Our high degree of debt leverage could have significant consequences, including the following: • requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, therefore reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities; • exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates because certain of our borrowings, including the borrowings under our credit facilities, are at variable rates of interest; • making it more difficult for us to make payments and otherwise 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; • restricting our ability and flexibility to make strategic acquisitions and to take advantage of other strategic opportunities to grow our business funded by significant additional indebtedness or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures; • limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes; • limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who may be less leveraged or may have greater financial resources than us; • increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and • limiting, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our indebtedness, among other things, our ability to borrow additional funds on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.
Our high degree of debt leverage could have significant consequences, including the following: • requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, therefore reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities; • exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates because certain of our borrowings, including the borrowings under our credit facilities, are at variable rates of interest; • making it more difficult for us to make payments and otherwise 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; • restricting our ability and flexibility to make strategic acquisitions and to take advantage of other strategic opportunities to grow our business funded by significant additional indebtedness or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures; • limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes; • limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who may be less leveraged or may have greater financial resources than us; 22 • increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and • limiting, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our indebtedness, among other things, our ability to borrow additional funds on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.
The international nature of our operations involves a number of risks, including changes in U.S. and foreign regulations, tariffs, taxes and exchange controls; economic downturns; inflation and political and social instability in the countries in which we operate; weakening or loss of the protection of intellectual property rights in some countries and limitations on our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights under some local laws; and our dependence on foreign personnel.
The international nature of our operations involves a number of risks, including changes in U.S. and foreign regulations, tariffs, taxes and exchange controls; economic downturns; inflation and political and social instability in the countries in which we operate; changes in exchange rates; weakening or loss of the protection of intellectual property rights in some countries and limitations on our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights under some local laws; and our dependence on foreign personnel.
While there is no net debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) leverage ratio maintenance requirement on the debt outstanding under our credit facilities (other than when the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding revolving loans plus letters of credit exceeds 35% of the amount of the lenders’ revolving commitments, as further discussed below), our credit facilities and the indenture governing our notes contain customary covenants for a non-investment grade company, including covenants that in certain circumstances restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness and liens, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make investments, sell our assets and enter into acquisitions, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of our assets, prepay subordinated debt and enter into transactions with affiliates, in each case subject to baskets, thresholds and other exceptions.
While there is no net debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) leverage ratio maintenance requirement on the debt outstanding under our credit facilities (other than when the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding revolving loans plus non-cash collateralized letters of credit exceeds 35% of the amount of the lenders’ revolving commitments, as further discussed below), our credit facilities and the indenture governing our notes contain customary covenants for a non-investment grade company, including covenants that in certain circumstances restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness and liens, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make investments, sell our assets and enter into acquisitions, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of our assets, prepay subordinated debt and enter into transactions with affiliates, in each case subject to baskets, thresholds and other exceptions.
Substantially all of our outstanding shares of common stock are freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except that any shares held by our affiliates, as that term is defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act and including Artal and Ms. Winfrey, may be sold only in compliance with certain limitations applicable to affiliates.
Currently, substantially all of our outstanding shares of common stock are freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except that any shares held by our affiliates, as that term is defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act and including Artal and Ms. Winfrey, may be sold only in compliance with certain limitations applicable to affiliates.
Our business is particularly sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending, which may be adversely impacted by a recession or fears of a recession, volatility and declines in the stock market and increasingly pessimistic consumer sentiment due to perceived or actual economic and/or health risks. Consumers may shift purchases to lower-priced or other perceived value offerings during economic downturns.
Our business is particularly sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending, which may be adversely impacted by a recession or fears of a recession, volatility and declines in the stock market and increasingly pessimistic consumer sentiment due to perceived or actual economic risks. Consumers may shift purchases to lower-priced or other perceived value offerings during economic downturns.
This seasonality could cause our share price to fluctuate as the results of an interim financial period may not be indicative of our full year results. Any event that discourages or impedes people from gathering with others, whether at a gathering place, work or otherwise, or impedes accessing resources could adversely affect our business.
This seasonality could cause our share price to fluctuate as the results of an interim financial period may not be indicative of our full year results. 21 Any event that discourages or impedes people from gathering with others, whether at a gathering place, work or otherwise, or impedes accessing resources could adversely affect our business.
Artal owns approximately 21% of our outstanding common stock and has the ability to exercise significant influence over the election and removal of our directors and our corporate and management policies, including potential mergers or acquisitions, payment of dividends, asset sales, the amendment of our articles of incorporation or bylaws and other significant corporate transactions.
Artal currently owns approximately 21% of our outstanding common stock and has the ability to exercise significant influence over the election and removal of our directors and our corporate and management policies, including potential mergers or acquisitions, payment of dividends, asset sales, the amendment of our articles of incorporation or bylaws and other significant corporate transactions.
The seasonal nature of our business could cause our operating results to fluctuate. We have experienced and expect to continue to experience fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations due to the seasonal nature of our business. Historically, the first quarter of the fiscal year, known as our winter season, is the most important quarter for recruitments.
The seasonal nature of our core business could cause our operating results to fluctuate. We have experienced and expect to continue to experience fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations due to the seasonal nature of our core business. Historically, the first quarter of the fiscal year, known as our winter season, is the most important quarter for recruitments.
Breaches of data security, website defacements and other malicious acts, which are increasingly negatively impacting companies, could result in unauthorized access to proprietary or customer information or data, including credit card transaction data, or cause interruptions to our services and products.
Breaches of data security, website defacements and other malicious acts, which are negatively impacting companies, could result in unauthorized access to proprietary or customer information or data, including credit card transaction data, or cause interruptions to our services and products.
The integrity of our technology may also be compromised as a result of third-party cyber-attacks, such as hacking, spear phishing campaigns and denial of service (DOS) attacks, which are increasingly negatively impacting companies.
The integrity of our technology may also be compromised as a result of third-party cyber-attacks, such as hacking, spear phishing campaigns and denial of service (DOS) attacks, which are negatively impacting companies.
We rely on software, hardware, network systems and similar technology, including cloud-based technology, that is either developed by us or licensed from or maintained by third parties to operate our websites and platforms, Digital subscription product offerings, and other services and products such as the recurring billing system associated with certain of our commitment plans, and to support our business operations.
We rely on software, hardware, network systems and similar technology, including cloud-based technology, that is either developed by us or licensed from or maintained by third parties to operate our websites and platforms, Digital subscription product offerings, and other services and products such as the recurring billing system associated with our commitment plans, and to support our business operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors You should consider carefully, in addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the exhibits hereto, the following risk factors in evaluating our business. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.
Item 1A. R isk Factors You should consider carefully, in addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the exhibits hereto, the following risk factors in evaluating our business. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.
Winfrey, could harm the prevailing market price of shares of our common stock. In fiscal 2018, Artal sold 14,625,000 shares of our common stock and Ms. Winfrey sold 2,359,702 shares of our common stock (including shares transferred by Ms. Winfrey as a gift to The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation that were subsequently sold by such foundation).
Winfrey, could harm the prevailing market price of shares of our common stock. For example, in fiscal 2018, Artal sold 14,625,000 shares of our common stock and Ms. Winfrey sold 2,359,702 shares of our common stock (including shares transferred by Ms. Winfrey as a gift to The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation that were subsequently sold by such foundation).
The purchasing decisions of weight management and healthy living consumers are highly subjective and can be influenced by many factors, such as brand image or reputation, marketing programs, cost, social media presence and sentiment, consumer trends, personalization, the digital platform, content and user experience, and perception of the efficacy of the service and product offerings.
The purchasing decisions of weight management and healthy living consumers are highly subjective and can be influenced by many factors, such as perception of the ease of use and efficacy of the service and product offerings as well as brand image or reputation, marketing programs, cost, social media presence and sentiment, consumer trends, personalization, the digital platform, content and user experience.
These evolving legal standards may not sufficiently protect our intellectual property rights in the future. 23 We may be subject to intellectual property rights claims. Third parties may make claims against us alleging infringement of their intellectual property rights.
These evolving legal standards may not sufficiently protect our intellectual property rights in the future. 26 We may be subject to intellectual property rights claims. Third parties may make claims against us alleging infringement of their intellectual property rights.
The weight management and wellness marketplace is subject to changing consumer demands and sentiment based, in large part, on the efficacy and popular appeal of weight management and healthy living programs.
The weight management and wellness marketplace is subject to changing consumer demands and sentiment based, in large part, on the efficacy, ease of use and popular appeal of weight management and healthy living programs.
Any future acquisitions or joint ventures may require access to additional capital, and we may not have access to such capital on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
The Acquisition and any future acquisitions or joint ventures may require access to additional capital, and we may not have access to such capital on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
As we or others develop new or different weight management services, products, methods or technologies, additional competitors may emerge. Furthermore, existing competitors may enter new markets or expand their offerings or advertising and marketing programs, and future competitors may do the same.
As we or others develop new or different weight management services, products, methods or technologies, additional competitors may emerge. Furthermore, existing competitors may enter new markets or channels of distribution or expand their offerings or advertising and marketing programs, and future competitors may do the same.
The failure of our collaboration partners to meet their obligations, adequately deploy resources or to satisfactorily resolve disputes with us could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The failure of our collaboration partners to meet their obligations, comply with legal requirements, adequately deploy resources or to satisfactorily resolve disputes with us could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our competitors may create more compelling marketing campaigns, or may devote greater financial and other resources to marketing and advertising, which could drive our current and potential members and subscribers to our competitors. Additionally, our marketing initiatives may become increasingly expensive and generating a meaningful return on those initiatives may be difficult.
Our competitors may create more compelling marketing campaigns or marketing campaigns that appeal to diverse audiences, or may devote greater financial and other resources to marketing and advertising, which could drive our current and potential members and subscribers to our competitors. Additionally, our marketing initiatives may become increasingly expensive and generating a meaningful return on those initiatives may be difficult.
Additionally, our inability to attract and retain qualified coaches and guides could delay or hinder our successfully executing our strategic initiatives. We are undergoing a chief executive officer transition, which could cause disruption to our business or have an adverse impact on our operations and business strategy as well as the public or market perception of our business.
Additionally, our inability to attract and retain qualified coaches and guides could delay or hinder our successfully executing our strategic initiatives. 19 We recently underwent a chief executive officer transition, which could cause disruption to our business or have an adverse impact on our operations and business strategy as well as the public or market perception of our business.
In addition, a change of control of our company may be delayed or deterred as a result of our having three classes of directors. These provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. 26 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments None.
In addition, a change of control of our company may be delayed or deterred as a result of our having three classes of directors. These provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. 35 Item 1B. Unresolv ed Staff Comments None.
We may also be subject to claims that our coaches and guides have provided inappropriate advice or have inappropriately referred or failed to refer customers to health care providers when needed.
We may also be subject to claims that our coaches and guides have provided inappropriate advice or have inappropriately referred or failed to refer customers to healthcare providers when needed.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates ” in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates” in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Even if we enter into these transactions, we may not realize the benefits we anticipate or we may experience difficulties in integrating any acquired companies, technologies and products into our existing business or in providing our services and products in newly acquired markets; attrition of key personnel from acquired businesses; significant charges or expenses; higher costs of integration than we anticipated; or unforeseen operating difficulties that require significant financial and managerial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development of our services and products or the expansion of our existing operations.
Even if we enter into these transactions, we may not realize the benefits we anticipate or we may experience difficulties in integrating any acquired companies, technologies and products into our existing business, operating a business in a new sector, or in providing our services and products in newly acquired markets; attrition of key personnel and loss of expertise from acquired businesses and difficulties accessing necessary expertise; significant charges or expenses; higher costs of integration and compliance than we anticipated; or unforeseen operating difficulties that require significant financial and managerial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development of our services and products or the expansion of our existing operations.
Moreover, consumers can, and frequently do, change approaches easily and at little cost. For example, fad diets and weight loss trends, such as low-carbohydrate diets, have adversely affected our revenues from time to time. Also, our revenue has been and may continue to be adversely affected by the popularity of apps, activity monitors and other free or low-cost alternatives.
Moreover, consumers can, and frequently do, change approaches easily. For example, fad diets and weight loss trends, such as low-carbohydrate diets, have adversely affected our revenues from time to time. Also, our revenue has been and may continue to be adversely affected by the popularity of apps, pharmacotherapy treatments, activity monitors and other free or low-cost “do-it-yourself” alternatives.
Any of our collaborators may not perform their obligations as expected. Our collaborators may breach or terminate their agreements with us or otherwise fail to conduct research, development or commercialization activities successfully, in a timely manner or in compliance with legal requirements. Additionally, disputes may arise with respect to the ownership of rights to technology developed with our collaboration partners.
Our collaborators may breach or terminate their agreements with us or otherwise fail to conduct research, development or commercialization activities successfully, in a timely manner or in compliance with legal requirements. Additionally, disputes may arise with respect to the ownership of rights to technology developed with our collaboration partners.
Our competitors include: commercial weight management programs; weight loss and wellness apps; surgical procedures; the pharmaceutical industry; the genetics and biotechnology industry; self-help weight management regimens and other self-help weight management products, services and publications, such as books, magazines, websites, and social media influencers and groups; dietary supplements and meal replacement products; healthy living services, coaching, products, content and publications; weight management services administered by doctors, nutritionists and dieticians; government agencies and non-profit groups that offer weight management services; fitness centers; and national drug store chains.
Our competitors include: commercial weight management programs; the pharmaceutical industry and prescription and over the counter weight management and weight loss pills and appetite suppressants; weight loss and wellness apps and monitoring solutions, such as wearable trackers; surgical procedures; the genetics and biotechnology industry; self-help weight management regimens and other self-help weight management products, services and publications, such as books, magazines, websites, and social media influencers and groups; dietary supplements and meal replacement products; healthy living services, coaching, products, content and publications; weight management services administered by doctors, nutritionists and dieticians; government agencies and non-profit groups that offer weight management services; fitness centers; and national drug store chains.
Laws and regulations directly applicable to communications, operations or commerce over the Internet, such as those governing consumer protection, intellectual property, privacy and taxation, continue to evolve. Recent examples include the enactment of the GDPR and the CCPA.
Laws and regulations directly applicable to communications, operations (including the use and treatment of personal data) or commerce over the Internet, such as those governing consumer protection, intellectual property, privacy and taxation, continue to evolve. Recent examples include the enactment of the GDPR, the CCPA and the CPRA.
Our future success also will depend, in part, on our ability to successfully distribute our services and products through appealing channels of distribution, such as social media.
Our future success also will depend, in part, on our ability to successfully distribute our services and products through appealing channels of distribution.
We may not be able to effect these transactions or partnerships on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Additionally, if the market negatively perceives our business or financial condition, we may not be a partner of choice for such transactions or partnerships, which could adversely affect our ability to enter into such transactions or partnerships and the terms thereof.
Additionally, if the market negatively perceives our business or financial condition, we may not be a partner of choice for such transactions or partnerships, which could adversely affect our ability to enter into such transactions or partnerships and the terms thereof.
Our failure to develop new, innovative services and products and to enhance our existing services and products, the failure of our services, products or brands to continue to appeal to the market or respond to consumer trends or sentiment, or the failure to expand into appealing new channels of distribution could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract and retain members and subscribers and thus adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our failure to develop new, innovative services and products and to enhance our existing services and products, the failure of our services, products or brands to continue to appeal to the market or respond to consumer trends or sentiment, or the failure to expand into appealing new channels of distribution could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract and retain members and subscribers and thus adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. 15 We may not be able to successfully implement our strategic initiatives, which could adversely impact our business, financial conditions or results of operations.
As we announce new articulations of our brands, such as our evolution from Weight Watchers to WW in 2018, and we adopt new trademarks, the marketplace may not embrace or accept them and it may take time to build their reputation and goodwill, both with consumers and with our partners.
As we announce new brands, sub-brands or articulations of our brands, and we adopt new trademarks, the marketplace may not embrace or accept them and it may take time to build their reputation and goodwill, both with consumers and with our partners.
While we have invested, including by maintaining cybersecurity insurance coverage, and developed systems and processes designed to protect such proprietary or customer information or data and our website content, these measures are costly, and there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent service interruptions or security breaches and other malicious acts.
While we have invested, including by maintaining cybersecurity insurance coverage, and developed systems and processes designed to protect such proprietary or customer information or data and our website content, these measures are costly, and there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent service interruptions or security breaches and other malicious acts. 25 Existing, proposed or new data privacy legislation and regulations, including interpretations thereof, could also significantly affect our business.
The precise impact, and extent thereof, on our business from the disruption of financial markets and the weakening of overall economic conditions cannot be predicted with certainty. Uncertainties regarding the economic impact of COVID-19 have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, sustained impact on the economy.
The precise impact, and extent thereof, on our business from the disruption of financial markets and the weakening of overall economic conditions cannot be predicted with certainty. Uncertainties regarding the global economic environment, and political and social stability, have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, sustained impact on the economy at the macro and local levels.
In the event that LIBOR is phased out as is currently expected, our New Credit Agreement (defined hereafter) provides that the Company and the administrative agent may amend the New Credit Agreement to replace the LIBOR definition therein with a successor rate subject to notifying the lending syndicate of such change and not receiving within five business days of such notification objections to such replacement rate from lenders holding at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of loans and commitments then outstanding under the New Credit Agreement; provided that such lending syndicate may not object to a SOFR-based successor rate contained in any such amendment.
Although SOFR is the ARRC’s recommended replacement rate, it is also possible that lenders may instead choose alternative replacement rates that may differ from LIBOR in ways similar to SOFR or in other ways that would result in higher interest costs for us. 23 In the event that LIBOR is phased out as is currently expected, our Credit Agreement (defined hereafter) provides that the Company and the administrative agent may amend the Credit Agreement to replace the LIBOR definition therein with a successor rate subject to notifying the lending syndicate of such change and not receiving within five business days of such notification objections to such replacement rate from lenders holding at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of loans and commitments then outstanding under the Credit Agreement; provided that such lending syndicate may not object to a SOFR-based successor rate contained in any such amendment.
Risks Related to Our International Operations, Litigation, Laws and Regulations Our international operations expose us to regulatory, economic, political, social and intellectual property risks in the countries in which we operate.
Risks Related to Our International Operations, Litigation, Laws and Regulations Our international operations expose us to regulatory, economic, political, social and intellectual property risks in the countries in which we operate, which risks may be exacerbated as a result of the war in Ukraine.
The widespread health crisis also could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of countries in which we operate, resulting in an economic downturn, including rising inflation, that could affect consumer demand for our products and services. Our customer purchasing patterns can be influenced by economic factors.
Macroeconomic factors, (including most recently the COVID-19 pandemic) have adversely affected, and could continue to adversely affect, the economies and financial markets of countries in which we operate, resulting in an economic downturn, including rising inflation, that could affect consumer demand for our products and services. Our customer purchasing patterns can be influenced by economic factors.
If we fail to do so, our borrowings will be based off of the alternative base rate plus a margin . We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt and satisfy our other liquidity requirements.
If we fail to do so, our borrowings will be based off of the alternative base rate plus a margin. We expect to transition from LIBOR in advance of its cessation on or about June 30, 2023. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt and satisfy our other liquidity requirements.
As a result, we may experience decreases in our recruitment and retention of members, or increased member cancellations. We may not be able to successfully launch our new virtual or other digital offerings and realize the intended business opportunities, growth prospects, including new business channels, and competitive advantages of our digital strategy.
We may not be able to successfully launch new virtual or other digital offerings and realize the intended business opportunities, growth prospects, including new business channels, and competitive advantages of our digital strategy.
At the end of fiscal 2021, we had in effect interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $500.0 million.
We seek to manage our exposure to interest rates through interest rate swaps. At the end of fiscal 2022, we had in effect interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $500.0 million.
In addition, any deterioration in our performance may result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness or our ability to refinance our debt obligations on favorable terms or at all.
In addition, any deterioration in our performance may result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness or our ability to refinance our debt obligations on favorable terms or at all. Additionally, our liquidity is impacted by our cash usage, including cash payments related to strategic initiatives and acquisitions.
Actions taken by them, including violations of generally accepted ethical business practices or breaches of law, regulations or contractual obligations, such as not following our program or not maintaining our quality and safety standards, could harm our reputation. Also, our products may be subject to product recalls, brand confusion, litigation or other deficiencies, which could harm our brands.
Actions taken by them, including violations of generally accepted ethical business practices or breaches of law, regulations or contractual obligations, such as not following our program or not maintaining our quality and safety standards, could harm our reputation.
Due to the inherent uncertainties of legal actions and regulatory proceedings, we cannot predict their outcomes with certainty. Therefore, it is possible that our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows could be adversely affected by the unfavorable resolution of one or more legal or regulatory actions.
Therefore, it is possible that our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows could be adversely affected by the unfavorable resolution of one or more legal or regulatory actions.
The ongoing global outbreak of the coronavirus (including its variants, COVID-19) has had and will continue to have a significant adverse impact on our business as well as on the business environment and the markets in which we operate.
The novel coronavirus (including its variants, COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant adverse impact on our business as well as on the business environment, overall economic conditions and the markets in which we operate.
In the ordinary course of business, we provide content and collect, store and utilize confidential information (including, but not limited to, personal customer information and data), and it is critical that we do so in a secure manner to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of such confidential information as well as comply with applicable regulatory requirements and contractual obligations. 22 We also have outsourced significant elements of our information technology infrastructure and, as a result, we are managing many independent vendor relationships with third parties who may or could have access to our confidential information and website content.
In the ordinary course of business, we provide content and collect, store and utilize confidential information (including, but not limited to, personal customer information and data), and it is critical that we do so in a secure manner to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of such confidential information as well as comply with applicable regulatory requirements and contractual obligations.
A downturn in general economic conditions, including inflationary environments, or consumer confidence in any of our markets could result in people curtailing or reallocating their discretionary spending which, in turn, could reduce product subscriptions, attendance at our workshops and product sales. Any reduction in consumer spending may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
A downturn in general economic conditions, including inflationary environments, or consumer confidence in any of our markets could result in people curtailing or reallocating their discretionary spending which, in turn, could reduce subscriptions.
We have invested and will continue to invest significant resources in these efforts, but there is no assurance that we will be able to successfully maintain and increase our subscriber base or that we will be able to do so without taking steps such as reducing pricing or incurring subscription acquisition costs that would affect our subscription revenues, margin and/or profitability. 14 If we do not continue to develop new, innovative services and products or if our services, products or brands do not continue to appeal to the market, or if we are unable to successfully expand into new channels of distribution or respond to consumer trends or sentiment, our business may suffer.
We have invested and will continue to invest significant resources in these efforts, but there is no assurance that we will be able to successfully maintain and increase our subscriber base or that we will be able to do so without taking steps such as reducing pricing or incurring subscription acquisition costs that would affect our subscription revenues, margin and/or profitability.
In addition, the GDPR requires submission of personal data breach notifications to our designated European privacy regulator. The GDPR also includes significant penalties for non-compliance with any of several requirements of the regulation.
We also obtain consent and/or offer new controls to existing and new users in Europe before processing data for certain aspects of our services and products. In addition, the GDPR requires submission of personal data breach notifications to our designated European privacy regulator. The GDPR also includes significant penalties for non-compliance with any of several requirements of the regulation.
The data privacy and security regulatory regime continues to evolve and is increasingly demanding. Many states are considering privacy and security legislation and there are ongoing discussions regarding a national privacy law.
These laws also typically include notification obligations and impose significant penalties and potential liability for non-compliance. The data privacy and security regulatory regime continues to evolve and is increasingly demanding. Many states are considering privacy and security legislation and there are ongoing discussions regarding a national privacy law.
Grossman resigning as President and Chief Executive Officer as of March 18, 2022. Any significant leadership change or executive management transition involves inherent risk and can be inherently difficult to manage .
On February 23, 2022, we appointed Sima Sistani as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 21, 2022. Any significant leadership change or executive management transition involves inherent risk and can be inherently difficult to manage.
There can be no assurance that we will maintain a level of cash flows provided by operating activities in an amount sufficient to permit us to pay the principal and interest on all of our outstanding debt. 21 If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness.
There can be no assurance that we will maintain a level of cash flows provided by operating activities in an amount sufficient to permit us to pay the principal and interest on all of our outstanding debt.
Expiration or early termination by us of leases could have an adverse impact on our financial results. Our operations, including corporate offices, are located in leased office space and many of our workshops are held in leased space in retail centers. As leases expire, we may not be able to renew them on acceptable terms or secure suitable replacement locations.
Early termination by us of leases could have an adverse impact on our financial results. Our operations, including certain corporate offices, are located in leased office space and certain of our workshops are held in leased space in retail centers.
As of the end of fiscal 2021, we have a term loan facility with an outstanding aggregate principal amount of $945.0 million due in April 2028, a revolving credit facility with availability of $173.9 million maturing in April 2026 and $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 4.500% senior secured notes due in April 2029.
As of the end of fiscal 2022, we have a term loan facility with an outstanding aggregate principal amount of $945.0 million due in April 2028, a revolving credit facility with availability of $173.9 million (subject to its terms and conditions as discussed in Note 9 of our audited consolidated financial statements, contained in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) maturing in April 2026, and $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 4.500% senior secured notes due in April 2029.
Data protection and privacy laws have also been enacted by the U.S. federal and state governments, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which became effective on January 1, 2020, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and other relevant statutes . These laws also typically include notification obligations and impose significant penalties and potential liability for non-compliance.
Data protection and privacy laws have also been enacted by the U.S. federal and state governments, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which became effective on January 1, 2020 ( and was amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) which became effective on January 1, 2023) , the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, as amended, and implementing privacy, security, and breach regulations (collectively, HIPAA), state laws on sensitive health information, and other relevant statutes and regulations.
In addition, our revolving credit facility includes a maintenance covenant that requires compliance with certain first lien secured net leverage ratios when the aggregate principal amount of all revolving loans plus available, undrawn letters of credit and unreimbursed letters of credit (subject to customary exceptions and thresholds) as of the end of a fiscal quarter exceeds 35% of the amount of the lenders’ revolving commitments. 20 Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in an acceleration of our debt, cause cross-defaults under our other debt, lead to the foreclosure on assets collateralizing secured debt (and the lenders and holders of that secured debt would rank ahead of the holders of unsecured debt in the proceeds of those assets) and result in our lenders terminating all commitments to extend further credit.
In addition, our revolving credit facility includes a maintenance covenant that requires compliance with a first lien secured net leverage ratio when the aggregate principal amount of all revolving loans plus available, undrawn letters of credit and unreimbursed letters of credit (subject to customary exceptions and thresholds) as of the end of a fiscal quarter exceeds 35% of the amount of the lenders’ revolving commitments.
If we are unable to maintain our relationships with our joint venture partners, we could lose our ability to operate in the geographies and/or markets in which they operate, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. 18 We also may be limited by contract or otherwise with respect to, or have no control over, the resources that any third party partner may devote to the research, development and commercialization of services and products under our collaborations.
If we are unable to maintain our relationships with our joint venture partners, we could lose our ability to operate in the geographies and/or markets in which they operate, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. 19 Risks Related to Our Liquidity Our substantial amount of debt and our debt service obligations, as well as our exposure to variable rate indebtedness, could adversely affect our financial condition, and the restrictions of our debt covenants could impede our operations and flexibility.
A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
We may not be able to successfully implement our strategic initiatives and realize the intended business opportunities, growth prospects, including new business channels, and competitive advantages. Our efforts to capitalize on business opportunities may not bring the intended results. Assumptions underlying expected financial results or consumer demand and receptivity may not be met or economic or consumer conditions may deteriorate.
Over the past several years, we have expanded our offerings in health and wellness. We may not be able to successfully implement our strategic initiatives and realize the intended business opportunities, growth prospects, including new business channels, and competitive advantages. Our efforts to capitalize on business opportunities may not bring the intended results.
More effective or more favorably perceived diet and weight and healthy living management methods, including pharmaceutical treatments, fat and sugar substitutes or other technological and scientific advancements in weight management methods, also may be developed. This competition may reduce demand for our services and products.
More effective or more favorably perceived, or easier to use, diet and weight and healthy living management methods, including pharmaceutical treatments, fat and sugar substitutes or other technological and scientific advancements in weight management methods, also may be developed. Some of our competitors are also significantly larger than we are and have substantially greater resources.
As we decide to relocate or close studios before the expiration of the applicable lease term, we may incur payments to landlords to terminate or “buy out” the remaining term of the lease. For example, in fiscal 2021 we recorded a $12.2 million charge in connection with the closure of certain studios.
As we decide to relocate or close studios, or relocate or close corporate offices, before the expiration of the applicable lease term, we may incur payments to landlords to terminate or “buy out” the remaining term of the lease or costs associated with subleasing certain office space, as applicable.
Future laws or regulations, including laws or regulations affecting our advertising and marketing practices, consumer pricing and billing arrangements, relations with consumers, employees, coaches, guides, brand ambassadors, spokespersons, social media influencers, licensees or franchisees, or our services and products, may have an adverse impact on us. 25 Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock Artal has significant influence over us and may have conflicts of interest with us or the holders of our common stock.
Future laws or regulations, including laws or regulations affecting our advertising and marketing practices, consumer pricing and billing arrangements, use and treatment of personal data, relations with consumers, employees, coaches, guides, brand ambassadors, spokespersons, social media influencers, licensees or franchisees, or our services and products, may have an adverse impact on us. 28 Risks Related to Our Proposed Acquisition of Weekend Health (d/b/a Sequence) We may not complete our previously announced proposed acquisition of Weekend Health within the anticipated timeframe or at all.
Risk Related to Technology, Security and Intellectual Property Any failure of our technology or systems to perform satisfactorily could result in an adverse impact on our business.
These material payments may negatively impact our short- and long-term liquidity in the future, which could harm our ability to satisfy our liquidity requirements. 24 Risks Related to Technology, Security and Intellectual Property Any failure of our technology or systems to perform satisfactorily could result in an adverse impact on our business.
Our ability to influence the control of, or distributions from, our joint ventures may be limited by contract or otherwise.
The market may also negatively perceive these transactions or partnerships and our allocation of financial and other resources in connection therewith. Our ability to influence the control of, or distributions from, our joint ventures may be limited by contract or otherwise.
Accordingly, changes in currency exchange rates will cause our revenues, operating costs, net income and shareholders’ equity to fluctuate. 24 Outcomes of litigation or regulatory actions could adversely impact our financial condition. From time to time, we may be a party to lawsuits and regulatory actions relating to our business operations.
Accordingly, changes in currency exchange rates will cause our revenues, operating costs, net income and shareholders’ equity to fluctuate. For example, these changes had a negative impact on our fiscal 2022 financial results, lowering our revenues for fiscal 2022 by $38.6 million. 27 Outcomes of litigation or regulatory actions could adversely impact our financial condition.
We may not be able to successfully implement our strategic initiatives, which could adversely impact our business, financial conditions or results of operations. We are continually evaluating the changing consumer environment and the competitive environment of the weight management and healthy living marketplace and seeking out opportunities to improve our performance through the implementation of selected strategic initiatives.
We are continually evaluating the changing consumer environment and the competitive environment of the weight management and healthy living marketplace and seeking out opportunities to improve our performance through the implementation of selected strategic initiatives. The goal of these efforts is to develop and implement a comprehensive and competitive business strategy that addresses those changes.
Over the longer term, it remains uncertain how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact consumer sentiment for our products and services and consumer preferences and behavior generally. Our member retention in both our Digital and Workshops + Digital businesses may also be significantly negatively impacted by the pandemic.
Over the longer term, it remains uncertain how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact consumer demand for our products and services and recruitment and retention of members as well as consumer preferences and behavior generally.
As a result, we have implemented measures to comply with these requirements, including, among other things, documenting our data processing activities and informing users about how we use their personal data. We also obtain consent and/or offer new controls to existing and new users in Europe before processing data for certain aspects of our services and products.
For example, the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) includes increased privacy and security requirements for companies that receive or process personal data of residents of Europe. As a result, we have implemented measures to comply with these requirements, including, among other things, documenting our data processing activities and informing users about how we use their personal data.
In fiscal 2020, we recorded a $3.7 million impairment charge for goodwill related to our Brazil reporting unit. We may incur additional impairment 16 charges in the future, which would have an adverse impact on our results of operations. See “Item 7.
For example, in fiscal 2022, we recorded $393.6 million of impairment charges for our franchise rights acquired related to our United States, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia units of account. We may incur additional impairment charges in the future, which would have an adverse impact on our results of operations. See “Item 7.
While Digital recruitments were strong in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a subsequent turn in consumer sentiment has driven a decline in Digital recruitments, and recruitment projections for our Digital business are unpredictable. Our Workshops + Digital recruitments were dramatically impacted during the first year of the pandemic, and mix shifted toward our Digital business.
COVID-19 had a significant effect on our recruitments starting in March 2020. Our Workshops + Digital recruitments were substantially negatively impacted during the first year of the pandemic. While Digital recruitments were strong in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a subsequent turn in consumer sentiment drove a decline in Digital recruitments.
We also may be unable to attract and retain highly qualified and skilled personnel, or engage with partners of choice, to implement our strategic initiatives. If these or other factors limit our ability to successfully execute our strategic initiatives, our business activities, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.
Assumptions underlying expected financial results or consumer demand and receptivity may not be met or economic or consumer conditions may deteriorate. We also may be unable to attract and retain highly qualified and skilled personnel, or engage with partners of choice, to implement our strategic initiatives.
It may involve a diversion of resources and management attention, be disruptive to our daily operations or relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees, make it more difficult to hire and retain key employees, impact our public or market perception or hinder progress on key strategic initiatives, any of which could have a negative impact on our business or stock price. 17 The inability to renew certain of our licenses, or the inability to do so on terms that are favorable to us, could have an adverse effect on our financial results.
Initially, such changes could be disruptive to our daily operations or relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees, make it more difficult to hire and retain key employees, impact our public or market perception or result in a loss of institutional knowledge, any of which could have a negative impact on our business or stock price.
As of January 1, 2022, our total debt was $1,445.0 million. In addition, at January 1, 2022, we had $173.9 million available under our revolving credit facility. $945.0 million of our debt consists of variable-rate instruments so we are subject to the risk of higher interest rates. We seek to manage our exposure to interest rates through interest rate swaps.
In addition, at December 31, 2022, we had $173.9 million available under our revolving credit facility subject to its terms and conditions as discussed in Note 9 of our audited consolidated financial statements, contained in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. $945.0 million of our debt consists of variable-rate instruments so we are subject to the risk of higher interest rates.
Additionally, developments in public opinion on the types of products and services we provide could negatively impact the popular appeal of our services and products.
Additionally, developments in public opinion on the types of products and services we provide could negatively impact the popular appeal of our services and products. For example, public opinion on the use of chronic weight management medication is significantly shifting as the popularity of clinical solutions grows and more medications are approved by the FDA.
This change in our mix, especially when amplified by the nature of our subscription business, has negatively impacted revenue and may continue to impact it in the future.
Additionally, our mix shift toward our Digital business, which was significant during the onset of the pandemic, especially when amplified by the nature of our subscription business, negatively impacted revenue and may continue to do so.
Any of the above events could adversely impact our financial results. Our business may decline as a result of a downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence. Our business is highly dependent on product subscriptions, workshop fees and product sales.
Our business may decline as a result of, or uncertainties related to, a downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence, including as a result of the existing inflationary environment or the potential impact of political and social unrest. Our business is highly dependent on our subscription model.
We may not successfully make acquisitions or enter into joint ventures or collaborations and we may not successfully integrate, operate or realize the anticipated benefits of such businesses. As part of our strategic initiatives, we may pursue selected acquisitions, joint ventures or collaborations.
Prolonged unfavorable economic conditions and any resulting recession or slowed economic growth may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 20 We may not successfully make acquisitions or enter into joint ventures or collaborations and we may not successfully integrate, operate or realize the anticipated benefits of such businesses.
If these or other factors limit our ability to successfully execute this strategic initiative, our business, financial conditions or results of operations may be adversely impacted. 15 Our business depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of our advertising and marketing programs across multiple platforms, including the strength of our social media presence, to attract and retain members and subscribers.
New iterations of this business may not develop in accordance with the expectations of our investors or our network of coaches and members, which could negatively impact our public or market perception and, in turn, adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results. 16 Our business depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of our advertising and marketing programs across multiple platforms, including the strength of our social media presence, to attract and retain members and subscribers.
We continue to offer virtual workshops, which may not be successful in meeting the needs or preferences of many of our members, employees and the communities in which we operate. This may result in further decreases in our recruitment as well as a significant decrease in our retention of members.
As we continue to embrace an “always on” innovation strategy across multiple areas of our offerings, these innovations may not be successful in meeting the needs or preferences of many of our current or potential members. As a result, we may experience decreases in our recruitment and retention of members, or increased member cancellations.
As part of our focus on best meeting our members’ and consumers’ needs, we consolidated certain of our studios and continue to close certain other branded studio locations. As a result, we have incurred, and we expect to continue to incur, significant costs associated with our real estate realignment.
As part of our focus on best meeting our members’ and consumers’ evolving needs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we consolidated certain of our studios and continue to close certain other branded studio locations. We continue to serve our members virtually, both via our Digital business and through virtual workshops.