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Contingencies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2021
Loss Contingency [Abstract]  
Contingencies

9. CONTINGENCIES

An accrual for estimated legal fees and settlements of $1.6 million and $1.0 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, is presented within other current liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, at least quarterly, developments in our legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that was previously accrued and make adjustments as further information develops, circumstances change or contingencies are resolved. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount. We may be unable to estimate a possible loss or range of possible loss due to various reasons, including, among others: (1) if the damages sought are indeterminate; (2) if the proceedings are in early stages; (3) if there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals, motions or settlements; (4) if there are

significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; and (5) if there are novel or unsettled legal theories presented. In such instances, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any.

We receive informal requests from state attorneys general and other government agencies relating to specific complaints they have received from students or former students which seek information about the student, our programs and other matters relating to our activities in the relevant state. These requests can be broad and time consuming to respond to, and there is a risk that they could expand and/or lead to a formal inquiry or investigation into our practices in a particular state. We are subject to a variety of other claims, lawsuits, arbitrations and investigations that arise from time to time out of the conduct of our business, including, but not limited to, matters involving prospective students, students or graduates, alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, both individually and on behalf of a putative class, and employment matters. Periodically matters arise that we consider outside the scope of ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business. While we currently believe that these matters, individually or in aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, and management’s view of these matters may change in the future. Were an unfavorable final outcome to occur in any one or more of these matters, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, reputation, financial position and cash flows.

Contingent Consideration for Business Acquisitions

We recorded preliminary contingent consideration amounts for the DigitalCrafts and Hippo acquisitions in the aggregate amount of $3.2 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2021. This aggregate amount is preliminary as we are in the process of finalizing third party valuation reports in conjunction with the purchase price allocations for these acquisitions. Pursuant to the acquisition agreements, post-closing contingent consideration payments are expected to be paid in early 2024 based upon the achievement of certain financial metrics, with an aggregate maximum amount of $6.5 million.