Rackspace Technology, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 21, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 21, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-15.
0001810019-24-000042
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-21.
0001810019-25-000043
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 273 previous paragraphs and 274 current paragraphs.
239 unchanged; 33 reworded; 2 added; 1 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (2)
Current report
•prevent us from repurchasing or repaying our senior notes or credit facilities upon certain change of control events, which would result in an event of default under the agreements governing such debt; or
Current report
•a majority of the Board consist of independent directors;
Removed paragraphs (1)
Previous report
•prevent us from raising the funds necessary to repurchase all 3.50% FLSO Notes, 5.375% Senior Notes or 3.50% Senior Secured Notes tendered to us upon the occurrence of certain changes of control, which failure to repurchase would constitute an event of default under the 3.50% FLSO Notes Indenture, 5.375% Notes Indenture or the 3.50% Notes Indenture, or refinance the New Senior Facilities or the Senior Facilities upon a change of control, which is an event of default under the New First Lien Credit Agreement and the First Lien Credit Agreement; or
Reworded paragraphs (33)
Previous wording
We incurred net losses of $218.3 million, $804.8 million and $837.8 million in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. We may not be able to achieve profitability in the future or on a consistent basis. We have incurred substantial expenses and expended significant resources to market, promote, and sell our services, and we have substantial debt service payments. Our ability to achieve or maintain profitability will depend on our ability to increase our revenue, manage our cost structure, and avoid significant liabilities. Revenue growth may slow or revenue may decline for a number of reasons, including general macroeconomic conditions, increasing competition, or a decrease in the growth of the markets in which we operate. Additionally, we may encounter unforeseen operating expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors that may result in losses in future periods. Any failure to increase our revenue or manage our expenses could prevent us from achieving profitability at all or on a consistent basis, which would cause our business, financial condition and results of operations to suffer.
Current wording
We incurred net losses of $804.8 million, $837.8 million and $858.2 million in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively. We may not be able to achieve profitability in the future or on a consistent basis. We have incurred substantial expenses and expended significant resources to market, promote, and sell our services, and we have substantial debt service payments. Our ability to achieve or maintain profitability will depend on our ability to increase our revenue, manage our cost structure, and avoid significant liabilities. Revenue growth may slow or revenue may decline for a number of reasons, including general macroeconomic conditions, increasing competition, or a decrease in the growth of the markets in which we operate. Additionally, we may encounter unforeseen operating expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors that may result in losses in future periods. Any failure to increase our revenue or manage our expenses could prevent us from achieving profitability at all or on a consistent basis, which would cause our business, financial condition and results of operations to suffer.
Previous wording
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized and are subject to impairment testing at least annually. Future events may cause impairments of our goodwill or long-lived assets based on factors such as the price of our common stock, projected cash flows, assumptions used or other variables.
Current wording
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized and are subject to impairment testing at least annually. Prior events have and future events may, cause impairments of our goodwill or long-lived assets based on factors such as the price of our common stock, projected cash flows, assumptions used or other variables.
Previous wording
•traditional global IT systems integrators, including large multi-national providers, such as Accenture, Atos, Capgemini, Cognizant, Deloitte, DXC Technology and IBM;
Current wording
•traditional global IT systems integrators, including large multi-national providers, such as Accenture, Atos, Capgemini, Cognizant, Deloitte, DXC Technology and Kyndryl;
Previous wording
Cyber-attacks have become more prevalent in our industry, and the techniques used to sabotage or obtain unauthorized access to systems are constantly expanding and evolving. Malicious actors are increasingly sophisticated in their methods, tactics, techniques and procedures, seeking to steal money, gain unauthorized access to, destroy or manipulate data, and disrupt operations, and some of their attacks may not be recognized or discovered until launched or after initial entry into the environment, such as novel or zero-day attacks that are launched before patches are available and defenses can be readied. Malicious actors are also increasingly developing methods to avoid prevention, detection and alerting capabilities, including employing counter-forensic tactics, making response activities more difficult. Like many companies, we have experienced these attacks, including a ransomware incident that caused service disruptions for our Hosted Exchange customers, as previously disclosed in December 2022. When these cyber-attacks occur, we respond to these incidents pursuant to our cybersecurity policies and procedures and in accordance with the law. Our cybersecurity policies and procedures are designed to protect against and mitigate harm from unauthorized access, infrastructure attacks, malicious file attacks, ransomware, data theft, bugs, worms, malicious software programs, remnant data exposure, computer viruses, denial-of-service attacks, accidents, employee error or malfeasance, intentional misconduct by computer “hackers,” state-sponsored cyber-attacks and attempts by outside parties to fraudulently induce our employees or customers to disclose or grant access to our data or our customers’ data. Our current cybersecurity framework is governed and overseen by the Chief Security Officer. The audit committee of our board of directors receives regular cybersecurity updates. When necessary, our internal incident response team engages with external advisors, including outside counsel or outside cybersecurity firms to investigate and remediate.
Current wording
Cyber-attacks have become more prevalent in our industry, and the techniques used to sabotage or obtain unauthorized access to systems are constantly expanding and evolving. Malicious actors are increasingly sophisticated in their methods, tactics, techniques and procedures, seeking to steal money, gain unauthorized access to, destroy or manipulate data, and disrupt operations, and some of their attacks may not be recognized or discovered until launched or after initial entry into the environment, such as novel or zero-day attacks that are launched before patches are available and defenses can be readied. Malicious actors are also increasingly developing methods to avoid prevention, detection and alerting capabilities, including employing counter-forensic tactics, making response activities more difficult. Like many companies, we have experienced these attacks, including a ransomware incident that caused service disruptions for our Hosted Exchange customers, as previously disclosed in December 2022. When these cyber-attacks occur, we respond to these incidents pursuant to our cybersecurity policies and procedures and in accordance with the law. Our cybersecurity policies and procedures are designed to protect against and mitigate harm from unauthorized access, infrastructure attacks, malicious file attacks, ransomware, data theft, bugs, worms, malicious software programs, remnant data exposure, computer viruses, denial-of-service attacks, accidents, employee error or malfeasance, intentional misconduct by computer “hackers,” state-sponsored cyber-attacks and attempts by outside parties to fraudulently induce our employees or customers to disclose or grant access to our data or our customers’ data. Our current cybersecurity framework is governed and overseen by the Chief Security Officer (“CSO”). The Audit Committee of our Board receives regular cybersecurity updates. When necessary, our internal incident response team engages with external advisors, including outside counsel or outside cybersecurity firms to investigate and remediate.
Previous wording
We do not own the facilities occupied by our current data centers but occupy them pursuant to commercial leasing arrangements. The initial terms of our main existing data center leases expire over the next 15 years. Upon the expiration or termination of our data center facility leases, we may not be able to renew these leases on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Even if we are able to renew the leases on our existing data centers, we expect that rental rates, which will be determined based on then-prevailing market rates with respect to the renewal option periods and which will be determined by negotiation with the landlord after the renewal option periods, will be higher than rates we currently pay under our existing lease agreements. Migrations to new facilities could also be expensive and present technical challenges that may result in downtime for our affected customers or loss of data. There can also be no assurances that our plans to mitigate customer downtime for affected customers will be successful. This could damage our reputation and lead us to lose current and potential customers, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
We do not own the facilities occupied by our current data centers but occupy them pursuant to commercial leasing arrangements. The initial terms of our main existing data center leases expire over the next 14 years. Upon the expiration or termination of our data center facility leases, we may not be able to renew these leases on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Even if we are able to renew the leases on our existing data centers, we expect that rental rates, which will be determined based on then-prevailing market rates with respect to the renewal option periods and which will be determined by negotiation with the landlord after the renewal option periods, will be higher than rates we currently pay under our existing lease agreements. Migrations to new facilities could also be expensive and present technical challenges that may result in downtime for our affected customers or loss of data. There can also be no assurances that our plans to mitigate customer downtime for affected customers will be successful. This could damage our reputation and lead us to lose current and potential customers, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
In addition, our board of directors has adopted a code of conduct that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees which, among other things, sets forth our policies regarding the protection of customer, third party, proprietary and confidential information. We also make public statements about our use and disclosure of personal information through information provided on our website, press statements and our privacy policies, and we have a Chief Privacy Officer that oversees our compliance with these policies. Although we endeavor to comply with our public statements and documentation, including our code of conduct and privacy policies, we may at times fail to do so or be alleged to have failed to do so. The publication of our privacy policies and other statements that provide promises and assurances about data privacy and security can subject us to potential government or legal action if they are found to be deceptive, unfair or misrepresentative of our actual practices.
Current wording
In addition, our Board has adopted a code of conduct that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees which, among other things, sets forth our policies regarding the protection of customer, third party, proprietary and confidential information. We also make public statements about our use and disclosure of personal information through information provided on our website, press statements and our privacy policies, and we have a Chief Privacy Officer that oversees our compliance with these policies. Although we endeavor to comply with our public statements and documentation, including our code of conduct and privacy policies, we may at times fail to do so or be alleged to have failed to do so. The publication of our privacy policies and other statements that provide promises and assurances about data privacy and security can subject us to potential government or legal action if they are found to be deceptive, unfair or misrepresentative of our actual practices.
Previous wording
We are subject to varying degrees of regulation in each of the jurisdictions in which we provide services. Local laws and regulations, and their interpretation and enforcement, differ significantly among those jurisdictions. These regulations and laws may cover taxation, privacy, data protection, pricing, content, intellectual property and proprietary rights, distribution, mobile communications, electronic device certification, electronic waste, electronic contracts and other communications, consumer protection, web services, the provision of online payment services, unencumbered Internet access to our services, the design and operation of websites and the characteristics and quality of services. These laws can be costly to comply with, can be a significant diversion to management’s time and effort and can subject us to claims or other remedies, as well as negative publicity. Many of these laws were adopted prior to the advent of the Internet and related technologies and, as a result, do not contemplate or address the unique issues that the Internet and related technologies currently produce. Some of the laws that do reference the Internet and related technologies have been and continue to be interpreted by the courts, but their applicability and scope remain largely uncertain.
Current wording
We are subject to varying degrees of regulation in each of the jurisdictions in which we provide services. Local laws and regulations, and their interpretation and enforcement, differ significantly among those jurisdictions. These regulations and laws may cover taxation, privacy, data protection, pricing, content, intellectual property and proprietary rights, distribution, mobile communications, electronic device certification, electronic waste, electronic contracts and other communications, consumer protection, web services, the provision of online payment services, unencumbered Internet access to our services, the design and operation of websites, the characteristics and quality of services, machine learning and AI. These laws can be costly to comply with, can be a significant diversion to management’s time and effort and can subject us to claims or other remedies, as well as negative publicity. Many of these laws were adopted prior to the advent of the Internet and related technologies and, as a result, do not contemplate or address the unique issues that the Internet and related technologies currently produce. Some of the laws that do reference the Internet and related technologies have been and continue to be interpreted by the courts, but their applicability and scope remain largely uncertain.
Previous wording
We consume a large quantity of power to operate our data centers and as such are exposed to risk associated with fluctuations in the price of power. During 2023, we incurred approximately $47 million in costs to power our data centers. We anticipate an increase in our consumption of power in the future if our private cloud sales grow. Power costs vary by locality and are subject to substantial seasonal fluctuations and changes in energy prices. Certain of our data centers are located within deregulated energy markets. Power costs have historically tracked the general costs of energy and continued increases in electricity costs may negatively impact our gross margins. We periodically evaluate the advisability of entering into fixed-price utilities contracts and have entered into certain fixed-price utilities contracts for some of our power consumption. If we choose not to enter into a fixed-price contract, we expose our cost structure to this commodity price risk. If we do choose to enter into a fixed-price contract, we lose the opportunity to reduce our power costs if the price for power falls below the fixed cost. Therefore, increases in our power costs could result in lower gross margins and materially and adversely impact our results of operations.
Current wording
We consume a large quantity of power to operate our data centers and as such are exposed to risk associated with fluctuations in the price of power. During 2024, we incurred approximately $40 million in costs to power our data centers. We anticipate an increase in our consumption of power in the future if our private cloud sales grow. Power costs vary by locality and are subject to substantial seasonal fluctuations and changes in energy prices. Certain of our data centers are located within deregulated energy markets. Power costs have historically tracked the general costs of energy and continued increases in electricity costs may negatively impact our gross margins. We periodically evaluate the advisability of entering into fixed-price utilities contracts and have entered into certain fixed-price utilities contracts for some of our power consumption. If we choose not to enter into a fixed-price contract, we expose our cost structure to this commodity price risk. If we do choose to enter into a fixed-price contract, we lose the opportunity to reduce our power costs if the price for power falls below the fixed cost. Therefore, increases in our power costs could result in lower gross margins and materially and adversely impact our results of operations.
Previous wording
Third-party claims of intellectual property or proprietary right infringement, misappropriation or other violation are commonplace in technology-related industries. Companies in the technology industry, holding companies, non-practicing entities and other adverse intellectual property owners who may or may not have relevant service revenue, but are seeking to profit from royalties in connection with grants of licenses, own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks and trade secrets and frequently make claims of allegations of infringement, misappropriation or other violations of intellectual property and proprietary rights and may pursue litigation against us. These or other parties have claimed in the past, and could claim in the future, that we have misappropriated, violated, infringed or misused intellectual property proprietary rights. We could incur substantial costs in defending any such litigation, and any such litigation, regardless of merit or outcome, could be time consuming and expensive to settle or litigate and could divert the attention of our technical and management personnel and could harm our business, results of operations and reputation. An adverse determination in any such litigation could prevent us from offering our services to our customers and may require that we procure or develop substitute services that do not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate, which could be costly, time-consuming or impossible, or require us to obtain a costly and/or unfavorable license. Certain of our agreements with our customers and other third parties include indemnification provisions under which we agree to indemnify or otherwise be liable to them for losses suffered or incurred as a result of claims of infringement, misappropriation or other violation of intellectual property rights. For any intellectual property or proprietary right claim against us or our customers or such other third parties, we may also have to pay damages (including treble damages and attorneys’ fees if we are found to have willfully infringed a party’s rights), indemnify our customers or such other third parties against damages or stop using technology or intellectual property found to be in violation of a third party’s rights, which could harm our business. We may be unable to replace or obtain a license for those technologies with technologies that have the same features or functionality and that are of equal quality and performance standards on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Licensing replacement technologies and intellectual property may significantly increase our operating expenses or may require us to restrict our business activities in one or more respects. We may also be required to develop alternative technology and intellectual property that is non-infringing, misappropriating or violating, which could require significant effort, time and expense and ultimately may not be an alternative that functions as well as the o…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Current wording
Third-party claims of intellectual property or proprietary right infringement, misappropriation or other violation are commonplace in technology-related industries. Companies in the technology industry, holding companies, non-practicing entities and other adverse intellectual property owners who may or may not have relevant service revenue, but are seeking to profit from royalties in connection with grants of licenses, own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks and trade secrets and frequently make claims of allegations of infringement, misappropriation or other violations of intellectual property and proprietary rights and may pursue litigation against us. These or other parties have claimed in the past, and could claim in the future, that we have misappropriated, violated, infringed or misused intellectual property proprietary rights. Additionally, as we expand our use of AI, there may be uncertainty regarding intellectual property ownership and license rights of AI algorithms and content generated by AI, and we may become subject to similar claims of infringement in the future. We could incur substantial costs in defending any such litigation, and any such litigation, regardless of merit or outcome, could be time consuming and expensive to settle or litigate and could divert the attention of our technical and management personnel and could harm our business, results of operations and reputation. An adverse determination in any such litigation could prevent us from offering our services to our customers and may require that we procure or develop substitute services that do not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate, which could be costly, time-consuming or impossible, or require us to obtain a costly and/or unfavorable license. Certain of our agreements with our customers and other third parties include indemnification provisions under which we agree to indemnify or otherwise be liable to them for losses suffered or incurred as a result of claims of infringement, misappropriation or other violation of intellectual property rights. For any intellectual property or proprietary right claim against us or our customers or such other third parties, we may also have to pay damages (including treble damages and attorneys’ fees if we are found to have willfully infringed a party’s rights), indemnify our customers or such other third parties against damages or stop using technology or intellectual property found to be in violation of a third party’s rights, which could harm our business. We may be unable to replace or obtain a license for those technologies with technologies that have the same features or functionality and that are of equal quality and performance standards on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Licensing replacement technologies and intellectual property may significantly increase our operating expenses or may require us to restrict our business activities in one or more respects. We may also be requ…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Previous wording
Changes in U.S. trade policy, including the imposition of tariffs and the resulting consequences, may have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Changes in cross border trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and the resulting consequences, may have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
The U.S. government has adopted a new approach to trade policy and in some cases to renegotiate, or potentially terminate, certain existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements. It has also imposed tariffs on certain foreign goods, including information and communication technology products. These measures may materially increase costs for goods imported into the U.S. This in turn could mean that a larger portion of our customer’s IT spending will be made on hardware costs and less will be available to spend on our services, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
The U.S. government has an evolving approach to cross border trade policy and in some cases it may seek to renegotiate, or potentially terminate, certain existing bilateral or multilateral trade agreements. It has also imposed and may continue to impose additional tariffs on certain foreign goods, including information and communication technology products. These measures may materially increase costs for goods imported into the U.S. This in turn could mean that a larger portion of our customers’ IT spending will be made on hardware costs and less will be available to spend on our services, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, non-U.S. governments have imposed and may continue to impose tariffs (including retaliatory tariffs) on the import of U.S. goods, which could similarly impact the amount of IT spending available to customers located outside of the U.S. In particular, geopolitical and trade tensions between the U.S. and China have been escalating and it is difficult to predict what further trade-related actions the U.S. and other governments may take, whether the new 2025 U.S. administration may heighten tensions and the longer-term implications of trade-related actions on various market opportunities.
Previous wording
We are a highly leveraged company. As of December 31, 2023, we had $2,892.5 million face value of outstanding indebtedness, in additionto $375.0 million of undrawn commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility and $3.5 million of letters of credit issued thereunder. Our outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2023 included $2,181.2 million of borrowings under the Term Loan Facility, $197.6 million of 5.375% Senior Notes and $513.7 million of 3.50% Senior Secured Notes. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, we made total debt service payments, consisting of required principal and interest payments, of approximately $166.3 million and $200.7 million, respectively, which represented 67.4% and 53.5%, respectively, of our cash flow from operations (or 42.6% and 36.3%, respectively, of our cash flow from operations calculated prior to any deductions for cash interest payments).
Current wording
We are a highly leveraged company. As of December 31, 2024, we had $2,449.4 million face value of outstanding indebtedness, in additionto $375.0 million of undrawn commitments under the New Revolving Credit Facility and $23.5 million of letters of credit issued thereunder. Our outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2024 included $272.9 million of borrowings under the FLFO Term Loan Facility, $1,626.8 million of borrowings under the FLSO Term Loan Facility, $61.8 million of borrowings under the Term Loan Facility, $318.6 million of 3.50% FLSO Senior Secured Notes, $125.4 million of 5.375% Senior Notes, and $43.9 million of 3.50% Senior Secured Notes. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, we made total debt service payments, consisting of required principal and interest payments, of approximately $200.7 million and $162.1 million, respectively, which represented 53.5% and 406.2%, respectively, of our cash flow from operations (or 36.3% and 88.9%, respectively, of our cash flow from operations calculated prior to any deductions for cash interest payments).
Previous wording
•make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness and any failure to comply with the obligations of any of our debt instruments, including restrictive covenants and borrowing conditions, could result in an event of default under the 3.50% FLSO Notes Indenture, the 5.375% Notes Indenture, the 3.50% Notes Indenture, the New First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Credit Agreement and agreements governing other indebtedness;
Current wording
•make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness and any failure to comply with the obligations of any of our debt instruments, including restrictive covenants and borrowing conditions, could result in an event of default under the agreements governing our indebtedness;
Previous wording
In addition, the New First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Credit Agreement, the 3.50% FLSO Notes Indenture, the 5.375% Notes Indenture and the 3.50% Notes Indenture contain restrictive covenants that will limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interest. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of substantially all of our indebtedness. See Note 1, “Company Overview, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Subsequent Events,” to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the public and private debt exchange and related transactions that impacted or are expected to impact the Senior Facilities, the 3.50% Senior Secured Notes and the 5.375% Senior Notes.
Current wording
In addition, many of our debt instruments contain restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interest. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of substantially all of our indebtedness.
Previous wording
We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial indebtedness in the future. Although the terms of the 3.50% FLSO Notes Indenture, the 5.375% Notes Indenture, the 3.50% Notes Indenture, the New First Lien Credit Agreement and the First Lien Credit Agreement contain restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions, and the indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. These restrictions do not prevent us from incurring indebtedness or our subsidiaries from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness under the terms of the 3.50% FLSO Notes Indenture, the 5.375% Notes Indenture, the 3.50% Notes Indenture, the New First Lien Credit Agreement and the First Lien Credit Agreement. To the extent that we incur additional indebtedness or such other obligations, the risk associated with our substantial indebtedness as described above under the risk factor “Our substantial indebtedness could materially and adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry and prevent us from making debt service payments,” including our potential inability to service our debt, will increase.
Current wording
We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial indebtedness in the future. Although the terms of many of our debt instruments contain restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness (including secured indebtedness), these restrictions are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions, and the indebtedness incurred (including secured indebtedness) in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. In addition, these restrictions do not prevent us from incurring indebtedness or our subsidiaries from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness under the terms of such instruments. To the extent that we incur additional indebtedness or such other obligations, the risk associated with our substantial indebtedness as described above under the risk factor “Our substantial indebtedness could materially and adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry and prevent us from making debt service payments,” including our potential inability to service our debt, will increase.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had $375.0 million available for additional borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility portion of our Senior Facilities (with $3.5 million of letters of credit issued thereunder), all of which would be secured. In addition to the 3.50% FLSO Notes, the 5.375% Senior Notes, the 3.50% Senior Secured Notes and our borrowings under the New Senior Facilities and the Senior Facilities, the covenants under the 3.50% FLSO Notes Indenture, the 5.375% Notes Indenture, the 3.50% Notes Indenture, the New First Lien Credit Agreement and the First Lien Credit Agreement and the covenants under any other of our existing or future debt instruments allow us to incur a significant amount of additional indebtedness and, subject to certain limitations, such additional indebtedness could be secured.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had $375.0 million available for additional borrowing under the New Revolving Credit Facility portion of our New Senior Facilities (with $23.5 million of letters of credit issued thereunder), all of which would be secured.
Previous wording
•our future ability to borrow under our Revolving Credit Facility, the availability of which depends on, among other things, our compliance with the covenants in the First Lien Credit Agreement.
Current wording
•our future ability to borrow under our New Revolving Credit Facility, the availability of which depends on, among other things, our compliance with the covenants in the New First Lien Credit Agreement.
Previous wording
We cannot be certain that our business will generate cash flow from operations, or that we will be able to draw under our Revolving Credit Facility or otherwise, in an amount sufficient to fund our liquidity needs. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to service our indebtedness and other liquidity needs, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. We cannot be certain that we will be able to restructure or refinance any of our debt on commercially reasonable terms or at all. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements, including the New First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Credit Agreement and the 3.50% FLSO Notes Indenture, the 5.375% Notes Indenture and the 3.50% Notes Indenture, may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions for fair market value or at all. Furthermore, any proceeds that we could realize from any such dispositions may not be adequate to meet our debt service obligations when due. Our equityholders, including Apollo and its affiliates, have no continuing obligation to provide us with debt or equity financing. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all, would result in a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
We cannot be certain that our business will generate cash flow from operations, or that we will be able to draw under our New Revolving Credit Facility or otherwise, in an amount sufficient to fund our liquidity needs. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to service our indebtedness and other liquidity needs, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. We cannot be certain that we will be able to restructure or refinance any of our debt on commercially reasonable terms or at all. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions for fair market value or at all. Furthermore, any proceeds that we could realize from any such dispositions may not be adequate to meet our debt service obligations when due. Our equityholders, including Apollo and its affiliates, have no continuing obligation to provide us with debt or equity financing. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all, would result in a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
If we cannot make scheduled payments on our indebtedness, we will be in default, and holders of the 3.50% FLSO Notes, the 5.375% Senior Notes and the 3.50% Senior Secured Notes and the lenders under the New Senior Facilities and the Senior Facilities could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable, the lenders under the New Senior Facilities and the Senior Facilities could terminate their commitments to loan money, our secured lenders (including the lenders under the Senior Facilities) and holders of the 3.50% FLSO Notes and the 3.50% Senior Secured Notes could foreclose against the assets securing their indebtedness and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
Current wording
If we cannot make scheduled payments on our indebtedness, we will be in default, and holders of our notes and the lenders under our credit facilities could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable, the lenders under our credit facilities could terminate their commitments to loan money, our secured lenders and holders of our secured notes could foreclose against the assets securing their indebtedness and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
Previous wording
The First Lien Credit Agreement and the Indentures contain, and any other existing or future indebtedness of ours would likely contain, a number of covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:
Current wording
Our debt agreements contain, and any other existing or future indebtedness of ours would likely contain, a number of covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:
Previous wording
In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility requires us to comply with a net first lien leverage ratio under certain circumstances.
Current wording
In addition, the New Revolving Credit Facility requires us to comply with a super-priority net senior secured leverage ratio under certain circumstances.
Previous wording
As a result of these covenants, we are limited in the manner in which we conduct our business, and we may be unable to engage in favorable business activities or finance future operations or capital needs. A failure to comply with the covenants in the New First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Credit Agreement, the 3.50% FLSO Notes Indenture, the 5.375% Notes Indenture, the 3.50% Notes Indenture or any of our other existing or future indebtedness could result in an event of default under the applicable agreements governing such indebtedness, which, if not cured or waived, could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In the event of any such event of default, the lenders under the Senior Facilities, as applicable:
Current wording
As a result of these covenants, we are limited in the manner in which we conduct our business, and we may be unable to engage in favorable business activities or finance future operations or capital needs. A failure to comply with the covenants could result in an event of default under the applicable agreements governing such indebtedness, which, if not cured or waived, could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In the event of any such event of default, the lenders under the New Senior Facilities and the Senior Facilities, as applicable:
Previous wording
•could effectively prevent us from making debt service payments on the 3.50% FLSO Notes, the 5.375% Senior Notes and the 3.50% Senior Secured Notes;
Current wording
•could effectively prevent us from making debt service payments on the 3.50% FLSO Senior Secured Notes, the 5.375% Senior Notes and the 3.50% Senior Secured Notes;
Previous wording
any of which could result in an event of default under the 3.50% FLSO Notes Indenture, 5.375% Notes Indenture and the 3.50% Notes Indenture.
Current wording
any of which could result in an event of default under the 3.50% FLSO Senior Secured Notes Indenture, 5.375% Notes Indenture and the 3.50% Notes Indenture.
Previous wording
Such actions by the lenders could cause cross defaults under our other indebtedness. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under the Senior Facilities and any of our other existing or future secured indebtedness could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure the Senior Facilities or such other indebtedness. We have pledged substantially all of our assets as collateral under the Senior Facilities.
Current wording
Such actions by the lenders could cause cross defaults under our other indebtedness. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under our credit facilities and any of our other existing or future secured indebtedness could proceed against the collateral granted to them. We have pledged substantially all of our assets as collateral under the New Senior Facilities and the Senior Facilities.
Previous wording
If any of our outstanding indebtedness under the Senior Facilities or our other indebtedness, including the 3.50% FLSO Notes, the 5.375% Senior Notes and the 3.50% Senior Secured Notes, were to be accelerated, there can be no assurance that our assets would be sufficient to repay such indebtedness in full.
Current wording
If any of our outstanding indebtedness were to be accelerated, there can be no assurance that our assets would be sufficient to repay such indebtedness in full.
Previous wording
Borrowings under the Senior Facilities are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2023, assuming the Revolving Credit Facility was fully drawn, each 0.125% change in assumed blended interest rates would result in a $3 million change in annual interest expense on indebtedness under the Senior Facilities. We have entered into, and in the future we may enter into, interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments to reduce interest rate volatility. However, we currently do not maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we have or may enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk, may prove disadvantageous or may create additional risks.
Current wording
Borrowings under the New Senior Facilities and the Senior Facilities are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2024, assuming the New Revolving Credit Facility was fully drawn, each 0.125% change in assumed blended interest rates would result in a $3 million change in annual interest expense on indebtedness under the New Senior Facilities and the Senior Facilities. We have entered into, and in the future we may enter into, interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments to reduce interest rate volatility. However, we currently do not maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we have or may enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk, may prove disadvantageous or may create additional risks.
Previous wording
The Senior Facilities carry floating interest rates that are tied to SOFR. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as administrator of SOFR, may make methodological or other changes that could change the value of SOFR, including changes related to the method by which SOFR is calculated, eligibility criteria applicable to the transactions used to calculate SOFR or timing related to the publication of SOFR. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a change in the amount of our annual interest expense on our indebtedness under the Senior Facilities.
Current wording
The New Senior Facilities and the Senior Facilities carry floating interest rates that are tied to SOFR. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as administrator of SOFR, may make methodological or other changes that could change the value of SOFR, including changes related to the method by which SOFR is calculated, eligibility criteria applicable to the transactions used to calculate SOFR or timing related to the publication of SOFR. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a change in the amount of our annual interest expense on our indebtedness under the New Senior Facilities and the Senior Facilities.
Previous wording
Nationally recognized credit rating organizations have issued credit ratings relating to our long-term debt. Our outstanding debt under the New Senior Facilities, the Senior Facilities, the 3.50% FLSO Notes, the 5.375% Senior Notes and the 3.50% Senior Secured Notes currently has non-investment grade ratings. Certain of these organizations have downgraded our credit ratings in the past. There can be no assurance that any rating assigned to any of our debt securities or loans will remain in effect for any given period or that any such ratings will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in that rating agency’s judgment, circumstances so warrant.
Current wording
Nationally recognized credit rating organizations have issued credit ratings relating to our long-term debt. Our outstanding debt under the New Senior Facilities, the Senior Facilities, the 3.50% FLSO Senior Secured Notes, the 5.375% Senior Notes and the 3.50% Senior Secured Notes currently has non-investment grade ratings. Certain of these organizations have downgraded our credit ratings in the past. There can be no assurance that any rating assigned to any of our debt securities or loans will remain in effect for any given period or that any such ratings will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in that rating agency’s judgment, circumstances so warrant.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had 220.5 million shares of common stock issued and approximately 38.3 million shares of common stock underlying outstanding options and restricted stock under the 2017 Incentive Plan and the 2020 Incentive Plan, and we have reserved an additional 14.1 million shares of common stock for issuance under the 2020 Incentive Plan and 8.9 million shares of common stock for issuance under the ESPP and we may be required to issue additional shares of common stock to an affiliate of ABRY under the merger agreement related to the acquisition of Datapipe. In addition, certain of our existing stockholders, including Apollo and ABRY, have certain rights to require us to register the sale of common stock held by them including in connection with underwritten offerings. Additionally, we filed a registration statement in respect of all shares of common stock that we may issue under the 2017 Incentive Plan, the 2020 Incentive Plan and the ESPP. After registration, these shares can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance. Sales of significant amounts of stock in the public market upon expiration of applicable lock-up agreements, the perception that such sales may occur, or early release of any lock-up agreements, could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock or make it more difficult for you to sell your shares of common stock at a time and price that you deem appropriate.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had 232.2 million shares of common stock issued and approximately 28.6 million shares of common stock underlying outstanding options and restricted stock under the 2017 Incentive Plan and the 2020 Incentive Plan, and we have reserved an additional 42.1 million shares of common stock for issuance under the 2020 Incentive Plan and 8.3 million shares of common stock for issuance under the ESPP and we may be required to issue additional shares of common stock to an affiliate of ABRY under the merger agreement related to the acquisition of Datapipe. In addition, certain of our existing stockholders, including Apollo and ABRY, have certain rights to require us to register the sale of common stock held by them including in connection with underwritten offerings. Additionally, we filed a registration statement in respect of all shares of common stock that we may issue under the 2017 Incentive Plan, the 2020 Incentive Plan and the ESPP. After registration, these shares can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance. Sales of significant amounts of stock in the public market upon expiration of applicable lock-up agreements, the perception that such sales may occur, or early release of any lock-up agreements, could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock or make it more difficult for you to sell your shares of common stock at a time and price that you deem appropriate.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, Apollo beneficially owned approximately 59% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. Therefore, individuals affiliated with Apollo will have effective control over the outcome of votes on all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors, entering into significant corporate transactions such as mergers, tender offers, the sale of all or substantially all of our assets and issuance of additional debt or equity. The interests of Apollo and its affiliates could conflict with or differ from our interests or the interests of our other stockholders. For example, the concentration of ownership held by Apollo could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of our company or impede a merger, takeover or other business combination which may otherwise be favorable for us. Additionally, Apollo and its affiliates are in the business of making investments in companies and may, from time to time, acquire and hold interests in or provide advice to businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us, or are suppliers or customers of ours. Apollo and its affiliates may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. Any such investment may increase the potential for the conflicts of interest discussed in this risk factor. So long as Apollo continues to directly or indirectly beneficially own a significant amount of our equity, even if such amount is less than 50%, Apollo will continue to be able to substantially influence or effectively control our ability to enter into corporate transactions. Apollo also has a right to nominate a number of directors comprising a percentage of our board of directors in accordance with their beneficial ownership of the voting power of our outstanding common stock (rounded up to the nearest whole number), which currently represents at least a majority of our board of directors. In addition, we have an executive committee that serves at the discretion of our board of directors and includes two members nominated by Apollo, who are authorized to take actions (subject to certain exceptions) that they reasonably determine are appropriate.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, Apollo beneficially owned approximately 57% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. Therefore, individuals affiliated with Apollo will have effective control over the outcome of votes on all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors, entering into significant corporate transactions such as mergers, tender offers, the sale of all or substantially all of our assets and issuance of additional debt or equity. The interests of Apollo and its affiliates could conflict with or differ from our interests or the interests of our other stockholders. For example, the concentration of ownership held by Apollo could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of our company or impede a merger, takeover or other business combination which may otherwise be favorable for us. Additionally, Apollo and its affiliates are in the business of making investments in companies and may, from time to time, acquire and hold interests in or provide advice to businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us, or are suppliers or customers of ours. Apollo and its affiliates may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. Any such investment may increase the potential for the conflicts of interest discussed in this risk factor. So long as Apollo continues to directly or indirectly beneficially own a significant amount of our equity, even if such amount is less than 50%, Apollo will continue to be able to substantially influence or effectively control our ability to enter into corporate transactions. Apollo also has a right to nominate a number of directors comprising a percentage of our Board in accordance with their beneficial ownership of the voting power of our outstanding common stock (rounded up to the nearest whole number), which currently represents at least a majority of our Board. In addition, we have an executive committee that serves at the discretion of our Board and includes two members nominated by Apollo, who are authorized to take actions (subject to certain exceptions) that they reasonably determine are appropriate.
Previous wording
•the nominating and corporate governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors or otherwise require that the nominees for directors are determined or recommended to our board of directors by the independent members of our board of directors pursuant to a formal resolution addressing the nominations process and such related matters as may be required under the federal securities laws; and
Current wording
•the nominating and corporate governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors or otherwise require that the nominees for directors are determined or recommended to our Board by the independent members of our Board pursuant to a formal resolution addressing the nominations process and such related matters as may be required under the federal securities laws; and
Previous wording
We do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future on our common stock. We intend to retain all future earnings for the operation and expansion of our business and the repayment of outstanding debt. Our Senior Facilities and the Indentures contain, and any future indebtedness likely will contain, restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and make other restricted payments.
Current wording
We do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future on our common stock. We intend to retain all future earnings for the operation and expansion of our business and the repayment of outstanding debt. Our New Senior Facilities, Senior Facilities and the Indentures contain, and any future indebtedness likely will contain, restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and make other restricted payments.