tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
LegalZoom (LZ)
NASDAQ:LZ

LegalZoom (LZ) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
109 Followers

Top Page

LZ

LegalZoom

(NASDAQ:LZ)

67Neutral
LegalZoom's overall score is bolstered by strong financial performance and strategic initiatives, such as the acquisition of Formation Nation and stock buybacks, which underline its growth potential. However, high valuation metrics and bearish technical indicators present challenges, tempering the overall score.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
EBITDA came in higher than expected due to higher revenue and ongoing fixed-cost efficiencies.
Revenue Growth
Subscription revenue accelerated to growth of 8% year-over-year, driven by 158,000 net unit additions.
Strategic Focus
LegalZoom's strategic decision to partner with businesses for non-core products allows it to offer superior services while focusing on its core offerings.
Negative Factors
Growth Limitations
Analyst sees less room for margin expansion as management invests in accelerating subscription growth.
Market Performance
Business Formations were down 15% year-over-year, attributed to a softer macroeconomic environment and a shift in focus towards higher value customers.
Revenue Impact
The discontinuation of LZ Tax and BOIR requirements is expected to create a four-point headwind to growth.

LegalZoom (LZ) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

LegalZoom Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLegalZoom.com, Inc. operates an online platform for legal and compliance solutions in the United States. The company's platform offers products and services, including business formations, creating estate planning documents, protecting intellectual property, completing certain forms and agreements, providing access to independent attorney advice, and connecting customers with experts for tax preparation and bookkeeping services. It serves small businesses and individuals. LegalZoom.com, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Glendale, California.
How the Company Makes MoneyLegalZoom generates revenue primarily through its subscription-based services and transactional legal document services. Customers can purchase various legal documents and services on a one-time basis or subscribe to ongoing legal services through monthly or annual plans. These subscriptions often include access to attorney advice, legal forms, and compliance tools. Additionally, LegalZoom partners with legal professionals and firms to offer more comprehensive legal services, earning commissions or referral fees. The company's revenue is significantly supported by its strong brand presence, user-friendly platform, and strategic marketing efforts to attract and retain customers.

LegalZoom Financial Statement Overview

Summary
LegalZoom exhibits a strong financial position with consistent revenue growth, improved profitability, and robust cash flow management. The balance sheet reflects low leverage, although equity reliance could be improved. Overall, LegalZoom is well-positioned financially within the corporate services industry.
Income Statement
75
Positive
LegalZoom has shown a strong improvement in profitability with a net profit margin of 4.39% in the latest year compared to earlier losses. Gross profit margin is robust at 64.77%, indicating efficient cost management. Revenue growth has been consistent, with a 3.20% increase from the previous year.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The company has a conservative debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, reflecting a low leverage position. However, the equity ratio stands at 24.95%, which suggests reliance on liabilities. ROE improved to 32.12%, demonstrating enhanced shareholder returns.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
LegalZoom's free cash flow grew by 7.80%, showcasing strong cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is high at 4.53, indicating efficient conversion of income to cash. The company's free cash flow to net income ratio is 3.34, reflecting strong cash flow relative to net earnings.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
681.88M660.73M619.98M575.08M470.64M
Gross Profit
441.79M421.46M408.88M385.72M316.07M
EBIT
35.58M21.06M-41.49M-84.15M48.93M
EBITDA
80.59M60.06M-41.74M-79.07M71.90M
Net Income Common Stockholders
29.96M13.95M-48.73M-108.66M9.90M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
142.06M225.72M189.08M239.30M114.47M
Total Assets
373.88M447.82M405.39M431.01M252.06M
Total Debt
7.88M9.02M11.28M0.00515.39M
Net Debt
-134.19M-216.70M-177.81M-239.30M400.92M
Total Liabilities
280.63M278.98M263.02M233.46M802.70M
Stockholders Equity
93.26M168.83M142.38M197.55M-550.63M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
99.94M92.72M51.74M42.41M82.46M
Operating Cash Flow
135.64M124.31M73.84M54.15M93.05M
Investing Cash Flow
-35.70M-31.55M-30.62M-77.67M-12.73M
Financing Cash Flow
-183.28M-56.15M-93.34M123.36M-15.09M

LegalZoom Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price9.42
Price Trends
50DMA
8.34
Positive
100DMA
8.42
Positive
200DMA
7.69
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.15
Negative
RSI
73.81
Negative
STOCH
84.86
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For LZ, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 9.42 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 7.42, above the 50-day MA of 8.34, and above the 200-day MA of 7.69, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.15 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 73.81 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 84.86 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for LZ.

LegalZoom Risk Analysis

LegalZoom disclosed 40 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. LegalZoom reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

LegalZoom Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
UNUNF
81
Outperform
$3.31B23.057.17%0.74%5.04%31.69%
FAFA
74
Outperform
$3.07B549.40-13.59%37.97%-499.29%
ABABM
74
Outperform
$3.20B40.524.46%1.93%2.81%-67.57%
MMMMS
74
Outperform
$4.24B14.9817.36%1.59%5.29%31.95%
CBCBZ
73
Outperform
$4.03B50.356.25%32.27%-40.50%
LZLZ
67
Neutral
$1.71B54.9617.09%3.25%56.17%
64
Neutral
$4.36B12.055.23%249.94%4.13%-10.23%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
LZ
LegalZoom
9.42
-0.18
-1.87%
ABM
ABM Industries
51.37
6.31
14.00%
CBZ
CBIZ
74.02
-2.79
-3.63%
MMS
Maximus
76.80
-8.60
-10.07%
UNF
UniFirst
185.40
20.46
12.40%
FA
First Advantage
18.32
2.20
13.65%

LegalZoom Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 07, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 29.93%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 07, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlights a solid financial performance with positive revenue and subscription growth despite macroeconomic challenges. The company successfully integrated Formation Nation, contributing to revenue, and maintained a strong cash position. However, there were challenges with weaker business formations, ARPU decline, and macroeconomic uncertainties affecting growth projections. The overall sentiment is balanced, with both positive and negative aspects considered.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue and Subscription Growth
First quarter revenue of $183 million increased 5% year-over-year, with subscription revenue growing 8% year-over-year from compliance-related and virtual mail subscriptions.
Adjusted EBITDA Performance
First quarter adjusted EBITDA of $37 million exceeded expectations, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 20%, benefiting from strong revenue performance and cost efficiencies.
Formation Nation Integration Success
Formation Nation contributed approximately $8.6 million in revenues in the first quarter, and early integration efforts are promising.
Strong Cash Position
Ended the quarter with $210 million in cash and cash equivalents, with no debt, and generated free cash flow of $41 million, up 67% compared to $25 million in 2024.
Growth in Subscription Units
Approximately 1.9 million subscription units at the end of the quarter, a 20% increase driven by bundling forms and e-signature and bookkeeping subscriptions.
Negative Updates
Weaker Business Formations
Business formations decreased by 6% year-over-year due to a softer business formations macro and a focus on quality share acquisition.
ARPU Decline
Average revenue per user (ARPU) was $252 for the quarter, down 7% due to a shift towards lower-priced subscription offerings and a decrease in higher-priced tax subscriptions.
Macroeconomic Uncertainty
Census EIN applications fell 5% year-over-year, and the company adjusted assumptions for business formations to decline mid- to high single digits due to uncertain economic conditions.
Elimination of BOIR Filing Requirement
FinCEN ruling eliminated the BOIR filing requirement for U.S. companies, impacting transaction revenue growth.
Pressure on Marketing Spend
Increased marketing spend by 9% year-over-year, with adjustments to account for shifts in economic conditions and reduced upfront marketing commitments.
Company Guidance
In the LegalZoom First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company reported strong performance, exceeding its guidance with $183 million in revenue, a 5% year-over-year increase, and a subscription revenue growth of 8%, attributed to pricing strategies and the introduction of higher-value subscriptions. The adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $37 million, with a margin of 20%, demonstrating effective cost management. LegalZoom reiterated its full-year revenue growth outlook of 5% and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23%, projecting an adjusted EBITDA of approximately $165 million. Despite challenges in the macroeconomic environment, including a projected decline in Census EIN applications, the company remains confident in achieving double-digit subscription revenue growth by Q4 2025, driven by strategic shifts towards quality share acquisition and subscription-based offerings. The acquisition of Formation Nation contributed $8.6 million in revenue, and LegalZoom continues to leverage partnerships and technology innovations to enhance its market position and ensure long-term growth.

LegalZoom Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesM&A TransactionsStock BuybackBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
LegalZoom Expands Stock Buyback Program by $100 Million
Positive
May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, LegalZoom announced a $100 million increase in its stock repurchase program, bringing the total authorization to $315 million, with $150 million available for future repurchases. This move reflects confidence in its financial health following a strong first quarter in 2025, where revenue grew by 5% year-over-year to $183.1 million, driven by an 8% increase in subscription revenue. LegalZoom’s acquisition of Formation Nation and the appointment of a new Chief Technology Officer are expected to enhance its service offerings and technological capabilities.

Spark’s Take on LZ Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, LZ is a Neutral.

LegalZoom’s overall score is bolstered by strong financial performance and strategic initiatives highlighted in the earnings call and corporate events. However, the stock’s high valuation and bearish technical indicators present challenges.

To see Spark’s full report on LZ stock, click here.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
LegalZoom Reports Strong Q4 2024 Financial Results
Positive
Feb 26, 2025

LegalZoom reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, with revenue and net income exceeding expectations. The company announced a 5% revenue growth guidance for 2025 and plans to expand margins, supported by the acquisition of Formation Nation to bolster its growth strategy.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.