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olivLaw · US equity research

LegalZoom.com, Inc. LZ

Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation · SIC 7374 · Vertical: Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation (SIC 7374)

6.90USD+3.14% · 1 dayClose 04 Nov 2026

LegalZoom is an online platform for legal services for individuals and small businesses, combining technology with independent attorneys and its own law firm. In 2026 it faces a shift in how customers discover it, as organic traffic from traditional search declines while subscriptions grow and represented 65% of revenue in 2025.

The AI analysis may be outdated: new filings came after its sources (see the «AI analysis» section).

At the close of 04 Nov 2026, LegalZoom.com, Inc. (LZ) stock was 6.90 USD (+3.14% on the day), with market capitalisation 1.1 bn USD, P/E 56.0 on diluted EPS of 0.12 USD over the last 12 months, beta 0.98, 52-week range 5.43–10.93 USD. Latest reported quarter (Q3 2026): revenue of 195.1 m USD (+2.6% YoY), net income of 8.1 m USD (+78.8% YoY), diluted EPS 0.05 USD.

Data as of · AI analysis dated · Source: SEC filings and closing prices, computed by olivLaw.

Market cap
1.1 bn USD
shares as of 30 Oct 2026
P/E (TTM)
56.0
Diluted EPS TTM 0.12 · TTM to 30 Sept 2026
E/P (TTM)
1.78%
TTM to 30 Sept 2026
Dividend yield
unavailable
Beta (2y)
0.98
Volatility (1y) 65%
52-week range
5.4310.93

Price history

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Technical reading

RSI (14)
60.6
strong (55–70)
Bollinger (20, 2)
5.72 – 7.27
in the upper half of the band · %B 0.76 · band width 23.9%
SMA 50 / 200
6.16 / 6.53
mixed trend
MACD (12, 26, 9)
0.22 / 0.20
MACD above signal

Indicators describe past prices; on their own they do not predict direction. On our history the RSI ≤ 40 filter added no return (see the signals methodology).

Performance

CompanyS&P 500vs S&P 500Vertical median
1 month+17.5%−1.1%+18.6 pp—
3 months−14.8%−0.5%−14.4 pp—
6 months+9.9%+4.4%+5.5 pp—
Year to date−31.7%+12.3%−44.0 pp—
1 year−30.4%+13.5%−44.0 pp−17.2%
3 years−34.7%+76.4%−111.1 pp−17.8%
5 years−72.6%+63.7%−136.3 pp—
Max drawdown (1y)
−50.3%
06 Nov 2025 → 12 Aug 2026
Max drawdown (5y)
−78.4%
08 Nov 2021 → 12 Aug 2026
Compound annual growth (5y)
−22.8%
S&P 500 +10.4%

Price returns, dividends excluded.

Quarterly results

Latest quarter: Q3 2026 · 30 Sept 2026

Revenue
195.1 m USD
+2.6% YoY
Net income
8.1 m USD
+78.8% YoY
Diluted EPS
0.05
+150.0% YoY
net / operating
4.1% / 6.9%

Quarterly margins

Quarterly statements · USD

Fiscal yearQ4 '24Q1 '25Q2 '25Q3 '25Q4 '25Q1 '26Q2 '26Q3 '26
Revenue161.7 m183.1 m192.5 m190.2 m190.3 m206.8 m205.3 m195.1 m
Cost of revenue53.4 m66.6 m67.4 m62.3 m61.7 m74.5 m65.4 m57.1 m
Gross profit108.3 m116.6 m125.1 m127.9 m128.5 m132.3 m139.9 m138.1 m
Operating income13.1 m9.0 m-3.1 m6.5 m12.6 m2.8 m10.7 m13.5 m
Interest expense201.0 k182.0 k165.0 k152.0 k795.0 k676.0 k126.0 k77.0 k
Pre-tax income12.5 m10.6 m-544.0 k8.4 m14.0 m3.8 m12.1 m14.9 m
Income tax-388.0 k5.5 m-278.0 k3.9 m7.9 m2.7 m7.0 m6.8 m
Net income12.9 m5.1 m-266.0 k4.5 m6.1 m1.1 m5.2 m8.1 m
Diluted EPS0.07 ≈0.030.000.020.03 ≈0.010.030.05
Operating cash flow42.6 m50.7 m39.1 m ≈54.2 m ≈34.1 m47.3 m39.5 m ≈39.9 m ≈
Capex6.7 m9.4 m7.5 m ≈7.2 m ≈6.1 m6.3 m5.9 m ≈5.8 m ≈
Share repurchases3.1 m020.4 m ≈17.2 m ≈42.9 m43.5 m45.5 m ≈14.2 m ≈

≈ derived quarter (cumulative difference / share-days average)

E/P over time

E/P = trailing-12-month diluted EPS / price at quarter end. E/P is the inverse of P/E and stays defined when earnings are negative.

Today's P/E sits at the 38 percentile of its own 13-quarter history (min 45.6, median 77.5, max 218.8; quarters with earnings only).

Fiscal years

Fiscal year2019202020212022202320242025
Revenue408.4 m470.6 m575.1 m620.0 m660.7 m681.9 m756.0 m
Revenue YoYunavailable+15.2%+22.2%+7.8%+6.6%+3.2%+10.9%
Net income7.4 m9.9 m-108.7 m-48.7 m14.0 m30.0 m15.4 m
Net income YoYunavailable+33.0%−1,198.1%unavailableunavailable+114.7%−48.5%
Diluted EPS0.040.06-0.67-0.250.070.160.08
Diluted EPS YoYunavailable+50.0%−1,216.7%unavailableunavailable+128.6%−50.0%
net %1.8%2.1%-18.9%-7.9%2.1%4.4%2.0%
Free cash flow34.3 m82.5 m42.4 m51.7 m92.7 m99.9 m147.9 m

Reported results vs expectations

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Balance sheet & financial health

Fiscal year 2025 · 31 Dec 2025

Cash
203.1 m USD
Financial debt
unavailable USD
Net debt
unavailable USD
Equity
171.9 m USD
Total assets
511.5 m USD
Debt / equity
unavailable
Current ratio
0.76x
ROE
11.6%
ROA
3.5%
FCF margin
19.6%

Financial statements (source on every figure)

Revenue and net income (USD)

Margins

Income statement · USD

Revenue
2023
660.7 m
2024
681.9 m
2025
756.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Cost of revenue
2023
239.3 m
2024
240.1 m
2025
258.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Gross profit
2023
421.5 m
2024
441.8 m
2025
498.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Operating income
2023
21.1 m
2024
35.6 m
2025
25.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Depreciation & amortisation
2023
20.2 m
2024
29.8 m
2025
36.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

EBITDA
2023
41.3 m ≈
2024
65.4 m ≈
2025
61.3 m ≈

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026derived

Interest expense
2023
493.0 k
2024
446.0 k
2025
1.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Pre-tax income
2023
31.5 m
2024
43.1 m
2025
32.4 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Income tax
2023
17.5 m
2024
13.1 m
2025
17.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Net income
2023
14.0 m
2024
30.0 m
2025
15.4 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Diluted EPS
2023
0.07
2024
0.16
2025
0.08

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Weighted average diluted shares
2023
194.4 m
2024
182.9 m
2025
184.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Balance sheet · USD

Cash
2023
225.7 m
2024
142.1 m
2025
203.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Receivables
2023
11.7 m
2024
8.5 m
2025
20.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Current assets
2023
275.3 m
2024
191.2 m
2025
241.9 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Property, plant & equipment, net
2023
—
2024
—
2025
—

SEC (XBRL)· 01 Mar 2023verified

Goodwill
2023
63.3 m
2024
63.3 m
2025
140.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Intangibles (excl. goodwill)
2023
13.7 m
2024
8.7 m
2025
18.2 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Total assets
2023
447.8 m
2024
373.9 m
2025
511.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Accounts payable
2023
32.3 m
2024
31.2 m
2025
27.2 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Short-term debt
2023
—
2024
—
2025
—

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2022verified

Long-term debt
2023
—
2024
—
2025
—

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2022verified

Current liabilities
2023
264.0 m
2024
265.6 m
2025
318.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Total liabilities
2023
279.0 m
2024
280.6 m
2025
339.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Equity
2023
168.8 m †
2024
93.3 m †
2025
171.9 m †

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Cash flow · USD

Operating cash flow
2023
124.3 m
2024
135.6 m
2025
178.2 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Capex
2023
31.6 m
2024
35.7 m
2025
30.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Free cash flow
2023
92.7 m ≈
2024
99.9 m ≈
2025
147.9 m ≈

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026derived

Investing cash flow
2023
-31.6 m
2024
-35.7 m
2025
-40.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Financing cash flow
2023
-56.2 m
2024
-183.3 m
2025
-77.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Share repurchases
2023
54.9 m
2024
165.0 m
2025
80.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Feb 2026verified

Computed indicators

Growth

Revenue growth (YoY)
10.9%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Revenue CAGR 3Y
6.8%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Revenue CAGR 5Y
9.9%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EBIT growth (YoY)
-29.8%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income growth (YoY)
-48.5%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income CAGR 3Y
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
Net income CAGR 5Y
9.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EPS growth (YoY)
-50.0%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
EPS CAGR 3Y
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
EPS CAGR 5Y
5.9%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
FCF growth (YoY)
48.0%
computed by olivLawFY 2025

Profitability

Gross margin
67.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
EBITDA margin
9.5%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
EBIT margin
5.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Net margin
2.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
FCF margin
17.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026

Returns

ROE
12.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
ROA
4.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
ROIC
unavailable
input data missing
ROCE
25.5%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Payout ratio (EPS)
unavailable
input data missing
Payout ratio (FCF)
unavailable
input data missing

Balance sheet

Net debt
unavailable
input data missing
Net debt / EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
Debt / equity
unavailable
input data missing
Interest coverage
23.6x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026

Liquidity

Current ratio
0.7x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Cash ratio
0.6x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026

Cash

Operating cash flow
160.8 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Capital expenditure
24.1 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Free cash flow
136.8 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
FCF conversion
670.3%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Cash conversion
212.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026

Efficiency

Days sales outstanding
10 days
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Days payables outstanding
48 days
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026

Market and valuation

Market capitalisation
1.1 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Enterprise value
unavailable
input data missing
Market cap / net income TTM
55.8x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
P/E (TTM)
56.0x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Earnings yield
1.8%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
P/B
8.4x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
P/S
1.4x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
EV/EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
EV/EBIT
unavailable
input data missing
EV/Sales
unavailable
input data missing
P/FCF
8.3x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
FCF yield
12.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Dividend yield
unavailable
no dividend in the structured statements; a missing line is not a confirmed zero
Shareholder yield (distributions)
12.8%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026

4 indicators that do not apply to the sector.

Valuation

olivLaw classification

Insufficient data
What is missing
  • valuation methods computed: 0 of at least 1

A scoring methodology on indicators and valuation, not investment advice.

Closing price

6.90 USD

04 Nov 2026Source: olivLaw, closing series

Market cap: 1.1 bn USD

Key indicators

Market capitalisation
1.1 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
P/E (TTM)
56.0x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
P/B
8.4x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
EV/EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
ROE
12.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Sept 2026
Net margin
2.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Sept 2026
Revenue growth (YoY)
10.9%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Dividend yield
unavailable
no dividend in the structured statements; a missing line is not a confirmed zero

Coverage and freshness

31/37 reporting lines present
Latest full fiscal year: 2025
Latest reported period: 30 Sept 2026
Latest balance sheet date: 30 Sept 2026
Share count (cover of the latest filing), as of: 30 Oct 2026
Source: SEC (XBRL)published 04 Nov 2026
verified 938derived 71

Score by group

77% · Insufficient data

Estimated value range

unavailable — no valuation method could be computed

Valuation assumptions are editorial choices, not measured; beta is not measured.

Valuation methods

  • DCF (discounted cash flow)unavailable · net debt missing: EV cannot be bridged to equity (missing debt is not zero)
  • Peers: EV/Salesunavailable · net debt missing: EV cannot be bridged to equity (missing debt is not zero)
  • Peers: EV/EBITDAunavailable · net debt missing: EV cannot be bridged to equity (missing debt is not zero)

no valuation method could be computed

Multiple comparisons use the SIC vertical: Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation (SIC 7374)

Classification (SIC) comparables group by industry code, not by economic activity; the direct group is an editorial selection by activity. Members' multiples are on their own trailing twelve months, at their own latest close.

Assumptions (illustrative, editorial)

Risk-free rate
4.3%
Equity risk premium
5.0%
Beta (default)
1.00
Cost of equity
9.3%
Terminal growth
2.5%

Factor scorecard

Insufficient data

Minimum-evidence gate: valuation methods computed: 0 of at least 1

FactorValueScoreWeight used
Gross margin · Quality67.6%69 (on a fixed band)14%
EBIT margin · Quality5.0%54 (vs peers)11%
FCF margin · Quality17.2%69 (on a fixed band)11%
Revenue CAGR 3Y · Growth6.8%27 (on a fixed band)22%
Revenue growth (YoY) · Growth10.9%58 (vs peers)11%
Net debt / EBITDA · Balance sheetunavailableunavailable—
Current ratio · Balance sheet0.7x0 (on a fixed band)8%
EV/Sales · Valuationunavailableunavailable—
FCF yield · Valuation12.0%100 (on a fixed band)17%
Shareholder yield (distributions) · Returns12.8%100 (on a fixed band)6%

Factors without a value were dropped; the remaining weights were renormalised.

Score groups

  • Balance sheet· partial0/100 · 1/2 factors with a value
  • Growth38/100 · 2/2 factors with a value
  • Quality64/100 · 3/3 factors with a value
  • Returns100/100 · 1/1 factors with a value
  • Valuation· partial100/100 · 1/2 factors with a value

A «partial» group is computed from under half of its weight or from one factor: it is not a full assessment of the group.

Memo

LegalZoom.com, Inc. (LZ). Latest full fiscal year: 2025; data up to 2026-09-30.

Figures computed from the financial statements: revenue 756.0 m USD in 2025; YoY growth 10.9%; net margin 2.6%; ROE 12.1%.

Valuation cannot be computed from the available data.

Insufficient data for a verdict (valuation methods computed: 0 of at least 1).

Text generated deterministically from the figures shown; no language model. Not investment advice.

What supports the thesis

  • FCF yield: 12.0%
  • Shareholder yield (distributions): 12.8%

What contradicts it

  • Revenue CAGR 3Y: 6.8%
  • Current ratio: 0.7x

Not assessed (insufficient data or a ratio without meaning): Net debt / EBITDA, EV/Sales.

Versus the vertical median

Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation (SIC 7374) · same industry (4-digit SIC) · compared with 39 companies

Multiples and returns vs the median

P/E
56.0x
vertical median 21.9x
above median (+156.0%)
EV/EBITDA
—
vertical median 7.2x
P/S
1.4x
vertical median 0.9x
above median (+55.1%)
P/B
8.4x
vertical median 1.0x
above median (+715.1%)
ROE
12.1%
vertical median 11.4%
above median (+5.8%)
Net margin
2.6%
vertical median 6.5%
below median (−60.9%)
EBIT margin
5.0%
vertical median 2.6%
above median (+88.8%)
Revenue YoY
10.9%
vertical median 6.7%
above median (+62.7%)
Net debt/EBITDA
—
vertical median -0.3x
Dividend yield
—
vertical median 2.2%

Price rebased to 100 (monthly, 5 years)

Companies in the vertical

Market capP/EROENet marginRevenue YoY1A / 3A
ADPAutomatic Data Processing, Inc.119.8 bn27.777.0%20.1%+6.7%+19% / +32%
WDAYWorkday, Inc.44.4 bn40.916.0%12.3%+13.1%−6% / −25%
VRSKVerisk Analytics, Inc.25.9 bn30.1—29.3%+6.6%−12% / −18%
ATHMAutohome Inc.10.4 bn53.56.3%443.2%+11.1%−5% / −18%
DXCDxc Technology Company2.3 bn21.93.7%0.9%−1.8%+13% / −36%
EVTCEVERTEC, Inc.2.1 bn22.914.4%9.0%+10.2%+20% / −6%
INFQInfleqtion, Inc.1.9 bn—-70.8%—unavailableunavailable / unavailable
INODInnodata Inc1.5 bn32.837.7%14.7%+47.6%−25% / +541%
CLVTClarivate PLC1.4 bn—-8.2%-15.1%−4.0%−44% / −73%
LZLegalZoom.com, Inc.1.1 bn56.012.1%2.6%+10.9%−30% / −35%
PLTKPlaytika Holding Corp.808.6 m——-9.9%+8.1%−48% / −76%
YEXTYext, Inc.775.0 m40.627.8%5.9%+6.1%−7% / +18%
NRDSNerdWallet, Inc.754.4 m13.318.2%7.6%+21.7%−21% / +1%
NXTTNext Technology Holding Inc.736.5 m—-59.4%-2,356.0%+545.3%−99% / −100%
CARSCars.com Inc.682.5 m22.47.4%4.7%+0.6%+10% / −32%
IBEXIBEX Limited593.6 m14.330.4%7.2%+15.4%+27% / +152%
SOPHSOPHiA GENETICS SA477.3 m—-110.0%-102.2%+18.6%+42% / +73%
GRVYGravity Co., Ltd.475.7 m0.016.5%17.0%−31.0%+19% / −6%
SOHUSohu.com Limited355.1 m1.035.8%67.4%−2.4%−12% / +70%
MOVECorvex, Inc.176.9 m—-9.6%-623.5%−57.3%−17% / −93%
SSTKShutterstock, Inc.161.1 m—-43.4%-22.9%+5.8%−79% / −90%
TRAKRepositrak, Inc.132.7 m18.714.9%32.5%+3.0%−46% / −29%
GMHSGamehaus Holdings Inc.51.4 m8.511.8%4.1%−11.3%−35% / −93%
DDIDoubleDown Interactive Co., Ltd.34.1 m0.311.4%28.5%+5.5%+48% / +72%
SJScienjoy Holding Corporation23.5 m—-66.6%-47.3%−4.9%+28% / −68%

1- and 3-year price returns: for LZ from daily closes (the same as the performance table), for the other companies from month-end closes.

olivLaw engine forecast

The world engine ran after the company's latest material disclosure. Probabilities are of TOUCHING a level within the horizon (not closing there) and sit next to the random walk (p_rw), the no-information benchmark.

The engine has no published run for this company yet.

Valuation scenarios (editable assumptions)

Illustrative scenarios

Illustrative: not forecasts and without probabilities. Each case is one coherent set of assumptions, computed on today's figures.

Bear
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Base
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Bull
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Nothing is saved.

Estimated price (USD)

Estimated priceBearBaseBull
1 years
4.19
Total return -39% · Per year -39%
7.40
Total return 7% · Per year 7%
11.13
Total return 61% · Per year 61%
3 years
4.26
Total return -38% · Per year -15%
8.44
Total return 22% · Per year 7%
13.92
Total return 102% · Per year 26%
5 years
4.33
Total return -37% · Per year -9%
9.64
Total return 40% · Per year 7%
17.41
Total return 152% · Per year 20%
What moves the 3-year price the most
  • Exit P/E± 2.11
  • Net margin± 1.48
  • Annual revenue growth± 1.19
  • Annual dilution± 0.12

AI analysis

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 05 Aug 2026; since then the company filed 8-K (04 Nov 2026 · results), 10-Q (04 Nov 2026).

In brief

LegalZoom is an online platform for legal services for individuals and small businesses, combining technology with independent attorneys and its own law firm. In 2026 it faces a shift in how customers discover it, as organic traffic from traditional search declines while subscriptions grow and represented 65% of revenue in 2025 1.

SWOT

Strengths

  • Recognised brand and a large customer base built over many years, which supports traffic and trust in formations 1.
  • A high share of subscription revenue with steady growth, providing more predictable recurring revenue 3.
  • No debt outstanding and positive operating cash flow in the second quarter of 2026 3.

Weaknesses

  • Significant dependence on business formations, which fell in 2026 and are sensitive to the economic environment 12.
  • A history of net losses and a large accumulated deficit, although the company reported net income in the second quarter of 2026 13.
  • Vulnerability to changes in search algorithms, which have reduced organic traffic and raised acquisition costs 2.

Opportunities

  • Expansion into AI channels and partnerships, which could bring more qualified traffic if they develop 23.
  • Growth of higher-value DIFM offerings, which could raise subscription revenue if customers adopt them 1.
  • Existing small businesses that never formed through the platform represent a broad pool of potential customers 1.

Threats

  • A decline in company formations or in small business survival could reduce customer entry into the platform 1.
  • Entry of large platform companies or stronger online competition from traditional players could pressure prices and margins 1.
  • Changes in public policy and taxes on business registration could alter formation volumes 1.

Risks

  • Dependence on business formationshigh

    Formations are the largest transaction segment and fell in 2026, which could affect the entry point of customers into the ecosystem 12.

  • Changes in search discoveryhigh

    Google changes have reduced organic traffic and increased dependence on paid advertising, which could compress margins if acquisition costs rise 2.

  • Subscriber retentionmedium

    The company cannot accurately predict renewal rates, and a slowdown in subscription growth could affect results if the trend does not improve 1.

  • Integration and restructuringmedium

    The restructuring and the integration of Formation Nation carry costs and operational risks, which could affect service quality if poorly managed 12.

  • Volatility of quarterly resultslow

    Results vary considerably from quarter to quarter because of seasonality and the macroeconomic environment, making performance hard to anticipate 1.

Investment thesis

What would need to be true (bull case)

  • If human-supported subscriptions keep growing at double-digit rates and AI channels develop, the company could stabilise revenue and expand margins, as recent results suggest 3.
  • The brand, customer volume and debt-free balance sheet give flexibility to invest in acquisition and new products, which could support long-term growth if they work 13.
  • Restructuring and cost control could improve adjusted profitability if revenue stays within guidance 23.

What would break the thesis

  • Guidance for 2026 was lowered and the decline in organic traffic shows that an important acquisition channel is unreliable, which could slow growth 23.
  • Dependence on business formations, which fell in the second quarter, remains a vulnerability, especially if the economic environment worsens 12.
  • A history of losses and a large accumulated deficit could limit the company's capacity to fund investment if profitability does not consolidate 1.

What to watch

  • Subscription revenue and subscription units versus the 795 to 805 million dollar revenue guidanceQ3 2026
  • Effects of the restructuring on costs and adjusted EBITDA marginQ3 2026
  • Trend in organic traffic and acquisition cost after search changes2027
  • Pace of business formations and whether partnerships offset the search declinenext 10-K

Products, market & competition

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 05 Aug 2026; since then the company filed 8-K (04 Nov 2026 · results), 10-Q (04 Nov 2026).

The business

LegalZoom offers business formation, compliance, intellectual property protection and ongoing business management, through both transaction products and subscriptions. It operates in all 50 U.S. states and over 3,000 counties 1, and customers typically start with a formation product that the company then tries to convert into a long-term subscription. At period end for the second quarter of 2026 there were 1,892 thousand subscription units, against 1,955 thousand a year earlier 3. The company acquired Formation Nation in February 2025 to cover low-cost formation under the Inc Authority brand 1.

The model pairs a technology platform using artificial intelligence and automation with human experts: attorneys in the independent network, concierge managers, and staff for virtual mail and registered agent services 1. This allows cheap DIY offerings alongside higher-priced DIFM services, which the company is currently pushing.

In August 2026 the company committed to a restructuring that reduces its workforce by about 13% and aims at a more agile, AI-native organisation 2.

Segments

Subscriptions

Subscriptions include registered agent, compliance, legal advice through legal plans, legal forms, concierge services and virtual mail. Subscription revenue grew 11% in the second quarter of 2026, to 133.4 million dollars, driven mainly by human-in-the-loop offerings and pricing changes 3.

Transactions

Transaction products include formation of LLCs, corporations and nonprofits, trademarks, patents and wills. Transaction revenue fell 1% in the second quarter of 2026, to 71.9 million dollars, as business formations declined 3.

Market context

The online legal services market for small businesses is fragmented, and the company says the number of small businesses in the U.S. is very large and many must remain compliant with federal and state rules 1. However, the opportunity depends on the company's ability to reach new discovery channels, because formations, the traditional entry point, are sensitive to the economic cycle and policy.

Competition includes online formation and registered agent providers, traditional law firms and solo attorneys, online legal document services and secretaries of state, and potentially large platform companies that could develop competing solutions 1.

Trends

  • Shift in customer discoveryheadwind

    Changes in Google search algorithms and the prominence of AI-generated summaries have reduced organic traffic, and the company acknowledges greater reliance on paid advertising 2. If these changes persist, acquisition costs could rise.

  • AI platforms as a new channeltailwind

    The company has partnered with AI companies and invests in educational content visible in AI answer engines, which could bring more qualified traffic if these channels grow 13.

  • Growth of human-supported subscriptionstailwind

    Subscription revenue has grown at double-digit rates for five consecutive quarters, supported by DIFM services and higher prices, making the company less dependent on formations 3.

  • Decline in business formationsheadwind

    Formations fell in the second quarter of 2026 and are the largest transaction segment, so any economic or regulatory slowdown could affect them directly 12.

Competitive position

The company competes with online formation and registered agent providers, traditional and solo law firms, online legal document services and secretaries of state, and over time large platform companies could enter 1. Its advantages are brand recognition, customer volume and its attorney network, but because of rules on unauthorised practice of law, direct advice is limited to structures such as the Arizona law firm and the legal plan network 1.

  • Traditional law firms and solo attorneys

    Provide direct legal advice and face structural barriers to technological adaptation, although some are developing their own online services 1.

  • Online business formation and registered agent providers

    Compete directly for formations and registered agent services, which are the customer's entry points 1.

  • Online legal document services

    Offer standardised documents and compete on price and ease of use, with a focus on simpler products 1.

  • Large platform companies

    Could develop or partner to offer competing technology solutions, a risk that remains hypothetical for now 1.

News & filings

In the press

The latest news item in our archive is from 23 Sept 2026; the newest SEC filing is from 04 Nov 2026. The press archive comes from the RSS feeds we follow and does not necessarily cover the latest event — the filings alongside do.

SEC filings

Sources

  1. [1] Form 10-K, fiscal year ended 2025-12-31 · SEC / LegalZoom.com, Inc. · 23 Feb 2026
  2. [2] Form 10-Q, quarter ended 2026-06-30 · SEC / LegalZoom.com, Inc. · 05 Aug 2026
  3. [3] Form 8-K, results release (exhibit 99.1) · SEC / LegalZoom.com, Inc. · 05 Aug 2026

Figures computed by olivLaw from SEC filings and closing prices; the qualitative analysis is AI-generated from cited sources. Not investment advice.