Cases
GoodRx Holdings, Inc.
Corporate Governance / Derivative
Overview
Overview
- Date:
- 9/25/2024
- Company Name:
- GoodRx Holdings, Inc.
- Stock Symbol:
- GDRX
- Class Period:
- FROM 9/23/2020 TO 11/8/2022
- Status:
- Filed
- Filing Date:
- 4/22/2024
- Court:
- U.S. District Court: Central California
Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm, is investigating potential claims against GoodRx Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: GDRX) on behalf of long-term stockholders following a class action complaint that was filed against GoodRx on April 22, 2024 with a Class Period from September 23, 2020, to November 8, 2022. Our investigation concerns whether the board of directors of GoodRx have breached their fiduciary duties to the company.
GoodRx operates a price comparison platform for prescription drugs which, in many cases, offers consumers access to lower prices (through discount codes and coupons) for their medications. GoodRx generates most of its revenue from contracts with pharmacy benefit managers (“PBMs”) who agree to pay GoodRx a commission on prescription drug purchases made by consumers who use GoodRx’s discount codes and coupons at participating pharmacies. GoodRx also generates a portion of its revenue from subscription plans like the “Kroger Rx Savings Club,” which provides “access [to] lower prescription prices at” pharmacies operated by The Kroger Co. (“Kroger”).
The complaint alleges that in connection with GoodRx’s initial public offering on September 23, 2020, and throughout the remainder of the Class Period, Defendants continuously touted the Company’s strong relationships with pharmacies as a significant element of its business plan. Among other things, GoodRx repeatedly highlighted the Kroger Rx Savings Club. Critically, however, Defendants never informed investors of the material risk that Kroger, which accounted for nearly 25% of GoodRx’s prescription transactions revenue, could unilaterally refuse to accept GoodRx’s discounts.
According to the filed complaint, investors began to learn the truth about the risks of GoodRx’s over-dependence on Kroger (including the risk that, notwithstanding the Kroger Rx Savings Club, Kroger could unilaterally refuse to accept GoodRx’s discounts) on May 9, 2022, when GoodRx revealed that, late in the first quarter of 2022, “a grocery chain had taken actions that impacted acceptance of discounts from most PBMs for a subset of drugs” and that this “impacted the acceptance of many PBM discounts for certain drugs at this grocer’s stores.” GoodRx further acknowledged that this disruption “could have an estimated revenue impact of roughly $30 million” in the second quarter of 2022—resulting in the Company announcing disappointing second quarter 2022 revenue guidance of only about $190 million.
On this news, the price of GoodRx common stock plummeted $2.78 per share, or more than 25%, from a close of $10.75 per share on May 9, 2022, to close at $7.97 per share on May 10, 2022.
On November 8, 2022, Defendants provided further information on the severity of the revenue impact from the Kroger disruption—with the Company estimating that the “impact of the grocer issue on third quarter [prescription transactions revenue] was approximately $40 million” and that the Company expected “a combined $45 million to $50 million estimated impact to prescription transactions revenue” for the fourth quarter of 2022. Defendants further acknowledged that the Company was seeking to enter into contractual relationships with pharmacies to prevent similar disruptions from occurring in the future.
On this news, the price of GoodRx common stock declined an additional $1.18 per share, or more than 22%, from a close of $5.24 per share on November 8, 2022, to close at $4.06 per share on November 9, 2022.
The Complaint further alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose that: (1) while Kroger accounted for less than 5% of the pharmacies accepting GoodRx discounts, Kroger was responsible for nearly 25% of GoodRx’s total prescription transactions revenue (the Company’s primary revenue stream); and (2) Kroger could unilaterally cease accepting GoodRx discounts, cutting off some or all of GoodRx’s revenues for purchases at Kroger’s pharmacies; and (3) as a result, Defendants’ representations about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
If you are a long-term stockholder of GoodRx, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at investigations@bespc.com, by telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out the form below. There is no cost or obligation to you.
GoodRx operates a price comparison platform for prescription drugs which, in many cases, offers consumers access to lower prices (through discount codes and coupons) for their medications. GoodRx generates most of its revenue from contracts with pharmacy benefit managers (“PBMs”) who agree to pay GoodRx a commission on prescription drug purchases made by consumers who use GoodRx’s discount codes and coupons at participating pharmacies. GoodRx also generates a portion of its revenue from subscription plans like the “Kroger Rx Savings Club,” which provides “access [to] lower prescription prices at” pharmacies operated by The Kroger Co. (“Kroger”).
The complaint alleges that in connection with GoodRx’s initial public offering on September 23, 2020, and throughout the remainder of the Class Period, Defendants continuously touted the Company’s strong relationships with pharmacies as a significant element of its business plan. Among other things, GoodRx repeatedly highlighted the Kroger Rx Savings Club. Critically, however, Defendants never informed investors of the material risk that Kroger, which accounted for nearly 25% of GoodRx’s prescription transactions revenue, could unilaterally refuse to accept GoodRx’s discounts.
According to the filed complaint, investors began to learn the truth about the risks of GoodRx’s over-dependence on Kroger (including the risk that, notwithstanding the Kroger Rx Savings Club, Kroger could unilaterally refuse to accept GoodRx’s discounts) on May 9, 2022, when GoodRx revealed that, late in the first quarter of 2022, “a grocery chain had taken actions that impacted acceptance of discounts from most PBMs for a subset of drugs” and that this “impacted the acceptance of many PBM discounts for certain drugs at this grocer’s stores.” GoodRx further acknowledged that this disruption “could have an estimated revenue impact of roughly $30 million” in the second quarter of 2022—resulting in the Company announcing disappointing second quarter 2022 revenue guidance of only about $190 million.
On this news, the price of GoodRx common stock plummeted $2.78 per share, or more than 25%, from a close of $10.75 per share on May 9, 2022, to close at $7.97 per share on May 10, 2022.
On November 8, 2022, Defendants provided further information on the severity of the revenue impact from the Kroger disruption—with the Company estimating that the “impact of the grocer issue on third quarter [prescription transactions revenue] was approximately $40 million” and that the Company expected “a combined $45 million to $50 million estimated impact to prescription transactions revenue” for the fourth quarter of 2022. Defendants further acknowledged that the Company was seeking to enter into contractual relationships with pharmacies to prevent similar disruptions from occurring in the future.
On this news, the price of GoodRx common stock declined an additional $1.18 per share, or more than 22%, from a close of $5.24 per share on November 8, 2022, to close at $4.06 per share on November 9, 2022.
The Complaint further alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose that: (1) while Kroger accounted for less than 5% of the pharmacies accepting GoodRx discounts, Kroger was responsible for nearly 25% of GoodRx’s total prescription transactions revenue (the Company’s primary revenue stream); and (2) Kroger could unilaterally cease accepting GoodRx discounts, cutting off some or all of GoodRx’s revenues for purchases at Kroger’s pharmacies; and (3) as a result, Defendants’ representations about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
If you are a long-term stockholder of GoodRx, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at investigations@bespc.com, by telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out the form below. There is no cost or obligation to you.
The individual or institution below (“Plaintiff”) has reviewed and agrees to the Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. (“BESPC”) retainer agreement and authorizes BESPC to prosecute an action on Plaintiff’s behalf under the federal securities laws or applicable state laws to recover damages on behalf of investors in GoodRx Holdings. BESPC will prosecute the action on a full contingency basis and will forward all costs and expenses.
Case Updates
Retainer Agreement
This will confirm that you have retained Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. (“BESPC”) to represent you in connection with potential litigation against GoodRx Holdings (the “Company”) and its directors and officers. BESPC has conducted an investigation and believes that there is a valid basis to assert claims against the Company and its directors and/or officers for breach of fiduciary duties and other applicable laws.
In making this agreement, BESPC is relying upon your representation that you held the Company’s shares during the period from 9/23/2020 to 11/8/2022 (the “Relevant Period”) and that you continue to hold Company shares. Please provide us with documentation of your trading history in the Company’s stock by emailing a relevant copies of your brokerage statements to investigations@bespc.com. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call us at (212) 308-5858.
The terms under which we will represent you and your responsibilities as a potential representative plaintiff are set forth below.
You will have an obligation to remain knowledgeable about the litigation and participate in decisions concerning the progress of the litigation. If BESPC is appointed as lead counsel or in a similar capacity in the action, we will provide you with copies of all pleadings in the litigation for your review and approval, circumstances permitting, before they are filed with the court. BESPC will also promptly advise you of any significant developments in the litigation.
As a representative plaintiff, you cannot have any interest antagonistic to or in conflict with other shareholders or the Company concerning the claims we are pursuing or any relationships with any of the named defendants that would in any way impair your ability or incentive to obtain the best possible result. You agree that neither you nor any of your affiliates or agents will trade stocks while in the possession of any material non-public information you may receive in connection with the litigation. In addition, as a representative plaintiff, you may be required to continue holding Company shares. Please contact us before buying or selling Company shares.
BESPC will prosecute this litigation on a contingency basis. You will not be responsible for paying any legal fees, costs, or out-of-pocket expenses arising out of or related to the prosecution of this litigation, regardless of the outcome of the matter. If there is a monetary recovery in this action, BESPC will, at the conclusion of the litigation or any segment thereof, apply to the court for approval of an award of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses. BESPC may also seek a fee if we obtain substantial non-monetary relief for the Class or the Company. The court will then award fees and disbursements (if any) from the proceeds of any judgment or settlement obtained in this litigation, based on factors considered relevant by the court. Such fees, costs, and disbursements will be paid from the entire settlement amount and not only from your share of the settlement amount.
BESPC may associate with other counsel to assist in the prosecution of this litigation. Any recovery of fees and costs will be shared with such counsel, determined on a percentage basis or based upon the time spent on the matter, as approved by the court if applicable. The division of work and or fees among co-counsel will not affect the amount of fees received upon a successful completion of the litigation. From time to time, BESPC may utilize contract attorneys to supplement the work of its own employed attorneys. BESPC will supervise the work of all contract attorneys and adopt their work product as its own. You authorize BESPC, as we deem appropriate, to associate with other counsel and to hire experts and consultants to assist in the handling of your claims.
It is possible that you will not be appointed as a lead plaintiff in the action. However, we may wish to represent you in other litigation related to the wrongful acts giving rise to this case. In such event, we will contact you to discuss the scope of such representation and obtain your approval before moving forward. You also agree that we may contact you with respect to other potential matters on your behalf.
BESPC will consult with you regarding any settlement negotiations and seek to obtain your approval for any proposed resolution of this litigation before entering into a final settlement agreement with defendants.
You expressly acknowledge that we have not made any representation to you, express or implied, concerning the outcome of any litigation or other matter in which we represent you.
If you are not chosen as a representative plaintiff and we do not choose to pursue other related litigation on your behalf, we will provide you with notification and this Agreement shall terminate. Otherwise, this Agreement shall remain in effect until the conclusion of the relevant litigation. However, you may terminate this Agreement at any time.
Upon termination, BESPC’s files and papers compiled in connection with its investigation and prosecution of this matter constitute the work product and property of BESPC over which it has complete control with respect to its use and/or disclosure.
This agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all other oral or written communications.
Please feel free to contact us at any time should you have any questions or comments in this regard.
In making this agreement, BESPC is relying upon your representation that you held the Company’s shares during the period from 9/23/2020 to 11/8/2022 (the “Relevant Period”) and that you continue to hold Company shares. Please provide us with documentation of your trading history in the Company’s stock by emailing a relevant copies of your brokerage statements to investigations@bespc.com. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call us at (212) 308-5858.
The terms under which we will represent you and your responsibilities as a potential representative plaintiff are set forth below.
Your Responsibilities as a Representative Plaintiff
As a representative plaintiff, you will have a duty to represent the interests of similarly situated shareholders and to participate in the prosecution of this litigation. You may also be asked to provide documents concerning your trading in Company stock and may be asked to sit for a deposition. Accordingly, you should preserve all documents that relate to this case until it has concluded or we inform you otherwise. Relevant documents include any information you have about the Company or your trading in Company stock, no matter how it is recorded or who is keeping it for you. If you have any questions about whether information should be retained, please contact us.You will have an obligation to remain knowledgeable about the litigation and participate in decisions concerning the progress of the litigation. If BESPC is appointed as lead counsel or in a similar capacity in the action, we will provide you with copies of all pleadings in the litigation for your review and approval, circumstances permitting, before they are filed with the court. BESPC will also promptly advise you of any significant developments in the litigation.
As a representative plaintiff, you cannot have any interest antagonistic to or in conflict with other shareholders or the Company concerning the claims we are pursuing or any relationships with any of the named defendants that would in any way impair your ability or incentive to obtain the best possible result. You agree that neither you nor any of your affiliates or agents will trade stocks while in the possession of any material non-public information you may receive in connection with the litigation. In addition, as a representative plaintiff, you may be required to continue holding Company shares. Please contact us before buying or selling Company shares.
Contingency Fee and Advancement of Expenses
BESPC will prosecute this litigation on a contingency basis. You will not be responsible for paying any legal fees, costs, or out-of-pocket expenses arising out of or related to the prosecution of this litigation, regardless of the outcome of the matter. If there is a monetary recovery in this action, BESPC will, at the conclusion of the litigation or any segment thereof, apply to the court for approval of an award of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses. BESPC may also seek a fee if we obtain substantial non-monetary relief for the Class or the Company. The court will then award fees and disbursements (if any) from the proceeds of any judgment or settlement obtained in this litigation, based on factors considered relevant by the court. Such fees, costs, and disbursements will be paid from the entire settlement amount and not only from your share of the settlement amount.
Association with Counsel
BESPC may associate with other counsel to assist in the prosecution of this litigation. Any recovery of fees and costs will be shared with such counsel, determined on a percentage basis or based upon the time spent on the matter, as approved by the court if applicable. The division of work and or fees among co-counsel will not affect the amount of fees received upon a successful completion of the litigation. From time to time, BESPC may utilize contract attorneys to supplement the work of its own employed attorneys. BESPC will supervise the work of all contract attorneys and adopt their work product as its own. You authorize BESPC, as we deem appropriate, to associate with other counsel and to hire experts and consultants to assist in the handling of your claims.
Other Actions
It is possible that you will not be appointed as a lead plaintiff in the action. However, we may wish to represent you in other litigation related to the wrongful acts giving rise to this case. In such event, we will contact you to discuss the scope of such representation and obtain your approval before moving forward. You also agree that we may contact you with respect to other potential matters on your behalf.No Special Treatment
You understand that in the event we secure a recovery, you will not receive any special treatment or receive a greater share of any recovery based on your service as a named plaintiff. However, we may ask the Court to approve an additional award to you to compensate you for the time and effort you expend on this matter. Any such award is solely within the discretion of the Court.
Settlement
BESPC will consult with you regarding any settlement negotiations and seek to obtain your approval for any proposed resolution of this litigation before entering into a final settlement agreement with defendants.
No Guarantee of Success
You expressly acknowledge that we have not made any representation to you, express or implied, concerning the outcome of any litigation or other matter in which we represent you.
Termination of This Agreement
If you are not chosen as a representative plaintiff and we do not choose to pursue other related litigation on your behalf, we will provide you with notification and this Agreement shall terminate. Otherwise, this Agreement shall remain in effect until the conclusion of the relevant litigation. However, you may terminate this Agreement at any time. Upon termination, BESPC’s files and papers compiled in connection with its investigation and prosecution of this matter constitute the work product and property of BESPC over which it has complete control with respect to its use and/or disclosure.
This agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all other oral or written communications.
Please feel free to contact us at any time should you have any questions or comments in this regard.