owned approximately 20.2%, 7.2%, and 7.4% of our outstanding common stock, respectively. This significant concentration of share ownership may adversely affect the trading price for our common stock because investors may perceive disadvantages in owning stock in companies with controlling shareholders. The three shareholders voting together can significantly influence all matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including the election and removal of directors and any proposed merger, acquisition, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, due to his significant ownership stake and his service as our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Fregenal controls the management of our business and affairs. This concentration of ownership could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control, or impeding a merger or consolidation, takeover or other business combination that could be favorable to our other shareholders.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, Joshua Harley, Marco Fregenal, and Scott Flanders beneficially owned approximately 25.7%, 6.5%, and 6.8% of our outstanding common stock, respectively. This significant concentration of share ownership may adversely affect the trading price for our common stock because investors may perceive disadvantages in owning stock in companies with controlling shareholders. The three shareholders voting together can significantly influence all matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including the election and removal of directors and any proposed merger, acquisition, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, due to his significant ownership stake and his service as our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Fregenal controls the management of our business and affairs. This concentration of ownership could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control, or impeding a merger or consolidation, takeover or other business combination that could be favorable to our other shareholders.