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CVRx (CVRX)
NASDAQ:CVRX
Risk Overview Q4, 2024
Risk Distribution
31% Finance & Corporate
19% Legal & Regulatory
17% Tech & Innovation
15% Ability to Sell
9% Production
9% Macro & Political
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
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
CVRx 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.
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 Q4, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 17 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 17 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
54
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 32
54
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 32
Recent Changes
0Risks added
0Risks removed
2Risks changed
Since Dec 2024
0Risks added
0Risks removed
2Risks changed
Since Dec 2024
Number of Risk Changed
2
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 4
2
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 4
See the risk highlights of CVRx 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 54
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 17/54 (31%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights6 | 11.1%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Our principal stockholders, management, and directors (one of whom is affiliated with one of our principal stockholders) own a significant percentage of our stock and will be able to exert significant control over matters subject to stockholder approval.Changed
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
We expect that the price of our common stock will fluctuate substantially, and you may not be able to resell shares of our common stock at or above the price you paid.The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be highly volatile and may fluctuate or decline substantially as a result of a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control or are related in complex ways, including:
- results from, or any delays in, clinical trial programs relating to our product candidates, including the ongoing and future U.S. clinical trials for Barostim;- announcements of new products by us or our competitors;- adverse actions taken by regulatory agencies with respect to our clinical trials, manufacturing supply chain or sales and marketing activities;- our operating results;- changes or developments in laws or regulations applicable to our products;- any adverse changes in our relationship with any manufacturers or suppliers;- the success of our efforts to acquire or develop additional products;- any intellectual property infringement actions in which we may become involved;- announcements concerning our competitors or the medical device industry in general;- achievement of expected product sales and profitability;- manufacturing, supply or distribution shortages;- actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;- FDA or other U.S. or foreign regulatory actions affecting us or our industry or other healthcare reform measures in the U.S.;- changes in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts;- trading volume of our common stock;- sales of our common stock by us, our executive officers and directors or our stockholders in the future;- general economic and market conditions and overall fluctuations in the U.S. equity markets; and - the loss of any of our key scientific or management personnel.
In addition, the stock markets in general, and the markets for medical device stocks in particular, have experienced volatility that may have been unrelated to the operating performance of the issuer. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price or liquidity of our common stock. In the past, when the market price of a stock has been volatile or decreases significantly, holders of that stock have sometimes instituted securities class action litigation against the issuer. If any of our stockholders were to bring such a lawsuit against us, we could incur substantial costs defending the lawsuit and the attention of our management would be diverted from the operation of our business, which could seriously harm our results of operations and financial position. Any adverse determination in litigation could also subject us to significant liabilities.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Securities analysts may not publish favorable research or reports about our business or may publish no information at all, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.The trading market for our common stock is influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. If no or few securities or industry analysts cover us, the trading price for our stock would be negatively impacted. If any of the analysts who cover us issues an adverse or misleading opinion regarding us, our business model, our intellectual property, or our stock performance, or if our clinical trials and operating results fail to meet the expectations of analysts, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
We are an "emerging growth company," and as a result of the reduced disclosure and governance requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, our common stock may be less attractive to investors.We are an "emerging growth company," as defined in the JOBS Act, and we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may decline or be more volatile. We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of the IPO, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or employees.Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty, any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. The exclusive forum provision does not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also provides that the U.S. federal district courts are the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action against us or any of our directors, officers, employees, or agents and arising under the Securities Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation described above. Under the Securities Act, federal and state courts have concurrent jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act, and investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Accordingly, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a forum selection provision as written in connection with claims arising under the Securities Act. We believe these provisions may benefit us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law and federal securities laws by chancellors and judges, as applicable, particularly experienced in resolving corporate disputes, efficient administration of cases on a more expedited schedule relative to other forums and protection against the burdens of multi-forum litigation. However, these provisions may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors, officers, employees and agents as it may limit any stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholder finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Anti-takeover provisions included in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as well as under Delaware law, could discourage a takeover.Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay, or prevent a merger, acquisition, or other change in control of us that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions could also limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock, thereby depressing the market price of our common stock. In addition, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace or remove members of our Board of Directors. Because our Board of Directors is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions could in turn affect any attempt by our stockholders to replace or remove current members of our management team. These include the following provisions that:
- permit our Board of Directors to issue shares of preferred stock, with any rights, preferences, and privileges as they may designate, without stockholder approval, which could be used to dilute the ownership of a hostile bidder significantly;- provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of our Board of Directors and that a director may only be removed with cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of our outstanding voting stock, voting together as a single class;- provide that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum;- provide that our amended and restated bylaws may only be altered, amended, or repealed by our stockholders upon the affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority of the voting power of all of our outstanding voting stock, voting together as a single class;- provide that stockholders seeking to present proposals before a meeting of stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at a meeting of stockholders must provide notice in writing in a timely manner and also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder's notice, which may discourage or deter a potential acquiror from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquiror's own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company;- prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates; and - provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by the Chairman of the board, the Chief Executive Officer, or a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration by our company of a take-over proposal or to take certain corporate actions, including the removal of directors.
In addition, Section 203 of the DGCL, which generally prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with an interested stockholder who owns in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock from merging or combining with us for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person acquired in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock, unless the merger or combination is approved in a prescribed manner. This provision could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company, whether or not it is desired by or beneficial to our stockholders. Further, other provisions of Delaware law may also discourage, delay, or prevent someone from acquiring us or merging with us.
Accounting & Financial Operations6 | 11.1%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common stock, and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Because we have opted to take advantage of the JOBS Act provision which allows us to delay implementing new accounting standards, our financial statements may not be directly comparable to other public companies.Pursuant to the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to use this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. Because we have elected to take advantage of this provision of the JOBS Act, our financial statements and the reported results of operations contained therein may not be directly comparable to those of other public companies.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
If we are unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected.To comply with the requirements of being a public company, we are undertaking and expect to continue to undertake various actions, including implementing and maintaining new internal controls and procedures and hiring new accounting or internal audit staff. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We have developed and expect to continue to refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and provide a management report on internal control over financial reporting. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act also requires that our management report on internal control over financial reporting be attested to by our independent registered public accounting firm, to the extent we are no longer an "emerging growth company," as defined by the JOBS Act, and are not a non-accelerated filer. We do not expect to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to our management report on internal control over financial reporting for so long as we are an emerging growth company.
Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate and weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. If we fail to develop and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, we may not detect errors on a timely basis and our financial statements may be materially misstated. We have designed and implemented and expect to continue to refine the internal control over financial reporting required to comply with this obligation, which process will be time-consuming, costly, and complicated. If we identify material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, if we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or, when required in the future, if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, or if our internal control over financial reporting is perceived as inadequate or we are unable to produce timely or accurate financial statements, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could decline and we could become subject to investigations or removal by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4
We have a history of significant losses, which we expect to continue, and we may not be able to achieve or sustain profitability. If we do not achieve and sustain profitability, our financial condition could suffer.We have experienced significant net losses since our inception and we expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future. We incurred net losses of $60.0 million and $41.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our accumulated deficit was $537.3 million and $477.4 million, respectively. We expect to continue to incur significant sales and marketing, research and development, regulatory, and other expenses as we grow our U.S. commercial sales force and expand our marketing efforts to increase adoption of Barostim, add new features to Barostim, obtain regulatory clearances or approvals for our planned or future products and conduct clinical trials on our existing and planned or future products.
We will need to continue to generate significant additional revenue in order to achieve and sustain profitability. Even if we achieve profitability in the future, we may not be able to sustain profitability in subsequent periods. Our expected future operating losses, combined with our prior operating losses, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to raise capital and continue operations.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5
If important assumptions about the potential market for our product are inaccurate, or if we have failed to understand what people with HF are seeking in a treatment, we may not be able to increase our revenue or achieve profitability.Our business strategy was developed based on a number of important assumptions about the HF market in general, any one or more of which may prove to be inaccurate. For example, we believe that the benefits of Barostim as compared to other common HF devices will continue to drive growth in the market for Barostim. Despite our review of studies reporting on the trends of HF incidence in the U.S., the actual incidence of HF and the actual demand for our product or competitive products could differ materially from our expectations. In addition, our strategy of focusing exclusively on patients with HFrEF who are looking for an improvement in the symptoms associated with HFrEF may limit our ability to increase sales or achieve profitability, especially if there are any significant clinical breakthroughs or product or drug introductions that significantly delay or reduce the need for heart disease therapy. Moreover, a percentage of our indicated patients may be ineligible to undergo a Barostim procedure if they have certain co-morbidities or other disqualifying factors as determined by their physicians.
Our estimates of the annual total addressable market for Barostim are based on a number of internal and third-party estimates, including, without limitation, the number of patients with HFrEF and the assumed prices at which we can sell our device. While we believe our assumptions and the data underlying our estimates are reasonable, these assumptions and estimates may not be correct and the conditions supporting our assumptions or estimates may change at any time, thereby reducing the predictive accuracy of these underlying factors. As a result, our estimates of the annual total addressable market for Barostim may prove to be incorrect. If the actual number of patients who would benefit from our product, the price at which we can sell our product, or the annual total addressable market for our product is smaller than we have estimated, it may impair our sales growth and have an adverse impact on our business.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 6
Our operating results may vary significantly annually or from quarter to quarter, which may negatively impact our stock price in the future.Our revenue and results of operations may fluctuate annually or from quarter to quarter due to, among others, the following reasons:
- physician and payer acceptance of Barostim and Barostim Therapy;- the timing, expense and results of research and development activities, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals;- fluctuations in our expenses associated with expanding our commercial operations and operating as a public company;- the introduction of new products and technologies by our competitors;- the productivity of our sales representatives;- supplier, manufacturing, or quality problems with our products;- the timing of stocking orders from our distributors;- changes in our pricing policies or in the pricing policies of our competitors or suppliers; and - changes in coverage amounts or government and third-party payers' reimbursement policies.
Because of these and other factors, it is possible that our operating results will not meet investor expectations or those of public market analysts.
Any unanticipated change in revenues or operating results is likely to cause our stock price to fluctuate. New information may cause investors and analysts to revalue our business, which could also cause a fluctuation in our stock price.
Debt & Financing1 | 1.9%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
We may be required to obtain additional funds in the future, and these funds may not be available on acceptable terms or at all.Corporate Activity and Growth4 | 7.4%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
We may enter into strategic collaborations, in-licensing arrangements, or alliances with third parties that may not result in the development of commercially viable products or the generation of significant future revenue.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
We may seek to grow our business through acquisitions of complementary products or technologies, and the failure to manage acquisitions, or the failure to integrate them with our existing business, could impair our ability to execute our business strategies.From time to time, we may consider opportunities to acquire other products or technologies that may enhance our Barostim platform technology, expand the breadth of our markets or customer base, or advance our business strategies. Potential acquisitions involve numerous risks, including, among others:
- problems assimilating the acquired products or technologies;- issues maintaining uniform standards, procedures, controls, and policies;- unanticipated costs associated with acquisitions;- diversion of management's attention from our existing business;- risks associated with entering new markets in which we have limited or no experience; and - increased legal and accounting costs relating to the acquisitions or compliance with regulatory matters.
We have no current commitments with respect to any acquisition. We do not know if we will be able to identify acquisitions we deem suitable, whether we will be able to successfully complete any such acquisitions on favorable terms or at all, or whether we will be able to successfully integrate any acquired products or technologies. Our inability to integrate any acquired products or technologies effectively could impair our ability to execute our business strategies. In addition, any amortization or charges resulting from the costs of acquisitions could increase our expenses.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
We must demonstrate to physicians and patients the merits of Barostim.Physicians play a significant role in determining the course of a patient's treatment and, subsequently, the type of product that will be used to treat a patient. As a result, our success depends, in large part, on effectively marketing Barostim to physicians. In order for us to sell Barostim, we must successfully demonstrate to physicians and patients the merits of Barostim Therapy for use in treating patients with HFrEF. Specifically, Barostim is indicated for patients with NYHA Class III or II (with recent history of III) despite treatment with guideline-directed medical therapies (medications and devices), have a LVEF = 35% and a NT-proBNP < 1,600 pg/ml. Barostim delivers BAT to improve patients' NYHA functional status, 6MHW and quality of life. Acceptance of Barostim depends on educating physicians as to the distinctive characteristics, perceived benefits, safety, ease of use and cost-effectiveness of Barostim and communicating to physicians the proper application of Barostim Therapy for patients who meet Barostim's eligibility criteria. If we are not successful in convincing physicians of the merits of Barostim Therapy, they may not use Barostim and we may be unable to increase our sales, sustain our growth or achieve profitability.
In addition, physicians typically need to perform several procedures to become comfortable using Barostim. If a physician experiences difficulties during an initial procedure or otherwise, that physician may be less likely to continue to use our product or to recommend it to other physicians. It is critical to the success of our commercialization efforts to educate physicians on the proper use of Barostim, and to provide them with adequate product support during clinical procedures. If we do not provide support to physicians or do not adequately educate physicians on the benefits and proper use of Barostim, physicians may not use or advocate for Barostim. In such circumstances, our results of operations would be materially adversely affected.
Patients may not choose or be able to receive Barostim if, among other potential reasons, they are reluctant to receive an implantable device as opposed to an alternative, non-implantable treatment, they are worried about potential adverse effects of Barostim, or they are unable to obtain adequate third-party coverage or reimbursement.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
If we fail to properly manage our growth effectively, our business could suffer.We intend to continue to grow and may experience periods of rapid growth and expansion, which could place a significant additional strain on our limited personnel, information technology systems and other resources. In particular, the hiring of our direct sales force requires significant management, financial and other supporting resources. Any failure by us to manage our growth effectively could have an adverse effect on our ability to achieve our development and commercialization goals.
To achieve our revenue goals, we must continue to successfully increase manufacturing output to meet expected customer demand. We may experience difficulties with manufacturing yields, quality control, component supply and shortages of qualified personnel, such as skilled operators who can assemble our product, among other problems. Any of these problems could result in delays in product availability and increases in expenses. Any such delay or increased expense could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue.
Future growth will continue to impose significant added responsibilities on management, including the need to identify, recruit, train and integrate additional employees. In addition, rapid and significant growth will place a strain on our administrative and operational infrastructure.
In order to manage our operations and growth, we will need to continue to improve our operational and management controls, reporting and information technology systems and financial internal control procedures. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, it may be difficult for us to execute our business strategy and our operating results and may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 10/54 (19%)Below Sector Average
Regulation6 | 11.1%
Regulation - Risk 1
Barostim is subject to extensive governmental regulation, and our failure to comply with applicable requirements could cause our business to suffer.Regulation - Risk 2
Barostim is also subject to extensive governmental regulation in foreign jurisdictions, such as Europe, and our failure to comply with applicable requirements could cause our business to suffer.In the EEA, Barostim was required to comply with the Essential Requirements laid down in Annex I to the EU Active Implantable Medical Devices Directive. Compliance with these requirements was a prerequisite to affixing the CE mark to Barostim. To demonstrate compliance with the Essential Requirements and obtain the right to affix the CE Mark to Barostim, we underwent a conformity assessment procedure, which varied according to the type of medical device and its classification. Except for low-risk medical devices (Class I with no measuring function and which are not sterile), where the manufacturer could issue an EU Declaration of Conformity based on a self-assessment of the conformity of its products with the Essential Requirements, a conformity assessment procedure required the intervention of a Notified Body, which is an organization designated by a competent authority of an EEA country to conduct conformity assessments. Depending on the relevant conformity assessment procedure, the Notified Body would audit the Quality Management System and examine the Technical File for the manufacture, design, and final inspection of our devices. The Notified Body would issue a CE Certificate of Conformity following successful completion of this conformity assessment procedure conducted in relation to the medical device and its manufacturer and their conformity with the Essential Requirements. This Certificate would entitle the manufacturer to affix the CE mark to its medical devices after having prepared and signed a related EU Declaration of Conformity.
As a general rule, demonstration of conformity of medical devices and their manufacturers with the Essential Requirements must be based on, among other things, the evaluation of clinical data supporting the safety and performance of the products during normal conditions of use. Specifically, a manufacturer must demonstrate that the device achieves its intended performance during normal conditions of use and that the known and foreseeable risks, and any adverse events, are minimized and acceptable when weighed against the benefits of its intended performance, and that any claims made about the performance and safety of the device (e.g., product labeling and instructions for use) are supported by suitable evidence. This assessment must be based on clinical data, which can be obtained from (1) clinical studies conducted on the devices being assessed, (2) scientific literature from similar devices whose equivalence with the assessed device can be demonstrated or (3) both clinical studies and scientific literature. With respect to active implantable medical devices or Class III devices, the manufacturer must conduct clinical studies to obtain the required clinical data, unless reliance on existing clinical data from equivalent devices can be justified. The conduct of clinical studies in the EEA is governed by detailed regulatory obligations. These may include the requirement of prior authorization by the competent authorities of the country in which the study takes place and the requirement to obtain a positive opinion from a competent Ethics Committee. This process can be expensive and time-consuming.
In order to continue to sell Barostim in Europe, we must comply with the MDR and its evolving transition requirements. We have submitted our application for Barostim to comply with the general safety and performance requirements of the EU MDR (which are similar to the Essential Requirements of the AIMDD), and it is currently under review. Additionally, the EU approved an amendment to the MDR that allows qualifying AIMDD CE certificates to be accepted through December of 2027. We have already met the qualifications identified within this amendment to allow continued distribution of Barostim through this time. Failing to continue to comply with applicable foreign regulatory requirements, including those administered by authorities of the EEA countries, could result in enforcement actions against us, including refusal, suspension or withdrawal of our CE Certificates of Conformity by our Notified Body (the National Standards Authority of Ireland, or NSAI), which could impair our ability to market products in the EEA in the future.
Regulation - Risk 3
Our business is subject to extensive governmental regulation that could make it more expensive and time consuming for us to market Barostim in the U.S. and introduce new or improved products.Our products must comply with regulatory requirements imposed by the FDA in the U.S. and similar agencies in foreign jurisdictions. These requirements involve lengthy and detailed laboratory and clinical testing procedures, sampling activities, extensive agency review processes and other costly and time-consuming procedures. It often takes several years to satisfy these requirements, depending on the complexity and novelty of the product. We also are subject to numerous additional licensing and regulatory requirements relating to safe working conditions, manufacturing practices, environmental protection, fire hazard control and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances. Some of the most important requirements we must comply with include:
- the FDCA and the FDA's implementing regulations (Title 21 CFR);- EU CE mark requirements;- Medical Device Quality Management System Requirements (ISO 13485:2003);- Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements; and - California Department of Health Services requirements.
Current or evolving government regulation may impede our ability to conduct clinical studies and to manufacture and sell our existing and future products. Such government regulation also could delay our marketing of new products for a considerable period of time and impose costly procedures on our activities. The extended times EU notified bodies are taking to review and approve both the original MDR application and significant changes once approved, may limit or cause delays in our ability to make necessary or desired changes to the design, manufacturing processes, materials, or quality management system.
Our products remain subject to strict regulatory controls on manufacturing, marketing, and use. We may be forced to modify or recall a product after release in response to regulatory action or unanticipated difficulties encountered in general use. Any such action could have a material effect on the reputation of our products and on our business and financial position. Further, regulations may change, and any additional regulation could limit or restrict our ability to use any of our technologies, which could harm our business. We could also be subject to new international, federal, state, or local regulations that could affect our research and development programs and harm our business in unforeseen ways. If this happens, we may have to incur significant costs to comply with such laws and regulations, which will harm our results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 4
Our products may cause or contribute to adverse medical events or be subject to failures or malfunctions that we are required to report to the FDA and European regulators, and if we fail to do so, we would be subject to sanctions that could harm our reputation, business, financial condition, and results of operations.Under the FDA medical device reporting regulations, medical device manufacturers are required to submit information to the FDA when they receive a report or become aware that a device has or may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or has or may have a malfunction that would likely cause or contribute to death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur. All manufacturers placing medical devices on the market in the EEA are legally bound to report incidents involving devices they produce or sell to the regulatory agency, or competent authority, in whose jurisdiction the incident occurred. Under the MDD, an incident is defined as any malfunction or deterioration in the characteristics and/or performance of a device, as well as any inadequacy in the labeling or the instructions for use which, directly or indirectly, might lead to or might have led to the death of a patient, or user or of other persons or to a serious deterioration in their state of health. The timing of our obligation to report is triggered by the date we become aware of the adverse event as well as the nature of the event. We may fail to report adverse events of which we become aware within the prescribed timeframe. We may also fail to recognize that we have become aware of a reportable adverse event, especially if it is not reported to us as an adverse event or if it is an adverse event that is unexpected or removed in time from the use of the product. If we fail to comply with our reporting obligations, the FDA or European regulators could take action, including warning letters, untitled letters, administrative actions, criminal prosecution, imposition of civil monetary penalties, revocation of our device approval, seizure of our products or delay in clearance or approval of future products.
Regulation - Risk 5
We are subject to certain federal, state, and foreign fraud and abuse laws, transparency and privacy and security laws and regulations, which, if violated, could subject us to substantial penalties. Additionally, any challenge to or investigation into our practices under these laws and regulations could cause adverse publicity and be costly to respond to, and thus could harm our business.There are numerous U.S. federal and state, as well as foreign, laws pertaining to healthcare fraud and abuse, including anti-kickback, false claims, and physician transparency laws. Our business practices and relationships with providers are subject to scrutiny under these laws. We are subject to privacy and security regulation related to patient, customer, employee, and other third-party information by both the federal government and the states and foreign jurisdictions in which we conduct our business. In the U.S., the laws that may affect our ability to operate include, but are not limited to:
- the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons and entities from knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering or paying remuneration, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, in exchange for or to induce either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, lease, order or recommendation of, any good, facility, item or service for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, under federal healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. A person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of this statute or specific intent to violate it;- federal civil and criminal false claims laws and civil monetary penalty laws, including civil whistleblower or qui tam actions, that prohibit, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment or approval to the federal government that are false or fraudulent, knowingly making a false statement material to an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to the federal government or knowingly concealing or knowingly and improperly avoiding or decreasing an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to the federal government;- the federal Civil Monetary Penalties Law, which prohibits, among other things, offering or transferring remuneration to a federal healthcare beneficiary that a person knows or should know is likely to influence the beneficiary's decision to order or receive items or services reimbursable by the government from a particular provider or supplier;- the federal HIPAA, which created federal criminal laws that prohibit executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or making false statements relating to healthcare matters. Similar to the Anti-Kickback Statute, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of these statutes or specific intent to violate them;- HIPAA, as amended by HITECH, and their respective implementing regulations, which impose requirements on certain covered healthcare providers, health plans and healthcare clearinghouses as well as their business associates that perform services for them that involve individually identifiable health information, relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information without appropriate authorization, including mandatory contractual terms as well as directly applicable privacy and security standards and requirements;- the federal physician payments sunshine requirements under the Affordable Care Act, which require certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics, and medical supplies to report annually to HHS information related to payments and other transfers of value to certain healthcare providers and teaching hospitals;- state and foreign law analogs of each of the above federal laws, such as state anti-kickback and false claims laws that may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payer, including commercial insurers; state laws that require device companies to comply with the industry's voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government, or otherwise restrict payments that may be made to healthcare providers and other potential referral sources; state laws that require device manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other healthcare providers or marketing expenditures; and state and foreign laws governing the privacy and security of personal and health information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA.
These laws and regulations, among other things, constrain our business, marketing, and other promotional activities by limiting the kinds of financial arrangements, including sales programs, we may have with hospitals, physicians, or other potential purchasers of our products. Due to the breadth of these laws, the narrowness of statutory exceptions and regulatory safe harbors available, and the range of interpretations to which they are subject, it is possible that some of our current or future practices might be challenged under one or more of these laws.
The scope and enforcement of each of these laws is uncertain and subject to rapid change, especially in light of the lack of applicable precedent and regulations. Federal and state enforcement bodies continue to increase their scrutiny of interactions between healthcare companies and healthcare providers. The Office of the Inspector General of HHS also has issued compliance program guidance for pharmaceutical manufacturers which is routinely applied to medical device companies. All of this has led to a number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and settlements in the healthcare industry, including for medical device companies. Responding to investigations can be time and resource consuming and can divert management's attention from the business. Additionally, as a result of these investigations, healthcare providers and entities may have to agree to additional onerous compliance and reporting requirements as part of a consent decree or corporate integrity agreement. Any such investigation or settlement could increase our costs or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business. If our operations are found to be in violation of any of the laws described above or any other governmental regulations that apply to us now or in the future, we may be subject to penalties, including civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, exclusion from governmental health care programs and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, any of which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results.
Regulation - Risk 6
Healthcare legislative reform measures may have a material adverse effect on us.In the U.S., there have been and continue to be a number of legislative initiatives to contain healthcare costs. In March 2010, the Affordable Care Act was enacted in the U.S., which made a number of substantial changes in the way healthcare is financed by both governmental and private insurers. Among other ways in which it may affect our business, the Affordable Care Act:
- established a new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to oversee and identify priorities in comparative clinical effectiveness research in an effort to coordinate and develop such research;- implemented payment system reforms, including a national pilot program on payment bundling to encourage hospitals, physicians, and other providers to improve the coordination, quality, and efficiency of certain healthcare services through bundled payment models; and - expanded the eligibility criteria for Medicaid programs.
The expansion in the government's role in the U.S. healthcare industry may result in decreased profits to us, lower reimbursement by payers for Barostim and any future products and/or reduced medical procedure volumes, all of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We expect that additional state and federal healthcare reform measures will be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that federal and state governments will pay for healthcare products and services.
Additionally, on April 5, 2017, the European Parliament passed the MDR, which repeals and replaces the MDD and the AIMDD. Unlike directives, which must be implemented into the national laws of the EEA member states, the regulations are directly applicable (i.e., without the need for adoption of the EEA member state laws implementing them), in all EEA member states and are intended to eliminate differences in the regulation of medical devices among the EEA member states. The MDR, among other things, is intended to establish a uniform, transparent, predictable, and sustainable regulatory framework across the EEA for medical devices and ensure a high level of safety and health while supporting innovation.
The MDR is set to become effective in January 2028 and, among other things is designed to:
- strengthen the rules on placing devices on the market and reinforce surveillance once they are available;- establish explicit provisions on manufacturers' responsibilities for the follow-up of the quality, performance and safety of devices placed on the market;- improve the traceability of medical devices throughout the supply chain to the end-user or patient through a unique identification number;- set up a central database to provide patients, healthcare professionals and the public with comprehensive information on products available in the EU; and - strengthen rules for the assessment of certain high-risk devices, such as implants, which may have to undergo an additional check by experts before they are placed on the market.
This regulation has not yet had a material effect on the way we conduct our business in the EEA. However, it is possible the regulation will change in the future, and we cannot be certain that future changes will not have an adverse effect on our business operations.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 1.9%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We may face product liability claims that could be costly, divert management's attention and harm our reputation.Taxation & Government Incentives3 | 5.6%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
Our ability to use our net operating losses and tax credits to offset future taxable income and taxes may be subject to certain limitations, and we may not be able to utilize a significant portion of our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards prior to their expiration.Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
We are subject to complex tax rules, and any audits, investigations or tax proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.We are subject to income and/or non-income taxes in the U.S., Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, as well as the tax laws and regulations related to such matters. Tax accounting and compliance often involves complex issues, and judgment and interpretation is required in determining our provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities as well as the application of tax laws and regulations. In that respect, many jurisdictions have detailed transfer pricing rules, which require that all transactions with related parties be priced using arm's length pricing principles within the meaning of such rules. The application of such transfer pricing rules, as well as of withholding taxes, goods and services taxes, sales taxes and other taxes is not always clear, and we may be subject to tax audits relating to such rules or taxes.
We believe that our tax positions are reasonable, and our tax provisions and reserves are adequate to cover any potential liability. However, various items cannot be accurately forecasted, and future events may be treated as discrete to the period in which they occur. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authorities may disagree with our positions. If the Internal Revenue Service or any other tax authorities were successful in challenging our positions, we may be liable for additional tax and penalties and interest related thereto or other taxes, as applicable, in excess of any reserves established therefor, which may have a significant impact on our results, operations and future cash flow.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 3
Changes in U.S. and non-U.S. tax laws could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.The rules dealing with U.S. and non-U.S. tax matters are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative, judicial, administrative, regulatory, and related governmental processes and authorities. Changes to tax laws or the interpretation and application thereof (which changes may have retroactive application) could adversely affect us or holders of our common stock. In recent years, many such changes have been made and changes are likely to continue to occur in the future. Future changes in U.S. and non-U.S. tax laws could have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flow, financial condition, or results of operations. We urge investors to consult with their legal and tax advisors regarding the implications of potential changes in U.S. and non-U.S. tax laws on an investment in our common stock.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 9/54 (17%)Below Sector Average
Innovation / R&D1 | 1.9%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
If clinical studies for future indications do not produce results necessary to support regulatory clearance or approval in the U.S. or elsewhere, we will be unable to commercialize our products for these indications.Trade Secrets7 | 13.0%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
We may in the future become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our intellectual property or defend ourselves against intellectual property disputes, which could be expensive, time consuming and ultimately unsuccessful, and could result in the diversion of significant resources, thereby hindering our ability to effectively commercialize our existing or future products.Trade Secrets - Risk 2
Changes in patent law could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability to protect our existing and future products.Patent reform legislation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents. On September 16, 2011, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (the "Leahy-Smith Act") was signed into law. The Leahy-Smith Act includes a number of significant changes to U.S. patent law. These include provisions that affect the way patent applications are prosecuted, redefine prior art, may affect patent litigation and switched the U.S. patent system from a "first-to-invent" system to a "first-to-file" system. Under a first-to-file system, assuming the other requirements for patentability are met, the first inventor to file a patent application generally will be entitled to the patent on an invention regardless of whether another inventor had made the invention earlier. The USPTO developed new regulations and procedures to govern administration of the Leahy-Smith Act, and many of the substantive changes to patent law associated with the Leahy-Smith Act, in particular, the first-to-file provisions, became effective on March 16, 2013. It is not clear what, if any, impact the Leahy-Smith Act will have on the operation of our business. The Leahy-Smith Act and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
In addition, patent reform legislation may pass in the future that could lead to additional uncertainties and increased costs surrounding the prosecution, enforcement and defense of our patents and applications.
Furthermore, the U.S. and foreign courts are continually interpreting various aspects of patent law. We cannot predict with any reasonable certainty how the evolution of the interpretation of these laws will affect our business. However, it is possible that changes may materially affect our patents or patent applications and our ability to obtain additional patent protection in the future.
Trade Secrets - Risk 3
Obtaining and maintaining patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar provisions during the patent application process. In addition, periodic maintenance fees on issued patents often must be paid to the USPTO and foreign patent agencies over the lifetime of the patent. While an unintentional lapse can in many cases be cured by payment of a late fee or by other means in accordance with the applicable rules, there are situations in which noncompliance can result in abandonment or lapse of the patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. Non-compliance events that could result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application include, but are not limited to, failure to respond to official actions within prescribed time limits, non-payment of fees and failure to properly legalize and submit formal documents. If we fail to maintain the patents and patent applications covering our products or procedures, we may not be able to stop a competitor from marketing products that are the same as or similar to our own, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.
Trade Secrets - Risk 4
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.Filing, prosecuting and defending patents on our products in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive. The requirements for patentability may differ in certain countries, particularly developing countries, and the breadth of patent claims allowed can be inconsistent. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as laws in the U.S. Consequently, we may not be able to prevent third parties from practicing our inventions in all countries outside the U.S. Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not obtained patent protection to develop their own products and, further, may export otherwise infringing products to territories in which we have patent protection that may not be sufficient to terminate infringing activities.
We do not have patent rights in certain foreign countries in which a market may exist. Moreover, in foreign jurisdictions where we do have patent rights, proceedings to enforce such rights could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business, could put our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly, and our patent applications at risk of not issuing. Additionally, such proceedings could provoke third parties to assert claims against us. We may not prevail in lawsuits that we initiate, and the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, may not be commercially meaningful. Thus, we may not be able to stop a competitor from marketing and selling in foreign countries products that are the same as or similar to our products, and our competitive position in the international market would be harmed.
Trade Secrets - Risk 5
We may be subject to damages resulting from claims that we or our employees have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of our competitors or are in breach of non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements with our competitors.We could in the future be subject to claims that we or our employees have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed alleged trade secrets or other proprietary information about former employers or competitors. Although we have procedures in place that seek to prevent our employees and consultants from using the intellectual property, proprietary information, know-how or trade secrets of others in their work for us, we may in the future be subject to claims that we caused an employee to breach the terms of his or her non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement, or that we or these individuals have, inadvertently or otherwise, used or disclosed the alleged trade secrets or other proprietary information of a former employer or competitor, resulting in litigation. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, the litigation could be costly and a distraction to management. If we are unsuccessful in defending against these claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, a court could prohibit us from using technologies or features that are essential to our products, if such technologies or features are found to incorporate or be derived from the trade secrets or other proprietary information of the former employers. An inability to incorporate technologies or features that are important or essential to our products would have a material adverse effect on our business, and may prevent us from selling our products or from practicing our processes. In addition, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights.
Trade Secrets - Risk 6
If our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest and our business may be adversely affected.Our registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names may be challenged, infringed, circumvented, declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks. We may not be able to protect our rights in these trademarks and trade names, which we need in order to build name recognition with potential partners or customers in our markets of interest. In addition, third parties have registered trademarks similar and identical to our trademarks in foreign jurisdictions, and may in the future file for registration of such trademarks. If they succeed in registering or developing common law rights in such trademarks, and if we were not successful in challenging such third-party rights, we may not be able to use these trademarks to market our products in those countries. In any case, if we are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademarks and trade names, then we may not be able to compete effectively and our business may be adversely affected.
Trade Secrets - Risk 7
If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, our business and competitive position may be harmed.In addition to patent and trademark protection, we also rely on trade secrets, including unpatented know-how, technology, and other proprietary information, to maintain our competitive position. We seek to protect our trade secrets, in part, by entering into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties who have access to them, such as our consultants and vendors and our employees. We also enter into confidentiality and invention or patent assignment agreements with our employees and consultants. Despite these efforts, however, any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose our trade secrets and other unpatented or unregistered proprietary information, and once disclosed, we are likely to lose trade secret protection. Monitoring unauthorized uses and disclosures of our intellectual property is difficult, and we do not know whether the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property will be sufficient. In addition, we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for any such breaches. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, some courts inside and outside the U.S. are reluctant or unwilling to enforce trade secret protection.
Further, our competitors may independently develop knowledge, methods, and know-how similar, equivalent, or superior to our proprietary technology. Competitors could purchase our products and attempt to replicate some or all of the competitive advantages we derive from our development efforts, willfully infringe our intellectual property rights, design around our protected technology, or develop their own competitive technologies that fall outside of our intellectual property rights. In addition, our key employees, consultants, suppliers, or other individuals with access to our proprietary technology and know-how may incorporate that technology and know-how into projects and inventions developed independently or with third parties. As a result, disputes may arise regarding the ownership of the proprietary rights to such technology or know-how and any such dispute may not be resolved in our favor. If any of our trade secrets were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor, we would have no right to prevent them, or those with whom they share it, from using that technology or information to compete with us and our competitive position could be adversely affected. If our intellectual property is not adequately protected to protect our market against competitors' products and methods, our competitive position and business could be adversely affected.
Cyber Security1 | 1.9%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
Failure to protect our information technology infrastructure against cyber-based attacks, network security breaches, service interruptions, or data corruption could significantly disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and operating results.Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 8/54 (15%)Above Sector Average
Competition1 | 1.9%
Competition - Risk 1
Our industry is highly competitive. If our competitors, many of which are large, well-established companies with substantially greater resources than us and have a long history of competing in the HF market, are better able to develop and market products that are safer, more effective, less costly, easier to use, or otherwise more attractive than Barostim, our business will be adversely impacted.Demand1 | 1.9%
Demand - Risk 1
The seasonality of our business creates variance in our quarterly revenue, which makes it difficult to compare or forecast our financial results.Sales & Marketing5 | 9.3%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
If we fail to receive access to hospitals, our sales may decrease.Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
If third-party payers do not provide adequate coverage and reimbursement for the use of Barostim, our revenue will be negatively impacted.Changed
Medicare reimbursement levels are important to increasing adoption of Barostim and establishing Barostim as the standard of care because nearly two-thirds of the target patient population for Barostim is over the age of 65. On January 1, 2024, Barostim was reassigned to New Technology APC 1580, which carries an average payment amount of $45,000. The APC payment of approximately $45,000 will continue in 2025, as published in the 2025 OPPS ?nal rule. In August 2024, CMS reassigned the Barostim implant procedure for the inpatient setting as part of the IPPS final rule for CMS' Fiscal Year 2025, which took effect on October 1, 2024. On that date, Barostim was reassigned to MS-DRG 276, which carries a national average payment of approximately $44,000 in 2025, a significant increase from the previous payment range of $17,000-$23,000. Additionally, the American Medical Association's CPT Editorial Panel approved new Category I codes for Barostim therapy, expected to take effect January 1, 2026.
Any future decline in the amount Medicare is willing to reimburse our customers for procedures using Barostim could make it difficult for new customers to adopt Barostim and could create additional pricing pressure for us, which could adversely affect our ability to invest in and grow our business, or establish Barostim as the standard of care. From time to time, physicians and hospitals have in the past experienced, and others may experience, denials in Medicare and commercial reimbursement, which have delayed or may delay their willingness to schedule additional Barostim procedures.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 3
We have a limited history operating as a commercial company and are highly dependent on a single product, Barostim. The failure to increase market acceptance in the U.S. for Barostim would negatively impact our business, liquidity, and results of operations.We first commercialized Barostim in the EEA in 2012 and in the U.S. in 2020 and therefore do not have a long history operating as a commercial company. We expect substantially all of our revenue to continue to be derived from sales of Barostim for the foreseeable future, the majority of which will be generated in the U.S. Although increasing as our commercial sales grow, Barostim still has limited product and brand recognition. In addition, demand for Barostim may decline or may not continue to increase as quickly as we expect. If we are unable to achieve significant market acceptance in the U.S. for Barostim, our results of operations will be adversely affected. Because we do not yet have other products currently in development, if we are unsuccessful in commercializing Barostim or are unable to market Barostim as a result of a quality problem, failure to maintain regulatory approvals, unexpected or serious complications or other unforeseen negative effects related to Barostim or the other factors discussed in these risk factors, we would lose our main source of revenue, and our business, reputation, liquidity and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 4
We have limited commercial sales experience marketing and selling Barostim, and if we are unable to continue to maintain and grow sales and marketing capabilities, we will be unable to generate sustained and increasing product revenue.In order to generate future revenue growth, we plan to continue to expand the size and geographic scope of our U.S. direct sales and marketing organization. In order to increase our sales and marketing efforts, we will need to continue to retain, grow and develop a substantial number of direct sales personnel, which is a significant investment. There is significant competition for sales personnel experienced in relevant medical device sales. Once hired, the training process is lengthy because it requires significant education for new sales representatives to achieve the level of clinical competency with our products expected by physicians. Upon completion of the training, our sales representatives typically require lead time in the field to grow their network of accounts and achieve the productivity levels we expect them to reach in any individual territory. Furthermore, the use of our product will often require or benefit from direct support from us. If we are unable to attract, motivate, develop, and retain a sufficient number of qualified sales personnel, and if our sales representatives do not achieve the productivity levels we expect them to reach, our revenue will not grow at the rate we expect, and our financial performance will suffer. Because the competition for direct medical sales personnel is high, we cannot be certain we will be able to hire and retain additional sales personnel on favorable or commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Failure to hire or retain qualified sales representatives would prevent us from expanding our business and generating anticipated revenue. Any of these risks may adversely affect our business.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 5
Consolidation in the healthcare industry or group purchasing organizations could lead to demands for price concessions, which may affect our ability to sell Barostim at prices necessary to support our current business strategies.Healthcare costs have risen significantly over the past decade, which has resulted in or led to numerous cost reform initiatives by legislators, regulators and third-party payers. Cost reform has triggered a consolidation trend in the healthcare industry to aggregate purchasing power, which may create more requests for price concessions in the future. Additionally, group purchasing organizations, independent delivery networks and large single accounts may continue to use their market power to consolidate purchasing decisions for hospitals. We expect that market demand, government regulation, third-party coverage, provider constraints, reimbursement policies and societal pressures will continue to change the healthcare industry worldwide, resulting in further business consolidations and alliances among our future customers, which may exert further downward pressure on the prices of Barostim.
Brand / Reputation1 | 1.9%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
The misuse or off-label use of our product may harm our image in the marketplace, result in injuries that lead to product liability suits, which could be costly to our business, or result in costly investigations and sanctions from the FDA and other regulatory bodies if we are deemed to have engaged in inappropriate promotion.Production
Total Risks: 5/54 (9%)Below Sector Average
Manufacturing2 | 3.7%
Manufacturing - Risk 1
Manufacturing risks may adversely affect our ability to manufacture our product and could reduce our gross margin and profitability.Manufacturing - Risk 2
The discovery of serious safety issues with Barostim, or a recall of Barostim either voluntarily or at the direction of the FDA or another governmental authority, could harm our reputation, business, and financial results.The FDA, the competent authorities of the EEA and similar foreign governmental authorities have the authority to require the recall of commercialized products in the event of material deficiencies or defects in design or manufacture that could affect patient safety or in the event that a product poses an unacceptable risk to health. In the case of the FDA, the authority to require a recall must be based on an FDA finding that there is a reasonable probability that the device would cause serious adverse health consequences or death. We may also choose to conduct a product notification or recall to inform physicians of changes to instructions for use, or if a deficiency in a device is found or suspected. A government-mandated recall or voluntary recall by us or one of our distributors could occur as a result of an unacceptable risk to health, component failures, malfunctions, manufacturing errors, design or labeling defects, packaging defects or failures to comply with applicable regulations. Product defects or other errors may occur in the future. Recalls, which include certain notifications and corrections as well as removals, of Barostim could divert managerial and financial resources and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, harm our reputation and reduce our ability to achieve expected revenue.
In addition, the manufacturing of our products is subject to extensive post-market regulation by the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities, and any failure by us or our contract manufacturers or suppliers to comply with regulatory requirements could result in recalls, facility closures and other penalties. We and our suppliers and contract manufacturers are subject to the FDA's QSR, and comparable foreign regulations which govern the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for, the design, manufacture, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, sterilization, storage, shipping, and servicing of medical devices. These regulations are enforced through periodic inspections of manufacturing facilities. Any manufacturing issues at our or our suppliers' or contract manufacturers' facilities, including failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may result in warning or untitled letters, manufacturing restrictions, voluntary or mandatory recalls or corrections, fines, withdrawals of regulatory clearances or approvals, product seizures, injunctions, or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties, which would adversely affect our business results and prospects.
Depending on the corrective action we take to redress a product's deficiencies or defects, the FDA may require, or we may decide, that we will need to obtain new approvals for the device before we may market or distribute the corrected device. Seeking such approvals may delay our ability to replace the recalled devices in a timely manner. Moreover, if we do not adequately address problems associated with our devices, we may face additional regulatory enforcement actions, including FDA warning letters, product seizure, injunctions, administrative penalties or civil or criminal fines.
Companies are required to maintain certain records of recalls and corrections, even if they are not reportable to the FDA. We may initiate voluntary withdrawals or corrections for our products in the future that we determine do not require notification of the FDA. If the FDA disagrees with our determinations, it could require us to report those actions as recalls and we may be subject to enforcement action. A future recall announcement could harm our reputation with customers, potentially lead to product liability claims against us and negatively affect our sales. Any corrective action, whether voluntary or involuntary, as well as defending ourselves in a lawsuit, will require the dedication of our time and capital, distract management from operating our business and may harm our reputation and financial results.
Employment / Personnel1 | 1.9%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
If we fail to retain our key executives or recruit and hire new employees, our operations and financial results may be adversely affected while we attract other highly qualified personnel.Supply Chain1 | 1.9%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
We are dependent upon third-party manufacturers and suppliers, and in some cases a limited number of suppliers, making us vulnerable to supply shortages, loss or degradation in performance of the suppliers, price fluctuations, and ongoing supply chain disruptions, which could harm our business.Costs1 | 1.9%
Costs - Risk 1
We are required to maintain high levels of inventory, which could consume a significant amount of our resources, reduce our cash flows and lead to inventory impairment charges.Macro & Political
Total Risks: 5/54 (9%)Above Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment1 | 1.9%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Unfavorable economic conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.International Operations1 | 1.9%
International Operations - Risk 1
Our international operations subject us to certain operating risks, which could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 3.7%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
We operate at a facility in one location and any disruption at this facility could harm our business.Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
A pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease in the U.S. or worldwide could adversely affect our business.Pandemics, epidemics, or outbreaks of an infectious disease may adversely affect our business. Numerous state and local jurisdictions have historically imposed, and others in the future may impose, "shelter-in-place" orders, quarantines, executive orders and similar government orders and restrictions for their residents to control the spread of infectious disease. Such orders or restrictions previously resulted, and may in the future result, in reduced operations at our headquarters, slowdowns and delays, travel restrictions and cancellation of events and restrictions on the ability of our front-line sales representatives to attend procedures in which our products are used, among other effects, thereby negatively impacting our operations. Other disruptions or potential disruptions include restrictions on the ability of our sales representatives and other personnel to travel and access customers for training and case support; the ability of hospitals and surgical centers to staff and conduct procedures; inability of our suppliers to manufacture components and parts and to deliver these to us on a timely basis, or at all; disruptions in our production schedule and ability to manufacture and assemble products; inventory shortages or obsolescence; delays in actions of regulatory bodies; and delays in clinical trials and studies, especially if study subjects are reluctant to present themselves at medical facilities.
While the potential economic impact brought by and the duration of any pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease may be difficult to assess or predict, it may result in significant disruption of global financial markets, reducing our ability to access capital, which could in the future negatively affect our liquidity. To the extent a pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this "Risk Factors" section.
Capital Markets1 | 1.9%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
We are subject to risks associated with currency fluctuations, and changes in foreign currency exchange rates could impact our results of operations.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.