WeightWatchers 2009 Annual Report Download - page 28

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CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for historical information contained herein, this Annual Report on Form 10-K includes “forward-
looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, including, in particular,
the statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the headings “Business” and “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We have generally used the words
“may,” “will,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “intend” and similar expressions in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein to identify forward-
looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current views with respect to future
events and financial performance. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-
looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions,
including, among other things:
• competition from other weight management industry participants or the development of more effective
or more favorably perceived weight management methods;
• our ability to continue to develop innovative new services and products and enhance our existing
services and products, or the failure of our services and products to continue to appeal to the market;
• the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs;
• the impact on the Weight Watchers brand of actions taken by our franchisees and licensees;
• risks and uncertainties associated with our international operations, including economic, political and
social risks and foreign currency risks;
• our ability to successfully make acquisitions or enter into joint ventures, including our ability to
successfully integrate, operate or realize the projected benefits of such businesses;
• uncertainties related to a downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence;
• the seasonal nature of our business;
• the impact of events that discourage people from gathering with others;
• our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights both domestically and internationally, as well as
the impact of our involvement in any claims related to intellectual property rights;
• uncertainties regarding the satisfactory operation of our information technology or systems;
• risks associated with unauthorized penetration of our information security;
• the impact of disputes with our franchise operators;
• the impact of existing and future laws and regulations;
• the impact of our debt service obligations and restrictive debt covenants;
• the possibility that the interests of our majority owner will conflict with other holders of our common
stock; and
• other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. You should understand that many
important factors, including those discussed under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” could cause our results to differ materially from
those expressed or suggested in any forward-looking statement. Except as required by law, we do not undertake
any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or
circumstances that occur after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events or otherwise.
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