Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.
Clean Energy Technologies disclosed 32 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Clean Energy Technologies reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q3, 2024
Risk Distribution
34% Finance & Corporate
19% Legal & Regulatory
19% Production
13% Ability to Sell
9% Macro & Political
6% Tech & Innovation
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
2022
Q4
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Clean Energy Technologies Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q3, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 11 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 11 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
32
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
32
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2024
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2024
Number of Risk Changed
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Clean Energy Technologies in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 32
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 11/32 (34%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights5 | 15.6%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Our operating results and share price may be volatile and the market price of our common stock after this offering may drop below the price you pay.
Our quarterly operating results have in the past fluctuated and are likely to do so in the future. As a result, the trading price of the shares of our common stock following this offering is likely to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. In addition to the factors discussed in this "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in this Offering Circular, these factors include:
- the success of competitive products or technologies; - actual or anticipated changes in our growth rate relative to our competitors; - announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, collaborations or capital commitments; - regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries;- the recruitment or departure of key personnel; - the level of expenses; - changes in our backlog in a given period; - actual or anticipated changes in estimates as to financial results, development timelines or recommendations by securities analysts; - variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us; - fluctuations in the valuation of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us; - inconsistent trading volume levels of our shares; - announcement or expectation of additional financing efforts; - sales of our common stock by us, our insiders or our other stockholders; - market conditions in the clean energy sector; and - general economic, industry and market conditions.
These and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, may cause our operating results and the market price and demand for our shares to fluctuate substantially. While we believe that operating results for any particular quarter are not necessarily a meaningful indication of future results, fluctuations in our quarterly operating results could limit or prevent investors from readily selling their shares and may otherwise negatively affect the market price and liquidity of our shares. In addition, the stock market in general, and companies in our markets in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. Broad market and industry factors may negatively affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. The realization of any of these risks or any of a broad range of other risks, including those described in these "Risk Factors," could have a dramatic and material adverse impact on the market price of the shares of our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
We may make acquisitions that are dilutive to existing stockholders. In addition, our limited experience in acquiring other businesses, product lines and technologies may make it difficult for us to overcome problems encountered in connection with any acquisitions we may undertake.
We intend to evaluate and explore strategic opportunities as they arise, including business combinations, strategic partnerships, and the purchase, licensing or sale of assets. In connection with any such future transaction, we could issue dilutive equity securities, incur substantial debt, reduce our cash reserves or assume contingent liabilities.
Our experience in acquiring other businesses, product lines and technologies is limited. Our inability to overcome problems encountered in connection with any acquisitions could divert the attention of management, utilize scarce corporate resources and otherwise harm our business. Any potential future acquisitions also involve numerous risks, including:
- problems assimilating the purchased operations, technologies or products; - costs associated with the acquisition; - adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers; - risks associated with entering markets in which we have no or limited prior experience; - potential loss of key employees of purchased organizations; and - potential litigation arising from the acquired company's operations before the acquisition.
Furthermore, acquisitions may require material charges and could result in adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation, deferred compensation charges, in-process research and development charges, the amortization of amounts related to deferred compensation and identifiable purchased intangible assets or impairment of goodwill, any of which could negatively affect our results of operations.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Our issuance of additional capital stock in connection with financings, acquisitions, investments, our equity incentive plans, or otherwise will dilute all other stockholders.
We expect to issue additional capital stock in the future that will result in dilution to all other stockholders. We expect to grant equity awards to employees, directors, and consultants under our equity incentive plans. We may also raise capital through equity financings in the future. As part of our business strategy, we may acquire or make investments in complementary companies, products, or technologies, and issue equity securities to pay for any such acquisition or investment. Any such issuances of additional capital stock may cause stockholders to experience significant dilution of their ownership interests and the per share value of our common stock to decline.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
We have issued a substantial amount of convertible securities which if converted will substantially dilute all of our stockholders.
We have issued a substantial number of convertible securities which, if converted, would result in substantial dilution to our stockholders:
Convertible Notes - and Approximate common share equivalents 1,293,801 Series E preferred shares 1,857,590 Warrants and Common Stock equivalent's 70,104 Total Convertible Common Stock equivalents 2,376,821
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Our principal shareholders, directors and executive officers, in the aggregate, beneficially own more than 50% of our outstanding common stock and these shareholders, if acting together, will be able to exert substantial influence over all matters requiring approval of our shareholders.
Our principal shareholders, directors and executive officers in the aggregate, beneficially own more than 50% our outstanding common stock on a fully diluted basis. These shareholders, if acting together, will be able to exert substantial influence over all matters requiring approval of our shareholders, including amendments to our Articles of Incorporation, fundamental corporate transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, the sale of the company, and other matters involving the direction of our business and affairs and specifically the ability to determine the members of our board of directors. (See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Managements").
Debt & Financing5 | 15.6%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
The implementaion of our waste to energy joint ventures depends on us finding funding fo the projects.
In order to implement the ENEX system in our waste to energy joint ventures, we will need to finance directly or obtain third party financing for these projects. We cannot give any assurances that we will be able to directly finance these projects or be able to find a third party to provide financing to them. If we are not able to finance the projects we will not be able to implement our business plan in this sector.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
We are in default in our obligations to a major creditors our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by public health epidemics, including the coronavirus or COVID-19.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if a public health epidemic such as coronavirus or COVID-19 interferes with the ability of us, our employees, workers, contractors, suppliers, customers and other business partners to perform our and their respective responsibilities and obligations relative to the conduct of our business. We maintain offices in HaiXi with employees and workers upon whom we rely to, among other things, identify sources of supply in China, conduct factory inspections, place orders for merchandise, perform factory monitoring with respect to production, quality control and other requirements, and arrange shipping. A public health epidemic, including the coronavirus, poses the risk that we or our employees, workers, contractors, suppliers, customers and other business partners may be prevented from conducting business activities for an indefinite period of time, including due to shutdowns that may be requested or mandated by governmental authorities. We face similar risks if a public health epidemic, including the coronavirus, affects other geographic areas where our employees, workers, contractors, suppliers, customers and other business partners are located.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
We have an accumulated deficit and may incur additional losses; Therefore, we may not be able to obtain the additional financing needed for working capital, capital expenditures and to meet our debt service obligations.
As of December 31, 2023, we had current liabilities of $4,801526,297 and total current asset of 6,750,728.
Our debt could limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, or other purposes in the future, as needed; to plan for, or react to, changes in technology and in our business and competition; and to react in the event of an economic downturn.
We may not be able to meet our debt service obligations. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or obtain funds for required payments, or if we fail to comply with covenants in our revolving lines of credit, we will be in default.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
We may need to raise additional capital required to grow our business, and we may not be able to raise capital on terms acceptable to us or at all.
Growing and operating our business will require significant cash outlays and capital expenditures and commitments. We have utilized cash on hand and cash generated from operations as sources of liquidity. If cash on hand and cash generated from operations are not sufficient to meet our cash requirements, we will need to seek additional capital, potentially through equity or debt financing, to fund our growth. Our ability to access the credit and capital markets in the future as a source of liquidity, and the borrowing costs associated with such financing, are dependent upon market conditions.
In addition, any equity securities we issue, including any preferred stock, may be on terms that are dilutive or potentially dilutive to our stockholders, and the prices at which new investors would be willing to purchase our securities may be lower than the offering price per share of our Common Stock. The holders of any equity securities we issue, including any preferred stock, may also have rights, preferences or privileges which are senior to those of existing holders of Common Stock. If new sources of financing are required, but are insufficient or unavailable, we will be required to modify our growth and operating plans based on available funding, if any, which would harm our ability to grow our business.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
We may not have sufficent funds to conduct our trading operations in the prc.
We are funding our trading operations through cash flow generated by JHJ and from funds provided by our parent. If we or JHJ does not have sufficient funds, we may not be able to conduct trading operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth1 | 3.1%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Our revenue growth rate depends primarily on our ability to execute our business plan.
We may not be able to identify and maintain the necessary relationships within our industry. Our ability to execute our business plan also depends on other factors, including the ability to:
1. Negotiate and maintain contracts and agreements with acceptable terms;2. Hire and train qualified personnel;3. Maintain marketing and development costs at affordable rates; and,4. Maintain an affordable labor force.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 6/32 (19%)Below Sector Average
Regulation4 | 12.5%
Regulation - Risk 1
Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure will result in additional expenses.
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC regulations, have created uncertainty for public companies and significantly increased the costs and risks associated with accessing the public markets and public reporting. Our management team will need to invest significant management time and financial resources to comply with both existing and evolving standards for public companies, which will lead to increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue generating activities to compliance activities.
Regulation - Risk 2
We may be subject to government laws and regulations particular to our operations with which we may be unable to comply.
We may not be able to comply with all current and future government regulations which are applicable to our business. Our business operations are subject to all government regulations normally incident to conducting business (e.g., occupational safety and health acts, workmen's compensation statutes, unemployment insurance legislation, income tax, and social security laws and regulations, environmental laws and regulations, consumer safety laws and regulations, etc.) as well as to governmental laws and regulations applicable to small public companies and their capital formation efforts. Although we will make every effort to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we can provide no assurance of our ability to do so, nor can we predict the effect of those regulations on our proposed business activities. Our failure to comply with material regulatory requirements would likely have an adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business and could result in our cessation of active business operations.
Regulation - Risk 3
Prc regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by prc domestic residents may subject our prc resident beneficial owners to personal liability, limit our ability to inject capital into our prc subsidiaries, limit our subsidiaries' ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect us.
SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents' Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, on July 4, 2014, which replaced the former circular commonly known as "SAFE Circular 75" promulgated by SAFE on October 21, 2005. SAFE Circular 37 (the "SAFE Notice") requires PRC residents to register with local branches of SAFE regarding their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore entity, for overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents' legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests, referred to in SAFE Circular 37 as a "special purpose vehicle" (the "SPV"). SAFE Circular 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as increase or decrease of capital contributed by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event. Under the SAFE Notice, failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth above could result in liability under Chinese law for foreign exchange evasion and may result in penalties and legal sanctions, including fines, the imposition of restrictions on a Chinese subsidiary's foreign exchange activities and its ability to distribute dividends to the SPV, its ability to pay the SPV proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation in respect of the Chinese subsidiary and the SPV's ability to contribute additional capital into or provide loans to the Chinese subsidiary. After consultation with China counsel, we do not believe that any of our PRC domestic resident stockholders are subject to the SAFE registration requirement. However, we cannot provide any assurances that all our stockholders who are PRC residents will not be required to make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals required by these SAFE regulations in the future. The failure or inability of our PRC resident stockholders to comply with the registration procedures set forth therein may subject us to fines and legal sanctions, restrict our cross-border investment activities, or limit our PRC subsidiaries' ability to distribute dividends or obtain foreign-exchange-dominated loans to our company.
As it is uncertain how the SAFE regulations will be interpreted or implemented, we cannot predict how these regulations will affect our business operations or future strategy. For example, we may be subject to more stringent review and approval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the SAFE regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.
Regulation - Risk 4
Prc regulation of loans to and direct investment in prc entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from making loans or additional capital contributions to our chinese subsidiaries.
We are an offshore holding company conducting a portion of our operations in China. We may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries to the approval, registration, and filing with governmental authorities and limitation of amount, or we may make additional capital contributions to our subsidiaries in China and Hong Kong. Any loans to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China, which are treated as foreign-invested enterprises under PRC law, are subject to foreign exchange loan registrations
In light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals or filings on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans by us to our Hong Kong or PRC subsidiaries or with respect to future capital contributions by us to our Hong Kong or PRC subsidiaries. If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds from this Underwritten Offering and to capitalize or otherwise fund our Chinese operations may be negatively affected.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 3.1%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We may be subject to securities litigation, which is expensive and could divert management attention.
The market price of the shares of our common stock may be volatile, and in the past companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their securities have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management's attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.
Environmental / Social1 | 3.1%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
We are subject to environmental compliance risks and unexpected costs that we may incur with respect to environmental matters may result in additional loss contingencies, the quantification of which cannot be determined at this time.
We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including those governing the use, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous substances in the ordinary course of our manufacturing process. If more stringent compliance or cleanup standards under environmental laws or regulations are imposed, or the results of future testing and analyses at our current or former operating facilities indicate that we are responsible for the release of hazardous substances, we may be subject to additional remediation liability. Further, additional environmental matters may arise in the future at sites where no problem is currently known or at sites that we may acquire in the future. Currently unexpected costs that we may incur with respect to environmental matters may result in additional loss contingencies, the quantification of which cannot be determined at this time.
Production
Total Risks: 6/32 (19%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel2 | 6.3%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
If we lose key senior management personnel our business could be negatively affected. Further, we will need to recruit and retain additional skilled management personnel and if we are not able to do so, our business and our ability to continue to grow could be harmed.
Our success depends to a large extent upon the continued services of our executive officers. We could be seriously harmed by the loss of any of our executive officers. In order to manage our growth, we will need to recruit and retain additional skilled management personnel and if we are not able to do so, our business and our ability to continue to grow could be harmed. Although a number of companies in our industry have implemented workforce reductions, there remains substantial competition for highly skilled employees.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
We must hire qualified engineering, development and professional services personnel.
We cannot be certain that we can attract or retain a sufficient number of highly qualified mechanical engineers, industrial technology and manufacturing process developers and professional services personnel. To deploy our products quickly and efficiently, and effectively maintain and enhance them, we will require an increasing number of technology developers. We expect customers that license our technology will typically engage our professional engineering staff to assist with support, training, consulting and implementation. We believe that growth in sales depends on our ability to provide our customers with these services and to attract and educate third-party consultants to provide similar services. As a result, we plan to hire professional services personnel to meet these needs. New technical and professional services personnel will require training and education and it will take time for them to reach full productivity. To meet our needs for engineers and professional services personnel, we also may use costlier third-party contractors and consultants to supplement our own staff. Competition for qualified personnel is intense, particularly because our technology is specialized and only a limited number of individuals have acquired the needed skills. Additionally, we will rely on third-party implementation providers for these services. Our business may be harmed if we are unable to establish and maintain relationships with third-party implementation providers.
Supply Chain1 | 3.1%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
We may be adversely affected by shortages of required components. In addition, we depend on a limited number of suppliers to procure our parts for production which if availability of products becomes compromised it could add to our cost of goods sold and affect our revenue growth.
At various times, there have been shortages of some of the components that we use, as a result of strong demand for those components or problems experienced by suppliers. These unanticipated component shortages have resulted in curtailed production or delays in production, which prevented us from making scheduled shipments to customers in the past and may do so in the future. Our inability to make scheduled shipments could cause us to experience a reduction in our sales and an increase in our costs and could adversely affect our relationship with existing customers as well as prospective customers. Component shortages may also increase our cost of goods sold because we may be required to pay higher prices for components in short supply and redesign or reconfigure products to accommodate substitute components.
Costs3 | 9.4%
Costs - Risk 1
If the spot price of ng in china drops beliow the purchase price our traders netotiate with our suppliers, we may not be able to sell our lng or may have to sell it at a loss.
Our traders at JHJ purchase NG at a fixed price in large volumes. If the spot prices for NG drop below our purchase price, we may not be able to sell our NG to our customers or may have to sell the NG at a substantial loss. We do not purchase a sufficient volume of LNG to be able to hedge against price declines of this commodity. If we believe that NG prices are too high and we are unable to purchase because we believe that prices will drop, we will not have sufficient supply of NG to conduct trading operations until the market pricing returns to a level at which we can conduct operations.
Costs - Risk 2
Our sales and profitablity of operations in the united states and in the prc are dependant on the price of oil and natural gas.
Our Waste Heat Recovery products and Waste Recovery products are dependent on the prices of traditional energy sources. Our products reuse wasted heat and create electricity or reusable fuel. As the price of energy increases, the economic justification for our products increases. At the same time, as the price for traditional fuel decreases, there is less incentive for customers to purchase our products and it may impair our ability to sell our products.
Costs - Risk 3
Our operating margins may decline as a result of increasing product costs.
Our business is subject to significant pressure on pricing and costs caused by many factors, including competition, the cost of components used in our products, labor costs, constrained sourcing capacity, inflationary pressure, pressure from customers to reduce the prices we charge for our products and services, and changes in consumer demand. Costs for the raw materials used in the manufacture of our products are affected by, among other things, energy prices, consumer demand, fluctuations in commodity prices and currency, and other factors that are generally unpredictable and beyond our control. Increases in the cost of raw materials used to manufacture our products or in the cost of labor and other costs of doing business in the United States and internationally could have an adverse effect on, among other things, the cost of our products, gross margins, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 4/32 (13%)Below Sector Average
Competition2 | 6.3%
Competition - Risk 1
We may lose out to larger and better-established competitors.
The alternative power industry is intensely competitive. Most of our competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and distribution resources as well as greater experience in the industry than we have. Our products may not be competitive with other technologies, both existing at the current time and in the future. If this happens, our sales and revenues will decline, or fail to develop at all. In addition, our current and potential competitors may establish cooperative relationships with larger companies to gain access to greater development or marketing resources. Competition may result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and loss of market share.
Competition - Risk 2
We operate in a highly competitive market. If we do not compete effectively, our prospects, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
The markets for our products and services are highly competitive, with companies offering a variety of competitive products and services. We expect competition in our markets to intensify in the future as new and existing competitors introduce new or enhanced products and services that are potentially more competitive than our products and services. We believe many of our competitors and potential competitors have significant competitive advantages, including longer operating histories, ability to leverage their sales efforts and marketing expenditures across a broader portfolio of products and services, larger and broader customer bases, more established relationships with a larger number of suppliers, contract manufacturers, and channel partners, greater brand recognition, and greater financial, research and development, marketing, distribution, and other resources than we do and the ability to offer financing for projects. Our competitors and potential competitors may also be able to develop products or services that are equal or superior to ours, achieve greater market acceptance of their products and services, and increase sales by utilizing different distribution channels than we do. Some of our competitors may aggressively discount their products and services in order to gain market share, which could result in pricing pressures, reduced profit margins, lost market share, or a failure to grow market share for us. If we are not able to compete effectively against our current or potential competitors, our prospects, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Demand1 | 3.1%
Demand - Risk 1
If demand for the products and services that the company offers slows, our business would be materially affected.
Demand for products which it intends to sell depends on many factors, including:
- the economy, and in periods of rapidly declining economic conditions, customers may defer purchases or may choose alternate products; - the cost of oil, gas and solar energy; - the competitive environment in the heat to power sectors may force us to reduce prices below our desired pricing level or increase promotional spending; - our ability to maintain efficient, timely and cost-effective production and delivery of the products and services; and, - All of these factors could result in immediate and longer term declines in the demand for the products and services that we offer, which could adversely affect our sales, cash flows and overall financial condition.
Sales & Marketing1 | 3.1%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
Our sales and contract fulfillment cycles can be long, unpredictable and vary seasonally, which can cause significant variation in revenues and profitability in a particular quarter.
The timing of our sales and related customer contract fulfillment is difficult to predict. Many of our customers are large enterprises, whose purchasing decisions, budget cycles and constraints and evaluation processes are unpredictable and out of our control. Further, the timing of our sales is difficult to predict. The length of our sales cycle, from initial evaluation to payment for our products and services, can range from several months to well over a year and can vary substantially from customer to customer. Our sales efforts involve significant investment in resources in field sales, marketing and educating our customers about the use, technical capabilities and benefits of our products and services. Customers often undertake a prolonged evaluation process. As a result, it is difficult to predict exactly when, or even if, we will make a sale to a potential customer or if we can increase sales to our existing customers. Large individual sales have, in some cases, occurred in quarters subsequent to those we anticipated, or have not occurred at all. In addition, the fulfillment of our customer contracts is partially dependent on other factors related to our customers' businesses that are not in our control. as with the sales cycle, this can also cause revenues and earnings to fluctuate from quarter to quarter. If our sales and/or contract fulfillment cycles lengthen or our substantial upfront investments do not result in sufficient revenue to justify our investments, our operating results could be adversely affected.
We have experienced seasonal and end-of-quarter concentration of our transactions and variations in the number and size of transactions that close in a particular quarter, which impacts our ability to grow revenue over the long term and plan and manage cash flows and other aspects of our business and cost structure. Our transactions vary by quarter, with the fourth quarter typically being our largest. If expectations for our business turn out to be inaccurate, our revenue growth may be adversely affected over time and we may not be able to adjust our cost structure on a timely basis and our cash flows may suffer.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 3/32 (9%)Below Sector Average
International Operations1 | 3.1%
International Operations - Risk 1
Our international operations subject us to risks, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Our international operations are exposed to the following risks, several of which are out of our control:
political and economic instability, international terrorism and anti-American sentiment, particularly in emerging markets;- preference for locally branded products, and laws and business practices favoring local competition; - unusual or burdensome foreign laws or regulations, and unexpected changes to those laws or regulations; - |import and export license requirements, tariffs, taxes and other barriers; - costs of customizing products for foreign countries; - increased difficulty in managing inventory; - less effective protection of intellectual property; and - difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations.
Any or all of these factors could adversely affect our ability to execute any geographic expansion strategies or have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 3.1%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Natural disasters and other catastrophic events beyond our control could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance.
The occurrence of one or more natural disasters, such as fires, hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis, floods and earthquakes; geo-political events, such as civil unrest in a country in which our suppliers are located or terrorist or military activities disrupting transportation, communication or utility systems; or other highly disruptive events, such as nuclear accidents, pandemics, unusual weather conditions or cyber-attacks, could adversely affect our operations and financial performance. Such events could result, among other things, in operational disruptions, physical damage to or destruction or disruption of one or more of our properties or properties used by third parties in connection with the supply of products or services to us, the lack of an adequate workforce in parts or all of our operations and communications and transportation disruptions. These factors could also cause consumer confidence and spending to decrease or result in increased volatility in the United States and global financial markets and economy. Such occurrences could have a material adverse effect on us and could also have indirect consequences such as increases in the costs of insurance if they result in significant loss of property or other insurable damage.
Capital Markets1 | 3.1%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
Fluctuations in exchange rates could have a an effect on the results of operations of our hong kong and china subsidiaries.
The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions in China and by China's foreign exchange policies. Since June 2010, the Renminbi has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Renminbi has depreciated significantly in the backdrop of a surging U.S. dollar and persistent capital outflows of China. This depreciation halted in 2017, and the RMB appreciated approximately 7% against the U.S. dollar during this one-year period. With the development of the foreign exchange market and progress towards interest rate liberalization and Renminbi internationalization, the PRC government may in the future announce further changes to the exchange rate system, and we cannot assure you that the Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the future which may impact the profitability of our operations in China.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 2/32 (6%)Below Sector Average
Innovation / R&D1 | 3.1%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
Our waste to energy products from enex have not been tested in the united states and depend on data obtained from operations in the ukraine and russia.
ENEX's HTAP 5 and 10 have not been installed in the United States. In order to commence sales, our purchasers will need to accept data from Russia or the Ukraine that they may not deem reliable. As a result we may be required to post large bonds or find an EPC that will guarantee performance of the ENEX systems. We cannot give any assurances that we will be able to finance the bonds or find an EPC willing to guaranty performance.
Technology1 | 3.1%
Technology - Risk 1
Our products may be displaced by newer technology.
The alternative power industry is undergoing rapid and significant technological change. Third parties may succeed in developing or marketing technologies and products that are more effective than those developed or marketed by us, or that would make our technology obsolete or non-competitive. Accordingly, our success will depend, in part, on our ability to respond quickly to technological changes. We may not have the resources to do this.
See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.